WO2014016499A1

WO2014016499A1 - Saxophone with improved octave key mechanism actuation

Info

Publication number: WO2014016499A1
Application number: PCT/FR2013/051739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yvan VIEILLARD
Original assignee: Henri Selmer Paris
Priority date: 2012-07-23
Filing date: 2013-07-18
Publication date: 2014-01-30
Also published as: FR2993697A1; TW201411600A

Abstract

The invention relates to a saxophone (10) comprising a saxophone body (12) and an octave key mechanism (14) comprising a spatula (16) and a hinge rod (18) secured to a rocker system (20), said spatula (16) being movable between a first position or inactive position and a second position or active position, characterized in that the spatula (16) is mounted on a fixed support (30) secured to the body (12) and in that the saxophone has a lever (19) secured to the hinge rod (18) and is designed such that a movement of the spatula (16) leads to a movement of said lever (19) through direct contact between the spatula (16) and the lever (19).

Description

SAXOPHONE WITH ACTUATION OF OCTAVE CONTROL MECHANISM IMPROVED

The invention relates to an improved saxophone with an improved octave control mechanism.

Saxophones are generally equipped with an octave control mechanism that allows two apertures to be alternately closed or opened.

Conventionally, the octave control mechanisms comprise a spatula or octave key, whose rotation causes the rotation of a pusher, connected to a hinge rod of a rudder system controlling the closing or opening of the one of the two octave change ports. An axle rotatably mounted on supports integral with the body of the saxophone is integral with the spatula at one of its ends and the pusher at the other end thereof. A mechanical connection of gear type between the pusher and a lever integral with the hinge rod ensures the transmission of movement between these parts, with a reversal of the direction of rotation.

Thus, when the spatula is in an inactive position (generally a high position of equilibrium in which it exerts no force on the pusher), the rudder system keeps closed the two octave change ports. When the spatula is tilted into an active position by rotation, the rudder system then alternately opens one or other of the octave change ports according to the note played, under the effect of the rotation of the pusher generated by the movement of the spatula. This device thus makes it possible to extend the scale of the sounds of the instrument, in other words the range of this instrument, a part of this scale of notes being accessible when the spatula is in the inactive position, the other part of the note scale being accessible when the spatula is in the active position. These parts of the note scale can be one octave or more.

However, the movable intermediate parts between the spatula and the hinge rod of such a device may have a play, which can induce a latency time between the actuation of the spatula and the effective change of octave. This latency can be embarrassing for the musician who must anticipate this lack of responsiveness in his game. In addition, this game may increase over time due to wear parts and may require more and more frequent settings of the instrument.

There is therefore a need for a saxophone with a more reliable rendering and providing a better playing comfort to the musician.

It is proposed a saxophone comprising a saxophone body and an octave control mechanism comprising a spatula and a hinge rod secured to a rudder system, said spatula being movable between a first position and a second position, characterized in that the spatula is mounted on a fixed support integral with the body and in that the saxophone comprises a lever integral with the hinge pin and is arranged so that a displacement of the spatula causes a displacement of said lever by direct contact between the spatula and the lever .

The first position of the spatula can be an inactive position, usually an equilibrium position, and the second position can be an active position. As explained above, when the spatula is in the inactive position, a first scale of notes of the instrument can be played, a second scale of notes that can be played when the spatula is in the active position.

Direct contact means direct contact between surfaces facing the spatula and the lever, without any intermediate mechanical element and without any guide mechanism or connection between the spatula and the lever. The spatula thus directly exerts a force on the lever, the contacting surfaces of the spatula and the lever sliding on one another. This contact is direct at least when moving the spatula from one of its positions to the other, in particular from an inactive position to an active position. Advantageously, the contact is direct for any movement of the spatula.

Thus, the musician moves the spatula mounted on a fixed part of the body of the saxophone, this spatula acting directly on the lever secured to the hinge rod and no longer indirectly via a movable axis system and a mechanical connection of the gear type between a pusher and the lever secured to the hinge rod. The configuration according to the invention can reduce the number of intermediate parts between the spatula and the hinge rod, and in particular to reduce the number of moving intermediate parts. Such a saxophone can thus bring a better playing comfort to the musician by reducing or even eliminating the latency related to the game that may exist between the intermediate moving parts of the movement of the spatula to the hinge pin of existing saxophones. The musician can thus concentrate on his interpretation without being disturbed by mechanical worries related to the instrument.

In particular, the lever can be positioned between the spatula and the body of the saxophone. A surface of the spatula located opposite the body is then in direct contact with the lever during the movement of the spatula.

The fixed support can be fixed on the body of the saxophone, for example by welding or gluing.

In the present invention, a "fixed" or "fixed" part of another part means a part fixed on this other part either directly or indirectly by means of an intermediate piece.

The lever may be in one piece with the hinge rod, for example welded to the hinge rod, from the same mold as the hinge rod, or other, or have been attached to the hinge rod.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the fixed support can form a thumb hump. The spatula is then integrated on a thumb hump. Thus, the position of the spatula relative to the thumb hump is less dispersed than in the prior art. This is relatively important, as a musician trying a new instrument may be hampered by a position of the spatula a few millimeters higher (more to the right or more to the left, etc.) than usual. Indeed, in the prior art, because of the many parts used, the dispersions can be important from one instrument to another, leading to a different location of the spatula from one instrument to another, which can to be embarrassing for the musician. The positioning of the spatula on the thumb hump, relatively to this one, fixed element of the saxophone, allows the musician to find the same position of the spatula from one instrument to another. In addition, the positioning of the spatula saxophone according to the invention may be identical to the positioning of the spatula of the instruments of the prior art, without changing the ergonomics for the musician, which therefore does not need to change its way of playing. A thumb hump has a bearing surface on which to rest the thumb of the musician. This bearing surface may be flat, slightly curved or slightly hollow. This bearing surface usually forms a 90 ° angle with a straight line perpendicular to the body of the saxophone.

Advantageously and without limitation, in the present invention, this bearing surface may form an angle of plus or minus 10 ° with the usual position described above. In other words, this bearing surface may form an angle of 80 to 89 ° or 91 to 100 ° relative to this straight line perpendicular to the body of the saxophone. This slight inclination compared to the usual position can allow an adaptation of the instrument to each musician for a better playing comfort and an improvement of the ergonomics.

The movement of the spatula can be a rotational movement about an axis of articulation, a sliding movement along a rail or other.

Advantageously, this movement can be a rotational movement, simpler to implement, preferably around an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the body of the saxophone and / or to the axis of the hinge rod.

In this case, the reversal of the rotation between the rotational movement of the spatula and the rotational movement of the hinge rod can be obtained simply by positioning the parts in contact with the spatula and the lever between the hinge pin and the hinge pin. axis of rotation of the spatula.

The axis of articulation of the spatula may be located between the center of the fixed support and the spatula, more precisely between the center of the fixed support and a bearing surface of the spatula. Alternatively, the center of the support support may be located between the spatula and its hinge axis. The axis is thus located at a distance from the spatula greater than the distance between the center of the fixed support and the spatula. The greater the distance between the support surface of the spatula, on which the thumb of the musician presses, and its axis, the lower the amplitude of angular displacement of this support surface, which makes it possible to improve the ergonomics during the actuation of this spatula and the comfort of play, the movement felt by the musician being close to a translational movement vertical. In addition, the axis of articulation of the spatula can be mounted directly on a thumb portion of the fixed support. In particular, the spatula can then extend substantially in the same plane as the bearing surface of the thumb hump, the spatula flush with the bearing surface of the thumb hump and extending almost in continuity with that This can facilitate the movement of the thumb from the support surface to the spatula and vice versa.

Advantageously and without limitation, the fixed support may be arranged to allow adjustment of the position of the spatula relative to the body of the saxophone, for example an angular adjustment, especially when the spatula is in an equilibrium position. This equilibrium position corresponds to one of the positions of the spatula, generally an inactive position. The musician can arrange the spatula in the position that suits him best. In particular, the fixed support may be arranged to allow angular adjustment by rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the body to which the support is fixed and / or by rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the body to which is fixed the support, for example an axis of rotation of the spatula.

When adjustment of the position of the spatula is possible, locking means of the adjustment can be provided, these locking means being shaped to prevent any modification of the adjustment of the spatula, particularly during use saxophone by a musician.

By placing the spatula directly on the body of the saxophone rather than on a movable axis connected to the octave control mechanism, the present invention may allow a certain freedom of placement and a better accuracy with regard to the feeling of the musician, a few millimeters moving the position of the spatula does not prevent the spatula to press the lever secured to the hinge rod and perform its function. In addition, the direct action of the spatula on the lever ensures a good responsiveness of the control system octave change.

Advantageously and in a nonlimiting manner, the portion of the lever in direct contact with the spatula may be covered with a polymer material. This can reduce the friction between the spatula and the lever, especially when they are made of metal or hard materials, thus improving playability (more flexible play) and reducing noise.

Advantageously, this portion of the lever in direct contact with the spatula may form a roller and be rotatably mounted on the lever, in particular to be able to rotate when the spatula actuates the lever. The axis of rotation of this roller of polymer material can thus be parallel to the axis of the hinge rod, the lever then being perpendicular to the latter.

When the spatula is moved between said first and second positions, the lever is also moved between a first and a second position, one of which is a position in contact with the body of the saxophone. The range of movement of the lever thus corresponds to the distance between its first and second positions. Advantageously and in a nonlimiting manner, the lever comprises means for adjusting its displacement amplitude. These adjustment means may be a simple screw screwed into a threaded orifice passing through a portion of the lever in direct contact with the body of the saxophone, this screw projecting from the lever towards the body of the saxophone more or less depending on the screwing of the the opinion.

Adjusting the travel of the lever can improve the opening of one of the orifices of octave change formed in the body of the saxophone by making up any games of manufacture and assembly of different parts. Advantageously and non-limitatively, according to a particular embodiment, the fixed support of the spatula may comprise a fixed base integral with the body of the saxophone, a removable support portion arranged to support the spatula between its first and second positions and means securing the removable support portion on the fixed base.

This can allow easy change of the spatula, which can make several forms of spatula and / or spatulas in different materials, for the same instrument. Each musician can then choose the spatula most suited to their way of playing or customize. The fixed base can be fixed on the body of the saxophone, for example by gluing or welding.

Advantageously, the fixed base and the removable support portion are arranged to allow an angular displacement adjustment of the removable support portion relative to the fixed base, about an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the body of the saxophone to which the fixed support is fixed. Such angular displacement of adjustment allows the musician to adjust the position of the spatula for a better playing comfort.

Locking means may then be provided to prevent any angular displacement of adjustment of the removable support portion relative to the fixed base when using the saxophone. The securing means may advantageously serve as locking means.

A particular arrangement allowing an angular displacement of adjustment can for example be obtained in a very simple way by realizing a cylindrical part on the fixed base or on the removable support part cooperating with a corresponding bore, crossing or not, integral with the part of removable support or fixed base, respectively. The fastening means may then consist of a screw passing radially through the bore and bearing on the cylindrical portion, these securing means also forming means for locking the angular displacement of adjustment of the spatula.

Advantageously, the fixed base and the removable support portion may be arranged such that the angular adjustment displacement of the removable support portion relative to the fixed base is limited. In particular, this angular displacement can be allowed in a predetermined range in which the spatula remains in contact with the lever, and thus in which the octave control remains operational. This may facilitate the adjustment of the angular position of the spatula by the musician, which is sure to properly position the spatula relative to the lever of the hinge rod at any angle. The adjustment amplitude of the adjustment angular displacement may for example be 40 ° to 60 °.

This angular displacement of adjustment can be limited for example by means of a groove and stop system made on surfaces in contact with the fixed base and the removable support portion. Such an arrangement allows precise adjustment because it allows any position between the two extreme positions imposed by the groove.

It is also possible to provide several distinct angular positions between the removable support part and the fixed base, for example by producing a finger projecting perpendicularly from a surface of the fixed base or the removable support part and by making several distinct orifices on a surface facing the removable support portion or the fixed base for receiving the finger. A similar result can be obtained by connecting the fixed base and the removable support part by a rod and a complementary bore with sides or by cooperation of notched surfaces.

Advantageously, according to a first embodiment, the fixed base may comprise a tapping axially substantially perpendicular to the surface of the body of the saxophone to which the fixed base is fixed, and the securing means may comprise a screw element comprising a rod. threaded assembly arranged to cooperate with the tapping of the fixed base and a head arranged to lock the removable support part against the fixed base when the screwing element is screwed into the fixed base, the removable support part comprising a through hole for the passage of the threaded rod. This arrangement has the advantage of being simple to produce and to have few parts. In addition, the head of the screw element can allow a clamping without tools.

In particular, the head of the screwing element is arranged to form a thumb hump surface. For this purpose, the visible surface of the screw head, that is, the surface opposite the threaded portion, may be flat, slightly curved, or slightly hollow to form an inched bearing surface.

It may also be provided that the spatula extends substantially in the same plane as the surface support thumb hump for better ergonomics.

The head of the screwing element can in particular be dimensioned so as to completely cover the removable support portion to hide it from view. The head of the screw element can also be made of various materials, mother of pearl, brass, bakelite or other, which allows customization of the fixed support.

Advantageously, according to a second embodiment, the fixed base and the removable support portion may be connected by means of a housing receiving a projecting portion of complementary shape, the housing and the projecting portion extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the body of the saxophone to which the fixed base is fixed, the housing being integral with the fixed base or the removable support part, the projecting portion being integral with the other part. The part provided with the housing may then comprise a through thread opening into said housing, this tapping extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing, a screw screwed into this tapping and abutting against the projecting portion ensuring the attachment of the fixed base and the removable support part.

The tapping and the screw form means for securing the fixed base to the removable support portion.

In this embodiment, the removable support portion may be arranged to form a thumb boss support surface. The thumb hump bearing surface can thus be flat, slightly curved or slightly hollow. The removable support portion may include an upper surface forming a thumb hump surface, which upper surface extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the housing.

The housing and the projecting portion may be a cylindrical housing and a cylindrical protrusion, which may facilitate the realization.

In particular, the contacting surfaces of the cylindrical housing and the cylindrical protrusion may be smooth, which allows a precise adjustment of the angular position of the removable support portion relative to the fixed base. A groove and abutment system of the type described above can then be used to limit the amplitude of the angular adjustment.

Alternatively, these contacting surfaces may have notches parallel to the axis of the cylindrical housing, which may allow limited angular adjustment. In another variant, the housing and the projecting portion may have a polygonal section perpendicular to their axis, which may also allow limited angular adjustment.

Advantageously, whatever the embodiment, the spatula may be rotatably mounted on the removable support portion, in particular along an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the body of the saxophone receiving the fixed base of the support.

In particular, when the fixed support forms a thumb hump, the axis of rotation of the spatula may be integral with the bearing surface of the thumb hump or be located between the bearing surface of the thumb hump and the body of the saxophone.

Advantageously, the saxophone can be arranged to hold the spatula in a predetermined position relative to the fixed support in at least one of the first or second positions. This can be achieved by a suitable form of the fixed support for limiting the movement of the spatula between its first and second positions.

In particular, when the fixed support forms a thumb hump, the spatula may be shaped to flush with the bearing surface of the thumb hump or to have a slight inclination with respect to this thumb hump bearing surface. The spatula then extends substantially in the same plane as the bearing surface, almost in the continuity thereof, which can facilitate the movement of the thumb from the bearing surface to the spatula and vice versa.

The fixed support may for example comprise elastic holding means which may for example be shaped to maintain the spatula in a particular position relative to the fixed support. In particular, these elastic holding means may be shaped to exert sufficient pressure on the spatula to hold it against the lever, whatever the position of the spatula. Such an arrangement makes it possible to limit the operating noise of the spatula as well as the vibration transmission of the instrument towards the spatula. The force exerted by the elastic means may extend substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the spatula between its two positions, in the direction of the lever.

Such elastic holding means may be a single spring (or several springs), for example a leaf spring or helical. The resilient means may also include one or more stops of polymeric material having the required elasticity.

These elastic holding means may be a helical spring housed in an orifice of the spatula and compressed between the fixed support (for example the head of the screwing element) and the spatula, this spring being chosen to exert sufficient pressure on the spatula. spatula to keep it in contact with the lever of the hinge pin.

The inclination of the spatula relative to the fixed support, and in particular to the head of the screw element, can then be adjusted, generally in the workshop, by adjusting the position of the lever of the hinge rod by rotation of the hinge rod. This adjustment can be made so that the entire thumb-spatula bump support surface remains flat in one of the first or second positions of the spatula, corresponding for example to a state of equilibrium, namely generally the inactive position.

Whatever the embodiment, the fixed support and the spatula may be of any material usually used for the saxophones, namely steel, stainless steel, brass, precious metals (titanium, gold, silver, ...), carbon, polymer materials, including bakelite, mother-of-pearl, wood ... When a metal-based material is used, the latter can undergo a surface treatment, be engraved, covered with enamel or covered with a layer of precious metal.

As already described, the spatula can be integrated on a thumb bump. In particular, for a fixed support as described above, a bearing surface, forming part of the removable support portion or securing means, may form the bearing surface of a thumb hump.

Thus, the invention may also have as its object a saxophone thumb bump on which is mounted a spatula intended for the actuation of a hinge rod secured to a rudder system forming part of an octave control mechanism, the thumb hump being arranged to allow movement of the spatula between a first position and a second position. In particular, a saxophone provided with a thumb hump having these characteristics, comprises a hinge rod secured to a rudder system forming part of an octave control mechanism, this hinge rod being arranged so that a displacement of the spatula causes a displacement of a lever secured to the hinge rod by direct contact between the spatula and the lever. The thumb hump can be secured to the body of the saxophone by means of a fixed support, this fixed support may include the various characteristics of the fixed support described above.

The invention is now described with reference to the appended non-limiting drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows partially in perspective a saxophone according to the invention;

FIG. 2 represents an enlargement of the portion of the saxophone bearing the thumb hump and the hinge pin, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view from above of the thumb hump visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. in perspective from below part of the parts shown in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 partially shows in perspective a saxophone according to another embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 6 shows another perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

By substantially horizontal, longitudinal or vertical means a direction / a plane forming an angle of at most ± 10 °, or even at most ± 5 ° with a direction / a horizontal, longitudinal or vertical plane.

Figure 1 partially shows in perspective a saxophone

According to the invention, which comprises a saxophone body 12 and an octave control mechanism 14.

The octave control mechanism 14 comprises a spatula 16 and a hinge pin 18 secured to a rudder system 20. The rudder system 20 is a conventional system used for this type of instrument and is therefore not detailed here.

The spatula 16 is movable between a first position or inactive position (equilibrium position) and a second position or active position, its movement between these two positions maneuvering the rudder system 20 for the change of octave.

According to the invention, the spatula 16 is mounted on a fixed support 30 integral with the saxophone body 12 and the hinge rod 18 is arranged so that a displacement of the spatula 16 between its two positions causes a movement of a lever 19 secured to the hinge pin 18, by direct contact between the spatula 16 and the lever 19. For this purpose, in the example shown the lever 19 is located between the spatula 18 and the body 12 of the saxophone. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the lever 19, more precisely its free end remote from the hinge rod 18, comes into direct contact with the spatula 16. At this free end, the lever 19 further comprises a part 19a which can form a contact part with the body 12 of the saxophone. The installation of a screw (not shown) in a threaded through bore 19b of this part 19a can be used to adjust the range of movement of the lever 19. A similar screw 19'c is shown in Figures 5 and 6 detailed further.

Although the movement of the spatula 16 can be of any type, for example a rotational movement about an axis of articulation, a sliding movement along a rail or other, this movement is advantageously a rotational movement around a hinge axis for reasons of simplicity of implementation. In the example shown, the axis of rotation 17 of the spatula 16 extends substantially parallel to the surface 13 of the body of the saxophone, and more particularly substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge rod 18. In addition, the point contact between the spatula 16 and the lever 19 is located between this hinge axis 17 and the hinge pin 18, allowing an inversion of the rotational movement during the pivoting of the spatula 16.

The fixed support 30 may be arranged to allow adjustment of the position of the spatula 16 relative to the body 12 of the saxophone, for example an angular adjustment, especially when the spatula is in an equilibrium position, here the inactive position . In particular, in the example, the fixed support 30 is arranged to allow angular adjustment by rotation about an axis 34 substantially perpendicular to the surface 13 of the body 12 to which the fixed support 30 is fixed.

In the embodiment shown, the fixed support 30 of the spatula 16 comprises a fixed base 31 integral with the body 12 of the saxophone, a removable support portion 32 arranged to support the spatula 16 between its first and second positions and means of fastening 33 of the removable support portion 32 on the fixed base 31. These elements are shown in more detail in Figures 3 and 4.

The fixed base 31 and the removable support portion 32 are arranged to allow an angular displacement of the removable support portion 32 relative to the fixed base 31, about an axis 34 substantially perpendicular to the surface 13 of the body 12 of the saxophone to which is fixed the fixed base 31. For this purpose, in the example shown, the fixed base 31 comprises a cylindrical portion 310 of axis 34 and the removable support portion 32 comprises a cylindrical bore 320 through whose diameter internal portion corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 310 so as to fit on the latter while being pivotable about the axis 34. The fixed base 31 and the removable support portion 32 each comprise a flat face, 31 1 , 321 respectively, perpendicular to the axis 34, these planar faces 31 1 and 321 being in contact when the removable support 32 is mounted on the fixed base 31.

In the example shown, the fixed base 31 further comprises, on the opposite side to the face 31 1, a curved face 312, shaped to fit the surface 13 of the body 12 of the saxophone (Figure 4).

The cylindrical portion 310 of the fixed base 31 comprises a tapping 313, of the same axis 34.

This fixed base 31 can be fixed to the body 12 by welding or gluing.

The removable support portion 32 is in the form of an axle disk 34, through which the bore 320 passes, one of the faces 321 of which is in contact with the face 31 1 of the fixed base 31 and whose opposite face 322 is parallel to the face 321. The cylindrical side face 323 of the removable support portion 32 comprises a recess 324 defining two tabs 325, 326 whose facing faces are parallel. These lugs 325, 326 are each pierced with an orifice 327, 328 for accommodating a cylindrical axis 35, axis 17 perpendicular to the axis 34 of the removable support portion 32.

The spatula 16 comprises a support portion 160 shaped to be housed in the recess 324, between the tabs 325 and 326. This support portion 160 comprises a through hole (not shown in the figures) for the passage of the cylindrical axis 35. The spatula 16 further comprises a spatula element 161 proper, integral with the support portion 160, on which the musician can exert pressure to control the change of octave.

In the example shown, the securing means of the removable support portion 32 to the fixed base 31 comprise a screwing element 33, which comprises a threaded rod 330 arranged to cooperate with the tapping 313 of the fixed base 31 and a head 331 arranged to lock the removable support part 32 against the fixed base 31 when the screwing element 33 is screwed into the fixed base 31, the threaded rod 330 passing through the bore 320 of the removable support part 32.

For this purpose, the head 331 of the screwing element 33 comprises a flat face 332, perpendicular to the threaded rod 330 and cooperating with the flat face 322 of the removable support portion 32 when the fixed support 30 is mounted.

The head 331 includes an opposite face 333, visible when the fixed support 30 is mounted, which can be arranged to form a thumb boss support surface. When the assembly is mounted, the fixed support 30 thus forms a thumb bump. In particular, as in the example shown, the head 331 is of the same shape as the removable support portion 32, in order to hide it. When the fixed support 30 acts as a thumb hump, its dimensions therefore correspond to the usual dimensions of the thumb bumps.

The angular displacement of the removable support portion 32 relative to the fixed base 31 is further limited, in particular by a groove and stop system provided on surfaces in contact with the fixed base and the removable support portion. For this purpose, in the example shown, the plane face 31 1 of the fixed base 31 comprises an orifice 314 in which is housed a cylindrical stop 315 so as to project partially from the flat face 31 1, perpendicular to it and parallel to the axis 34. The removable support portion 32 comprises a groove 329 arcuate (centered on the axis 34) in which is housed the portion of the cylindrical stop 315 projecting from the fixed base 31 .

The fixed support 30 may also comprise resilient holding means shaped to exert sufficient pressure on the spatula 16 to hold it against the lever 19, whatever the position of the spatula. In the example shown, these elastic holding means comprise a helical spring 36 housed in a housing 162 formed on one side of the support portion 160 of the spatula facing the screwing element 33, so as to bear against the face 322 of the screwing element 33 in the mounted position of the fixed support 30.

The mounting of the fixed support 30 and the spatula 16 and their operation are now described.

The spatula 16 is mounted on the removable support portion 32 by means of the cylindrical axis 35, the spring 36 being housed in its housing 162.

The mounting on the body of the saxophone is then performed as follows. The fixed base 31 is first fixed on the body 12 of the saxophone. The removable support portion 32 on which the spatula 16 is mounted, is then fitted on the cylindrical portion 310 of the fixed base 31 until the flat faces 321 and 31 1 are in contact, the cylindrical stop 315 projecting from the fixed base 31 being housed in the groove 329, the lever 19 of the hinge pin 18 being located between the spatula 16 and the body 12. The angular position of the spatula 16 can then be adjusted by rotation of the removable support portion 32 around of the axis 34, this rotation being limited by the displacement of the cylindrical stop 315 in the groove 329. When the position is suitable for the musician, the screwing element 33 can be screwed onto the fixed base 31 until its face 332 is in contact with the flat face 322 of the removable support portion 31 and until the head 331 can not move. The spring 36 is then compressed (in a direction parallel to the axis 34) between the support portion 160 of the spatula 16 and the flat face 332 of the head 331, which keeps the spatula 16 against the lever 19. The adjustment of the rotation of the spatula 16 can be carried out while the screwing element 33 is partially screwed into the fixed base 31, but without contact of the flat faces 322, 332, which can make it possible to avoid losing the spring 36.

The fixed support 31 is thus mounted, the spatula 16 is in a first position, corresponding to a first scale of notes, in which it is in contact against the lever 19 under the action of spring 36. This first position is generally an inactive equilibrium position of the spatula.

When the musician wishes to change the octave, it exerts pressure on the spatula towards the body 12 of the saxophone to a second position of the spatula corresponding to a second scale notes. This second position may correspond to a position in which the lever 19 abuts against the body 12. The movement of the spatula 16 causes the movement of the lever 19 and the rotation of the associated hinge pin 18, which in turn allows the change octave via the rudder system 20.

When the musician releases the spatula 16, the hinge pin 18 is no longer constrained in rotation returns to its initial position under the effect of elastic means associated with the hinge rod 18 and / or the rudder system 20, causing the return of the spatula 16 in its first position under the thrust action exerted by the lever 19, integral with the hinge pin 18. The presence of the spring 36, which permanently maintains contact between the lever 19 and the spatula 16, limits the operating noise of the spatula 16, despite the absence of gear type connecting mechanism between the spatula 16 and the lever 19.

In an embodiment not shown, the upper surface 322 of the removable support portion 32 may be a solid surface and form a thumb hump bearing surface. Or, the head 331 of the part 33 shown in FIG. 3 can be integral with the face 322 of the removable support part 32, this part

33 having no screws 330. The remainder of the removable support portion 32 may be identical to the description of FIGS. 3 and 4.

The securing of the removable support portion 32 on the fixed base 31 can then be achieved by means of a screw screwed into a tapping formed through the removable support portion 32. This tapping extends in a direction perpendicular to the 34 axis from the outer surface of the removable support portion 32 to its inner bore 320 so that the screw can abut on the cylindrical portion 310 of the fixed base 31. It is then not necessary to achieve a tapping 313 internal to the cylindrical portion 310 of the fixed base 31. In particular, the hinge pin 35 of the spatula 16 can be mounted on the upper solid surface 322 of the removable support portion 32 or under the head 331 of the piece 33. The spatula member 161 and its support 160 (More precisely their upper surfaces) can then extend in the same plane, this plane extending substantially in the continuity of the bearing surface 333 of thumb hump.

Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of a saxophone according to the invention, which differs from those already described by the shape of the lever and the position of the axis of articulation of the spatula to the fixed support. The identical elements therefore bear the same reference followed by a "'".

These figures show that the lever 19 'comprises a portion 19'd in direct contact with the spatula 16', this portion of the lever 19'd forming a roller and being rotatably mounted on the lever 19 'about an axis 19' e.

In the various embodiments, the lever 19 or 19 'extends perpendicularly to the hinge rod 18 or 18'. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the axis 19'e of the roller 19'd extends parallel to the hinge rod 18 ', perpendicular to the lever 19'.

As in the embodiment described above, the lever 19 'comprises a portion 19' which forms a contact portion with the body 12 'of the saxophone. The establishment of a screw 19'c in a through threaded bore of this portion 19 'a allows to adjust the displacement of the lever 19'. The threaded bore is similar to that of Figure 2. In this example, the portion 19 'is located between the free end of the lever 19' and the roller 19'd.

The axis of rotation 17 'of the spatula 16' is situated at a greater distance from the spatula than in the previous embodiments: FIG. 5 shows in particular that the center of the fixed support 30 'is located between this axis 17' and the spatula 16 '. The center of the fixed support

30 'corresponds to the tapping 313' of the fixed base 31 '. The fixed support itself 30 'also comprises a removable support portion 32' which surrounds the fixed base 31 'instead of being housed inside thereof as in the example shown in FIG. 3. The invention is not limited by the embodiments described with reference to FIGS.

6, which may be combined with one another, in particular as regards relates to the position of the axis of rotation of the spatula and the structure of the lever.

Claims

A saxophone (10, 10 ') comprising a saxophone body (12, 12') and an octave control mechanism (14) comprising a spatula (16, 16 ') and a hinge pin (18, 18') secured to a rudder system (20, 20 '), said spatula (16, 16') being movable between a first position and a second position, characterized in that the spatula (16, 16 ') is mounted on a fixed support (30, 30 ') integral with the body (12, 12'), in that the saxophone comprises a lever (19, 19 ') integral with the hinge rod (18, 18') and is arranged so that a displacement of the spatula (16, 16 ') causes a displacement of said lever (19, 19') by direct contact between the spatula (16, 16 ') and the lever (19, 19'), and in that the fixed support ( 30, 30 ') forms a thumb bump.

2. Saxophone (10 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the spatula (16') is a rotational movement about an articulation axis (17 ') substantially parallel to the surface of the body ( 12 ') of the saxophone and / or the axis of the hinge pin (18') and in that the center of the fixed support (30 ') is located between the spatula (16') and its hinge axis (17 '). ').

3. Saxophone (10 ') according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lever (19') comprises a portion (19'd) in direct contact with the spatula, this portion (19'd) forming a roller rotatably mounted on said lever.

4. Saxophone (10, 10 ') according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lever (19, 19') comprises means for adjusting the amplitude of its displacement caused by the movement of the spatula between said first and second positions.

5. Saxophone (10, 10 ') according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fixed support (30, 30') is arranged to allow adjustment of the position of the spatula (16, 16). ') relative to the body (12, 12') of the saxophone, for example an angular adjustment.

6. Saxophone (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises adjustment locking means shaped to prevent any modification of the adjustment of the spatula.

7. Saxophone (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixed support (30) of the spatula (16) comprises a fixed base (31) secured to the body (12) of the saxophone, a removable support portion (32) arranged to support the spatula (16) between its first and second positions and means for securing (33) the support part. removable (32) on the fixed base (31).

The saxophone (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the fixed base (31) and the removable support portion (32) are arranged to allow an angular adjustment displacement of the removable support portion (32). ) relative to the fixed base (31), about an axis (34) substantially perpendicular to the surface (13) of the body (12) of the saxophone to which the fixed support (30) is fixed.

The saxophone (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixed base (31) and the removable support portion (32) are arranged so that the angular adjustment displacement of the removable support portion (32) relative to the fixed base (31) is limited, in particular by a groove system (329) and stop (315) formed on surfaces (31 1, 321) in contact with the fixed base (31) and the part removable support (32).

10. Saxophone (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the fixed base (31) comprises a tapping (313) axis (34) substantially perpendicular to the surface (13) of the body of the saxophone to which is fixed the fixed base (31), in that the securing means comprise a screw element (33) comprising a threaded rod (330) arranged to cooperate with the tapping (313) of the fixed base (31) and a head (331) arranged to lock the removable support portion (32) against the fixed base (31) when the screw member (33) is screwed into the fixed base (31), the removable support portion (32) comprising a through hole for the passage of the threaded rod (330).

1 1. Saxophone (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the head (331) of the screw element (33) is arranged to form a thumb boss bearing surface.

12. Saxophone (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the fixed base and the removable support portion are connected by means of a housing receiving a projecting portion of complementary shape, the housing and the part protruding extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the body of the saxophone to which is fixed the fixed base, the housing being secured to the fixed base or the removable support part, the projecting part being integral with the other part, the part provided with the housing having a through thread opening into said housing, this tapping extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing, a screw screwed into this tapping and abutting against the protruding portion ensuring the attachment of the fixed base and the removable support portion.

13. Saxophone (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the removable support portion is arranged to form a thumb hump surface.

14. Saxophone (10) according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the spatula (16) is rotatably mounted on the removable support portion (32), in particular along an axis (17) substantially parallel to the surface (13) of the body (12) of the saxophone receiving the fixed base (31) of the fixed support.

15. Saxophone (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fixed support (30) comprises elastic holding means (36) shaped to exert sufficient pressure on the spatula (16) to maintain resting against the lever (19), whatever the position of the spatula (16).