WO2016166589A1

WO2016166589A1 - Double repetition device for upright pianos

Info

Publication number: WO2016166589A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/000464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pasquale Bafunno
Original assignee: Pasquale Bafunno
Priority date: 2015-04-16
Filing date: 2016-04-14
Publication date: 2016-10-20
Also published as: ITMI20150551A1

Abstract

A double repetition device for upright pianos comprises a functional mechanics, specifically designed for an upright piano, able to allow an easy adjustment of the two escapements, without encumbrance or interference problems. The particular design arrangements permit to obtain a considerable mechanical simplification, together with a great reliability of use.

Description

DOUBLE REPETITION DEVICE FOR UPRIGHT PIANOS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Subject of the present invention is a double repetition device for upright pianos.

As it is known, in upright pianos the possibility to musically produce the so-called magic touch effect, which consists in practice in having a high amount of energy, necessary to achieve the compactness of the harmonic content of the sounds produced from the strings during the transitional approach, is not provided.

The attempts made so far have not led to acceptable solutions, as they are extremely mechanically complex and as such they do not reach the required harmonic characteristics.

Patent CZ9702162 discloses a double repetition mechanism for upright pianos which partially solved the above cited problems.

Patent US4879939 describes a mechanism for upright pianos with the purpose of simulating the mechanism used in grand pianos.

The known mechanisms are susceptible of improvement, both in their functionality and constructive reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The proposed aim of the present invention is to solve the problem described above by providing a double repetition device for an upright piano, which is particularly simple, being composed of a limited number of components and the shape and structure of which are simple and reliable.

Within the aim cited above, a particular object of the invention is to provide a device having a functionally effective mechanics and being specifically designed for upright pianos, in order to allow an easy recording of the two escapements, without problems of encumbrance or interference.

The present device, due to its particular constructive characteristics, is apt to ensure the greatest warranties of reliability and safety during its use.

The present device can be easily obtained and is also competitive from an economic point of view.

This and other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a double-repetition device for upright pianos as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from an examination of the description of a preferred but non exclusive embodiment of the invention, illustrated in an indicative and non limitative way in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents schematically the device, in a cross-sectional view, shown in a rest position;

Figure 2 is a view similar to the previous one but illustrating the device in a time immediately subsequent to the pressure applied on the keys, in the phase of approaching of the hammer to the string, before the action of the escapement;

Figure 3 is a view similar to the previous one but illustrating the device in the step of a partial disengagement of the escapement lever;

Figure 4 is a view similar to the previous one but illustrating the device in the step immediately following a further disengagement of the lever and a partial lowering of the lever of the second escapement, following a strong pressure applied on the key by the piano player;

Figure 5 is a view similar to the previous one but illustrating the device in the step immediately following the full escapement of the lever of the first escapement and of the lowering of the lever of the second escapement, following a very strong pressure applied on the key by the piano player;

Figure 6 schematically represents the device in a cross-sectional view, with the damping device with separate bar and frame;

Figure 7 is a view similar to the previous one which illustrates the device in a different operational step; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing the device according to a further embodiment;

Figure 9 is an enlarged view illustrating in detail the area of the nut of the hammer, in the position of the previous Figure;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 8, shown in a position similar to that illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 11 is an enlarged view illustrating in detail the area of the nut of the hammer, in the position of the subsequent Figure;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 8, shown in a position similar to that illustrated in Figure 6;

Figure 13 is an enlarged view illustrating in detail the area of the nut of the hammer, in the position of the previous Figure;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 8, shown in a position similar to that illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view illustrating in detail the area of the nut of the hammer, in the position of the previous Figure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With particular reference to the numerical symbols of the above Figures, the double repetition device according to the invention is applied to an upright piano comprising a plurality of keys 1.

Figures 8- 5 represent the device according to a modified embodiment with respect to that illustrated in Figures 1-7, however, similar elements are indicated with the same reference numbers.

Each key 1 has at its free end a slot 2, acting as a guide element for the key itself, due to the engagement with an oval tip 3; at the base of the latter a felt 4 is applied for damping the stroke of the key 1.

The oval tip 3 and the felt 4 are connected to a frame 5 of the keyboard, supporting a further felt 6, associated with a second oval tip 7; the same is inserted into a guide slot and provided on a black key of the keyboard.

The key 1 and the black key are pivoted through a guide slot, to a fixed round tip 11 , acting as a pivot for the oscillation of the keys and also protrudes from the frame 5 of the keyboard.

The oscillation of the keys 1 is damped in the rest position by a felt 12, applied to the frame 5 of the keyboard.

The key 1 at its opposed end supports a metal rider 14, suitably inclined counterclockwise, with an adjustable screw having at its top a cylindrical shape with a spherical end, in order to transmit the energy of motion to a transversal oscillating arm 15.

The latter realizes in practice a knee lever, being considered as a continuous energy escapement lever in order to modify the angular control variation for accelerations and decelerations applied to the key.

The transversal oscillating arm 15 is in turn pivoted through a pin 17, to a first pillar 18.

The pillar 18 is integrally associated by gluing underneath a main deck 19, with and appropriate angled position upwards, in a clockwise direction with respect to the main deck 19 and is also suitably angled upwards, in a clockwise direction.

The main deck 19 is susceptible to oscillate with respect to a fork 20, by means of the horizontal oscillating pin 21 ; the fork 20 is fixed to the frame 32 of the castle 32.

The main deck 19 supports a metal rod 22 provided at its upper free end, with a first hammer stop 23, which cooperates with a second hammer stop 24, applied through a metal rod 25, to the tail 26 of a hammer, generally indicated at 27.

The nut of the hammer 27 is pivoted to a pin 28, connected to a first pillar

29.

The latter is fixed by a screw 30 to the metal frame 31 , in turn applied to the frame of the castle 32. The first pillar supports through a screw a small button of the second escapement HF which makes contact with the upper end of the second escapement lever.

On the first pillar 29, a through opening is provided in which a metal rod 33 is inserted, supporting at its lower end a first small button 34, for regulating the first escapement, which lever 35 is pivoted to the main deck 19, through a pin 36.

The lever 35 comprises a tail 37, abutting on a felt pad 38, applied to the small button 34 of the first escapement.

With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, when the energy engagement applied by the key occurs in the rotary movement, the lever 35 is disengaged from a roll 40 for actuating a pressure pin 41 of the hammer 27, in order to terminate at idle its stroke counterclockwise.

The roll 40 is applied to the connecting nut of the hammer 27, at its nut point.

The nut point FU supports a spring MW which constantly biases the total of hammer, nut, tail and roll 40 downwards, by pivoting with the side opposed to its fulcrum, under the end portion of the tip of the fixed pillar 29 with a guide slot, at 59, with a semicircular shape.

The nut point supports the rod 44 of the pressure pin 41 which is in turn supported by the core 45.

The rod 44 of the hammer, as a result of the percussion bounce against the string 73, describes an oscillating movement and, in an end portion of its stroke, is braked by a felt 46, applied to a hammer supporting bar 47, fixed to the frame castle 32.

A second pillar 49, provided in a middle portion of the main deck 19, has one of its ends acts on a lever 52 of the second escapement.

During the end of the half-way stroke up to the point FK, the tail of the hammer 26 engages a felt, placed at the upper end of the main deck.

A small button BO serves to adjust the distance of the felt with respect to a metal rod AS of the first hammer stop 23, which is continuously supported so as to create a friction sufficient to brake the stroke.

It can be seen that the horizon line A-KO is never crossed by the pin 17 during the propulsion oscillation upward in a clockwise direction. The pin 36, located beyond the A-KO line throughout the operation, does not cross the horizon line A-KO, downward in a counterclockwise direction.

A spring 50 is fixed in the lower portion of the lever 52 of the second escapement.

The lever 52 is capable of rotating in the pin PH pivoted to the fork of the pillar 49. The opposed end of the spring 50 engages a cord KK, fixed to a middle portion of the lever 35 of the first escapement.

The spring 50 biases the levers 35 and 52 in a clockwise direction, with respect to the first and second escapement.

The lever 35 of the first escapement comprises a small control button 55 provided with a relative control screw 57, and acting on an abutment 54 on which a control screw 56 acts, engaging the lever 52 of the second escapement.

In Figures 6 and 7 the oscillation damping organ of the strings is shown, comprising an angled lever 59, turning around a pivot 69, and a bar 61.

The pedal 62 of the damping means is applied to the metal frame 63, of a damping lever 67.

The angled lever 59 is provided, at its upper free end with a metal spoon 66, cooperating with a felt 68 applied on the lower free portion of the damping lever 67. One end of the key 1 abuts on a felt 65, supported by the key itself.

A second spoon 64 cooperates with the lower end of the damping lever 67, provided with a felt 68 and susceptible to oscillate about a pivot 58.

The angled lever 59 is constantly biased abutting on the felt 68, through the action of a spring.

The damping lever 67 supports, at its other end, a metal arm 70, which supports a felt 71 by means of a support 72, and is biased by means of a spring against the string 73, which makes the harmonic sound.

The complex of elements making the device according to the invention permits to transmit to the strings a percussion with constant intensity, whichever the dynamic pressure exerted on the key 1 , in the presence of more consecutive pressures with rapid frequence.

The oblique oscillating arm 15 is sized and arranged so as to create with the lever 57 a suitable angle, enabling to achieve a high mechanical efficiency of the kinematics for the benefit of the pressure pin 27, without modifying the balance on the key.

The operation of the double repetition device according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1-5, which show in sequence the operational phases of the device itself.

Figure 1 shows the mechanism in the rest condition, when the key 1 has not yet been pressed.

Figure 2 shows the mechanism at a time immediately subsequent to the pressure on the key, during the step of approach of the hammer to the string, previously with respect to the action of the escapement.

Figure 3 shows the mechanism in the step of partial disengagement of the lever of the first escapement and of the blocking of the second escapement on the control button.

Figure 4 shows the mechanism in the step immediately subsequent to the total disengagement from the roll of the lever of the first escapement and the lowering of the lever of the second escapement and the subsequent engagement of hammer stop, as a result of a strong pressure on the key by the piano player.

Figure 5 shows the mechanism in the step immediately following the escapement and the further lowering of the lever of the second escapement and of the hammer stop, after a very strong pressure on the key by the piano player and the subsequent interlocking of the hammer tail to the provided felt, simultaneously to the two hammer stops.

With regard to the embodiment shown in Figures 8-15, in particular the BR1 bar is shown, located at the free upper part of the main deck 19 and associated with a fork FO1 , pivoted on the pin 21 of the deck 19, whereas in its lower free portion it has a small spoon CU, fixedly engaged which, during its oscillation, abuts with the felt FE, glued on the side of the upper free portion of the angled lever LS.

During the oscillatory thrust, the small spoon CU biases the angled lever LS counterclockwise, by rotating about the pin PP of the fork F02.

The angled lever LS in its upper free portion engages and supports the metal rod AM, associated with the hammer stop 23 which, during its oscillatory step, biases the lever LS counterclockwise.

The fork F02 is associated with the bar BR2 by a screw. The tail of the hammer 26, grafted in its nut point by gluing, has at its lower portion a small hammer 24 associated with the rod of the tail which during the abutment ceases to run, abutting against the hammer stop 23.

In Figure 9 a spring MW is shown, pivoted at its nut point with the pivot FU. On the opposite side to the point 59, the spring MW biases the whole hammer downwards, giving rise to the 1-2-3-4 positions and creating the movement of the point 59, without increasing the pressure of the spring, regulated by the screw VI, and leaving unchanged the strength of polarization, without resistance to the key, during the applied pressure.

It was found in practice how the invention reaches the intended aim and purposes.

In particular, the fact is stressed that the particular constructive expedients permit to obtain a considerable mechanical simplification, together with a great reliability of use.

According to the present invention, the mechanism works correctly even in the case of breaking of the spring MW, as the vector forces are balanced in the nut point; the mechanism does not therefore require counterweights.

Naturally, the materials employed as well as the dimensions, may be freely chosen according to the requirements.

Claims

1. A double repetition device for upright pianos, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of keys (1), mounted oscillating on a frame (5); each key (1) supporting an inclined rider (14), which is adjustable by a screw and transmits the movement to an oblique oscillating arm (15); said oblique oscillating arm (15) making a knee lever, with a continuous energy escapement with a control angular variation for accelerations and decelerations, applied to the key; said continuous escapement consisting in a first escapement and a second escapement; said oblique oscillating arm (15) being pivoted to a first pillar (18) associated with a main deck (19); the main deck (19) being able to oscillate with respect to a fork (20) about a horizontal oscillating pin (21); the fork (20) being fixed to the frame (5) of the castle; the main deck (19) supporting a rod (22) which is provided, at its upper free end with a first hammer stop (23), which cooperates with a second hammer stop (24), which is applied through a rod (25), to the tail of a hammer (26); the hammer (26) comprising a nut pivoted to a second pillar (29); the second pillar (29) being integral with the frame of the castle (32); the second pillar (29) being provided with screw button (HF) for the control of the lever (52) of said second escapement, abutting on its upper free portion on a felt or leather; a through opening is provided in which a rod (33) is inserted, supporting at its lower end a first button (34) for the control of the first escapement, of which a lever of the first escapement lever (35) is pivoted to the main deck (19); the lever of the first escapement (35) comprising a tail (37) abutting on a felt, which is applied to the first button (34) of the first escapement; the aforesaid lever of the first escapement (35) being able to disengage from a propulsion roll (40) of the hammer, which terminates at idle its stroke, when the engagement of the energy applied by the key in the rotary movement takes place; the aforesaid propulsion roll (40) of the hammer being applied to the connecting nut of the hammer, at its nut point (FU); the nut point (FU) supporting the rod (44) of the hammer; the rod (44) of the hammer, as a result of the percussion bounce against the string (73), describes an oscillating bouncing movement, and in an end portion of its stroke, it is braked by a felt (46) applied to a hammer stop bar (47), attached to the frame of the castle (32); a second pillar (49) being provided in a intermediate portion of the main deck (19), with an end acting on the lever (52) of the second escapement; a spring (50) being fixed to an end of the lever (52) of the second escapement and to a intermediate portion of the lever (35) of the first escapement; said spring (50) biasing the levers (35, 52) of the first and second escapement; the lever (35) of the first escapement comprising a control button (55) provided with a control screw (57), and acting on an abutment (54) oh which a control screw (56) acts, engaging the lever (52) of the first escapement.

2. Double repetition device according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a damping means for the oscillation of the strings, comprising an angled lever (59) pivoted in a bar (61); a pedal (62) of the damping device being applied to the frame (63) of a damping lever (67); said angled lever (59) being provided at one of its ends, with of a spoon (66) cooperating with an end of the key (1 ) and abutting on a felt (68), supported by the key itself; a second spoon (64) cooperating with the lower end of the damping lever (67), provided with a felt (68) and able to oscillate about a pin (58); the aforesaid angled lever (59) being constantly biased in abutment on the felt (68), by means of a spring.

3. Double repetition device according to claim 2, characterized in that the damping lever (67) supports, at its other end, an arm (70) which supports a felt

(71) by means of a support (72), and is biased by a spring against the string (73), which makes the harmonic sound.

4. Double repetition device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the oblique oscillating arm (15) is sized and positioned in order to create, with the lever (57) of the first escapement, also a suitable variable angle, which allows a high mechanical efficiency of the kinematics to the advantage of the pressure pin (27).

5. Double repetition device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the main deck (19) is suitably angled upwards in a clockwise direction, and allows the levers (35, 52) of the first and second escapement of being already in the upper portion of the horizon line; the pillar (18) housing the oblique oscillating arm (15) permits that the horizon line be never crossed, due to its position during the operation.

6. Double repetition device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connecting nut is provided with a slot housing a spring (MW) pivoted to the nut point (FU) and biasing downwards, with a control screw (VI), the whole hammer device, which acts as a lever, with a short sliding, underneath the lower end of the fixed pillar (29), by means of a guide slot, under which the spring (MW) constantly acts.

7. Double repetition device according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a bar (BR1), positioned in the upper free portion of the main deck (19) and associated with a fork (F01), pivoted to the pin (21) of the deck (19), whereas in its lower free portion it has a little spoon (CU), fixedly fitted, which, during its oscillation, abuts against a felt (FE) glued on the side of the upper free portion of the angled lever (LS); during its oscillating thrust, the little spoon (CU) biases the angled lever (LS) in a counter-clockwise direction, rotating about the pivot (PP) of the fork (F02); the angled lever (LS), located below the main deck (19), is pivoted to the associated fork (F02) by means of a screw, to a lower bar (BR2); the angled lever (LS), in its upper free portion, fixedly supports the metal shaft (AM) associated to the hammer stop (23) which, during its oscillating step, biases the angled lever (LS) in a counter-clockwise direction; the tail of the hammer (26) being engaged at its nut point by gluing, and having at its lower portion a small hammer (24) associated with the rod of the tail which, during its percussion bounce, terminates its stroke, by abutting by friction on the hammer stop (23).

8. Double repetition device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a spring (MW) pivoted at the nut point of the hammer which biases the whole hammer downwards and creates the displacement of the opposed point without increasing the pressure of the spring (MW), adjusted by a screw (VI), and leaves unchanged the polarization strength, without making resistance to the key (1) during the pressure exerted, by leaving unchanged the weight constant according to the international standards of the construction and control technique.