Piano actuator and piano

Abstract

The piano actuator includes a mounting portion that is interposed between a bridge and strings of the piano.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator for a piano and a piano. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a piano actuator that produces sound by vibrating a piano soundboard. In the piano disclosed in Patent Document 1, a transmission portion (driving hammer) connected to a vibrating body of the piano actuator is partially embedded or fixed inside the piano bridge and mounted on the piano bridge.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 4-500735 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when the piano actuator is embedded in or fixed to the piano bridge as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to process the piano bridge or other piano parts or use adhesives, which makes it difficult to attach and detach the piano actuator from the piano.

[0005] Furthermore, processing piano parts or using adhesives in order to attach the piano actuator to the piano may damage the piano parts, and is therefore not preferable.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a piano actuator that can be easily attached to and detached from a piano without any processing or use of adhesives, and a piano having the same.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a piano actuator including a mounting portion interposed between a bridge and strings of a piano.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a piano including the above-described piano actuator.

[0009] According to the present invention, a piano actuator can be easily attached to and detached from a piano without any processing or use of adhesives. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a piano including a piano actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a piano in which the mounting portion of a piano actuator is sandwiched between the bridge and strings of the piano.

[0012] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 、 2 An oblique view of an actuator for a piano.

[0013] Figure 4 It is used to observe from above Figure 3 A diagram showing the process of sandwiching the mounting portion of a piano actuator between the bridge and the strings.

[0014] Figure 5 It is used to observe from above Figure 3 A diagram showing the process of sandwiching the mounting portion of a piano actuator between the bridge and the strings.

[0015] Figure 6 It is used to observe from above Figure 3 A diagram showing the process of sandwiching the mounting portion of a piano actuator between the bridge and the strings.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which a mounting portion of a piano actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention is interposed between a bridge and strings of a piano. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 6 One embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the piano 1 of this embodiment includes a soundboard 2, strings 3, a bridge 4, and a piano actuator 5. The piano 1 of this embodiment is a grand piano in which the thickness direction of the soundboard 2 is approximately oriented in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Figures 1 to 6 In the diagram, the X-axis direction mainly corresponds to the length direction of the string 3. In addition, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the direction in which the plurality of strings 3 are arranged.

[0019] The strings 3 are hooked on the pitch pins 61 and tuning pins (not shown) of the frame 6 of the piano 1, thereby being stretched on the upper surface 2a of the soundboard 2. The strings 3 are arranged in a plurality of spaces (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0020] The bridge 4 is sandwiched between the upper surface 2a of the soundboard 2 and the strings 3. Figure 1 、 2As shown, the bridge 4 has an inclined surface 42, which extends in a direction away from the string 3 as it moves from the top surface 41 of the bridge 4 in contact with the string 3 toward the length direction of the string 3 (the negative direction of the Z axis). The inclined surfaces 42 are located on both sides of the top surface 41 in the length direction of the string 3. Thus, on both sides of the top surface 41 of the bridge 4, there is a gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the string 3, the gap between the bridge 4 and the string 3 increasing as it moves away from the top surface 41 in the length direction of the string 3. Bridge nails 43 for hooking the strings 3 are provided at the connecting portion between the top surface 41 of the bridge 4 and each inclined surface 42. The bridge 4 is arranged at a position closer to the pitch pin 61 than the tuning pin in the length direction of the string 3. The bridge 4 is as shown Figure 4 As shown, it extends along the direction in which the plurality of strings 3 are arranged (for example, the Y-axis direction) to support the plurality of strings 3 .

[0021] In the piano 1 of this embodiment, when strings 3 are struck by hammers (not shown), the strings 3 vibrate mainly in the thickness direction of the soundboard 2. The vibration of the strings 3 is transmitted to the soundboard 2 via the bridge 4, causing the soundboard 2 to vibrate.

[0022] The piano actuator 5 vibrates the bridge 4, thereby vibrating the soundboard 2 in the thickness direction thereof to produce sound. Figure 1 、 3 As shown, the piano actuator 5 includes a main body 51, a vibrating body 52 that vibrates in a predetermined vibration direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) relative to the main body 51, and a mounting portion 53 provided on the vibrating body 52 and interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. The main body 51 is sufficiently heavier than the vibrating body 52 and the mounting portion 53.

[0023] The piano actuator 5 may be, for example, a voice coil actuator.

[0024] The mounting portion 53 of this embodiment includes a first extension portion 531 and a second extension portion 532 .

[0025] The first extension portion 531 extends from the vibrating body 52 in the direction of its vibration (the negative Z-axis direction). While the illustrated first extension portion 531 is formed in a quadrangular prism shape, it may alternatively be formed in any other columnar shape, such as a cylinder, or in a plate-like shape. Furthermore, the first extension portion 531 may be located on the axis of the vibrating body 52, as shown in the illustrated example, or may be located, for example, offset from the axis of the vibrating body 52.

[0026] The second extension portion 532 extends from the front end portion of the first extension portion 531 in the extension direction in a direction intersecting the vibration direction of the vibrator 52. The second extension portion 532 may extend, for example, in a direction inclined relative to the vibration direction of the vibrator 52. In this embodiment, the second extension portion 532 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction of the vibrator 52 ( Figure 1 、 3Y-axis direction).

[0027] The second extension portion 532 may, for example, extend only along one side of the front end portion of the first extension portion 531 in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. That is, the mounting portion 53 may, for example, be formed in an L-shape. In this embodiment, a pair of second extension portions 532 extend in opposite directions from the front end portion of the first extension portion 531. That is, the mounting portion 53 of this embodiment is formed in a T-shape. In this embodiment, the overall length L1 of the pair of second extension portions 532 is greater than the interval D1 between two adjacent strings 3 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0028] The second extension portion 532 in the illustrated example is formed in a cylindrical shape, but may be formed in any columnar shape such as a prism, or in a plate shape.

[0029] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the second extension portion 532 of the mounting portion 53 is interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Specifically, the second extension portion 532 is interposed in the aforementioned gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Therefore, the dimension T1 (thickness dimension T1) of the second extension portion 532 in the vibration direction of the vibrating body 52 is smaller than the maximum dimension D2 of the gap 7.

[0030] In addition, the second extension portion 532 has a size that can pass between two adjacent strings 3. Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the extension direction of the first extension portion 531 (Z-axis direction) and the extension direction of the second extension portion 532 (in Figure 4 In the direction perpendicular to the X-axis (in Figure 4 In the Y-axis direction, the dimension W1 (width dimension W1) of the second extension portion 532 is smaller than the interval D1 between two adjacent strings 3.

[0031] In this embodiment, similar to the width W1 of the second extension 532, the width of the first extension 531 is also smaller than the distance D1 between two adjacent strings 3. At least at a portion of the first extension 531 that may pass between the two strings 3 (e.g., the front end of the first extension 531), the width of the first extension 531 may be smaller than the distance D1 between the two strings 3. Figure 3 、 4 In the illustrated mounting portion 53 , the width of the entire first extension portion 531 is smaller than the distance D1 between the two strings 3 . In other words, the width of the mounting portion 53 is smaller than the distance D1 between the two strings 3 .

[0032] like Figure 1 、 2As shown, the piano actuator 5 is configured such that, with the second extension 532 sandwiched between the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3, the first extension 531 extends from the second extension 532 to a position above the strings 3 (in the positive direction of the Z axis). The extension direction (vibration direction) of the first extension 531 is preferably aligned with the arrangement direction (Z axis direction) of the soundboard 2, bridge 4, and strings 3.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment further includes a tensioner 54 .

[0034] The tensioning portion 54 is arranged at the second extension portion 532 as it moves toward the first direction (in the longitudinal direction of the string 3) Figure 1 In the negative direction of the X axis), the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the string 3 is increased, and the opposite direction of the first direction (in the negative direction of the X axis) is Figure 1 In other words, the tensioning unit 54 tensions the second extension 532 in a direction that reduces the spacing of the gap 7. Specifically, the tensioning unit 54 tensions the portion of the first extension 531 that is away from the second extension 532 (particularly, the portion above the string 3) in the aforementioned direction.

[0035] The tensioner 54 of this embodiment is an elastic body that elastically expands and contracts in a linear direction and is provided between the first extension portion 531 and a pin provided on the piano 1 for hooking the strings 3. The tensioner 54, which is an elastic body, may be, for example, a coil spring, but in this embodiment, it is a rubber cord that easily suppresses interference with the strings 3.

[0036] In this embodiment, with the second extension 532 positioned in the first gap 7A on the opposite side of the pitch pin 61 relative to the top surface 41 of the bridge 4 in the longitudinal direction of the string 3, the tensioning portion 54 is positioned between the first extension 531 and the pitch pin 61. This allows the elastic force of the tensioning portion 54 to tension the second extension 532 in a direction that reduces the distance between the first gap 7A. By hooking the tensioning portion 54 on the pitch pin 61 located near the bridge 4, the length of the tensioning portion 54 can be minimized.

[0037] Next, the main reference Figures 4-6 An example of a method of sandwiching the mounting portion 53 of the piano actuator 5 according to this embodiment between the bridge 4 and the strings 3 will be described.

[0038] First, if Figure 4As shown, the piano actuator 5 is arranged such that the first extension portion 531 extends downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the vibrating body 52, and the second extension portion 532 extends in the longitudinal direction of the strings 3. In this configuration, the width direction of the second extension portion 532, whose width dimension W1 is smaller than the distance D1 between two strings 3, is oriented in the direction in which the strings 3 are arranged (in the X-axis direction). This allows the second extension portion 532 to pass between two adjacent strings 3 and move downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) relative to the strings 3.

[0039] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , the mounting portion 53 is rotated 90 degrees with the extension direction of the first extension portion 531 as an axis.

[0040] Finally, if Figure 6 As shown, the pair of second extensions 532 are inserted into the gaps 7 (first gaps 7A) between the strings 3 and the inclined surfaces 42 of the bridge 4. Thus, the second extensions 532 can be sandwiched between the strings 3 and the bridge 4.

[0041] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown, when the mounting portion 53 of the piano actuator 5 is sandwiched between the bridge 4 and the strings 3, the mounting portion 53 (particularly, the second extension 532) presses against the bridge 4. Consequently, the piano actuator 5 can vibrate the bridge 4. Furthermore, the vibration of the bridge 4 is transmitted to the soundboard 2, causing the soundboard 2 to vibrate. In the piano 1 of this embodiment, in which the piano actuator 5 vibrates the bridge 4, the sound generation structure achieved by the piano actuator 5 is closer to that of a conventional piano, in which the bridge is vibrated by the vibration of the strings, compared to a case in which the piano actuator 5 directly vibrates the soundboard 2. Consequently, a more piano-like sound can be produced. In particular, the vibration direction of the vibrating body 52 (the extension direction of the first extension 531) is aligned with the main vibration direction of the strings 3, thereby making the sound generation structure achieved by the piano actuator 5 closer to that achieved by the vibration of the strings.

[0042] As described above, according to the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment, the piano actuator 5 can be easily mounted on the piano 1 simply by interposing the mounting portion 53 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Therefore, the piano actuator 5 can be mounted on the piano 1 without having to perform any processing on the piano 1 or adhesively bond the piano actuator 5 to the piano 1. Furthermore, the piano actuator 5 can be easily removed from the piano 1 simply by removing the mounting portion 53 from between the bridge 4 and the strings 3 of the piano 1.

[0043] That is, the piano actuator 5 can be easily attached to and detached from the piano 1 without any processing or use of adhesive.

[0044] Furthermore, the mounting portion 53 of the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment includes a first extension portion 531 extending from the vibrating body 52 in the vibration direction; and a second extension portion 532 extending from the front end of the first extension portion 531 in a direction intersecting the vibration direction, interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Therefore, with the second extension portion 532 interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3, the first extension portion 531 can be extended in the direction in which the bridge 4 and the strings 3 are aligned (the direction in which the bridge 4 and the strings 3 are aligned). This allows the main body 51 and the vibrating body 52 to be positioned away from the strings 3 in the direction in which the bridge 4 and the strings 3 are aligned. Consequently, interference between the main body 51 and the vibrating body 52 of the piano actuator 5 and the strings 3 and the bridge 4 can be prevented.

[0045] Furthermore, in the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment, a pair of second extensions 532 extend from the front end of the first extension 531 in opposite directions. This allows the pair of second extensions 532 to be sandwiched between the bridge 4 and two strings 3. Consequently, compared to a case where a single second extension 532 is sandwiched between the bridge 4 and a single string 3, the force exerted by the tension of the string 3 on the second extension 532 toward the bridge 4 is greater. Consequently, the second extension 532 can be more securely held against the bridge 4.

[0046] Furthermore, since the first extension portion 531 is located between the pair of second extension portions 532 interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3 , the piano actuator 5 can be stably attached to the piano 1 .

[0047] Furthermore, in the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment, the thickness dimension T1 of the second extension portion 532, which is interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3 and gradually increases in the first direction (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) along the longitudinal direction of the strings 3 (e.g., the first gap 7A), is smaller than the maximum dimension D2 of the gap 7. This allows the second extension portion 532 to be easily and reliably inserted into the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. This allows the second extension portion 532 to be easily and reliably interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3.

[0048] Furthermore, the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment includes a tensioning portion 54 that tensions the second extension portion 532 in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) while the second extension portion 532 is positioned in the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Thus, the second extension portion 532 is tensioned by the tensioning portion 54 in a direction that reduces the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3. This maintains the second extension portion 532 sandwiched between the bridge 4 and the strings 3, preventing the second extension portion 532 from escaping from the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3.

[0049] In the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment, the tensioning portion 54 tensions the portion of the first extension portion 531 that is away from the second extension portion 532 in the opposite direction (X-axis positive direction). Therefore, the piano actuator 5 can be prevented from rotating (swinging) relative to the piano 1 about the extension direction of the second extension portion 532. In particular, it can be prevented from rotating (swinging) relative to the piano 1. Figure 1 The piano actuator 5 rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the direction shown. This allows the piano actuator 5 to be stably mounted relative to the piano 1. That is, the piano actuator 5 can be held in a predetermined position without securing the main body 51 of the piano actuator 5 to the frame of the piano 1 (e.g., the frame 6, side panels, pillars, etc.). This eliminates the need to secure the main body 51 of the piano actuator 5 to the frame of the piano 1, making it easier to attach and detach the piano actuator 5.

[0050] In the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment, the second extension portion 532 has a size (width W1) that can pass between two adjacent strings 3. Figures 4-6 As shown, after the second extension portion 532 passes between the two strings 3 , the mounting portion 53 is rotated 90 degrees about the extension direction of the first extension portion 531 , thereby easily inserting the second extension portion 532 into the gap 7 between the bridge 4 and the strings 3 .

[0051] Furthermore, in the piano actuator 5 of this embodiment, the second extension portion 532 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, when the second extension portion 532 is interposed between the bridge 4 and the strings 3, the outer peripheral surface of the second extension portion 532 contacts the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Therefore, compared to a case where the second extension portion 532 is formed in a prismatic shape, damage to the bridge 4 and the strings 3 due to the second extension portion 532 can be suppressed.

[0052] As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Various changes can be added in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

[0053] In the present invention, the piano actuator 5 is, for example, Figure 7 As shown, a buffer member 55 may be provided to cover the surface of the mounting portion 53 that is opposite to the bridge 4 and the strings 3. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the buffer member 55 covers the outer peripheral surface of the second extension portion 532 relative to the bridge 4 and the strings 3. The buffer member 55 can also be made of a material that is softer and more easily deformed than the bridge 4 and the strings 3, such as felt or rubber.

[0054] By interposing the buffer member 55 between the mounting portion 53 and the bridge 4 and strings 3, it is possible to prevent the mounting portion 53 from contacting and damaging the bridge 4 and strings 3. That is, the bridge 4 and strings 3 can be protected.

[0055] In the present invention, the tensioning portion 54 is not limited to being provided between the first extension portion 531 and the pitch pin 61, but may be provided between the first extension portion 531 and the tuning pin or the bridge nail 43. For example, in the above embodiment, the second extension portion 532 of the piano actuator 5 is provided in the second gap 7B (see FIG. 1 ) on the pitch pin 61 side relative to the top surface 41 of the bridge 4 in the longitudinal direction of the strings 3. Figure 1 ), the tensioning portion 54 may also be arranged between the first extension portion 531 and the tuning pin.

[0056] In the present invention, the main body 51 of the piano actuator 5 may be fixed to the frame of the piano 1 , for example.

[0057] In the present invention, multiple piano actuators 5 may be provided on the same piano 1. In this case, the piano actuators 5 may be provided for, for example, multiple strings 3 having different pitch ranges. Furthermore, the piano actuators 5 may be provided for, for example, the strings 3 corresponding to the bass, middle, and treble ranges. Furthermore, the piano actuators 5 may be provided for, for example, the long and short bridges of the piano 1. Furthermore, multiple piano actuators 5 may be provided for the same bridge 4 at different positions along the length of the bridge 4.

[0058] When the piano actuators 5 are provided in different musical ranges of the piano 1 , each piano actuator 5 may vibrate the bridge 4 based on a drive signal having characteristics corresponding to each musical range.

[0059] For example, the piano of the present invention may include a piano actuator that directly vibrates the soundboard 2 in addition to the piano actuator 5 that vibrates the bridge 4 .

[0060] The piano actuator of the present invention is not limited to a grand piano, and can also be applied to an upright piano in which the thickness direction of the soundboard 2 is substantially oriented in the horizontal direction, for example.

[0061] Description of the label

[0062] 1…piano, 2…soundboard, 3…strings, 4…bridge, 41…top surface, 42…inclined surface, 43…bridge pins, 5…piano actuator, 51…main body, 52…vibrating body, 53…mounting portion, 531…first extension portion, 532…second extension portion, 54…tensioning portion, 55…buffer, 6…frame, 61…pitch pin, 7…gap.

Claims

1. A piano actuator comprising: The mounting portion is sandwiched between the bridge and strings of the piano. the subject; and a vibrating body that vibrates in a prescribed vibration direction relative to the main body, The mounting portion includes a first extension portion extending from the vibrating body in the vibration direction, and a second extension portion extending from a front end portion of the first extension portion in a direction intersecting the vibration direction and interposed between the bridge and the strings.

2. The piano actuator according to claim 1, wherein The pair of second extension portions extend from the first extension portion in opposite directions.

3. The piano actuator according to claim 1, wherein The second extension portion is provided in a gap between the bridge and the string, where the gap between the bridge and the string increases as the gap increases toward a first direction in the longitudinal direction of the string. This piano actuator includes a tensioning portion that tensions the second extension portion in a direction opposite to the first direction in a state in which the second extension portion is arranged in the gap.

4. The piano actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second extension portion is provided in a gap between the bridge and the string, where the gap between the bridge and the string increases as the gap increases toward a first direction in the longitudinal direction of the string. A dimension of the second extension portion in the vibration direction is smaller than a maximum dimension of the gap.

5. The piano actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second extension portion has a size capable of passing between two adjacent strings.

6. The piano actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A buffer member is provided for covering a surface of the mounting portion that faces the bridge and the strings. 7 . A piano comprising the piano actuator according to claim 1 .

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