Impedance variator for a wind instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to an impedance variator (1) for suppressing the spurious harmonics of a musical wind instrument, the impedance variator (1) comprising at least one permanent magnet (2), a brass tube (3) intended to surround a substantially tubular or cylindrical portion of the wind instrument, and a means for fastening the tube (3) onto said portion of the wind instrument.

Description

Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a impedance converter for an instrument wind.

[0002] It concerns the technical field impedance-varying devices whose function is to limit non-harmonic sounds, in other words to eliminate unwanted harmonics. The present invention also relates to a wind instrument including such a impedance converter, more particularly the impedance converter according to the invention is in particular, but not exclusively, designed for a trumpet or cornet. State of the art.

[0003] When crafting a wind instrument, the luthier focuses on the instrument's intonation, tone, and playability. This results in an impedance, but of course, each musician plays the same wind instrument differently. For example, in addition to technique, each musician has a different breath, so unwanted overtones are likely to occur with certain instruments. musicians and no others for the same instrument. An impedance converter will thus allowing its unwanted harmonics to be limited by being placed on a precise portion of the instrument.

[0004] Impedance variators such as the following are known in the prior art: the "Variospec": This impedance converter is no longer in use, but it required modification of the instrument involving drilling and Welding. The "Lefreque" system: this impedance converter is used for wind instruments, but it features a very large number of different materials that the musician must choose to obtain the desired sound. Furthermore, this variator d'imp dance includes the assembly of two plates one to the other with elastic bracelets, which is complex and visually unappealing.

[0005] In the state of the art, we also know the document US 10013958 which describes An impedance converter for a saxophone. This impedance converter is attached between two branches of the saxophone and comprises a complex assembly of round and circular pieces stacked on top of each other.

[0006] US patent 8283541 describes a ligature for woodwind instruments designed to reduce interfering vibration frequencies. This ligature consists of a flexible brass band, but the device does not include a permanent magnet. Furthermore, this ligature must be attached to the mouthpiece of the wind instrument.

[0007] We are also familiar with document US 7220903, which discloses an assembly for a wind instrument mouthpiece in which a retention plate has The tabs conform to the shape of the grooves on the beak. This plate is adjustable by screwing to apply variable pressure to the base of the blade.

[0008] Finally, we are familiar with documents US 7220903, US 8217248, US 5644095, JP 5400241, US 9721546, and US 4428271, but all the solutions presented in these documents are ineffective, unattractive, often complex, not very durable, impractical to install / mount, and / or difficult to calibrate. Document US 8217248 can be considered the document closest to the state of the technical.

[0009] The invention aims to remedy this state of affairs.

[0010] In In particular, one objective of the invention is to offer a dimmer easy-to-install impedance matching on the wind instrument and very effective for reduce or even eliminate non-harmonic sounds.

[0011] A key objective is to offer a simple dimmer, with few parts or components.

[0012] A complementary objective is to propose a low impedance variator expensive. Presentation of the invention.

[0013] This was thus observed by the plaintiff, after various experiments and manipulations, that he It is particularly interesting to create a variable speed drive. impedance in the form of a brass tube enclosing a tubular portion or cylindrical of the wind instrument (excluding the mouthpiece), said impedance variator being by elsewhere endowed of at least one permanent magnet.

[0014] The solution proposed by the invention is a dimmer impedance to limit Or To eliminate unwanted harmonics from a wind instrument, the impedance converter must include at least one magnet. permanent.

[0015] The impedance variator is remarkable in that it includes the variator impedance includes a brass tube intended to surround a portion substantially tubular or cylindrical of the wind instrument and in that the impedance variator includes a means of fixing the tube onto said portion of the wind instrument, in which the fastening means comprises a plurality of worm screws each penetrating through the tube, the inner end of each worm screw coming against the external surface of the portion of the instrument to wind, the penetration length of each screw-less- end inside the tube beingadjustable, in which the worm gears are distributed or arranged on the circumference of the tube, forming an angle between them of between 100° and 140°.

[0016] The expression " essentially tubular or cylindrical” in connection with a portion of the wind instrument the fact that this portion presents a tubular or cylindrical section, or even substantially as such, that's to say that can be registered this section between two tubes of different diameters or two cylinders of different diameters.

[0017] Thanks to the impedance variator according to the invention, harmonics are eliminated. parasites through simple assembly and adjustment, optimal from the point of view of the result and generally, the final result is -that is, which requires no further adjustments.

[0018] A remarkable effect of the device according to the invention lies in the sound timbre which is improved in a particularly significant way.

[0019] Furthermore, this impedance converter integrates perfectly with the instrument. wind and is visually difficult to detect.

[0020] Furthermore, this impedance variator is very easy to disassemble and quickly, especially to transfer it to another wind instrument, the brass being of a color very close to the color of the wind instrument.

[0021] It should be noted here that tests measuring the impedance at the instrument's output Wind tunnel tests have been carried out and show a very significant improvement in this output impedance; in other words, unwanted noise is effectively eliminated. The result is a round, full, powerful sound, making it easier for the instrumentalist to play across the entire range of the instrument.

[0022] Thus, the impedance variator, also dubbed a "booster" due to its effect on the sound timbre, it was tested at the Cité de la Musique in Marseille and demonstrated exceptional qualities. In particular, the perception of the suppression of unwanted harmonic frequencies is immediate, and the dimmer The impedance or booster according to the invention facilitates the precision of note attacks. Furthermore, the sound is rounded and access to the bass and treble registers is greatly improved. ease.

[0023] The impedance converter or booster was also tested, in in particular on trombones, trumpets, and flutes, with musicians from the Toulon Opera and the Ad Libitum quintet. The results and feelings are identical; it's -that is to say, excellent like those of the Cité de la Musique.

[0024] Similarly, many professionals have carried out very successful tests on saxophones.

[0025] It is worth noting in particular the general feeling among musicians and listeners is that setting the air column into vibration requires less breath, the timbre The sound is modified and Access to the full range of the tessitura is greatly facilitated. The removable nature of the impedance converter or booster - in other words the possibility of placing it in different locations on the instrument - allows for optimization setting.

[0026] For the sake of simplicity, the test data and their results are not presented here but are available on request.

[0027] Furthermore, the specific setting of the impedance variator belongs to each musician (or one / his instrumentalist) insofar as the latter wants a sound that is more or less bright or higher or lower, or a clearer or, on the contrary, darker sound. To achieve this, the impedance variator will be placed in different locations on the instrument and mounted more or less tightly against it. a wall of the instrument.

[0028] Other advantageous features of the device that is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the notable characteristics defined above. Each of these characteristics contributes, where applicable, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the notable characteristics defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may be subject, where applicable, to a or several divisional patent applications:

[0029] In the following, the terms "internal" and "external" are used to refer to a face, a side, an element etc. located inside or directed towards the inside interior of the brass tube and the external term to designate face, side, element etc. located outside or directed outwards from the brass tube.

[0030] Advantageously, the brass tube has a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably a thickness of 2 mm.

[0031] According to the invention, The fastening method comprises a plurality of worm screws, each penetrating through the tube. the inner end of each screw -endless, coming to rest against the external surface of the portion of the wind instrument, the penetration length of each screw -without end inside the tube being adjustable.

[0032] In A method of execution, advantageously, The fastening means further includes at least one brass adjustment knob, attached to the outer end of a screw -worm gear, for adjusting the depth of penetration of the worm gear into the tube. This or these worm gears, also called adjusting screws, come into contact with the walls of the portion of the wind instrument.

[0033] Preferably, each worm gear has a brass adjustment knob at its outer end.

[0034] According to the invention, the worm screws are distributed or arranged on the circumference of the tube, forming an angle between them of between 100° and 140°, preferably an angle of 120°.

[0035] Advantageously, the worm gears are made of a non-metallic material, advantageously nylon.

[0036] Preferably The permanent magnet is fixed to the brass tube, on the outside. said tube.

[0037] Furthermore, it is possible to consider that the The impedance converter according to the invention comprises a plurality of permanent magnets, distributed symmetrically all around the circumference of the brass tube.

[0038] Advantageously, the inner diameter of the brass tube is between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 18 mm and 22 mm, while the length of the tube is between 15 mm and 35 mm.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one brass spar, preferably a plurality, of spar(s) are fixed to the external surface of the brass tube, advantageously these longitudinal members extend along the length of the tube.

[0040] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the external surface of the brass tube, possibly the external surface of the spar(s) as well as possibly the external surface of the adjustment knob(s) is / are varnished or platinum-plated or silver- or gold-plated, advantageously the silver or gold plating with a thickness of 6 microns.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the permanent magnet exhibits a outer diameter between 8 and 12 mm, preferably 10 mm, and a thickness between 1 and 5 mm, preferably 3 mm.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a wind instrument, preferably consisting of a saxophone, a clarinet or a flute, having a fixed around a roughly tubular or cylindrical portion of wall a variator of impedance as described previously.

[0043] The saxophone can advantageously consist of an alto, tenor or baritone saxophone.

[0044] Advantageously, the said instrument includes a mouthpiece and a variator impedance is fixed at a distance of the beak between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm, preferably at a distance from the beak between 1 cm and 3 cm. Brief description of the figures.

[0045] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, in reference to the attached drawings, produced as indicative examples and non-exhaustive list and on which: [ Fig. 1 ] East a schematic representation of an embodiment of an impedance variator according to the invention. [ Fig. 2 ] East a top view of the impedance variator shown on the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] is an exploded front view showing all the components of the impedance variator figures 1 and 2 . [ Fig. 4 ] is an exploded view at an angle showing the whole component elements the impedance variator of the figures 1 and 2 . [ Fig. 5 ] East a schematic representation of another embodiment of an impedance variator according to the invention. [ Fig. 6 ] East an exploded view at an angle showing all the components of the impedance variator of the figure 5 . [ Fig. 7 ] is a schematic view of a saxophone alto on which a variator impedance according to the invention is mounted or fixed. [ Fig. 8 ] is a view schematic of a clarinet on which an impedance variator according to the invention is mounted or fixed. Description of the implementation methods,

[0046] THE impedance variator 1 according to the invention includes, as an element essential, at least one permanent magnet 2 Thusthan a brass tube 3 - also referred to as a brass ring - intended to surround a portion substantially tubular or cylindrical shape of the wind instrument.

[0047] A means of fixing 5, 6 the brass tube 3 onto said portion of the instrument Wind is necessary to be able to to fix the impedance variator 1 according to the invention onto a portion of a wind instrument, but this fixing method 5, 6 does not cooperate with the other elements 2, 3 to achieve the primary purpose of the variator impedance 1, namely, to eliminate unwanted sounds.

[0048] The fastening means 5, 6 comprises a plurality of worm screws 5 - also designated by the expression " "Set screw" or "tightening screw" - penetrating dedicated orifices in the brass tube 3 to come into contact and support against the outer surface of the instrument portion wind. The fastening means 5, 6 further includes at least one adjustment knob 6 for tightening the worm screws so that they bear against the portion of the instrument and locks the position of the impedance variator 1. Of course, it is conceivable that each of the free ends of the worm gears 5 are equipped with a dialadjustment 6 to facilitate the positioning and locking of the worm screws 5.

[0049] The brass tube 3 advantageously features a leather lining, or possibly another non-metallic material such as cork, arranged on its face opposite the wind instrument. This trimming, not shown in the attached figures, its primary function is to protect the instrument with respect to the brass tube 3 but It has been observed that this trimming, particularly when in Leather contributes to improving sound quality. This trim offers advantages with a thickness of no more than one (1) millimeter, preferably less than 1 mm and according to a preferred execution choice of 0.9 mm.

[0050] Furthermore, in order for the fastening means 5, 6 to also participate to the primary effect of the impedance variator 1, namely the reduction / elimination of unwanted sounds, the 6 adjustment knob(s) is / are made of brass.

[0051] The worm screws 5 are advantageously made of a non-metallic material of so as not to damage the wind instrument and not to disrupt the impedance of exit of the instrument just like the effects of the impedance variator 1.

[0052] In the embodiment presented on the figures 1 to 4 the dimmer impedance1 comprises two longitudinal members 10 fixed to the outer circumference of the brass tube 3. These longitudinal members 10 have a parallelepiped shape along the entire longitudinal length of the brass tube 3. In this embodiment, the variator impedance 1 includes a worm gear 5 on the upper face of the variator impedance 1 while two pairs of worm gears 5 are present side-by-side, each of these pairs of worm gears 5 penetrating through the stringers 10. The distribution of the upper worm gear 5 and the two pairs of worm gears 5 consists of an angular placement of 120° to each other so that the worm gears 5 are symmetrically arranged or distributed around the circumference of the brass tube 3.

[0053] In the execution mode shown on the Figures 5 And 6The brass tube 3 is shorter and has only three worm gears 5, always arranged at an angle of 120° to each other. In this embodiment, the upper worm gear 5 always penetrates the permanent magnet 2 but the other two worm screws 5 penetrate respectively into a nut 11, advantageously made of brass.

[0054] It can be noted here that, generally speaking, the term "worm gear" corresponds to a "threaded shaft" with a constant, or almost constant, diameter over its entire length.

[0055] The permanent magnet 2 is advantageously an aim neodymium magnet. The magnet permanent 2 has an internal bore to allow a threaded shaft 5 to pass through through magnet 2.

[0056] The fastening of the elements together, in particular the fastening of the longitudinal member 10 onto the brass tube 3 and the magnet fixing manent 2 on the brass tube 3, is carried out according to methods and methods well known to those skilled in the art, by for example by welding, crimping or even by gluing; methods of fastening which can of course vary between the two types of elements mentioned above.

[0057] The tube or the ring brass 3 has a thickness between 1 mm and 3 mm (millimeters), preferably 2 mm, a length and a diameter (interior) variable depending on the wind instrument on which the dimmer of impedance 1 according to the invention. Thus, in the case of: of a saxophone tenor, the length of the brass tube is 19 mm and 19 mm in internal diameter; of an alto saxophone, The length of the brass tube is 17 mm and the internal diameter is 18 mm; of a flute, The brass tube is 33 mm long and has an internal diameter of 22 mm.

[0058] In general, the brass tube 3 has a length between 15 mm and 35 mm and an internal diameter between 15 mm and 25 mm.

[0059] The brass stringer(s) 10, when it / they is / are present, fixed on the faceouter part of the brass tube 3, has a length equal to that of the tube 3, i.e. for example 19 mm for an alto saxophone, a thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably 3 mm, and a width between 5 mm and 9 mm, preferably 7 mm.

[0060] The worm gears or threaded shafts 5 have an outer diameter adapted to the inner diameters of the brass stringers 10, and the nuts 11 or even a magnet permanent 2 into which they penetrate. The length of the worm gears or threaded shafts 5 is between 7 mm and 13 mm, preferably 10 mm and an external diameter between 3 mm and 7 mm, equal to the value of the internal diameter of the stringer(s) or nut(s).

[0061] The permanent magnet 2 is advantageously fixed to the brass tube 3 and presents, in the embodiment chosen to illustrate the invention, the The following dimensions: Internal diameter of 7 mm, external diameter of 10 mm, thickness of 3 mm.

[0062] The dimensions of the aforementioned elements – in the specific embodiment or in their more general or broad range – are advantageous for to obtain the main effect of impedance variator 1, namely the limitation or even sound elimination parasites. Of course, these dimensions are primarily important for the brass tube 3 and the permanent magnet 2 then advantageously for the brass spar 10, the adjustment knob 6 and the nut 11.

[0063] As previously mentioned, the impedance variator 1 may present a colour suitable or aesthetic in relation to the wind instrument, either in particular through varnishing or platinum plating or silver or gold plating, preferably of a thickness of 6 microns.

[0064] All the elements 2, 3, 6, 10, 11 indicated are advantageously made of brass, that is, an alloy essentially of copper and zinc in varying proportions. Preferably, all these elements 2, 3, 6, 10, 11 consist of the same brass, that is- that is to say a brass having exactly the same components in the same relative quantities.

[0065] Among the three categories of brass, namely simple brasses or binary alloys containing only copper and zinc, leaded brasses containing 1 to 3% lead by mass, and special brasses including in particular one or several of the elements chosen from tin, aluminum, arsenic, magnesium, nickel, iron, silicon, etc., brass elements in the Impedance variator according to the invention consists of simple brasses or binary alloys.

[0066] As depicted on the figure 7 , when the impedance variator according to the invention is fixed to an alto saxophone 20, tenor or baritone, consists of a brass ring 3 clamping the jar using three nylon set screws, positioned opposite each other on a 120° shim, the tightening screw(s) being equipped with a permanent magnet. The impedance variator 1 according to the invention is fixed before the nozzle 21 by passing it through the beak 21 or around the beak 21 and then fixing it beyond the latter 21.

[0067] Impedance Variator 1 is therefore mobile and can easily be moved in View of an adjustment according to the musician's or instrumentalist's preference. This adjustment allows especially to obtain a sound lighter or, on the contrary, darker.

[0068] As depicted on the figure 8 the impedance variator is mounted or fixed on a clarinet 30 in the same way as describedabove in connection with a saxophone 20. Thus, the Impedance variator 1 consists of a ring made of brass 3 clamping the clarinet barrel 30 and is positioned in front of the mouthpiece 21 and can be moved easily.

[0069] In the case of a flute, not shown in the attached figures, the dimmer impedance 1 clamps the flute head before the mouthpiece plate.

[0070] Once mounted or fixed on the wind instrument 20 or 30, the distance between the the wall of the portion of the wind instrument and the brass tube or ring is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm, and of course this distance is part of the adjustment made by the instrumentalist or musician for to achieve the desired effects.

[0071] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the attached claims.

[0072] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or stages of the invention,In the embodiments described above, this should not be interpreted as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any case, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps. In particular: the brass tube or ring 3 may include at least one part made of another material, for example to one or the other of the two longitudinal ends of the tube, the chosen material being advantageously easy to bond with brass, for example copper, tin, nickel, chromium or magnesium or a mixture of these materials; the implementation of the adjustment means 5, 6 may consist of an assembly different mechanical elements or electromechanical means such as for example a screw-without-without powered by an electric motor; the permanent magnet 2 may consist of any other ferromagnetic material that a neodymium magnet, it being understood that the impedance variator 1 according to the invention may have a plurality of permanent magnets 2, possibly or advantageously of different dimensions.

[0073] The use of the verb "comporter", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

[0074] In claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

1. Impedance variator (1) for limiting or eliminating the parasitic harmonics of a wind musical instrument, the impedance variator (1) including at least one permanent magnet (2), wherein the impedance variator (1) comprises a brass tube (3) intended to surround a substantially tubular or cylindrical portion of the wind instrument and the impedance variator (1) comprises a means for fastening the tube (3) to said portion of the wind instrument, characterised in that the fastening means includes a plurality of worms (5) each penetrating through the tube (3), the inner end of each worm (5) bearing against the outer surface of the portion of the wind instrument, the penetration length of each worm (5) within the tube (3) being adjustable, and in that the worms (5) are distributed or disposed over the circumference of the tube (3) forming between them an angle of between 100° and 140°.

2. Impedance variator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the brass tube (3) has a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably a thickness of 2 mm.

3. Impedance variator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the worms (5) are distributed or disposed on the circumference of the tube (3) forming an angle of 120° to each other.

4. Impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means further comprises at least one brass adjusting wheel (6), attached to the outer end of a worm (5), for adjusting the length of penetration of the worm (5) into the tube.

5. Impedance variator (1) according to claim 4, wherein each worm (5) includes at its outer end a brass adjusting wheel (6).

6. Impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the worms (5) are made of a non-metallic material, advantageously nylon.

7. Impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet (2) is attached to the brass tube (3), outside said tube (3).

8. Impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inside diameter of the brass tube (3) is between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 18 mm and 22 mm, while the length of the tube (3) is between 15 mm and 35 mm.

9. Impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one longitudinal member (10), preferably a plurality of brass longitudinal member(s) (10), are attached to the outer surface of the brass tube (3), advantageously this or these longitudinal member or members (10) extends or extend in the direction of the length of the tube (3).

10. Impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the brass tube (3), possibly the outer surface of the longitudinal member or members (10) as well as possibly the outer surface of the of the adjusting wheel or wheels (6), is or are varnished or platinised or plated with silver or gold, advantageously silver or gold plating having a thickness of 6 microns.

11. Impedance variator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet (2) has an outside diameter of between 8 and 12 mm, preferably 10 mm, and a thickness of between 1 and 5 mm, preferably 3 mm.

12. Wind instrument, preferably consisting of a saxophone (20), a clarinet (30) or a flute, having an impedance variator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims attached around a substantially tubular or cylindrical wall portion.

13. Wind instrument according to claim 12, wherein said instrument includes a nose (21) and the impedance variator (1) is attached at a distance from the nose (21) of between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm, preferably at a distance from the nose (21) of between 1 cm and 3 cm.

Images