A device for enabling a turntable operating in a vertical or near-vertical position to have a means for adjusting the pressure with which the head presses against the vinyl record.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device which allows a turntable which operates in a vertical or quasi-vertical position to have a means for adjusting the force exerted by the tip of the reading head on the vinyl record. The device comprises a lever arm (7) on which a wire (6) is attached, a support arm (9), a pivot (8) which provides the pivot connection between the lever arm (7) and the support arm (9). Said device may also, according to a particular embodiment, comprise a movable weight (10) which can be moved and then immobilized on the lever arm (7). The device according to the invention, which may comprise the movable weight (10), is particularly intended for the marketing of vertical vinyl turntables. Figure for the abstract: [Fig.1]

Description

Title of the invention: Device for enabling a vinyl turntable which operates in a vertical or quasi-vertical position to benefit from a means for adjusting the pressure force of the reading head on the vinyl record.

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for enabling a vinyl record audio player (hereinafter referred to as a "turntable"), which operates in a vertical or quasi-vertical position as described in the patent whose publication number is FR3099628, to benefit from a technical means which makes it possible to adjust the pressing force exerted by the reading head on the vinyl record, via the tip of the reading head. Said turntable, which thus operates in a vertical or quasi-vertical position, is hereinafter referred to as a "vertical turntable".

[0002] Turntables are audio devices that allow you to play music recorded on a vinyl record. Turntables consist of a fixed support (hereinafter “Support”) (1) on which are positioned moving elements including a turntable (hereinafter “Turntable”) and a tonearm (hereinafter “Tonearm”). The Tonearm is articulated on two axes of rotation, one of which, hereinafter called “Axis 1” (A1), is parallel to the axis of rotation of the Turntable. The straight line that is in the extension of the second axis of rotation of the Tonearm is orthogonal to Axis 1 (A1) and is hereinafter called “Axis 2” (A2). The plane orthogonal to Axis 1 (A1) and in which Axis 2 (A2) is inscribed is hereinafter called “Plane 12”. The elements of the Turntable set in motion during its use evolve in a volume of space called “Movement Volume”.Two parts, the counterweight (hereinafter "Counterweight") (2) and the front of the arm (hereinafter "Front of the arm") (3), are distinguished on the Tonearm of the Turntable. These two parts are on either side of Axle 1 (Al). The Front of the arm (3) has a reading head while the Counterweight (2) does not. The reading head is equipped with a stylus (hereinafter "Diamond"). The Diamond follows the groove of the vinyl record rotating on the Turntable of the Turntable. The vibrations of the Diamond are transformed into an electrical signal by the reading head of the Turntable. This electrical signal is then transmitted to an amplification device to be reproduced on audio speakers in order to produce an audible sound.

[0003] The reading head of the vinyl turntable is a sensitive and fragile element. The diamond exerts a force on the vinyl record (hereinafter “Pressure on the vinyl record”). The operation of the reading head is guaranteed within a restricted range of Pressure on the vinyl record recommended by the manufacturer of the reading head. The pressure on the vinyl record is called "Optimal Pressure" when it complies with the recommendations of the head manufacturer. The Optimal Pressure can be different from one head to another. This Optimal Pressure is non-zero and less than 60 mN for most heads. If the pressure on the vinyl record is outside this Optimal Pressure range, the head is likely to be damaged, the playback quality of the Turntable is degraded and the vinyl record suffers abnormal wear. The head of the Turntable can be replaced with another equivalent or different head. When the head is replaced with a different head, the pressure on the vinyl record must be adjusted to exert an Optimal Pressure on the vinyl record.

[0004] A vertical turntable is provided with a clip (hereinafter "Counterweight Clip") (4) positioned either on the Counterweight (2) or on the Front of the arm (3) of the turntable. It is also provided with a wire (6), a lug (5) as well as a weight. The lug (5) and the wire (6) are both located either above or below the Plane 12. The wire (6) is fixed on one of its ends to the weight and on the other to the Counterweight Clip (4). The weight is suspended from the end of the wire (6). The wire (6) rests on the lug (5). The lug (5) is fixed near Axis 1 (Al) so that the wire (6) is tangent to Axis 1 (Al) when it is resting on the lug (5) and subjected to the tensile force resulting from the weight of the weight. The wire (6) transmits the tensile force exerted by the weight of the weight to the counterweight attachment (4).This force is then transmitted via the tonearm and the head to the diamond so that the latter exerts pressure on the vinyl record. The size of the weight allows for optimal pressure to be exerted on the vinyl record.

[0005] The vertical turntable according to the prior art exerts a pressure on the vinyl record which cannot be adjusted without replacing the weight with another weight of different mass. This is a disadvantage if the user or the manufacturer of the vertical turntable wishes to change the reading head (for example, without limitation, in a case which concerns the manufacturer, if the latter wishes to produce the same vertical turntable with different reading heads or, in a case which concerns the user, if the latter wishes to replace the reading head).

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to remedy this drawback of the prior art. It relates to a device mounted on a vertical turntable. This device replaces the weight present in the prior art and allows a vertical turntable to provide a means for adjusting the tensile force exerted on the wire (6), on its end attached according to the prior art to the weight, in order to produce an optimal pressure for at least one reading head.

[0007] Said device comprises a part (hereinafter "Lever arm") (7), elongated in a direction called "Axis 3" (A3), on which the wire (6) is attached, on its end attached according to the prior art to the weight, so that said wire (6) describes a straight line called "Axis 4" (A4), between its point of support on the lug (5) and its point of attachment on the Lever arm (7), when it supports, entirely or partly, the weight of the Lever arm (7).

[0008] Said device also comprises a pivot (8) fixed on the lever arm (7) so that its axis of revolution is, on the one hand, not parallel to Axis 3 (A3) and, on the other hand, orthogonal to Axis 4 (A4) and not concurrent with Axis 4 (A4) when the lever arm (7) is supported in a position such that Axis 3 (A3) is horizontal and Axis 4 (A4) is vertical.

[0009] Said device also comprises a second elongated part (9), called “Support arm” (9), sized and fixed on one of its ends on the Support (1) so that, the Axis 3 (A3) not being vertical and the wire (6) being supported on the lug (5): - the pivot (8), which is fixed on the other end of the Support Arm (9), provides the pivot connection between the Lever Arm (7) and the Support Arm (9) and has its axis of revolution oriented so that the weight of the Lever Arm (7) produces a tensile force on the wire (6) which allows the Diamond to exert Pressure on the vinyl record; and, - neither the Support Arm (9), nor the Lever Arm (7), nor the wire (6), nor the pivot (8) intersect the Movement Volume of the Turntable.

[0010] Modifying the dimensioning of the lever arm (7) makes it possible to adjust the traction force on the wire (6) and, thereby, the pressure on the vinyl record (those skilled in the art will understand that this modification of the lever arm (7) can be obtained by adjusting, indiscriminately or jointly, the mass of the lever arm (7), the length of the lever arm (7), the placement of the pivot (8) on the lever arm (7), the placement of the attachment point of the wire (6) on the lever arm (7); those skilled in the art will also understand that adjusting the placement of the attachment point of the wire (6) on the lever arm (7) or the placement of the pivot (8) on the lever arm (7) does not require them to replace a part of the vertical turntable).

[0011] According to particular embodiments: - the dimensioning of the lever arm (7) of said device can be adjusted so that the traction force applied to the wire (6) produces an optimal pressure for at least one reading head, - said device may also comprise a movable weight (10), called “Movable Weight” (10), which can be moved and then immobilized on the Lever Arm (7); said Movable Weight (10) not intersecting the Volume of movement of the Turntable; the dimensioning of the Movable Weight (10) and the sizing of the Lever Arm (7) allowing the user to place the mass of the Movable Weight (10) on the Lever Arm (7) so that the tensile force applied to the wire (6) produces an optimal Pressure for at least one reading head (a person skilled in the art will understand that the Movable Weight (10) can be immobilized on the Lever Arm (7) by, for example without limitation, friction, a screw, a rack; a person skilled in the art will also understand that the movement of the Movable Weight (10) on the Lever Arm (7) can be made possible by, for example without limitation, gripping, sliding, a screw, a rack coupled to a set of pinions), - the movable weight (10), as shown in the drawing [Fig.3], may have an opening which allows it not to obstruct the wire (6) when it is placed on the lever arm (7) near the wire (6), - the mobile weight (10) can itself be composed of several masses, mobile and disjointed, placed on the lever arm (7), - the lever arm (7) may comprise one or more non-rectilinear portions (angled or curved) to, for example, allow the device not to intersect the volume of movement of the vinyl turntable, - the support arm (9) may comprise one or more non-rectilinear portions (angled or curved) to, for example, allow the device not to intersect the volume of movement of the vinyl turntable, - the lever arm (7) may, for aesthetic reasons, have one or more projecting parts of any shape, - the support arm (9) may, for aesthetic reasons, have one or more projecting parts of any shape, - the movable weight (10) can slide on the lever arm (7) during its movement on the lever arm (7), - the axis of revolution of the pivot (8) can be oriented horizontally, - Axis 3 (A3) can be oriented horizontally.

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. - The drawing [Fig.l] represents a front view, along Axis 1 (A1), of the device of the invention, provided with the movable weight (10), arranged on the vertical turntable. The vertical turntable is shown with the front of the arm (3) directed downwards when the tonearm is immobilized and stored. The drawing [Fig.l] illustrates, among others, Axis 2 (A2), Axis 3 (A3) and Axis 4 (A4). In this figure, the support arm (9) is hidden by the lever arm (7). The axis of revolution of the pivot (8) is horizontal; Axis 3 (A3) is illustrated and is horizontal. - The drawing [Fig.2] represents a side view of the device of the invention, provided with the movable weight (10), arranged on the vertical turntable. The vertical turntable is shown with the front of the arm (3) directed downwards when the tonearm is immobilized and stored. The view is shown along an axis (hereinafter "side view axis") orthogonal to Axis 1 (A1) and to the vertical line (line which, in the drawing [Fig.2], runs along the tonearm, close to Axis 1 (A1), when the tonearm is immobilized and stored). The drawing [Fig.2] illustrates, among other things, Axis 1 (A1). The axis of revolution of the pivot (8) is horizontal; Axis 3 (A3) is illustrated and is horizontal. - The drawing [Fig.3] represents a detailed view, from the side, along the Axis of side view of a particular embodiment of the invention. Illustrated in this figure: the lever arm (7), the movable weight (10), the end of the wire (6) fixed on the lever arm (7), the pivot (8) and the end of the support arm (9) on which the pivot (8) is fixed. According to this embodiment, the movable weight (10) has an opening which allows it not to obstruct the wire (6) when it is placed on the lever arm (7), close to the wire (6). The axis of revolution of the pivot (8) is horizontal.

[0013] Drawings [Fig.l] and [Fig.2] illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention and show the Support (1) and a portion of the Tone Arm of a Vertical Turntable on which the device according to the invention, comprising the Movable Weight (10), has been substituted for the weight present in the prior art. Said Vertical Turntable is illustrated as being arranged vertically with the Front of the arm (3) directed downwards and the Counterweight (2) upwards when the turntable is switched off and when the Tone Arm is immobilized and stored. Said Vertical Turntable comprises a Counterweight Attachment (4) positioned on the Counterweight (2) and also a lug (5). The device comprises a Support Arm (9) which is rectilinear as well as a Lever Arm (7), also rectilinear and on which the wire (6) is attached, on its end attached according to the prior art to the weight.The wire (6) describes a straight line called "Axis 4" (A4) between its support point on the lug (5) and its attachment point on the Lever Arm (7). The pivot (8) is fixed on the Lever Arm (7), at a distance from the attachment point of the wire (6) on the Lever Arm (7); its axis of revolution is, on the one hand, orthogonal to Axis 3 (A3) and, on the other hand, orthogonal to Axis 4 (A4) and not concurrent with Axis 4 (A4) when, as illustrated, the Lever Arm (7) is supported in a position such that Axis 3 (A3) is horizontal and Axis 4 (A4) is vertical. The movable weight (10) is placed on the Lever Arm (7) and slides on the latter. The support arm (9) is sized and fixed on one of its ends on the Support (1) so that, Axis 3 (A3) being horizontal and the wire (6) being supported. on the lug (5), on the one hand, the pivot (8), which is fixed on the other end of the Support Arm (9), makes the pivot connection between the Lever Arm (7) and the Support Arm (9) and has its axis of revolution horizontal so that the weight of the Lever Arm (7) provided with the Movable Weight (10) produces a tensile force on the wire (6) which allows the Diamond to exert Pressure on the vinyl record and, on the other hand, neither the Support Arm (9), nor the Lever Arm (7), nor the pivot (8), nor the wire (6), nor the Movable Weight (10) intersect the Volume of movement of the Turntable. The user can move the Movable Weight (10) on the Lever Arm (7). After being moved, the Movable Weight (10) remains in position on the Lever Arm (7), by friction with the latter.Moving the Movable Weight (10) allows the user to adjust the pulling force applied to the wire (6), at the point where the wire (6) is attached to the Lever Arm (7), so that the force exerted by the Diamond on the vinyl record is changed. The sizing of the Movable Weight (10) and the sizing of the Lever Arm (7) allow the user to place the mass of the Movable Weight (10) on the Lever Arm (7) to obtain an optimal Pressure for at least one reading head.

[0014] The device according to the invention, which may include the mobile weight (10), is particularly intended for the marketing of vertical vinyl turntables. List of reference signs

[0015] - 1: Support - 2: Counterweight - 3: Front of the arm - 4: Counterweight attachment - 5: spur 6: thread - 7 : Lever arm - 8 : pivot - 9 : Support Arm - 10 : Masselotte mobile - Go: Axis 1 - A2 : Axis 2 - A3 : Axis 3 - A4 : Axis 4

Claims

1. Claims Device for enabling a vinyl record audio player called a “Turntable”, which operates in a vertical or quasi-vertical position by being provided with a clip (4), called a “Counterweight Clip” (4), positioned either on the counterweight (2) of the Turntable, called a “Counterweight” (2), or on the front of the arm (3) of the Turntable, called a “Front of the arm” (3), a wire (6), a lug (5) and a weight, to benefit from a technical means which makes it possible to adjust the pressure exerted by the reading head on the vinyl record via the tip of the reading head; said Turntable, which thus operates in a vertical or quasi-vertical position, being hereinafter called a “Vertical Turntable”; the Turntable being made up of a fixed support, called “Support” (1), on which are positioned mobile elements including a rotating platter, called “Turntable platter” and a tone arm, called “Tone arm”;the Tonearm being articulated on two axes of rotation, one of which, called "Axis 1" (Al), is parallel to the axis of rotation of the Turntable; two parts, the Counterweight (2) and the Front of the arm (3) being distinguished on the Tonearm of the Turntable; these two parts being on either side of Axis 1 (Al); the Front of the arm (3) having a reading head while the Counterweight (2) does not have one; the elements of the Turntable set in motion during its use evolving in a volume of space called "Movement Volume"; the reading head being equipped with a point called "Diamond"; the Diamond exerting a force on the vinyl record called "Pressure on the vinyl record"; the Pressure on the vinyl record being non-zero, less than 60 mN and called "Optimal Pressure" when it complies with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the reading head; the wire (6) of the vertical plate resting on the lug (5);the wire (6) being fixed on one of its ends to the weight and on the other to the counterweight attachment (4); the weight being suspended at the end of the wire (6); the lug (5) being fixed close to Axis 1 (Al) so that the wire (6) is tangent to Axis 1 (Al) when it is resting on the lug (5) and subjected to the tensile force resulting from the weight of the weight; the wire (6) transmitting the tensile force exerted by the weight of the weight to the counterweight attachment (4); this force;

2.

3. then being transmitted via the reading arm and the reading head to the Diamond so that the latter exerts Pressure on the vinyl record; said device being characterized in that it replaces the weight and comprises: - a part (7), called "Lever arm" (7), elongated in a direction called "Axis 3" (A3), on which the wire (6) is attached, on its end initially attached to the weight, so that said wire (6) describes a straight line called "Axis 4" (A4), between its support point on the lug (5) and its attachment point on the Lever arm (7), when it supports, entirely or partly, the weight of the Lever arm (7); - a pivot (8) fixed on the lever arm (7) so that its axis of revolution is, on the one hand, not parallel to Axis 3 (A3) and, on the other hand, orthogonal to Axis 4 (A4) and not concurrent with Axis 4 (A4) when the lever arm (7) is supported in a position such that Axis 3 (A3) is horizontal and Axis 4 (A4) is vertical; - a second elongated part (9), called "Support Arm" (9), sized and fixed, on one of its ends, on the Support (1) so that, the Axis 3 (A3) not being vertical and the wire (6) being supported on the lug (5), on the one hand, the pivot (8), which is fixed on the other end of the Support Arm (9), makes the pivot connection between the Lever Arm (7) and the Support Arm (9) and has its axis of revolution oriented so that the weight of the Lever Arm (7) produces a tensile force on the wire (6) which allows the Diamond to exert Pressure on the vinyl record and, on the other hand, neither the Support Arm (9), nor the Lever Arm (7), nor the wire (6), nor the pivot (8) intersect the Volume of movement of the Turntable. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the lever arm (7) exerts a traction force applied to the wire (6) which produces an optimal pressure for at least one reading head. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a movable weight (10), called "Movable Weight" (10), which can be moved then immobilized on the lever arm (7); said Movable Weight (10) not intersecting the movement volume of the vinyl turntable; the user being able to place the mass of the Movable Weight (10) on the lever arm (7) so that the traction force applied to the wire (6) produces an optimal pressure for at least one reading head.

4. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the movable weight (10) has an opening which allows it not to obstruct the wire (6) when it is placed on the lever arm (7) near the wire (6).

5. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the mobile weight (10) is itself composed of several masses, mobile and disjointed, placed on the lever arm (7).

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 characterized in that the movable weight (10) slides on the lever arm (7) during its movement on the lever arm (7).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of revolution of the pivot (8) is horizontal.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Axis 3 (A3) is horizontal.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever arm (7) comprises one or more non-rectilinear portions.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (9) comprises one or more non-rectilinear portions.

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