Scale adjustment mechanism and harp

Abstract

This invention provides a scale adjustment control mechanism and a harp that improve the operability of adjusting the pitch of a harp. [Solution] The scale adjustment mechanism 20 for adjusting the pitch of a harp in which a string 15 is stretched between a first support point 17 located on the arm 10 and a second support point 18 located on the soundboard 12 has first string pressing members 201N, 201S and second string pressing members 202N, 202S arranged on either side of the string 15, and between the first support point 17 and the second support point 18, there are tone adjustment parts 200N, 200S located on the arm 110 and the first string pressing member 2 The harp comprises a power unit 21 that drives the first string press members 201N, 201S and / or the second string press members 202N, 202S relative to the string, and in response to the first string press members 201N, 201S and / or the second string press members 202N, 202S being driven, the first string press members 201N, 201S and the second string press members 202N, 202S come into contact with the string 15 between the first pivot point 17 and the second pivot point 18, thereby adjusting the pitch of the harp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scale adjustment mechanism and a harp provided with the scale adjustment mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Harps mainly include large grand harps and small Irish harps. The grand harp (also called the pedal harp) is a large musical instrument mainly used in orchestras. By pressing the strings associated with it using seven pedals provided at the lower part of the instrument, the scale can be adjusted in three steps (sharp, natural, flat). The seven pedals for adjusting the scale are designed for power transmission, so they are ergonomically inefficient, and also require a considerable amount of force to move in order to change the same sound simultaneously across octaves. Therefore, there are difficulties in the operability of adjusting the scale using the pedals.

[0003] Also, the Irish harp (also called the lever harp) adjusts the scale in two steps (sharp and natural, or natural and flat) by pressing the strings using levers provided on each string. Therefore, compared to the grand harp, there are fewer steps in which the scale can be changed, and since each lever is independent, the left hand is restricted during lever operation. Therefore, there are also difficulties in the operability of adjusting the scale using the levers. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a pedal harp provided with a new mechanism that can perform a semitone operation with one touch using pedals has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although the mechanism for adjusting the pitch in Patent Document 1 differs from that of a conventional harp, the fact that the pedal transmits power to the mechanism is the same, and therefore it does not eliminate the operability of adjusting the pitch using the pedal.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a scale adjustment control mechanism and a harp that improve the operability of adjusting the scale in a harp. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A scale adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch of a harp, in which a string is stretched between a first support point located on the arm and a second support point located on the soundboard, The string has a first string-pressing member and a second string-pressing member positioned on either side of the string, and a tone adjustment section is positioned on the arm between the first and second support points, A power unit that operates when electricity is supplied and drives the first string-pressing member and / or the second string-pressing member relative to the string, Equipped with, A scale adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pitch of the harp by having the first string-pressing member and the second string-pressing member contact the string between the first and second pivot points in response to the first string-pressing member and / or the second string-pressing member being driven.

[0008] In invention (1), a first string-pressing member and a second string-pressing member, which change the length of the string to adjust the pitch, are driven by an electric power unit. This allows the performer to easily adjust the pitch.

[0009] (2) The sound adjustment unit further comprises a rotating body rotatably mounted on the arm, The first string press member and the second string press member are provided on the rotating body, The scale adjustment mechanism according to (1), wherein the power unit rotates the rotating body to drive the first string pressing member and the second string pressing member relative to the string.

[0010] In invention (2), the first string-pressing member and the second string-pressing member are mounted on a rotating body driven by a power unit. This allows the performer to easily adjust the pitch.

[0011] (3) The sound adjustment unit further comprises a rotating body rotatably mounted on the arm, The first string pressing member is provided on the rotating body, The second string-pressing member is fixed to the arm, The scale adjustment mechanism according to (1), wherein the power unit rotates the rotating body to drive the first string pressing member relative to the string.

[0012] In invention (3), fixing the second string-pressing member prevents the sound from changing depending on the position of the rotating body.

[0013] (4) The two sound adjustment units, The system further comprises a drive gear that directly and / or indirectly engages with the two sound adjustment units to transmit power, The power unit is the pitch adjustment mechanism described in (3) which rotates the drive gear.

[0014] In invention (4), the power unit can be reduced to one, and the pitch adjustment mechanism can be made lighter.

[0015] (5) It is equipped with two of the aforementioned sound adjustment units, A drive gear in which the rotating body of one syllable adjustment unit transmits power to the rotating body of another syllable adjustment unit, The power unit is the pitch adjustment mechanism described in (3) which rotates the drive gear.

[0016] In invention (5), the number of drive gears can be reduced, simplifying the sound adjustment mechanism and lowering the failure rate.

[0017] (6) (1) A harp equipped with the scale adjustment mechanism described above.

[0018] According to the invention of (6), it is possible to provide a harp having the same operational effects as the invention of (1).

Effect of the Invention

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a pitch adjustment control mechanism and a harp that improve the operability of pitch adjustment in a harp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing a part in a sectional view of a grand harp according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged perspective view of a first drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism of a grand harp according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing three states of a first drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing three states of a second drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing three states of a third drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing three states of a fourth drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a modification example of a fourth drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing three states of a fifth drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing three states of a sixth drive mechanism of a pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the shape of a second string pressing member in a sixth drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same numbers or reference numerals throughout the description of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 1 is a front view showing a portion of a grand harp according to one embodiment of the present invention, in cross-sectional view. The grand harp 1 consists of an arm 10, a soundbox 11, a soundboard 12 fixed to the soundbox 11, a brace 13, a bass 14, strings 15, switches 16, and a tone adjustment mechanism 20. In the diagram, only one switch 16 is shown, but in reality, there are seven switches, each corresponding to a note from C to B in the musical scale.

[0023] String 15 is stretched between the first support point (so-called tuning pin) 17 located on the armrest 10 and the second support point 18 located on the soundboard 12. The arm 10 is equipped with a tone adjustment mechanism 20 that tunes the string 15 by changing its length between the first support point 17 and the second support point 18. Some grand harps have bridge pins for adjusting the string 15, and if bridge pins 19 are present, the bridge pins become the first support point 17.

[0024] Here, the grand harp can produce three scales—the standard pitch, the altered pitch (a semitone lower than the standard pitch), and the sharp pitch (a semitone higher than the standard pitch)—by changing the length of the string 15 between the first support point 17 and the second support point 18 using the pitch adjustment mechanism 20. When the length of the string 15 between the first support point 17 and the second support point 18 (the length of the part of the string 15 that produces sound through vibration (the length of the string 15 between the first support point 17 or the pitch adjustment part 20 and the second support point 18), hereinafter simply referred to as "the length of the string 15") is not changed by the pitch adjustment part 20, an altered pitch is obtained. When the length of the string 15 is shortened by a semitone using the pitch adjustment mechanism 20, the standard pitch (a semitone higher than the altered pitch) is obtained. When the length of the string 15 is shortened by another semitone using the pitch adjustment part 20, the sharp pitch (a semitone higher than the standard pitch) is obtained.

[0025] In this embodiment, since three stages of tuning are performed—changed tone, normal tone, and sharp tone—the tuning mechanism 20 consists of two parts: a normal tone tuning unit 200N that shortens the length of the string 15 by a semitone, and a sharp tone tuning unit 200S that shortens the length of the string 15 by a whole tone. However, if only two stages of tuning are performed, such as changed tone and normal tone, or normal tone and sharp tone, then only one tuning unit is needed.

[0026] The tone adjustment mechanism 20 includes a power unit (not shown in Figure 1) 21 located inside the arm 10 via a through-hole provided in the arm 10. The power unit 21 is connected to the phono tone adjustment unit 200N and the phono tone adjustment unit 200S, and drives the phono tone adjustment unit 200N and the phono tone adjustment unit 200S. When one power unit 21 is connected to each of the phono tone adjustment unit 200N and the phono tone adjustment unit 200S, they are referred to as power unit 21N and 21S, respectively. When the phono tone adjustment unit 200N and the phono tone adjustment unit 200S are connected to a single power unit, they are referred to as power unit 21. The drive mechanism of the tone adjustment mechanism 20 will be described later. Furthermore, the power unit 21 is connected to the switch 16 by a transmission cable 22 that passes through the inside of the arm 10, the support column 13, and the base 14, and drives the pitch adjustment unit 200N and the sibilance adjustment unit 200S in response to electrical signals from the switch 16.

[0027] The power unit 21 operates when electricity is supplied and can drive the pitch adjustment unit 200N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S to press the string 15, and can be, for example, a motor, a solenoid, etc. If the power unit 21 is a motor, it may be either a DC motor or an AC motor. Also, if the motor has high torque, there is a possibility that the driven pitch adjustment unit 200N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S may tear the string 15, so it is desirable to control the pitch adjustment unit 200N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S using a motor with an external rotary encoder or a motor with a built-in rotary encoder.

[0028] Switch 16 is a foot-operated switch, but unlike the pedals found on conventional grand harps, it switches the electrical signal to the power unit 21. Therefore, the performer can operate it easily without requiring any force, and it can be installed in any position and in any shape. When performing three-stage tone tuning, switch 16 can be, for example, an ON-OFF-ON switch or a toggle switch, and when performing two-stage tone tuning, an ON-OFF switch or a toggle switch can be used. In this embodiment, switch 16 is a foot switch, but it may also be a switch operated by means of other than the foot, such as the hand or voice.

[0029] When the performer operates switch 16, an electrical signal indicating one of the preset tones—distorted tone, normal tone, or sharp tone—is transmitted to the power unit 21, and the power unit 21 drives the normal tone adjustment unit 200N and / or the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S according to the transmitted electrical signal.

[0030] Using Figures 2 to 10, the first to sixth drive mechanisms of the sound adjustment mechanism for a grand harp according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The drive mechanisms when a motor is used in the power unit will be described as the first to fifth drive mechanisms, and the drive mechanism when a solenoid is used in the power unit will be described as the sixth drive mechanism.

[0031] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the first drive mechanism of the sound adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in a sound-altering state. The first drive mechanism of the tone adjustment mechanism 20 consists of a tone adjustment unit 200N that changes the length of the string 15 between the first pivot point 17 and the second pivot point 18 so that a tone is obtained when the string is plucked, a sharp tone adjustment unit 200S that changes the length of the string 15 between the first pivot point 17 and the second pivot point 18 so that a sharp tone is obtained when the string is plucked, a power unit 21N connected to the tone adjustment unit 200N, and a power unit 21S connected to the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S. The tone adjustment unit 200N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S are arranged vertically, with the tone adjustment unit 200N on top.

[0032] The pitch adjustment unit 200N consists of a first string pressing member 201N and a second string pressing member 202N facing each other with the string 15 in between, a disc 203N supporting the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 202N, and a rotating shaft 204N connecting the disc 203N to the power unit 21N to rotate the disc 203N. In the figure, the disc is a circle, but it may also be an ellipse. The sharp tone adjustment unit 200S, like the standard tone adjustment unit 200N, consists of a first string pressing member 201S and a second string pressing member 202S facing each other with the string 15 in between, a disc 203S that supports the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 202S, and a rotating shaft 204S that connects the disc 203S to the power unit 21S and rotates the disc 203S.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the three tuning states of the first drive mechanism of a sound adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(a) shows the state of the first drive mechanism when the tone is altered (hereinafter referred to as the altered tone state). In the altered tone state, the length of the string 15 is not changed by the pitch adjustment unit 200N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S, so none of the first string pressing members 201N, 201S and the second string pressing members 202N, 202S of the pitch adjustment unit 200N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is not pressed.

[0034] Next, Figure 3(b) shows the state of the first drive mechanism when the articulation state is the normal tone (hereinafter referred to as the normal tone state). In the normal tone state, the length of the string 15 is changed by the normal tone adjustment unit 200N, so as shown in the figure, the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 202N of the normal tone adjustment unit 200N come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 202N.

[0035] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the normal tone state, the normal tone adjustment unit 200N is driven by the power unit 21N, while the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S is not driven by the power unit 21S. Specifically, the disc 203N of the normal tone adjustment unit 200N in the state shown in Figure 3(a) is rotated counterclockwise by the power unit 21N, causing the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 201N to contact the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 3(b).

[0036] Conversely, when the pitch is switched from the normal pitch state to the altered pitch state, only the normal pitch adjustment unit 200N is driven by the power unit 21N, and the disc 203N of the normal pitch adjustment unit 200N, in the state shown in Figure 3(b), is rotated clockwise by the power unit 21N, causing the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 202N to move away from the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 3(a).

[0037] Figure 3(c) shows the first drive mechanism in the sharp tone state. In the sharp tone state, the length of the string 15 is changed by the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S, so the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 202S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 202S.

[0038] When the tone is switched from a distorted state to a sharp tone state, the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S is driven by the power unit 21S, while the normal tone adjustment unit 200N is not driven by the power unit 21N. Specifically, the disc 203S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S in the state shown in Figure 3(a) is rotated counterclockwise by the power unit 21S, causing the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 202S to come into contact with the string 15. As a result, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 enters the state shown in Figure 3(c).

[0039] Conversely, when the tone is switched from a sharp tone state to a distorted tone state, only the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S is driven by the power unit 21S, and the disc 203S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S, in the state shown in Figure 3(c), is rotated clockwise by the power unit 21S, causing the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 202S to move away from the string 15. As a result, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 3(a).

[0040] When switching between the normal tone state and the sharp tone state, it is possible to first switch to the altered tone state shown in Figure 3(a) and then to the other state. Alternatively, the driving of the normal tone adjustment unit 200N when switching between the normal tone state and the altered tone state, and the driving of the sharp tone adjustment unit 200S when switching between the altered tone state and the sharp tone state, may be performed at the same time.

[0041] Next, a second drive mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 4. The second drive mechanism differs from the first drive mechanism in that the second string-pressing members 202N and 202S, which were supported by the discs 203N and 203S in the first drive mechanism described above, are now supported by the arm 10. Because the second string-pressing members are supported by the arm 10, the amplitude length does not change at the position of the power units 21N and 21S, thus eliminating the change in sound, making adjustment relatively easy. The differences between the second drive mechanism and the first drive mechanism will be explained below.

[0042] More specifically, the standard pitch adjustment unit 210N differs from the first drive mechanism in that it includes a disc 213N that supports the first string-pressing member 201N instead of the disc 203N, and a second string-pressing member 212N that is supported by the arm 10 with the first string-pressing member 201N and the string 15 in between, instead of the second string-pressing member 202N. The sharp tone adjustment unit 210S is similar.

[0043] In the diagram, the first fretting member 201N of the standard tone adjustment unit 210N and the first fretting member 201S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S, and the second fretting member 212N of the standard tone adjustment unit 210N and the second fretting member 212S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S are located on opposite sides of the string 15, but they may also be located on the same side. Located on opposite sides allows for an appropriate gap to be obtained between the second fretting member 212S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S and the string 15 when the disc 213N of the standard tone adjustment unit 210N is rotated, thus preventing the string 15 from coming into contact with the second fretting member 212S when plucked. In the third to fifth drive mechanisms described later, the first fretting member and the second fretting member 212S of the standard tone adjustment unit and the sharp tone adjustment unit are also located on opposite sides of the string 15.

[0044] Figure 4(a) shows the second drive mechanism in the pitch-shifted state. In the pitch-shifted state, similar to the first drive mechanism, none of the first string-pressing members 201N, 201S and the second string-pressing members 212N, 212S of the pitch adjustment unit 210N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is not pressed.

[0045] Next, Figure 4(b) shows the second drive mechanism in the normal tone state. In the normal tone state, as with the first drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 212N of the normal tone adjustment unit 210N come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 201N and the second string pressing member 212N.

[0046] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the normal tone state, the normal tone adjustment unit 210N is driven by the power unit 21N, while the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S is not driven by the power unit 21S. Specifically, the disc 213N of the normal tone adjustment unit 210N in the state shown in Figure 4(a) is rotated clockwise by the power unit 21N, causing the first string pressing member 210N to contact the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 4(b).

[0047] Conversely, when the pitch is switched from the normal pitch state to the altered pitch state, only the normal pitch adjustment unit 210N is driven by the power unit 21N, and the disc 213N of the normal pitch adjustment unit 210N, in the state shown in Figure 4(b), is rotated counterclockwise by the power unit 21N, causing the first string pressing member 201N to move away from the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 4(a).

[0048] Figure 4(c) shows the second drive mechanism in the sharp tone state. In the sharp tone state, similar to the first drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 212S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 201S and the second string pressing member 212S.

[0049] When the pitch is switched from a distorted state to a sharp tone state, the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S is driven by the power unit 21S, while the normal tone adjustment unit 210N is not driven by the power unit 21N. Specifically, the disc 213S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S in the state shown in Figure 4(a) is rotated counterclockwise by the power unit 21S, causing the first string pressing member 201S to contact the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 4(c).

[0050] Conversely, when the tone is switched from a sharp tone state to a distorted tone state, only the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S is driven by the power unit 21S, and the disc 213S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 210S, in the state shown in Figure 4(c), is rotated clockwise by the power unit 21S, causing the first string pressing member 201S to move away from the string 15. As a result, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 4(a). Switching between the normal tone state and the sharp tone state is the same as with the first drive mechanism described above.

[0051] Next, the third drive mechanism of the sound adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 5. The third drive mechanism differs from the second drive mechanism in that the pitch adjustment unit and the treble adjustment unit are driven by a drive gear connected to a single power unit (not shown in Figure 5), either directly or indirectly. Since the number of power units required in the first and second drive mechanisms can be reduced to one, the pitch adjustment mechanism can be made lighter. The differences between the third drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism will be explained below.

[0052] In detail, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 comprises a standard tone adjustment unit 220N, a sharp tone adjustment unit 220S, a drive gear 300, and one power unit 21. The phono-adjusting unit 220N differs from the second drive mechanism in that the rotating body, which was the disc 213N in the second drive mechanism, is replaced by a phono-adjusting gear 223N rotatably supported by the arm 10. The first string-pressing member 221N is positioned so that the primary tone gear 223N contacts the string 15 faster when rotated clockwise than when rotated counterclockwise. The same applies to the sharp tone adjustment section 220S. The same also applies to the third to fifth drive mechanisms described later.

[0053] The drive gear 300 includes a positional drive gear 300N that rotates the positional gear 223N of the positional adjustment unit 220N, and a syringe drive gear 300S that rotates the gear (syringe gear) 223S of the syringe adjustment unit 220S in the opposite direction to the positional gear 223N. The power unit 21 only needs to be connected to either the positional drive gear 300N or the syringe drive gear 300S, and in the figure, it is assumed to be connected to the positional drive gear 300N. Note that by making the positional drive gear 300N and the syringe drive gear 300S smaller than the positional gear 223N and the syringe gear 223S, high torque can be generated.

[0054] Figure 5(a) shows the third drive mechanism in the pitch-shifted state. In the pitch-shifted state, similar to the second drive mechanism, none of the first string-pressing members 221N, 221S and the second string-pressing members 212N, 212S of the pitch adjustment unit 220N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 220S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is not pressed.

[0055] Next, Figure 5(b) shows the third drive mechanism in the normal tone state. In the normal tone state, similar to the second drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 221N and the second string pressing member 212N of the normal tone adjustment unit 220N come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 221N and the second string pressing member 212N.

[0056] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the normal tone state, the normal tone drive gear 300N rotates counterclockwise by the power unit 21, and in response, the normal tone gear 223N in the state shown in Figure 5(a) rotates clockwise, causing the first string pressing member 221N to contact the string 15. Also, the sharp tone gear 223S in the state shown in Figure 5(a) rotates counterclockwise via the sharp tone drive gear 300S, which is engaged with the counterclockwise rotating normal tone drive gear 300N. The first string pressing members 221N and 221S of the normal tone gear 223N and the sharp tone gear 223S are positioned so that they contact the string 15 faster when the gear rotates clockwise than when it rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, when the first string pressing member 221N contacts the string 15, the first string pressing member 221S only moves to a position where it does not contact the string 15. As a result, the sound adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 5(b).

[0057] Conversely, when the pitch is switched from the normal tone state to the altered tone state, the normal tone drive gear 300N rotates clockwise by the power unit 21, causing the normal tone gear 223N in the state shown in Figure 5(b) to rotate counterclockwise, which moves the first string pressing member 221N away from the string. On the other hand, the sharp tone gear 223S shown in Figure 5(b) rotates clockwise, causing the first string pressing member 221S to move away from the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 5(a).

[0058] Figure 5(c) shows the third drive mechanism in the sharp tone state. In the sharp tone state, similar to the second drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 221S and the second string pressing member 212S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 220S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 221S and the second string pressing member 212S.

[0059] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the sharp tone state, the normal tone drive gear 300N rotates clockwise by the power unit 21, and in response, the sharp tone gear 223S, which is in the state shown in Figure 5(a), rotates clockwise via the sharp tone drive gear 300S that engages with the normal tone drive gear 300N, causing the first string pressing member 221S to contact the string 15. At this time, the normal tone gear 223N rotates counterclockwise, and the first string pressing member 221N moves away from the string 15. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 5(c).

[0060] Conversely, when switching from a sharp tone state to a distorted tone state, the normal tone drive gear 300N rotates counterclockwise by the power unit 21, causing the sharp tone gear 223S in the state shown in Figure 5(c) to rotate counterclockwise via the sharp tone drive gear 300S that engages with the normal tone drive gear 300N, thereby moving the first string pressing member 221S away from the string 15. On the other hand, the normal tone gear 223N shown in Figure 5(c) rotates clockwise, so the first string pressing member 221N also moves away from the string 15. As a result, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 5(a). Switching between the normal tone state and the sharp tone state is the same as with the first drive mechanism described above.

[0061] Next, the fourth drive mechanism of the sound adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 6. The fourth drive mechanism differs from the third drive mechanism in that the rotating bodies of the pitch adjustment unit and the treble adjustment unit are replaced from gears to arms attached to the drive gear. By using arms for the rotating bodies, it is possible to reduce the number of parts where gears engage with each other. The differences between the fourth drive mechanism and the third drive mechanism will be explained below.

[0062] In detail, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 comprises a standard tone adjustment unit 230N, a sharp tone adjustment unit 230S, a drive gear 310, and one power unit 21. The drive gear 310 includes a positional tone drive gear 310N that rotates the arm (positional tone arm) 233N of the positional tone adjustment unit 230N, and a syllable drive gear 310S that rotates the arm (syllable arm) 233S of the syllable adjustment unit 230S in the opposite direction to the positional tone arm 233N. The power unit 21 only needs to be connected to either the positional tone drive gear 310N or the syllable drive gear 310S, and in the figure, it is connected to the positional tone drive gear 310N.

[0063] The phono adjustment unit 230N consists of a phono arm 233N with one end attached to the phono drive gear 310N, a first string-pressing member 231N supported at the other end of the phono arm 233N, and a second string-pressing member 212N supported by the arm 10. The sharp tone adjustment unit 230S is similar.

[0064] Figure 6(a) shows the fourth drive mechanism in the pitch-shifted state. In the pitch-shifted state, similar to the third drive mechanism, none of the first string-pressing members 231N, 231S and the second string-pressing members 212N, 212S of the pitch adjustment section 230N and the sharp tone adjustment section 230S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is not pressed.

[0065] Next, Figure 6(b) shows the fourth drive mechanism in the normal tone state. In the normal tone state, similar to the third drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 231N and the second string pressing member 212N of the normal tone adjustment unit 230N come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 231N and the second string pressing member 212N.

[0066] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the normal tone state, the normal tone drive gear 310N rotates clockwise by the power unit 21, causing the normal tone arm 233N, in the state shown in Figure 6(a), to rotate clockwise, and the first string-pressing member 231N to contact the string 15. On the other hand, the sharp tone arm 233S rotates counterclockwise in response to the sharp tone drive gear 310S rotating counterclockwise. The first string-pressing member 231N of the normal tone arm 233N rotates clockwise and contacts the string 15 faster than the first string-pressing member 231S of the sharp tone arm 233S rotates counterclockwise and contacts the string 15, so the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 enters the state shown in Figure 6(b).

[0067] Conversely, when switching from the normal tone state to the altered tone state, the normal tone drive gear 310N rotates counterclockwise by the power unit 21, causing the normal tone arm 233N in the state shown in Figure 6(b) to rotate counterclockwise, which moves the first string pressing member 231N away from the string 15. On the other hand, when the sharp tone arm 233S in the state shown in Figure 6(b) rotates clockwise as the sharp tone gear 310S rotates clockwise, the fourth drive mechanism returns to the state shown in Figure 6(a).

[0068] Figure 6(c) shows the fourth drive mechanism in the sharp tone state. In the sharp tone state, similar to the third drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 231S and the second string pressing member 212S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 230S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed by the first string pressing member 231S and the second string pressing member 212S.

[0069] When the pitch is switched from a distorted state to a sharp tone state, the normal tone drive gear 310N rotates counterclockwise by the power unit 21, causing the sharp tone drive gear 310S and the sharp tone arm 233S, in the state shown in Figure 6(a), to rotate clockwise, and the first string pressing member 231S to contact the string 15. Meanwhile, the normal tone arm 233N rotates counterclockwise in conjunction with the normal tone drive gear 310N. The first string pressing member 231S of the sharp tone arm 233S rotates clockwise and contacts the string 15 faster than the first string pressing member 231N of the normal tone arm 233N rotates counterclockwise and contacts the string 15, so the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 enters the state shown in Figure 6(c).

[0070] Conversely, when the pitch is switched from a sharp tone state to a distorted tone state, the normal tone drive gear 310N rotates clockwise by the power unit 21, causing the sharp tone drive gear 310S and the sharp tone arm 233S in the state shown in Figure 5(c) to rotate counterclockwise, moving the first string pressing member 231S away from the string 15. On the other hand, the normal tone arm 233N in the state shown in Figure 6(c) returns to the state shown in Figure 6(a) as the normal tone drive gear 310N rotates clockwise, returning the fourth drive mechanism to the state shown in Figure 6(a). Furthermore, the process of switching from the normal tone state to the sharp tone state, and vice versa, is the same as that of the first drive mechanism described above.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a modified version of the fourth drive mechanism described above. Figure 7(a) shows a schematic three-dimensional view of the modified version, and Figure 7(b) shows a schematic diagram of the modified version. A modified version of the fourth drive mechanism, shown in Figure 6, places the first string-pressing members of the pitch adjustment unit and the sharp tone adjustment unit on the drive gear to which the arm is attached, rather than on the arm itself, thereby reducing the number of components moved by a single power unit. This makes it possible to reduce the weight, failure rate, and power consumption of the pitch adjustment mechanism.

[0072] In this case, if the second string-pressing member 212N of the pitch adjustment unit 230N shown in Figure 6 is positioned so as not to interfere with the drive gears 310N and 310S, even if the first string-pressing member 231N contacts the string 15, the second string-pressing member 212N will not contact the string 15 and will not be able to press the string 15. Therefore, by changing the second string pressing member 212N shown in Figure 6 to a second string pressing member 242N with an upper part that protrudes in the direction of the string 15 as shown in the figure, even if the second string pressing member 242N is positioned so as not to interfere with the drive gears 310N and 310S, the string 15 can contact the upper part of the second string pressing member 242N and the first string pressing member 231N, thereby pressing the string 15.

[0073] Next, the fifth drive mechanism of the sound adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 8. The fifth drive mechanism differs from the fourth drive mechanism in that the pitch adjustment gear and pitch adjustment arm are replaced with an L-shaped arm equipped with a return spring. Because the gears no longer mesh with each other, the generation of gear engagement noise, gear wear, and pressure load on other parts are reduced. The differences between the fifth drive mechanism and the fourth drive mechanism will be explained below.

[0074] In detail, the tone adjustment mechanism 20 comprises a standard tone adjustment unit 250N, a sharp tone adjustment unit 250S, and one power unit 21. The sharp tone adjustment unit 250S includes a sharp tone drive gear 253S as a rotating body driven by the power unit 21, a first string pressing member 251S supported by the sharp tone drive gear 253S, and a second string pressing member 212S supported by the arm 10. In this embodiment, the rotating body is a drive gear, but it may also be a disc such as a first drive mechanism.

[0075] The pitch adjustment unit 250N comprises an L-shaped arm 253N as a rotating body, a first string pressing member 251N supported at one end of the L-shaped arm 253N, a fixing member 400 supported by the arm 10, a return spring 410 with both ends connected to the L-shaped arm 253N, and a second string pressing member 212N supported by the arm 10.

[0076] The L-shaped arm 253N consists of a first arm 253N1 that intersects the string 15 in a three-dimensional manner, and a second arm 253N2 that is parallel to the string 15 and longer than the first arm. A first string-pressing member 251N is provided at the tip of the first arm 253N1, and a return spring 410 is connected to the side of the second arm 253N2 opposite to the first arm 253N1. When the second arm 253N2 is pressed by the first string-pressing member 251S as the sharp tone drive gear 253S rotates, the L-shaped arm 253N moves in the direction of the string 15. When the second arm 253N2 is no longer pressed by the first string-pressing member 251S, the second arm 253N2 is pressed by the return spring 400, and the L-shaped arm 253N moves away from the string 15 and returns to its original position.

[0077] Figure 8(a) shows the fifth drive mechanism in the pitch-shifted state. In the pitch-shifted state, similar to the fourth drive mechanism, none of the first string-pressing members 251N, 251S and the second string-pressing members 212N, 212S of the pitch adjustment unit 250N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 250S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is not pressed.

[0078] Next, Figure 8(b) shows the fifth drive mechanism in the normal tone state. In the normal tone state, similar to the fourth drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 251N and the second string pressing member 212N of the normal tone adjustment unit 250N come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed.

[0079] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the normal tone state, the sharp tone drive gear 253S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 250S is rotated clockwise by the power unit 21, and the first drive member 251S of the sharp tone drive gear 253S pushes the second arm 243N2 of the L-shaped arm 253N in the state shown in Figure 8(a). As a result, the first string pressing member 251N of the L-shaped arm 253N moves in the direction of the string 15 and contacts the string 15, and the fifth drive mechanism enters the state shown in Figure 8(b).

[0080] Conversely, when the pitch is switched from the normal pitch state to the altered pitch state, the sharp tone drive gear 253S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 250S is rotated counterclockwise by the power unit 21, and the first drive member 251S of the sharp tone drive gear 253S moves away from the second arm 243N2 of the L-shaped arm 253N in the state shown in Figure 8(b). As a result, the L-shaped arm 253N is moved by the return spring 400 in the direction that the first string pressing member 251N moves away from the string 15, and the fifth drive mechanism enters the state shown in Figure 8(a).

[0081] Figure 8(c) shows the fifth drive mechanism in the sharp tone state. In the sharp tone state, similar to the fourth drive mechanism, the first string pressing member 251S and the second string pressing member 212S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 250S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed.

[0082] When the pitch is switched from a distorted tone state to a sharp tone state, the sharp tone drive gear 253S is rotated counterclockwise by the power unit 21, causing the first string pressing member 251S to contact the string 15. At this time, the L-shaped arm 253N of the pitch adjustment unit 250N does not receive any force from the first string pressing member 251S and is therefore not driven. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 8(c).

[0083] Conversely, when the pitch is switched from a sharp tone state to a distorted tone state, the sharp tone drive gear 253S is rotated clockwise by the power unit 21, causing the first string-pressing member 251S to move away from the string 15. At this time, the L-shaped arm 253N of the pitch adjustment unit 250N does not receive any force from the first string-pressing member 251S and therefore does not move. As a result, the pitch adjustment mechanism 20 is in the state shown in Figure 8(a). Furthermore, the process of switching from the normal tone state to the sharp tone state, and vice versa, is the same as that of the first drive mechanism described above.

[0084] Next, using Figure 9, the sixth drive mechanism of the sound adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The sixth drive mechanism differs from the first to fifth drive mechanisms in that its power source is a solenoid. Since the solenoid used in the power source is an electrically expanding and contracting drive device, the sixth drive mechanism adjusts the pitch by pressing the string 15 from below with the first string-pressing member. The differences between the sixth drive mechanism and the first to fifth drive mechanisms will be explained below.

[0085] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the sixth drive mechanism of a sound adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. The pitch adjustment unit 260N includes a first string pressing member 261N that is driven up and down by a power unit 23N, and a second string pressing member 262N that is supported by the arm 10 and presses down on the string 15 from above when the first string pressing member 261N pushes the string 15 upward. The sharp tone adjustment unit 260S, like the standard pitch adjustment unit 260N, includes a first string pressing member 261S that is driven up and down by the power unit 23S, and a second string pressing member 262S that is supported by the arm 10 and presses down on the string 15 from above when the first string pressing member 261S pushes the string 15 upward.

[0086] Figure 10 shows an example of the shape of the second string-pressing member of the sixth drive mechanism. Figure 10(a) shows U-shaped second string pressing members 262N and 262S opening on the arm 10 side, and Figure 10(b) shows V-shaped second string pressing members 262N and 262S opening on the arm 10 side. Note that the shape is not limited to these, as long as the string can be pressed down from above. The second string pressing members 262N and 262S are preferable to be V-shaped rather than U-shaped. In the case of a V-shape, the string 15 to be pressed is fitted into the upper corner and does not move, but in the case of a U-shape, there is no corner for the string 15 to be pressed, so the string 15 may move, which could cause the sound to change or the string 15 to wear down.

[0087] Returning to Figure 9, Figure 9(a) shows the state of the sixth drive mechanism in the pitch-shifted state. In the pitch-shifted state, the length of the string 15 is not changed by the pitch adjustment unit 260N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 260S. Therefore, none of the first string pressing members 261N, 261S and the second string pressing members 262N, 262S of the pitch adjustment unit 260N and the sharp tone adjustment unit 260S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is not pressed.

[0088] Next, Figure 9(b) shows the state of the sixth drive mechanism in the normal tone state. In the normal tone state, the length of the string 15 is changed by the normal tone adjustment unit 260N, so as shown in the figure, the first string pressing member 261N and the second string pressing member 262N of the normal tone adjustment unit 260N come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed.

[0089] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the normal tone state, the first string presser member 261N, in the state shown in Figure 9(a), is pushed upward in the direction of the string 15 by the power unit 23N, causing the string 15 to come into contact with the first string presser member 261N and the second string presser member 262N, and the tone adjustment mechanism enters the state shown in Figure 9(b). At this time, the sharp tone adjustment unit 260S is not driven. Conversely, when the pitch is switched from the normal pitch state to the altered pitch state, the first string-pressing member 261N, in the state shown in Figure 9(b), is lowered by the power unit 23N and separated from the string 15, and the pitch adjustment mechanism returns to the state shown in Figure 9(a). In this case as well, the sharp tone adjustment unit 260S is not driven.

[0090] Figure 9(c) shows the sixth drive mechanism in the sharp tone state. In the sharp tone state, the length of the string 15 is changed by the sharp tone adjustment unit 260S, so the first string pressing member 261S and the second string pressing member 262S of the sharp tone adjustment unit 260S come into contact with the string 15, and the string 15 is pressed.

[0091] When the pitch is switched from the altered tone state to the sharp tone state, the first string presser member 261S, in the state shown in Figure 9(a), is pushed upward in the direction of the string 15 by the power unit 23S, causing the string 15 to come into contact with the first string presser member 261S and the second string presser member 262S, and the pitch adjustment mechanism enters the state shown in Figure 9(c). At this time, the standard pitch adjustment unit 260N is not driven. Conversely, when the pitch is switched from a sharp tone state to a distorted tone state, the first string-pressing member 261S, in the state shown in Figure 9(c), is lowered by the power unit 23S and separated from the string 15, and the pitch adjustment mechanism returns to the state shown in Figure 9(a). In this case as well, the standard pitch adjustment unit 260N is not driven. Furthermore, the process of switching from the normal tone state to the sharp tone state, and vice versa, is the same as that of the first drive mechanism described above.

[0092] In this scale adjustment mechanism, a first string-pressing member and a second string-pressing member, which change the length of the string 15 to adjust the pitch, are driven by a power unit. This allows the performer to easily adjust the pitch. In this embodiment of the present invention, the scale adjustment mechanism was provided in a grand harp, but it may also be provided in an Irish harp.

[0093] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Grand Harp 10 Armrests 15 strings 20 Sound adjustment mechanism 21 Power section 22 Transmission Cable 200N standard sound adjustment section 200S sound adjustment section 201N, 201S First string pressing member 202N, 202S Second string pressing member 203N, 203S disk

Claims

1. A scale adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch of a harp, in which a string is stretched between a first support point located on the arm and a second support point located on the soundboard, The string has a first string-pressing member and a second string-pressing member arranged on either side of the string, and a tone adjustment section is positioned on the arm between the first and second support points, A power unit that operates when electricity is supplied and drives the first string-pressing member and / or the second string-pressing member relative to the string, Equipped with, A scale adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pitch of the harp by having the first string-pressing member and the second string-pressing member contact the string between the first and second pivot points in response to the first string-pressing member and / or the second string-pressing member being driven.

2. The sound adjustment unit further comprises a rotating body rotatably mounted on the arm, The first string press member and the second string press member are provided on the rotating body, The scale adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the power unit rotates the rotating body to drive the first string pressing member and the second string pressing member relative to the string.

3. The sound adjustment unit further comprises a rotating body rotatably mounted on the arm, The first string pressing member is provided on the rotating body, The second string-pressing member is fixed to the arm, The scale adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the power unit rotates the rotating body to drive the first string pressing member relative to the string.

4. The two sound adjustment units, The system further comprises a drive gear that directly and / or indirectly engages with the two sound adjustment units to transmit power, The power unit rotates the drive gear, as described in claim 3.

5. It is equipped with two of the aforementioned sound adjustment units, A drive gear in which the rotating body of one syllable adjustment unit transmits power to the rotating body of another syllable adjustment unit, The power unit rotates the drive gear, as described in claim 3.

6. A harp equipped with the scale adjustment mechanism described in claim 1.

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