Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10C—PIANOS, HARPSICHORDS, SPINETS OR SIMILAR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ONE OR MORE KEYBOARDS
  • G10C3/00—Details or accessories
  • G10C3/12—Keyboards; Keys
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H1/32—Constructional details
  • G10H1/34—Switch arrangements, e.g. keyboards or mechanical switches specially adapted for electrophonic musical instruments
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
  • G10H2220/155—User input interfaces for electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H2220/221—Keyboards, i.e. configuration of several keys or key-like input devices relative to one another
  • G10H2220/256—Keyboards, i.e. configuration of several keys or key-like input devices relative to one another foldable or rollable, e.g. for transport

Definitions

• the invention belongs to the technical field of digital pianos and, more particularly, portable digital pianos.
• a folding piano is for example described in the patent application FR 2 919 952. This piano folds in two parts articulated around a central hinge. This piano is certainly less bulky when folded than a conventional portable piano, however its central articulation presents the risk that the piano, when placed on a tripod, folds during use. On the other hand the folding and unfolding by a user can prove difficult, each of the two parts remaining relatively heavy and bulky.
• US 6,875,913 discloses a folding keyboard musical instrument which in one embodiment is folding into three parts.
• the instrument comprises three modules, each module containing a keyboard portion, and also comprises means for folding said modules from a deployed configuration in which said modules are arranged in a row, said keyboard then being substantially flat, at a folded configuration in which said modules are positioned substantially one above the other.
• the keyboard musical instrument described in this patent does not have hinges in the strict sense of the term, but axes of rotation, to fold the end portions on the central portion of the instrument, and a locking system by sliding a slider in a slot.
• Patent Application GB 2 340 285 discloses a portable digital piano, the keyboard of which comprises at least two sections, each of the sections containing a plurality of keys, and a connecting means provided on, or adjacent to, at least one of the two surfaces. lateral sections, said lateral surfaces being parallel to the keys.
• the keyboard of the piano is thus achieved by interlocking sections through the connecting means to form a rigid piano.
• the keyboard of this piano is preferably a full-size keyboard (eighty-eight keys).
• this piano is not folding in the strict sense of the term, it is simply dismountable in several parts.
• US patent application 2004/0083877 discloses a piano formed of at least two parts that can be folded relative to one another.
• This piano incorporates at least one hinge, which extends not only to the rear area, but also to the front area where the keyboard is provided.
• This solution is not at first satisfactory in aesthetic terms, since some hinge elements are visible when the piano is unfolded.
• the mode of articulation between two adjacent foldable parts does not allow to confer sufficient height to the keys of the keyboard, so that they can present a "heavy" touch.
• a first object of the invention is therefore a folding digital piano whose compactness after folding is reduced, which is able to be installed quickly and easily by one person, and which has a satisfactory aesthetic.
• This goal is achieved thanks to a folding digital piano comprising a box, a so-called “front” zone in which is located a keyboard, a so-called “rear” zone opposite to the front zone, two mobile end parts and a fixed central part.
• the external moving parts being pivotally mounted with the fixed central part about a respective axis, the movable end portions being adapted to be folded over the fixed central part and the keyboard being shared between the fixed part and the moving parts.
• said hinge (s) being capable of allowing a 180 ° rotation of each end mobile part with respect to the central fixed part
• said folding digital piano being characterized in that said one or more hinges is / are positioned in the zone rear and said hinge or hinges is / are not visible to the user when the piano is unfolded.
• it can provide one, two or more hinges (s), at each axis of articulation of a movable portion on the fixed central portion.
• the fixed central portion and each movable portion define covering walls, which cover each hinge when the piano is unfolded, so that said hinge (s) is (are) not visible (s) for the user.
• the outer edges of the movable end portions are substantially in contact with each other when the piano is in the fully closed position.
• the different parts of the keyboard are thus completely enclosed in the folded assembly, which makes it possible to protect them from external damage in an optimal manner.
• the movable end portions advantageously have a length substantially equal to half the length of the fixed central portion.
• At least two hinges are mounted on each axis of pivoting of the movable end portions on the fixed central portion, and said hinges located on the same axis are spaced from each other by a distance such that the pivoting of the moving part in relation to the fixed part is without deviation from the axis.
• each hinge of the digital piano according to the invention mounted on the pivot axis between the fixed part and one of the moving parts comprises for example a first plate, called “fixed ", Consisting of two identical parts spaced apart from each other, which are fixed, by any appropriate means such as screwing or gluing, on the fixed central portion, each platinum piece comprising an arcuate light a second so-called “mobile” stage which is fixed, by any appropriate means such as screwing or gluing, to an end mobile part and comprises an arcuate light, a slide, provided with projections such as pads (that is to say, fixed parts) or rollers (that is to say moving parts) adapted to be housed and slide in the respective slot of each fixed platen piece, the slide also comprising elements (rollers or skids) which e make it fit to slide in the light of the movable stage.
• Another object of the invention is a folding digital piano in which, when the piano is in the open position, the gap between the fixed part and each mobile part of the keyboard is not visually perceptible. This goal is achieved, advantageously, thanks to the appropriate positioning of each part of the hinges.
• Yet another object of the invention is a folding digital piano that can be opened and closed by a user without risk of damaging the piano, and the user providing moderate force. This goal is achieved through the addition of a damping system in association with each pivot axis of the movable end portions on the fixed part.
• the damping system comprises a slide fixed on the fixed part, a pivoting yoke fixed to the movable part, a bent rod which connects the movable part and the slide, a first damper, a second damper, the bent rod comprising a first rod end portion, the ends of which are axes of rotation respectively for the first damper, and for the second damper, and a second rod end portion situated opposite the first portion , and which is slidably mounted in the yoke, the end of the rod which is the axis of rotation of the first damper being further slidably mounted in the slideway, the first damper being also rotatably mounted at its other end , on an axis fixed in the bottom of the central part, and the second damper being also rotatably mounted at its other end on an axis fixed in the upper part ure of the fixed central part.
• each hinge comprises a first link, a first arm, said pivoting arm, is pivotally mounted on the fixed central portion and the another arm, said sliding arm, is slidably mounted in a slideway formed in the movable part, a second link, a first arm, said pivoting arm, is pivotally mounted on the movable part, and the other arm, said arm sliding, is slidably mounted in a slideway formed in the fixed central portion, the first and second links being articulated to one another in a respective intermediate zone, located between the first and second arms.
• one, two or more hinges may be used at each hinge axis of a moving part on the fixed central part.
• each sliding arm substantially abuts against a first end of a respective slide when the fixed part and the movable part are placed side by side, each sliding arm substantially abuts against the opposite end of this slide, when the fixed part and the movable part define an intermediate pivoting configuration, and each sliding arm is placed at an intermediate point of a respective slideway when the fixed part and the movable part are placed one above the other .
• the arm slidably mounted in the slideway of the fixed part is associated with damping means, making it possible to damp the relative movement of the two parts in the two opposite pivoting directions.
• damping means advantageously comprise a single jack, whose body or rod is hinged to the fixed part, and whose rod or body is articulated on the arm slidably mounted in the slide of the fixed part.
• each first arm on the respectively fixed or movable part, projects towards the movable or fixed part respectively, beyond the joint plane between these two parts.
• Another object of the invention is a light digital piano, and aesthetically pleasing. This goal is achieved thanks to the fact that the box of the digital piano is made of wood.
• the box comprises a frame made of a material having a higher mechanical strength than that of wood, especially aluminum, and a covering comprising wood, attached to at least a portion of the outer face of this dressing.
• the piano then has a high overall strength, as well as a satisfactory aesthetics.
• Another object of the invention is a digital piano whose use is safe, that is to say that the piano is fixed in the open position, and does not present a risk of pinching. This goal is achieved thanks to the fact that the piano according to the invention is lockable in the unfolded position.
• the piano according to the invention is also lockable in the folded position, which is preferable for transport in good conditions.
• the keys of the keyboard have a "heavy touch".
• the white keys may all have the same weight, or may have a different weight depending on the note represented; it is the same black keys that can each have the same weight or a different weight according to the note shown.
• Each key has at least one sensor for detecting the movement of the keys, and preferably several sensors.
• the folding digital piano according to the invention can be equipped with a computer integrated in the box which includes a modeling and sound generation software.
• FIGS. 1a to 1c are perspective views of the folding piano according to the invention
• FIG. 1a is a view in folded position, also called closed position
• FIG. 1b is a partially unfolded positional view
• FIG. 1 c is a view in fully unfolded position, or open position.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the piano according to the invention, wherein the hinges are invisible hinges called "half-moons".
• FIGs 3a and 3b are front views of an embodiment of the piano according to the invention, wherein the hinges are invisible hinges called “half-moons”.
• Figure 3c is an exploded perspective view of hinges called "half-moons”.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the damping system.
• Figures 5a to 5e are "front" views of the damping system at different stages of opening the piano.
• FIGs 6a and 6b are perspective views of the piano according to the invention respectively in the open and closed positions, in which the piano is equipped with invisible hinges according to another embodiment.
• Figures 7a to 7d are side views, illustrating different configurations of the hinge of Figures 6a and 6b, as the piano moves between its open and closed positions.
• a digital piano comprises a keyboard, comprising up to eighty-eight keys, similar to that of an acoustic piano, a sound generation system, which produces a particular sound according to the keys operated by the musician who uses the piano, and depending on how the musician actuates these keys, this system being equivalent to the hammers and strings of an acoustic piano.
• This sound generation system itself comprises an electronic or computer control part, an acoustic part, generally in the form of loudspeakers, and generally an amplifier.
• a fairly complex connectivity connects the keyboard to the electronic sound generation system.
• the sound generation system and the connectors are housed in a box, adjacent to the keyboard and located at the back of the keyboard, this box also encompassing the underside of the keyboard so as to form a one-piece assembly.
• this box also encompassing the underside of the keyboard so as to form a one-piece assembly.
• the present invention therefore relates to a new type of folding digital piano.
• the folding digital piano according to the invention is preferably equipped with a "full width" keyboard, that is to say a keyboard of eighty-eight keys.
• the keyboard may have fewer than eighty-eight keys, for example sixty-one keys. In the context of the present invention it is also envisaged to expand the keyboard beyond 88 keys.
• the folding digital piano of the present invention is designed to be able to replace an acoustic piano, so it necessarily has excellent sound quality, good note quality, and good aesthetics.
• the folding digital piano according to the invention is also light and easy to carry.
• the folding piano according to the invention is robust and durable in time. Folding digital pianos are intended to be transported, and are likely to be treated with relatively little care by their users, especially during transport and during the phases of setting up and storage; he It is therefore necessary to build them so that they are "mechanically" resistant.
• the robustness of the folding digital piano according to the invention is in particular obtained thanks to an adequate design of the elements allowing its folding. Hinges are especially a key element to take into account in the design of these folding elements.
• this piano comprises a fixed central part 4, and movable parts 2.3 placed at each end of the central part 4.
• the two movable end parts 2, 3 both have the same length and this length is substantially equal to half the length of the fixed central part 4.
• the outer edges 32,33 of the movable parts 2,3 are placed adjacent to each other (here "outer edge” means the edge which is outside when the piano is open).
• the folding digital piano according to the invention further comprises an area called “front zone” essentially constituted by the keyboard 5, and an area called “rear area” 6, in which are housed the connectors, the electronic / computer components (not shown) necessary for the operation (ie the sound generation) of the piano, and possibly the speakers.
• the external movable parts 2, 3 are pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed central part 4, around axes 7, 8 respectively. Swiveling is allowed by hinges 9,10.
• Hinged here means an articulated fastener composed of at least two parts enclosed in one another and rotating around a common axis about which at least one can rotate freely.
• the axis 7.8 can be materialized or not.
• the loudspeakers (not shown) are preferably housed in the movable end parts 2, 3 which also include a part of the keyboard and a part of the connector, therefore these 2.3 moving parts are quite heavy, they generally have a mass of between 3 and 5 kg for a piano equipped with a full-width keyboard. Hinges 9,10 should therefore to be able to withstand rather heavy loads when opening and closing the piano.
• the inventors have realized that it is particularly advantageous for the hinges 9, 10 to be placed in the rear zone 6, since this configuration makes it possible to preserve the continuity of the keyboard in the front zone. Moreover, it is in this part of the piano according to the invention that the space necessary for housing the hinges 9, 10 which, as mentioned above, must be able to withstand the loads due to the weight of the external moving parts, is found. 2,3, and are therefore necessarily relatively large.
• the hinges 9, 10 must also allow a 180 ° rotation of the external movable parts 2, 3 with respect to the fixed central part 4, so that the piano according to the invention is completely flat when in use and completely closed when it is in the folded position.
• each axis 7.8 is equipped with at least two hinges. These two hinges must also be spaced from each other by the width available on the rear zone, which limits the cantilever of the keyboard of the front zone: this cantilever can be usefully limited by the alignment pins 18.
• the hinges themselves must also be able to ensure that the pivoting of the movable portion 2.3 relative to the central portion 4 is done well along the axis 7.8 .
• hinges 9,10 consist of few mechanical parts to facilitate the construction of the piano according to the invention and reduce the risk of malfunctions, for example in case of breakage of a room.
• the hinges 9.10 must also have a small thickness to be compatible with the integration of the connectors, electronic parts and speakers.
• the aesthetic aspect of the piano according to the invention being essential, it is necessary that the hinges are invisible when the piano is in the open position.
• FIG. 2 and 3a 3b and 3c A particularly advantageous example of hinges used in the construction of the piano according to the invention is shown schematically in Figures 2 and 3a 3b and 3c.
• the hinge 9, 10 comprises a first plate 12, called “fixed”, and which comprises two identical parts 12a, 12b spaced one on the other, these two pieces 12a, 12b fixing, by any appropriate means such as screwing or gluing, on the fixed central portion 4.
• Each platinum piece 12a, 12b comprises a respective circular arcuate light 14a , 14b.
• the hinge 9,10 has a second plate 11 called “mobile” which is fixed, by any appropriate means such as screwing or gluing, on an end portion 2 or 3.
• This plate 11 also comprises an arcuate light circle 15.
• the hinge 9, 10 finally comprises a slider 13.
• the slider 13 comprises "on each of its outer faces" at least one projection 16a, 16b such as rollers or a slider, adapted to be housed and to slide in the slot 14a, 14b respective.
• the slider 13 also comprises similar elements 17 which make it able to slide in the slot 15 of the movable part 11.
• the slider 13 does not have a particular shape, it must simply be able to make the connection between the plates 11 and 12 and allow the correct operation of the hinge.
• the slider 13 is also in the shape of a circular arc. Only the rollers or shoes 16a, 16b and 17 are subject to a particular positioning, being implanted on a curved line that matches that of the lights 14a, 14b and 15. This positioning conditions the trajectory of the movable plate 11, which is shown on the figures being an arc of circle, but which can be any other trajectory able to allow the rotation of the movable part 2,3 with respect to the fixed part 4.
• the slider 13 comprises two parts 13a, 13b identical and spaced from each other, and in this case, the light 15 of the plate 11 is placed between the two parts 13a, 13b, which are connected by an axis which allows sliding of the slide in the light 15.
• the hinge according to the invention allows a 180 ° rotation of the movable end parts 2,3 with respect to the central portion 4.
• the axis of rotation 7.8 is dematerialized, which makes the articulation more easily invisible when the piano according to the invention is open.
• the hinge according to the invention is furthermore composed of few parts.
• the 9.10 hinges are invisible when the piano is open and do not interfere with the integration of the connectors.
• the plates 11, 12a, 12b are mounted on their movable part 2 or fixed 4 respectively so that the movable parts 2 and fixed 4 are in contact with each other when the piano is open. (Concretely, in the case of the hinge 9,10 described above, this means that the plates must be set back from the edge of the respective parts, a distance defined by the size of the hinge).
• a damping system 19 is associated with each axis 7, 8, so as to avoid closing and opening the piano too abruptly, which could occur particularly when the user lets voluntarily or involuntarily escape, the mobile part 2 or 3 when opening or closing the instrument. A sudden closing or opening could damage the piano or injure the user.
• the damping system 19 also plays a role of assisting the user when opening and closing the piano.
• the user lifts the movable part 2,3 from its closed (horizontal) position to the vertical (upward movement), then lets it down (downward movement) to the fully open (horizontal) position.
• the user raises the movable part 2.3 from its open (horizontal) position to the vertical (upward movement), then lets it go down (downward movement). ) to the fully closed (horizontal) position, by slowing down the movement of the moving parts 2.3.
• the damping system 19 is able to provide mechanical assistance both during upward movements, to help lift the movable part 2.3 from the open position or the closed position, and during downward movements. , to slow down the movement.
• the system comprises a first damper 20, a second damper 21, and a slide 23 fixed on the fixed part 4.
• a pivoting yoke 29 is attached to the movable part 2,3.
• the system also comprises a bent rod 22 which connects the movable part 2 and the slide 23.
• the bent rod 22 comprises an end portion 28 whose ends are axes of rotation respectively 26 for the damper 20, and 27 for the damper 21, and a portion 30 which is slidably mounted in the yoke 29.
• the axis of rotation 26, which is placed at the end of the bent rod 22, is further slidably mounted in the slide 23.
• L 'shock absorber 20 is also mounted in rotation, at its other end, on an axis 25 fixed in the bottom of the central portion 4.
• the damper 21 is rotatably mounted on an axis 24 fixed in the upper part of the central portion 4.
• the slide 23 has a length and angle of inclination such that the action of the damper 20 is exerted with the maximum lever arm and the stroke of the axis 26 in the slide 23 allows the completion of the movement.
• each damper 20,21 only the stem retraction undergoes a viscous damping.
• the damper 20 is coupled to a spring effect in compression (rod output at rest).
• the damper 21 is either free in the direction of the rod outlet, or coupled to a spring effect in compression.
• the mobile part 2 is partially open, the angle formed by the fixed parts 4 and mobile part 2 is less than 90 °, therefore if the mobile part 2 is dropped by the user, it falls on the fixed part 4.
• the damper 20 is in the "unfolded” position, its rod is out, and the axis of rotation 26 is at the end of the slide 23 furthest from the axis 25, in a "high” position and at the end of the central portion 4, and held in this position by the action of the damper 20.
• the pivoting clevis 29 slides on the shank part 30 as it is opened.
• the two dampers 20,21 both have their rod output.
• the hinge 26 is held in abutment on the slide 23, in the high position, by the spring effect associated with the damper 20.
• the rod 22 retains the moving part 2 whose moment due to the weight is minimal.
• the angle a between the movable portion 2 and the fixed portion 4 is greater than 90 °, therefore if the movable portion 2 is released by the user it falls flat, in full open position.
• the damper 21 is in the rest position, its rod is output.
• the rod 22 is displaced in translation in the slide 23.
• the axis of rotation 26 is in a so-called "high” position, and at the end of the central part 4 when the angle is 90 °, in a so-called “low” position when the angle is 180 °, and in intermediate positions when the angle is between 90 ° and 180 °.
• the damper 20 has its rod output when the angle is 90 ° and retracted when the angle is 180 °. It is the damper 20 that provides the mechanical assistance (by opposing the movement in case the moving part 2 is dropped by the user).
• the yoke 29 abuts the end of the shank portion 30, the opening movement continues by moving the axis of rotation 26 in the slide 23.
• the damper 20 controls the movement of the rod 22 in the slide 23.
• Shocks 20,21 can be of any type known to those skilled in the art, it is however preferable to use gas dampers because they allow the coupling effect spring and damping in a single component.
• the rigidity in the open position must be very good because the piano according to the invention must be able to be used while being placed on a tripod.
• the alignment of the different parts of the keyboard is provided by lugs 18 shown in Figure 1b.
• Locking can be provided by the damping system 19, however in some embodiments, an additional locking system in the open position (not shown in the figures) is provided. In addition, in other embodiments, a locking system in the closed position (not shown in the figures) is also provided.
• FIGS 6a and 6b, as well as 7a to 7d illustrate a folding digital piano, which is in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
• This second mode differs from the first embodiment above, in particular in that it incorporates a hinge different from that described in Figures 1 to 5, equipping the piano according to the first embodiment.
• This piano comprises, like the piano 1 above, a fixed central portion 104 on which are articulated two movable end parts, of which only the right portion 103 is shown in Figures 6 and following. The articulation of the left part, not illustrated, is obviously analogous.
• These portions 103 and 104 similar to those 3 and 4 of the first embodiment, are partially illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
• the fixed part 104 is provided with a U-shaped box 1 10, open towards the free end of this part 104.
• This box comprises a vertical core 1 1 1 when the piano rests on a horizontal support, and two horizontal wings respectively upper 1 12 and lower 1 13.
• A104 the main axis of the fixed part 104, which corresponds to the main axis of the caisson 1 10.
• a rim 1 14 abutment extends from the upper wing 1 12 towards the opposite wing 1 13.
• a stop pad 1 15 (see Figure 6b) is further provided on the upper face of this wing 1 12.
• a sail January 16, forming a bottom of the box, extends further between the aforementioned wings and soul.
• This web is dug a slide 1 17, whose function will be described in more detail in the following.
• This slide extends obliquely with respect to the main axis A104.
• this web 1 16 is provided with a yoke 1 18 and a notch 1 19, whose functions will also be described in more detail in the following.
• the movable part 103 is provided with a U-shaped box 120, open towards the free end of this part 103.
• This box comprises a soul 121, vertical when the piano rests on a horizontal support, and two respective wings 122 and 123.
• A103 is noted the main axis of the movable portion 103, which corresponds to the main axis of the box 120.
• a stop flange 124 adapted to cooperate with that 1 14, extends from of the wing 122, in the direction of the opposite wing 123.
• An abutment stud 125 (see in particular FIG. 6b) adapted to cooperate with that 1 15 is also provided on the free face of this flange 122.
• a veil 126 forming a bottom of the box, extends between the aforementioned wings and soul.
• the moving web 126 is perforated, namely that it is dug a notch 126 '.
• the latter is arranged opposite the core 121 or, in other words, in the vicinity of the hinge zone on the fixed central portion.
• This web is further hollowed out of a slideway 127, the function of which will be described in more detail in the following.
• This slide extends obliquely with respect to the main axis A103. When the two parts are placed side by side (see Figure 6b), these two slides are generally symmetrical with respect to a median vertical plane.
• this web 126 is provided with a yoke 128 and a notch 129, whose functions will also be described in more detail in the following.
• the hinge 130 pivoting the movable portion 103 relative to the fixed portion 102, comprises two rods 140 and 150, the respective structures are generally identical.
• a single hinge is preferably used at each hinge axis of a moving part on the fixed central part.
• the first link 140 comprises two arms 141 and 142, of rounded shape, extending on either side of a median section 143, allowing articulation with the other link 150.
• the first arm 141 is pivotally mounted relative to the yoke 1 18, about an axis A141.
• the other arm 142 supports a pin 145, which is slidably mounted in the slideway 127.
• the second link 150 comprises two arms 151 and 152, of rounded shape, extending on either side of a median section 153.
• the two sections 143 and 153 are connected by an additional pin 160, allowing the mutual articulation two links around an axis A130.
• the first arm 151 is pivotally mounted relative to the yoke 128 about an axis A151.
• the other arm 152 supports a pin 155, which is slidably mounted in the slide 1 17.
• the hinge 130 whose components have been described above, is further associated with damping means, the implementation of which will be explained in the following.
• damping means are formed by a jack 170, pivotally mounted on the web 1 16 about an axis A170.
• this jack 170 comprises a body 171 and a rod 172, pivotally mounted on the pin 155 about an axis A172
• This rod 172 is therefore further free to slide in the slide 1 17, while the body 171 is integral in translation of the web 1 16.
• the various pivot axes A130, A141, A151, A171 and A172 are substantially parallel to each other, while extending from front to back of the piano.
• the axes A103 and A104 are parallel but not coincidental that, by convention, they form a mutual angle of 180 °.
• the wings 1 12 and 122 are placed one above the other but advantageously are brought into mutual contact via the abutment studs 1 and 125. This creates a substantially punctual contact and allows to avoid a surface contact between these elements.
• the pins 145 and 155 are placed in an intermediate position along the slides 1 17 and 127. In other words, these pins are arranged at a distance from the end of the slides, facing the wings 1 12 and 122, approximately equal to a quarter of the total length of these slides.
• the rod 172 of the cylinder is extended along an intermediate length relative to the body 171, namely that this length does not correspond to the maximum stroke of this rod.
• the piano is in an unfolded position.
• the parts 103 and 104 are arranged next to each other, the axes A103 and A104 being thus merged.
• the pins 145 and 155 are at the end of stroke, against the ends 1 17 "and 127" respective slides 1 17 and 127.
• the piston rod 171 has a minimum stroke value, being folded substantially entirely within the body 171.
• the hinge 130 is invisible to a user.
• the abutment flanges 1 14 and 124 abut each other, which defines a zone of overlap ZR, creating a continuity between the parts 103 and 104.
• This zone ZR is disposed above the hinge, which allows to hide the latter from the view of the user.
• the two axial ends of the pin 160 are received in the notches 1 19 and 129.
• the mobile part 103 ends its opening stroke by a movement almost in translation, compared at the fixed part 104. This allows a centered docking of the movable part, the cooperation of the pin with the notches 1 19 and 129 ensuring a centering function. In addition, perfect continuity is ensured between the walls 1 12 and 122.
• the piston 170 advantageously plays a damping function.
• it has any suitable structure, such as that of a gas spring.
• the pins 145 and 155 carried by the end of a respective rod, go back and forth within a corresponding slide 1 17 or 127. These movements back and forth, or cusp movements, are shown by the successive arrows F145 then F'145, as well as F155 then F'155. Therefore, a single mechanical member can be used, to ensure the damping of these movements both opening and closing.
• the aforementioned slides are rectilinear, so that they are simple to perform, especially by machining.
• each articulation axis A141 and A151 is offset beyond the joint plane J, defined by the two parts 103 and 104 when they are placed side by side.
• each axis protrudes beyond this joint plane, towards the opposite part. This makes it possible to modify the trajectory of the moving part and thus to bring the space between the upper faces of the piano to a very low value, for example close to 2 millimeters, in the closed position.
• the rods have relatively large dimensions. This makes it possible to reduce the intensity of the forces to which they are subjected at their ends. It is also advantageous for the links to work in very distinct superposed planes.
• the invention allows a slowdown at the end of the opening stroke, generated by the resistant force due to the compression of the gas spring. Conversely, at the beginning of the closing movement, the expansion of the same gas spring provides a motor force, suitable to relieve the user who must lift the moving part. In a similar way, the invention also allows a slowdown at the end of the closing stroke, generated by the resistant force due to the compression of the same gas spring. Conversely, at the beginning of the opening movement, the relaxation of the same gas spring provides a motor force, to relieve the user who must lift the moving part.
• substantially the entire housing is made of wood, for example laminated wood, so as to optimize the ratio between mass and strength.
• the wood also allows a good acoustic rendering.
• Other materials may also be used, such as plastic materials or wood plastic composite materials.
• the box is composite. It thus has a frame made of a material having a relatively high mechanical strength, and a trim reported on this framework.
• the frame may be formed by one or more section (s) of aluminum, while the covering may be formed by wood skins, including laminated wood.
• Each section may be provided with rails, which allow the establishment of a respective skin, while screws ensure the removable attachment of the skin relative to the profile.
• This box may be associated with any suitable hinge according to the invention, in particular those illustrated in the preceding figures.
• the keys of the keyboard of the digital piano according to the invention are preferably designed so as to offer what the skilled person calls a "heavy touch", that is to say a touch close to that of the keys of a acoustic piano.
• This heavy touch can be obtained by any appropriate means, for example by incorporating flyweights.
• the white keys may all have the same weight, or may have a different weight depending on the note represented; it is the same black keys that can each have the same weight or a different weight according to the note shown.
• Each key has at least one sensor for detecting the movement of the keys, and preferably several sensors.
• a digital piano is controlled by an electronic or computer means.
• the sounds that are produced during the operation of the keys are most often obtained beforehand by "sampling", that is to say that the sounds of an acoustic piano are recorded, for example a grand piano, and that you store these sounds in a memory so you can reuse them later.
• Another method of generating sounds is to model the sounds of each key. This type of process requires a computer means equipped with specific software. Whatever the method used for the sound generation, the actuation of each key of the keyboard of the digital piano leads to the generation of recorded or modeled sounds corresponding thereto.
• the foldable digital piano according to the invention is equipped with a computer integrated in the box, a modeling and sound generation software being installed in this computer.
• a computer integrated in the box a modeling and sound generation software being installed in this computer.
• a modeling and sound generation software being installed in this computer.
• the software is the Pianoteq® software from Modartt.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
• Stringed Musical Instruments (AREA)

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• 2014
  • 2014-06-02 FR FR1454964A patent/FR3021801B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2015
  • 2015-06-02 EP EP15732830.3A patent/EP3149726A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2015-06-02 WO PCT/FR2015/051441 patent/WO2015185841A2/fr not_active Ceased

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