EP3619705B1 - Electronic accordion - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electronic accordion, comprising a treble side and a bass side and a bellows device connecting the treble side to the bass side and defining a bellows volume, the treble side and the bass side being movable relative to one another while changing the bellows volume, with a first group on the treble side of control elements and a second group of control elements is arranged on the bass side.

Electronic accordions are known from the prior art. In the case of electronic accordions, in contrast to conventional accordions, a sound is not generated via sound sticks, but digitally or electronically and output via a loudspeaker. By eliminating the reed blocks, electronic accordions differ from conventional ones in that the air throughput does not vary during playing. In conventional accordions, the air throughput varies by opening the different vocal flaps, so that when different individual vocal flaps associated operating elements, i.e. different keys, are actuated, a different air throughput and also a different pressure in the bellows device or in the bellows volume is set.

The playing behavior, also called bellows dynamics, in such electronic accordions thus differs considerably from conventional accordions, which causes difficulties for many users, in particular when emphasizing the music. Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to provide an air hole in the bellows device in order to obtain an air throughput during the game operation. However, this leads to a constant air throughput and thus also to a playing behavior deviating from a classic accordion or a deviating bellows dynamics, since the air throughput is always the same regardless of the actuation of the individual operating elements.

EP 1 752 966 A2 - ROLAND CORP [JP] - February 14, 2007 discloses an electronic accordion comprising the external structural features of an acoustic accordion.

Depending on the number of key presses and the selection of registers, the bellows valve is controlled in order to approximate the feel of an acoustic accordion.

EP 2 779 154 A1 - ROLAND EUROP SPA [IT] - September 17, 2014 discloses an electronic accordion with a bellows valve ( Fig. 4-6 Character 15), the position of which is electronically controlled in connection with the key actuation (§18). In §16 it is also discussed how the valve opening is controlled depending on the number of notes played and the selected registers.

Due to the circumstances described above, the acceptance of electronic accordions by the users is in need of improvement, since these known electronic accordions differ too much in their playing behavior from conventional accordions or harmonicas. This also leads to the fact that users do not resort to electronic accordions for practicing, because their playing behavior is too different and therefore playing a conventional accordion is not can be practiced realistically on an electronic accordion.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an electronic accordion in which the playing behavior is improved.

The object is achieved by an electronic accordion with the features of claim 1.

In an electronic accordion according to the invention, at least one resistance device with at least one resistance element is provided, which is designed to at least partially open or close at least one opening in the bellows device as a function of a position of the at least one resistance element.

The invention is thus based on the idea of not only providing one opening or several openings in the bellows device, as is customary in the prior art, which lead to a constant air flow, but rather to at least partially open or open at least one opening in the bellows device by means of a resistance element . close. Due to the position of the resistance element that is assigned to the resistance device, the air throughput through the at least one opening in the bellows device is thus variable. By moving the resistance element into different positions, the at least one opening can thus be covered or closed to different extents in order to better adapt the air throughput through the opening to the playing behavior of a classic accordion. Of course, the at least one opening can be completely closed or completely opened or can assume any desired value or any desired position between the completely open and the completely closed position. The term opening (“opening in the bellows device”) is not restricted to openings which are arranged directly or immediately in the bellows device. Rather, all openings that are directly or indirectly in fluid connection with the bellows device are to be understood as "openings" in the sense of the present application. For example, openings connected to the bellows device via a line structure, for example a hose, are also to be understood as openings in the bellows device.

In the case of the electronic accordion according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that a pressure in the bellows volume is dependent on the position of the at least one resistance element during a game operation. As described above, the air throughput through the at least one opening is dependent on the position of the at least one resistance element. At least one Resistance element closes or opens the at least one opening, depending on the position in which the resistance element is. During the game operation, that is, when a user moves the bass side and the treble side relative to one another with a corresponding action on the bellows device and the associated changed bellows volume, the pressure in the bellows volume changes. According to this embodiment of the invention, the pressure in the bellows volume is dependent on the position of the at least one resistance element. The reason for this is that the resistance element can at least partially open or close the at least one opening, so that the pressure that builds up in the bellows volume is ultimately also dependent on the position of the resistance element. The further the resistance element covers or closes the at least one opening, the higher the pressure or the resistance felt by the user while playing.

As a result, it is advantageously possible to match the playing behavior to that of a classical accordion, since the pressure is set during the playing operation as a function of the position of the resistance element. The playing behavior or the bellows dynamics is therefore significantly more similar to the playing behavior of a classic accordion than that of conventional electronic accordions due to the varying pressure or the varying air flow rate. This leads to an improved acceptance of electronic accordions by the user, so that they can be used for practicing, for example in noise-sensitive environments, i.e. ultimately as a replacement for classic accordions.

A preferred development of the electronic accordion according to the invention can consist in that the position of the at least one resistance element can be adjusted as a function of an actuation of at least one operating element. According to this development, a relationship is established between the actuation of an operating element and the position of the at least one resistance element. The playing behavior of the electronic accordion can thus be further matched to that of a classic accordion, since in a classic accordion the pressure in the bellows volume or the air throughput through the at least one opening also depends on the actuation of the operating elements. The resistance device is consequently designed in such a way that it changes the position of the at least one resistance element when an operating element is actuated. If the control element is released, the resistance element is moved back into the starting position or basic position.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the electronic accordion according to the invention, it can be provided that the resistance device has at least one control device assigned to at least one resistance element, the at least one resistance element being movable, preferably displaceable, in a basic state depending on an actuation of the at least one operating element by means of the control device, is that the at least one opening is at least partially open or closed.

According to this embodiment, the resistance device has at least one adjusting device which is provided to move the at least one resistance element or to bring it into different positions. In particular, the actuating device can move the at least one resistance element from a basic state into a position which is provided for actuating at least one operating element. Of course, it is possible to select the basic state as desired, a position of the at least one resistance element such that the at least one opening is closed in the basic state is preferred. However, it is also possible to set the at least one resistance element in the basic state in such a way that the at least one opening is open or assumes every position in between. Depending on the actuation of the at least one operating element, the actuating device sets or moves the at least one resistance element from the basic state into the position that corresponds to the actuation of the at least one operating element. It is thereby achieved that, as in the case of a classic accordion, the actuation of an operating element leads to a change in the air throughput and thus to a change in the pressure in the bellows volume.

The at least one adjusting device is preferably designed in such a way that it can move the at least one resistance element. By moving the resistance element, it is moved over or relative to the opening, at least in sections, in order to open or close it. The resistance element can thus be pushed over the opening at least in sections in order to regulate the air throughput through the opening.

In the case of the electronic accordion according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that an opening dimension is defined for actuation of at least one operating element, which determines the extent to which the at least one opening in the bellows device is opened or closed by means of the at least one resistance element, or that an opening dimension is defined for the actuation of an operating element assigned to a subgroup of operating elements, different opening dimensions being defined for different operating elements or for different subgroups.

It is therefore preferably provided that at least one opening dimension is predefined. The opening dimension defines the extent to which the at least one opening in the bellows device is open or closed when an operating element is actuated. Ultimately, the opening dimension thus defines the relative position or a relative displacement between the at least one opening or the edges of the opening and the at least one resistance element. In other words, the opening dimension defines how far the at least one opening is opened or closed. Furthermore, a separate opening dimension can be defined for each of the operating elements so that the resistance element assumes an individual position as a function of each individual operating element. Thus, the at least one resistance element is moved or set by actuating the various operating elements in such a way that the opening dimension specified for the respective operating element is set when it is actuated.

It is also possible to define at least two subgroups, an opening dimension being defined for each of the subgroups. If an operating element that belongs to one of the defined subgroups is thus actuated, the resistance element is set in such a way that the at least one opening is opened or closed by the corresponding opening dimension assigned to the subgroup. Of course, both alternatives are also possible in addition, so that both individual operating elements are assigned individual opening dimensions and other operating elements are combined into subgroups, which in turn are assigned an opening dimension. For example, it is possible to define a fixed opening dimension for all operating elements on the bass side and to define individual subgroups of operating elements on the treble side, with a separate opening dimension being defined for each of the subgroups.

In the two alternatives described above, it can particularly preferably be provided that the operating elements of an octave are combined to form a subgroup. The operating elements that are assigned to the same octave are preferably combined into a subgroup in this embodiment of the invention. Thus, pressing one of the controls that are assigned to the same octave creates the same opening dimension.

Furthermore, in the case of the electronic accordion according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the opening dimensions defined for at least two operating elements are additive when the at least two operating elements are actuated. Accordingly, the opening dimensions add up when several operating elements are actuated. The at least one resistance element is consequently set in such a way that the at least one opening is opened or closed to the extent that this is predetermined by adding the opening dimensions defined for the individual actuated operating elements. In particular, it is possible to operate several control elements of the same or different subgroups at the same time, the corresponding opening dimensions adding up and the corresponding at least one opening consequently being opened by the added opening dimension.

The electronic accordion according to the invention is further developed in such a way that a computing device is provided which is designed to receive a signal, preferably a signal generated based on an actuation of the at least one operating element, from a control device or directly from the at least one operating element. In the case of electronic accordions, corresponding tones are assigned to the individual operating elements, and when an operating element is operated, the control device usually generates a MIDI signal that corresponds to the corresponding operated operating element. The corresponding information relating to the at least one actuated control element is forwarded to a sound module built into the electronic accordion. In particular, which control element was operated is transmitted, and the velocity, the instrument, etc. are transmitted. The computing device is designed to receive the generated MIDI signal. However, it is also possible to use the computing device to directly tap a signal relating to the actuation of one of the operating elements. Accordingly, the computing device can receive a corresponding signal directly when the respective operating element is actuated.

It is provided that the computing device is designed to extract at least one sound information relating to the actuation of the at least one operating element from a MIDI signal generated in a control device or from a MIDI signal received from an operating element, in particular from the first data byte . The computing device is accordingly designed to evaluate the generated MIDI signal and thus to extract which operating elements have been pressed. The MIDI signal is there usually from three to five bytes, with MIDI signals consisting of three bytes being preferred. The first data byte (data byte 1) contains the information about which control element has been operated, i.e. which note is to be played. This information is extracted accordingly by the computing device and forwarded to further components of the electronic accordion.

Another embodiment of the accordion according to the invention provides that the resistance device is designed to set the at least one resistance element as a function of the at least one tone information item. The extracted or received sound information is consequently used to set the at least one resistance element or to determine the position of the at least one resistance element when the at least one operating element is actuated. This creates a relationship between the note being played and the position in which the resistance element is to be placed, that is to say to what extent the at least one opening is to be opened or closed. This ensures that a corresponding air throughput is set as a function of the note played or the actuation of the corresponding control element. In particular, it can be taken into account that low tones cause a higher air throughput in a classic accordion than high tones. As a result, the playing behavior or the bellows dynamics of the electronic accordion are adapted to those of a classic accordion. In particular, the extracted sound information is used to control the setting device so that it can set the at least one resistance element accordingly.

According to a further development of the electronic accordion according to the invention, it can be provided that the bellows device has a separating device on which the at least one opening and more preferably the at least one resistance element are arranged. The separating device is preferably designed as a plate which has several openings. The at least one resistance element is consequently such that it can close and open the at least one opening. The separating device is preferably arranged on the side facing the treble side or the bass side of the bellows device.

In the electronic accordion according to the invention, the actuating device is particularly preferably designed as an electric motor, in particular as a stepper motor or as a servo motor, or comprises one. The at least one resistance element can be positioned accordingly by the stepper motor or the servomotor. In particular, the resistance element is designed as a slide element and can be moved through the openings in the separating device. The sliding element is also designed in the form of a plate and has several openings which can be brought into congruence with the at least one opening in the bellows device in order to open or close the at least one opening.

Furthermore, the electronic accordion according to the invention can be developed in such a way that a correction device, in particular a potentiometer or having a potentiometer, is provided by means of which the opening dimensions defined for the individual operating elements or the individual subgroups of operating elements can be changed, preferably a correcting opening dimension for the defined opening dimensions can be added or subtracted.

By means of the correction device, the different playing styles of the individual users can be taken into account, so that the opening dimensions assigned to the individual operating elements or the individual subgroups of operating elements can be changed, in particular linearly. Accordingly, a correction opening dimension can preferably be added to or subtracted from the previously defined opening dimensions, so that the game dynamics or the individual opening dimensions can be adapted to the respective user. In particular, it can be provided that the correction device is only accessible by the manufacturer's personnel and is not accessible to the end user.

The invention also relates to a computing device for an electronic accordion according to the invention. Of course, all advantages, details and features that have been described with reference to the electronic accordion can be transferred to the computing device according to the invention.

In addition, the invention relates to a retrofit unit according to claim 12 for an electronic accordion, which can be or is arranged on at least one opening of an electronic accordion and has at least one resistance device with at least one resistance element, which is designed to open the at least one opening in a bellows device as a function to at least partially open or close a position of the at least one resistance element. The retrofit unit is therefore intended to be retrofitted to an existing electronic accordion. For this purpose, the resistance device can be attached to an opening provided in the electronic accordion, in particular attached to a housing section delimiting the bellows volume.

For example, at least one opening can be drilled into the housing of the electronic accordion on which the retrofit unit is arranged. Of course, the at least one opening does not have to be provided directly in the bellows device, but it is also possible to provide an opening in fluid connection with the bellows device, for example connected via a line or a channel. Ultimately, air flowing from the bellows device through the opening can be influenced by means of the resistance element; in particular, the cross section of the opening can be limited (reduced and increased again) by the at least one resistance element in order to improve the flow behavior of the air flowing from the bellows device through the opening, especially with regard to the flow rate.

During operation, the resistance device can cover or at least partially expose the at least one opening by suitable positioning of the at least one resistance element. The movement, in particular the positioning of the at least one resistance element, can particularly preferably take place as a function of sound information. The extracted or received sound information is consequently used to set the at least one resistance element or to determine the position of the at least one resistance element when the at least one operating element is actuated.

The sound information can be received by the electronic accordion, in particular by means of its MIDI output. The retrofit unit is preferably connected to the MIDI output of the electronic accordion (for example via a standardized socket) in order to receive the sound information described above. The sound information, in particular the MIDI signal, can thus be received by any control device. Depending on which control element is operated, the electronic accordion will generate a corresponding MIDI signal and thus corresponding sound information. The resistance element can therefore be set as a function of the sound information. This enables the air throughput through the opening to be influenced as a function of the audio information, i.e. as a function of how many controls and which controls have been actuated, since the at least one resistance element is set accordingly and the opening thus opens or closes accordingly. In this way, the change in the air throughput that occurs when a classical accordion is played can be simulated.

The at least one resistance element can be arranged directly on an opening provided in the housing of the accordion. In addition, it is also possible to arrange an element providing at least one defined opening, for example a plate with a hole, between the opening in the housing and the at least one resistance element. In this case, the element limits the opening in the housing to the opening of the element, the resistance element being able to open and close the opening in the element in a defined manner, as described above.

As a result of the retrofit unit, a resistance device according to the invention can accordingly be retrofitted to conventional electronic accordions in order to improve the feeling of playing. Of course, all the advantages, details and features presented above can be fully transferred to the retrofit unit. A corresponding resistance device can therefore be described as "retrofittable". The retrofit unit can be attached to the electronic accordion as desired, for example screwed, glued or the like.

The retrofit unit can furthermore have a line structure or can be connected to such a structure in order to connect an opening in the bellows of the electronic accordion to the resistance device. In other words, at least one opening is provided in the bellows device for the resistance device, the resistance device being connected to the opening in the bellows device via the line structure. The opening can be selectively covered or exposed by means of the resistance device, as described above. It is also possible to create an opening in a housing of the retrofit unit and to connect it to the bellows device or the bellows volume, wherein the opening in the housing can be covered by means of the resistance device. Such an opening is therefore in fluid connection with the bellows device via the line structure and is therefore also to be understood as an "opening in the bellows device" in the context of the present application.

The opening in the housing can accordingly be connected to the bellows volume of the bellows device of any electronic accordion by means of the line structure, for example a hose or a line, in such a way that air flows through the line structure through the at least one opening, depending on the position of the resistance device or of the resistance element, can flow into or out of the bellows volume.

Thus, it is particularly preferably possible to arrange the resistance device or the entire retrofit unit at any point on the electronic accordion or externally so that it does not necessarily have to be arranged directly adjacent to the bellows volume or the opening provided in the bellows device. Instead, it is also possible to connect the bellows volume by means of the line structure to the opening, which can be provided, for example, in the separate housing of the retrofit unit, so that the resistance device can also be arranged in the housing, for example together with the computing device.

This means that the retrofit unit can be provided as a compact assembly, for example with a separate housing, in which housing the resistance device and optionally the computing device, that is to say the electronic components of the retrofit unit, can be accommodated. The separate housing can have the at least one opening on which the resistance element of the resistance device is arranged, wherein the resistance element, as described above, preferably depending on the actuated control element (e.g. via the sound information), can cover or release the opening. The opening of the housing can be connected directly to the bellows volume by means of the line structure, so that the air can flow through the housing through the opening and through the line structure into or out of the bellows volume. Of course, further inlets or outlets can be provided on the housing, which allow pressure equalization with the environment, so that air can flow into and out of the bellows volume. Such inlets or outlets can be provided with appropriate insulating materials in order to reduce disruptive noises generated by the air flowing through the inlets or outlets.

Fig. 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Akkordeon;

Fig. 2

ein Ersatzschaltbild eines Teils eines erfindungsgemäßen Akkordeons;

Fig. 3

eine Widerstandsvorrichtung für ein erfindungsgemäßes elektronisches Akkordeon gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer ersten Stellung in Draufsicht;

Fig. 4

die Darstellung von Fig. 3 in Vorderansicht; Fig. 5 eine Widerstandsvorrichtung für ein erfindungsgemäßes elektronisches Akkordeon gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer zweiten Stellung in Draufsicht;

Fig. 6

die Darstellung von Fig. 5 in Vorderansicht;

Fig. 7

eine Widerstandsvorrichtung für ein erfindungsgemäßes elektronisches Akkordeon gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel und

Fig. 8

eine Nachrüsteinheit für ein elektronisches Akkordeon.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic representations and show:

Fig. 1

an accordion according to the invention;

Fig. 2

an equivalent circuit diagram of part of an accordion according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a resistance device for an inventive electronic accordion according to a first embodiment in a first position in plan view;

Fig. 4

the representation of Fig. 3 in front view; Fig. 5 a resistance device for an inventive electronic accordion according to the first embodiment in a second position in plan view;

Fig. 6

the representation of Fig. 5 in front view;

Fig. 7

a resistance device for an inventive electronic accordion according to a second embodiment and

Fig. 8

a retrofit unit for an electronic accordion.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electronic accordion 1, comprising a treble side 2 and a bass side 3 and a bellows device 4 connecting the treble side 2 to the bass side 3, which defines a bellows volume 5, the treble side 2 and the bass side 3 changing the bellows volume 5 relative to one another are movable. During a game, the distance between the treble side 2 and the bass side 3 is changed by a relative movement, for example by compressing or pulling apart the bellows device 4, i.e. a movement of the treble side 2 and the bass side 3 towards or away from each other. In the process, the bellows volume 5 changes, with air being conveyed into or displaced from the bellows volume 5 accordingly.

A first group of operating elements 6 is arranged on the treble side 2 and a second group of operating elements 7 is arranged on the bass side 3. The electronic accordion 1 also has a resistance device 8 which is designed to at least partially open or close a plurality of openings 9 in the bellows device 4 as a function of a position of a resistance element 10. The arrangement of the resistance device 8 within the bellows device 4 is to be understood here only schematically. A different arrangement of the resistance device 8, in particular on or in the treble side 2 or on or in the bass side 3, is of course possible.

During a game operation, that is, when the bass side 3 and the treble side 2 are moved relative to one another, the bellows volume 5 changes, the pressure in the bellows volume 5 also being changed. The change in pressure when the bellows device 4 is compressed depends on the position of the resistance element 10. The position of the resistance element 10 defines the extent to which the openings 9 are open or closed. As a result, an air flow is established which can flow out of the bellows device 4 or from the bellows volume 5 or flow into it, which influences the bellows dynamics or the playing behavior of the electronic accordion.

In the case of the electronic accordion 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a position of the resistance element 10 can be set as a function of an actuation of one of the operating elements 12 from the first or the second group of operating elements 6, 7. Depending on which operating element 12, in particular which operating element 12 from the first or second group of operating elements 6, 7, and how many operating elements 12 are actuated, it is determined in which position the resistance element 10 is to be brought. Depending on the position of the resistance element 10, an air throughput through the openings 9 is therefore possible, so that the resistance when the treble side 2 and the bass side 3 are brought together, i.e. when the bellows device 4 is compressed, is determined. The electronic accordion 1 therefore simulates the playing behavior or the bellows dynamics of a classic accordion, since the air throughput through the openings 9, as in a classic accordion, changes with the number of actuated controls 12 and depending on which of the controls 12 is actuated .

To move the resistance element 10 into the various positions, the resistance device 8 has an actuating device 11, which is designed, for example, as an electric motor. The setting device 11 and the interaction with the resistance element 10 will be discussed in detail below.

Fig. 2 FIG. 11 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of part of the electronic accordion 1 according to FIG Fig. 1 . In Fig. 2 one of the operating elements 12 from the first or the second group of operating elements 6, 7 is shown as an example. Furthermore, a control device 13 is provided which determines which operating element 12 from the first or the second group of operating elements 6, 7 is being operated. As a result of the actuation, a MIDI signal is generated which can be received by a computing device 14. Furthermore, the MIDI signal is fed to a sound module 15, from where it can be further processed, for example forwarded to a loudspeaker device 16. The computing device 14 extracts from the MIDI signal in particular the first data byte which contains information, in particular sound information, about which operating element 12 was operated, that is to say which note is played. It is also determined how many control elements 12 are operated simultaneously and correspondingly which control elements 12 are operated. According to this sound information, i.e. the information about how many and which operating elements 12 are operated, the computing device 14 calculates corresponding control signals for the actuating device 11 of the resistance device 8. The actuating device 11 can then move the resistance element 10 in accordance with the control by the computing device 14 or the transmitted audio information.

Furthermore, the electronic accordion 1 can be assigned a correction device 17 which is designed to change or correct the setting commands or control signals of the setting device 11, in particular to add or subtract a certain travel. In other words, an offset can be established by means of the correction device 17, so that the resistance element 10 is moved further or less when one of the operating elements 12 is actuated. Ultimately, what is achieved thereby is that the openings 9 are opened wider or less. Ultimately, the air throughput can generally be adjusted as a result. In particular, the electronic accordion 1 can thus be adapted to a user by means of the correction device 17 in that it is determined which resistance or which playing behavior the electronic accordion 1 should have.

Fig. 3 shows a basic representation of the resistance device 8 of the electronic accordion 1 according to a first embodiment in a first position in a top view. The first position in Fig. 3 is shown, can be referred to as the basic position. Of course, it is also possible to define any other position as the basic position. The resistance element 10 must be set accordingly in this case. Ultimately, it must be ensured that the resistance element assumes the correct position when the respective operating element 12 is actuated.

Fig. 3 further shows that the resistance element 10 is arranged on a separating device 18. The separating device 18 has the openings 9 through which air can flow out of the bellows volume 5 or can flow into it. It can also be seen that the resistance element 10 also has openings 19, which are shown in FIG Fig. 3 The situation shown is not in line with the openings 9. In the situation shown, an air throughput is thus almost 0% of a maximum possible air throughput. The maximum possible air throughput, that is to say an air throughput of 100%, occurs when the openings 9 and the perforations 19 are completely congruent. The position of the resistance element 10, as shown in FIG Fig. 3 is shown, therefore corresponds to that position, in particular the basic position, when none of the operating elements 12 is operated.

Fig. 4 shows the in Fig. 3 situation shown in front view. It can be seen that both the separating device 18 and the resistance element 10 are plate-shaped. The separating device 18 can be seen through the perforations 19 in the resistance element 10.

If an actuating element 12 is actuated, the actuating device 11, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a stepping motor 20 with an associated spindle 21, is controlled accordingly, so that a corresponding interaction with the resistance element 10 takes place via a rotation of the spindle, so that the resistance element 10 is relative to the separating device 18 is moved, in particular displaced along this. Correspondingly, the resistance element 10 goes from the to Figures 3 and 4 position shown in the Figures 5 and 6 shown deflected position over. As a result, the resistance element 10 moves relative to the separating device 18, so that the openings 19 of the resistance element 10 partially coincide with the openings 9 in the separating device 18, so that air throughput through the openings 9 or through the openings 19 is possible.

Corresponding to the actuation of the at least one operating element 12, i.e. depending on which of the operating elements 12 and how many of them are actuated, the actuating device 11 moves the resistance element 10 relative to the separating device 18. The relative movement takes place by a defined opening dimension 22. In particular, an opening dimension 22 for each of the operating elements 12 or for each group of operating elements 6, 7 or any defined sub-groups of operating elements 12, for example according to octaves. The individual opening dimensions 22 are then additive, whereby it is determined which operating elements 12 are actuated and the opening dimensions 22 assigned to them are accordingly added to a resulting total opening dimension.

In the in the Figures 5 and 6 The illustrated situation corresponds to the opening dimension 22 of the actuation of several operating elements 12, so that the air throughput through the openings 19 and the openings 9 reaches approximately 50% of the maximum possible air throughput.

The setting device 11 moves the resistance element 10 during the game operation depending on the currently operated control elements 12, so that the Resistance element 10 is pushed into the corresponding position by the rotation of the spindle 21 driven by the stepping motor 20 along the separating device 18, which is shown by the double arrows 23, 24. The air throughput through the openings 9 or the perforations 19 thus varies as a function of the actuated control elements 12, so that the bellows dynamics or the playing behavior of the electronic accordion 1 approaches that of a classic accordion. The resistance that a user feels when playing the electronic accordion 1 is accordingly, just as with a classic accordion, dependent on which operating elements 12 are actuated.

Fig. 7 shows a resistance device 25 according to a second embodiment. The resistance device 25 can alternatively to the resistance device 8 from FIGS Figures 3 to 6 be provided in the electronic accordion 1. The same reference symbols are therefore used for the same components. The resistance device 25 has an adjusting device 26 which, in this exemplary embodiment, is designed as a servomotor. A lever 27, which is coupled to the resistance element 10 of the electronic accordion 1, is assigned to the servomotor 26. Depending on the activation of the actuating device 26, the resistance element 10 is moved relative to the separating device 18. The basic function of the electronic accordion 1 is therefore the same as when using the resistance device 8, which is described with reference to FIG Figures 2 to 6 has been described. With regard to the mode of operation, reference is therefore made to the corresponding passages in the description of the Figures 2 to 6 referenced.

Of course, the resistance device 8, 25 shown in the figures can be understood as a retrofit unit that can be arranged at an opening 9 of an electronic accordion in order to control or control a flow through the opening 9 by means of the resistance element 10 as a function of the actuated operating elements 12. to influence.

Fig. 8 shows a retrofit unit 28, the retrofit unit 28 having a housing 29 which is connected to the bellows device 4, in particular the bellows volume 5 of any electronic accordion, by means of a line structure 30, for example a flexible hose. For this purpose, a corresponding opening can be made in the electronic accordion or the bellows device 4 or an existing opening can be used to connect the line structure 30, the housing 29 likewise providing a corresponding connecting means to which the line structure 30 can be connected. This achieves that air can flow from the bellows volume 5 through the line structure 30 into the housing 29 or can flow out of the housing 29 through the line structure 30 into the bellows volume 5.

A resistance device 8 is provided inside the housing 29, which, as already described above, is designed to cover or uncover openings 9, i.e. to partially open or close the openings 9, the resistance device 8 having the resistance element 10, which can be partially moved over the openings 9 in order to bring openings 19 in the resistance element 10, for example a plate-shaped resistance element, into congruence with the openings 9 or to cover the openings 9 in order to regulate the air flow through the openings 9. The general functions of the resistance device 8 have already been described with reference to the preceding figures, which is why reference is made to the corresponding passages in the description in order to avoid repetition.

The housing 29 of the retrofit unit 28 also has a computing device 31 which is designed in particular to receive the MIDI signal (the sound information) of the electronic accordion, by means of which the retrofit unit 28 is connected via the line structure 30. For this purpose, the computing device 31 has a corresponding connection which can be connected, for example, to a MIDI output socket.

The housing 29 also has inlets / outlets 32, via which air from the surroundings can flow into the housing 29 or can flow out of the housing 29 into the surroundings. Depending on an actuated control element 12 of the electronic accordion, by means of which the retrofit unit 28 is connected, the resistance element 10 of the resistance device 8 can be positioned in order to control the air flow from the bellows device 4 or into the bellows device 4.

The advantages, details and features shown in the individual exemplary embodiments can of course be combined with one another as desired and exchanged as desired.

REFERENCE LIST

1

electronic accordion

2

Treble side

3

Bass side

4th

Bellows device

5

Bellows volume

6th

first group of controls

7th

second group of controls

8th

Resistance device

9

opening

10

Resistance element

11

Adjusting device

12th

Control element

13th

Control device

14th

Computing device

15th

Sound module

16

speaker

17th

Correction facility

18th

Separator

19th

Breakthrough

20th

Stepper motor

21

spindle

22nd

Opening dimension

23

Double arrow

24

Double arrow

25th

Resistance device

26th

Adjusting device

27

lever

28

Retrofit unit

29

casing

30th

Management structure

31

Computing device

32

Inlet / outlet

Claims (12)

1. Electric accordion (1), comprising a descant side (2) and a bass side (3), and a bellows apparatus (4) that connects the descant side (2) to the bass side (3) and defines a bellows volume (5), wherein the descant side (2) and the bass side (3) are movable relative to one another with a change to the bellows volume (5), wherein a first group (6) of controls (12) are arranged on the descant side (2) and a second group (7) of controls (12) are arranged on the bass side (3), wherein at least one resistance device (8, 25) with at least one resistance element (10) is provided, which device is designed to at least partially open or close at least one opening (9) in the bellows apparatus (4) depending on a position of the at least one resistance element (10), wherein a computing apparatus (14, 31) is provided which is designed to receive a signal, preferably a MIDI signal generated on the basis of an actuation of the at least one control (12), from a control apparatus (13) or directly from the at least one control (12), characterised in that the computing apparatus (14, 31) is designed to extract at least one piece of sound information of a played sound, relating to the actuation of the at least one control (12), from a MIDI signal generated in a control apparatus (13) or a MIDI signal received from a control (12), wherein the resistance device (8, 25) is designed to position the at least one resistance element (10) depending on the at least one piece of sound information and to set a corresponding air flow through the at least one opening (9) depending on the played sound.
2. Electric accordion according to claim 1, characterised in that a pressure in the bellows volume (5) is dependent on the position of the at least one resistance element (10) during a playing operation.
3. Electric accordion according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the position of the at least one resistance element (10) can be set depending on an actuation of at least one control (12).
4. Electric accordion according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the resistance device (8, 25) comprises at least one adjusting apparatus (11, 26) assigned to at least one resistance element (10), wherein the at least one resistance element (10) is movable, preferably slidable, in an initial state depending on an actuation of the at least one control (12) by means of the adjusting apparatus (11, 26) such that the opening (9) is open or closed at least in portions.
5. Electric accordion according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that, for an actuation of at least one control element (12), an opening dimension (22) is defined which specifies the extent to which the at least one opening (9) in the bellows apparatus (4) is open or closed by means of the at least one resistance element (10), or in that, for the actuation of a control (12) assigned to a sub-group of controls (12), an opening dimension (22) is defined, wherein different opening dimensions (22) are defined for different controls (12) or different sub-groups.
6. Electric accordion according to claim 5, characterised in that the controls (12) in one octave are combined into one sub-group.
7. Electric accordion according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the opening dimensions defined for at least two controls (12) are added when the at least two controls (12) are actuated.
8. Electric accordion according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bellows apparatus (4) comprises a dividing apparatus (18), on which the at least one opening (9) and the at least one resistance element (10) are arranged.
9. Electric accordion according to claim 8, characterised in that the dividing apparatus (18) is arranged on the side facing the descant side (2) or the bass side (3) of the bellows apparatus (4).
10. Electric accordion according to any of claims 4 to 9, characterised in that the adjusting apparatus (11, 26) is designed as or comprises an electric motor, in particular a stepper motor (20) or servomotor.
11. Electric accordion according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one correction apparatus (17), in particular a potentiometer or comprising a potentiometer, is provided, by means of which the opening dimensions (22) defined for the individual controls (12) or the individual sub-groups of controls (12) can be changed, preferably a correction opening dimension can be added to or subtracted from the defined opening dimensions (22).
12. Retrofit unit (28) for an electric accordion, wherein the retrofit unit is arrangeable or arranged on at least one opening in an electric accordion and comprises at least one resistance device (8, 25) having at least one resistance element (10), which device is designed to at least partially open or close at least one opening (9) in a bellows apparatus (4) of the electric accordion (1) depending on a position of the at least one resistance element (10), wherein a computing apparatus (14, 31) is provided which is designed to receive a signal, preferably a MIDI signal generated on the basis of an actuation of the at least one control (12), from a control apparatus (13) or directly from the at least one control (12), characterised in that the computing apparatus (14, 31) is designed to extract at least one piece of sound information of a played sound, relating to the actuation of the at least one control (12), from a MIDI signal generated in a control apparatus (13) or a MIDI signal received from a control (12), wherein the resistance device (8, 25) is designed to position the at least one resistance element (10) depending on the at least one piece of sound information and to set a corresponding air flow through the at least one opening (9) depending on the played sound.

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