Electronic percussion instrument

Abstract

An electronic percussion instrument that detects vibrations due to a hit and outputs a corresponding signal where the head of the instrument is held in place independent of a rim part. The independence stops vibrations originating from a hit of the rim from traveling to the head and interfering with the proper signal detection of hits to the head part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic percussion instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic percussion instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view with the hoop taken off of the head of the electronic percussion instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view at a cross-section that includes the joining bolts of the electronic percussion instrument of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor part of the electronic percussion instrument of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. An electronic percussion instrument 1 according to an example embodiment of the present invention is an electronic percussion instrument referred to as an “electronic drum” that is played using sticks and the like, provided with sensors that detect vibrations due to hits. Musical note equipment (not shown) controls a sound source based on the signals detected by the sensors and is designed so as to generate musical notes or sounds in proportion to the hits. The musical notes or sounds are output from speaker equipment via amplifier equipment.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic percussion instrument 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The exterior of electronic percussion instrument 1, as shown in FIG. 1, is provided with a body part 2, a rim cover 3, a hoop 4, and a head 5.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view that shows these parts in a disassembled state. By screwing in and fixing the hoop 4, tension is applied to the head 5 and it is fixed in place. The rim cover 3 is fit onto the outer circumferential part 2a of the body part 2.

The body part 2 forms a framework of the electronic percussion instrument 1 and, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, is formed in an approximately hollow cylindrical shape from a resin material. The outer circumference of the body part 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the outer circumferential part 2a erected almost vertically from the bottom part 2g (refer to FIG. 4). The rim cover, in this embodiment, is fit on the periphery of the upper edge of the outer circumferential part 2a forming the rim part.

In the inner circumference of the outer circumferential part 2a, a head support member 2b is formed as one unit, with the bottom part 2g and the outer circumference part 2a, and is arranged in a standing manner from the bottom part 2g. The unit forms a cylindrical shape of concentric circles with the outer circumference part 2a. The head support member 2b is supported by a plurality of ribs 2d, in this embodiment, arranged in a standing manner perpendicular to the bottom part 2g. The ribs 2d are formed in the body part 2 as shapes radiating from the central direction of the cylinder. Furthermore, in the central part of the cylinder of the bottom part 2g, circular holes 2h are formed and the air inside the body part 2 can freely go outside.

The lower surface of the head 5 contacts the upper edge circumference of the head support member 2b, and the ring shaped hoop 4 surrounds the outer circumference of the head while imparting tension to the head 5.

The rim cover 3, in this embodiment, comprises a cylindrical shaped cover made of rubber, soft plastic, or the like, fit onto the upper edge of the perimeter of the body part 2 . The rubber makes hitting the rim with the shaft and the like of a stick feel softer because the rubber covering is more flexible than the body part 2, which is made of hard resin. Furthermore, the rim part corresponds to the part comprising the rim cover 3 and the outer circumference part 2a.

The hoop 4, in this embodiment, comprises the bolt holes 4b into which the joining bolts 7 are inserted, and the bolt head accommodating holes 4c (or recesses) that receive the heads of the joining bolts 7. The bolt holes 4b and bolt head accommodating holes 4c divide the circumference of the hoop 4 into a plurality (for example six) equal parts on the hoop main body 4a that contacts the ring shaped head framework 5b of the head 5. Furthermore, internal threads 2e, into which the joining bolts 7 are screwed, are positioned on the bottom of the head part 2, between the head support member 2b and the outer circumference part 2a, dividing the circumference of the head part 2 into a plurality (for example six) equal parts (refer to FIG. 3).

The head 5, in this embodiment, comprises a hitting surface member 5a comprising of film shaped material formed from synthetic resin and a mesh shaped material knitted out of synthetic fibers bonded to a head framework 5b. The head framework 5b has a ring shape and is composed of a metal material or the like. The hitting surface member 5a is hit by sticks and the like.

The joining bolts 7, in this embodiment, are made of steel, join the hoop 4 to the body part 2 by screwing them together, and impart tension to the head 5 through the hoop 4.

In this embodiment, when assembling the head 5 in an electronic percussion instrument 1, first, place the head 5 (FIG. 1 upper side) on the head support member 2b located on the upper side of the body part 2. Next, insert the respective joining bolts 7 into the bolt holes 4b, overlay the hoop 4 so as to cover the head framework 5b of the head 5, and screw each joining bolt 7 into the internal threads 2e.

According to this embodiment, the head 5 is sandwiched between the hoop 4 and the head support member 2b providing support. The tension imparted to the head 5 can be adjusted by tightening the joining bolts 7. Furthermore, when a rim shot takes place, because the upper edge of the outer circumferential part 2a is hit and the hoop is not hit directly, the joining bolts 7 do not loosen.

The body part 2, in one embodiment, has an attaching part 2c protruding from the body for attaching a stand and the like (FIG. 2 lower part). A rod hole 2f for receiving a rod-shaped support portion of a stand is inserted therein. A mechanism, such as a threaded set screw may extend into the hole 2f to frictionally engage the inserted rod and inhibit relative movement between the rod and the body part 2. A handle 8 may be provided for allowing a user to manually drive that mechanism. This handle is devised so that, when it is turned to the right the rod inserted into the rod hole 2f is held and, when it is turned to the left the rod is released.

A head sensor 21 and a rim sensor 31, in one embodiment, are positioned in the inner side of the cylinder that the head support member 2b forms, opposite the attaching part 2c. The central axis of the cylinder that the body part 2 forms is between the attaching part 2c and the head sensor 21 and rim sensor 31. The head sensor 21 is bonded to the top of the support plate 11 extending above two supports positioned in a standing manner with respect to the bottom 2g (refer to FIG. 3), and the rim sensor 31 is bonded to the bottom part 2g.

FIG. 3 is a plan view that shows an electronic percussion instrument 1, when the hoop 4 and the head 5 are removed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, at the upper left side of the center of the body part 2, a stereo jack 9 is provided in order to output the electric signals detected by the head sensor 21 and the rim sensor 31. The electric signals detected by the head sensor 21 and the rim sensor 31 are each independently output by means of a stereo plug inserted into this stereo jack.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, cut at a plane perpendicular to the hitting surface 5a of the head 5, through the shaft centers of joining bolts 7 of an electronic percussion instrument 1. FIG. 4(a) is the plan view that shows the position of the cross-section shown in (b), and FIG. 4(b) is that cross-sectional view.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4(b), the rim cover 3 is mated to the upper edge of the body part 2, and the hitting surface 5a is placed lower than the upper edge of that rim cover. The head framework 5b contacts the hoop main body 4a, and the hoop 4 is pressed down by screwing joining bolts 7 into the internal threads 2e.

In this embodiment, the upper surface of the head 5 and the upper surface of the hoop 4 are approximately flush when assembled. Therefore the hitting surface looks uniform at the upper surface of the head 5 and the upper surface of the hoop 4, making the player feel like the hitting area is larger and therefore easier to play.

Furthermore, the bolt holes 4b into which the joining bolts 7 are inserted divide the circumference of the hoop 4 into a plurality (such as six) equal divisions in this embodiment. The bolt head accommodating holes 4c that accommodate the heads of the joining bolts 7 in the upper part of the bolt holes 4b, prevent the heads of the joining bolts 7 from protruding from the upper surface of the hoop 4. Therefore, the hitting surface appears larger.

In a preferred embodiment, the hitting surface member 5a is made of a mesh material bonded to a head framework 5b that has a ring shape. As shown in FIG. 4, since the head framework 5b is fit onto the outer circumference of the head support member 2b, the hitting surface member 5a extends to the upper edge surface (FIG. 4 upper side) of the body part 2. The head sensor 21 contacts the bottom surface (FIG. 4 lower side surface) of the extended hitting surface member 5a.

In the embodiment described above where the hitting surface member 5a is comprised of a mesh material, the air resistance of the hitting surface is reduced. This has the advantageous result that the hitting surface feels better when hit by means of sticks and the like, yet the acoustic sound emanating from the hitting surface is reduced, for example, so only the musical note from the speaker equipment may be heard by the player. Examples of heads made of multiple layers of mesh material are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,026, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable mesh head materials have been sold in the United States by Roland Corporation with and for certain products in Roland's V-drum™ line of electronic percussion instruments.

Furthermore, since the vibrations of the hitting surface member 5a due to a hit propagate only within the hitting surface member Sa, the influence of that vibration is not substantially imparted to the body part 2. Therefore, such vibrations of the hitting surface member 5a are only detected by the head sensor 21 and are not mistakenly detected by the rim sensor 31. Furthermore, the tension of the hitting surface member 5a can be arbitrarily adjusted to accommodate the playing method of the user by changing the degree to which the jointing bolts 7 are screwed into the internal threads 2e.

Next, an example embodiment of the head sensor 21 and the rim sensor 31 will be explained with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view that shows the position of the cross-section shown in (b), and FIG. 5(b) is that cross-sectional view.

The head sensor 21 comprises a sensor device used for detecting the vibrations of the head 5 and, in one embodiment, comprises a piezoelectric device 22 and cushioned double-sided tape. The piezoelectric device 22 and the like may be covered by a cushion member 23. The piezoelectric device 22 is a vibration detection sensor that converts piezo and the like vibrations to electric signals. The piezoelectric device 22 may be formed in a disk shaped body and has an output signal line (not shown). The upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric device 22, the cushioning member 23, and the cushioned double-sided tape are each attached by a suitable adhesive material.

The output signal line is connected to the stereo jack 9 (refer to FIG. 3), and the electric signal from the piezoelectric device 22 may be output to a musical note device (not shown) via the stereo jack 9.

The cushioned double-sided tape, in a preferred embodiment, has adhesive material for adhering the piezoelectric device 22 to the support plate 11 and comprises double-sided tape with an adhesive layer laminated on the upper and lower surfaces of a cushioning layer. In this embodiment the cushioned double-sided tape is formed in approximately a disk shape, and the piezoelectric device 22 is stuck to the support plate 11 by means of this cushioned double-sided tape.

The cushion member 23 transmits vibrations from the head 5 to the piezoelectric device 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 5b, the cushion member 23 may comprise an approximately cylindrical shaped elastic member made of polyurethane foam or other suitable sponge-like material, or the like. The cushion member 23 is stuck to the piezoelectric device 22 and in one embodiment has a diameter larger than that of the piezoelectric device 22. The cushion member is positioned so that the upper surface of the cylindrically shaped body of the cushion member contacts the lower surface of the head 5 (hitting surface member 5a).

A head sensor 21 may be secured to the top of a support member 11 by cushioned double-sided tape, with the upper surface of the cushion member 23 in contact with the lower surface of the head.

The rim sensor 31, in one embodiment, comprises a sensing device used to detect the vibrations of the outer circumferential part 2a of the body part 2 and, similar to the above mentioned embodiment of the head sensor 21, has a piezoelectric device as a vibration detection sensor and cushioned double-sided tape for the purpose of securing the piezoelectric device to the bottom part 2g. An explanation of the piezoelectric device and cushioned double-sided tape and the like is omitted because it is the same description as that of the head sensor 21.

In one embodiment the rim sensor 31 is secured to the upper side of the bottom part 2g by means of cushioned double-sided tape. The secured position of this rim sensor 31 is in the vicinity of the head sensor 21 and is a position on the side opposite the attaching part 2c with the central axis of the cylinder that forms the body part 2 interposed in between.

In the above mentioned embodiment, the rim part formed in the body part 2 does not have to impart tension to the head 5 (which is provided by a hoop 4 that is a separate member), so the height of the upper edge of the rim part from the upper surface of the head 5 may be uniform and constant. Therefore a rim shot can more easily be played.

In prior embodiments where the outer circumference of the head 5 is surrounded by the rim part, the vibration from a rim shot propagated to the head 5 may be mistakenly detected by the head sensor. In the above mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the rim part does not directly touch the head 5, preventing false detection of a rim shot by the head sensor.

An explanation of the present invention was given above of the present invention based on several preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes that do not deviate from and are within the scope of the essentials of the present invention can be easily surmised

For example, in the preferred embodiments described above, the rim part comprises a rubber rim cover 3 that fits on to the outer circumferential part 2a but the rim cover 3 may also be omitted.

Claims

1. An electronic percussion instrument that detects vibration due to hits and outputs a corresponding signal comprising: a body having a hollow circular cylindrical shape with an outer circumference and an inner circumference, the body further having a rim part with an upper edge on the outer circumference;a head having a generally flat surface with a lower surface and an upper surface positioned lower than the upper edge of the rim part and inside the inner circumference of the body, the head further having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;a head support member having a generally cylindrical shape and positioned within the inner circumference of the body, the head support member is arranged to contact the inner circumference of the lower surface of the head;a hoop part having a ring shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the head and provides tension to the head at the inner circumference of the body, the hoop part further having an upper surface and a lower surface; anda head sensor arranged to detect vibrations of the head.

2. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the hoop part is substantially flush with the upper surface of the head.

3. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame connected to the head support member; anda plurality of bolts arranged to secure the hoop part to the body, the bolts are threaded to a plurality of internal threads formed in the frame.

4. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 3, wherein the hoop part has bolt head accommodating holes for receiving heads of the bolts, so that the heads of the bolts do not protrude from the upper surface of the hoop part.

5. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 1, wherein the body and head support member are formed in one unitary body made of resin.

6. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a rim sensor that detects vibrations of the body located in the vicinity of the head sensor.

7. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an attaching part that holds the body, the attaching part is positioned on the outer circumference of the body part, and the head sensor is positioned on the side opposite the attaching part with a central axis of the generally cylindrical shape of the body interposed between the head sensor and the attaching part.

8. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 1, wherein the head is made of mesh material having threads arranged at right angles to each other, wherein the threads are made of resin.

9. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 8, wherein the head comprises two layers of mesh material.

10. An electronic percussion instrument that detects vibration due to hits and outputs a corresponding signal comprising: a body having a hollow circular cylindrical shape with an outer circumference and an inner circumference, the body further having a rim part with an upper edge on the outer circumference;a head having a generally flat surface with a lower surface and an upper surface positioned lower than the upper edge of the rim part and inside the inner circumference of the body, the head further having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;an attaching part that holds the body, the attaching part is positioned on the outer circumference of the body part; anda head sensor arranged to detect vibrations of the head, the head sensor is positioned on the side opposite the attaching part with a central axis of the generally cylindrical shape of the body interposed between the head sensor and the attaching part.

11. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 10, further comprising a rim sensor that detects vibrations of the body located in the vicinity of the head sensor.

12. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 10, wherein the head is made of mesh material having threads arranged at right angles to each other, wherein the threads are made of resin.

13. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 12, wherein the head comprises two layers of mesh material.

14. An electronic percussion instrument that detects vibration due to hits and outputs a corresponding signal comprising: a body with an inner area and an outer surface, the body further having a rim part;a head with an upper surface and lower surface, the head further having an inner area and an outer area;a head support member arranged to provide a force to the lower surface of the head;a head tension member arranged to provide a force to the upper surface of the head, the head tension member further having an upper surface and a lower surface; anda head sensor arranged to detect vibrations of the head,wherein the rim part is arranged to not directly contact the head;wherein the head is positioned in an area closer to a central axis of the body than the rim part;wherein the force from the head tension member provides tension to the head.

15. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 14, further comprising an attaching part that holds the body, the attaching part is positioned on the outer surface of the body, and the head sensor is positioned on the side opposite the attaching part with a central axis of the body interposed between the head sensor and the attaching part.

16. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 14, further comprising a rim sensor that detects vibrations of the body.

17. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 14, wherein the head is made of a mesh material having threads arranged at angles to each other.

18. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 17, wherein the head comprises two layers of mesh material.

19. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 14, further comprising: a frame connected to the head support member; anda plurality of bolts arranged to secure the head tension member to the body, the bolts are threaded to a plurality of internal threads formed in the frame.

20. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 19, wherein the head tension member has bolt head accommodating holes for receiving heads of the bolts, so that the heads of the bolts do not protrude from the upper surface of the head tension member.

21. The electronic percussion instrument according to claim 14, wherein the upper surface of the head tension member is substantially flush with the upper surface of the head.

22. A method of manufacturing an electronic percussion instrument that detects vibration due to hits and outputs a corresponding signal, the method comprising: providing a body part forming an area, the body part further having a center and an outer surface;locating a head with within the area formed by the body part, the head further having an upper surface and a lower surface, the head further having an inner edge and an outer edge;positioning a rim part on the body part at a distance further from the center of the body part than the distance of the outer edge of the head from the center of the body part;supporting the lower surface of the head with a head supporting member;imparting a force on the upper surface of the head with a head tension member, the head tension member further having an upper surface and a lower surface;creating tension in the head through the force from the head tension member; andlocating a head sensor to detect vibrations of the head.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising positioning an attaching part on the outer surface of the body part, the attaching part holds the body part.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein locating the head sensor comprises positioning the head sensor on the side opposite the attaching part with a central axis of the body part interposed between.

25. The method according to claim 22, further comprising locating a rim sensor that detects vibrations of the body part.

26. The method according to claim 22, wherein locating a head within the area formed by the body part comprises forming the head from a mesh material within the area formed by the body part.

27. The method according to claim 22, wherein locating a head within the area formed by the body part comprises forming the head from two layers of a mesh material within the area formed by the body part.

28. The method according to claim 22, wherein creating tension in the head through the force from the head tension member comprises: connecting a frame to the head support member; andsecuring the head tension member to the body part by arranging a plurality of bolts, the bolts are threaded to a plurality of internal threads formed in the frame.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein securing the head tension member comprises providing bolt head accommodating holes for receiving heads of the bolts on the head tension member, so the heads of the bolts do not protrude from the upper surface of the head tension member.

30. The method according to claim 22, wherein locating a head within the area formed by the body part comprises positioning the upper surface of the head so it is flush with the upper surface of the head tension member.