DE102014010095A1 - Electronic plastic cymbal with the look and feel of an acoustic cymbal. - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic cymbal (1), which comprises a body (2), a connection device and at least one signal converter (3), which converts a contact of a game body into an electronic signal, should have the look and feel of an acoustic cymbal. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the body (2) is a one-piece, rotationally symmetrical body made of plastic with a uniform mass distribution which corresponds in its shape to that of an acoustic cymbal.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an electronic Kunststoffzimbel with appearance and feel of an acoustic cymbal.

State of the art

Cymbals, commonly known as drum cymbals, belong to the family of percussion instruments. A drum kit usually consists of drums in different sizes and pitches, as well as different cymbals, also in different sizes. Drum and cube sizes are usually given in inches. A distinction is made between hi-hat cymbals, ride cymbals crash cymbals, splash cymbals, China cymbals, as well as various effect cymbals. While hi-hat and ride cymbals are usually used to play through continuous rhythms, crash cymbals are mostly used for playing accents within the music. Cymbals are available in sizes from 6 inches (eg Splash cymbals) to 24 inches (eg Ride cymbals).

In general, acoustic and electronic percussion instruments are known. These include acoustic and electronic cymbals.

Acoustic cymbals are usually made of bronze alloys. Partly also precious metals like silver are added. Inexpensive models can also be made of brass or nickel silver. Traditionally, acoustic cymbals are made by forging. For this purpose, blanks are cast, which are brought by hammering in the appropriate form. The cymbals are then turned off to get the desired diameter and thickness. You also get a central hole, which is necessary for attaching the cymbals on a Zimbelstativ. While high-priced cymbals are still largely made by hand, cheaper variants are manufactured by machine.

Acoustic cymbals, in particular crash and ride cymbals, produce high volumes and an assertive sound when playing with a body (drumstick). The oscillation frequencies of the cymbals are very high compared to the drums.

In contrast to the acoustic cymbals, electronic plastic cymbals usually consist of a solid plastic carrier, the top of which is completely or partially covered with soft rubber. The plastic carrier accommodates the electronic components, such as signal transducers, switches, circuit boards, potentiometers and connection sockets for connecting the cymbal to an external sound generator. The soft rubber layer, which serves as a striking surface, should primarily reduce the impact noise, and improve the feel. In contrast to the acoustic cymbals, electronic cymbals do not have a significant natural sound. Rather, an attempt is made to reduce the noise emissions when playing an electronic cymbal to a minimum. The sound of the electronic cymbal is generated by an external drum sound module or an external computer with appropriate synthesizer software. For this purpose, the beats on the cymbal of its signal transducers (usually piezo elements) are converted into electronic signals, which are then processed by the external sound generator in order to generate a synthetic cymbal sound on the basis thereof in a digital manner.

Electronic plastic cymbals are very different from the acoustic cymbals. Often, black plastic is used as the material for the wearer. The soft rubber layer is usually also kept in black. As a result, the feel and appearance of the rubberized plastic cymbals have little in common with the acoustic models. While acoustic cymbals are usually only a few millimeters thick, the thickness of the Kunststoffzimbel moves in the centimeter range. The diameters also differ from the acoustic cymbals: While electronic plastic cymbals are only available in a few sizes of about 10 to 14 inches, the diameters of acoustic cymbals ranging from 6 to 24 inches. In the case of electronic plastic cymbals, predominantly designs are known as crash, hi-hat and ride cymbals. Electronic splash or effect cymbals made of plastic, however, are not widely used. Acoustic cymbals are rotationally symmetric, which is why the center of gravity lies exactly in the central axis. In the middle is also the hole to hang the cymbal on a Zimbelstativ can. Due to the suspension in the center of gravity, the acoustic cymbal responds with a balanced vibration behavior during recording. Electronic plastic cymbals, however, are not rotationally symmetrical, since in particular the connection socket and the electronic board are off-center and only one side on the underside of the cymbal, within the solid support. Also, the soft rubber coating is often only partially attached to the top of the cymbals. All this leads to an uneven weight distribution over the circumference of the electronic Kunststoffzimbel, resulting in a shift of the center of gravity from the center axis. As a result, electronic plastic cymbals, unlike acoustic cymbals, do not have a balanced vibration behavior during recording. Rather, a very reduced vibration behavior is observed. Electronic plastic cymbals are thus clear more rigid than the acoustic models. This leads to an unfamiliar and unnatural feel, which is undesirable from the perspective of the drummer. The noise- and impact-damping rubber coating, which serves as a striking surface for electronic plastic cymbals, deviates greatly in its impact and rebound behavior from the metallic face of an acoustic cymbal. In addition, often changes the surface of the rubber layer after a relatively short period of use, so that it has a rather unsightly appearance quite quickly.

Look and feel are important buying criteria for percussion instruments. If these characteristics deviate too much from the characteristics of the accustomed acoustic cymbals, the drummer will not consider such an instrument the first choice.

In addition to the disadvantages, electronic cymbals also have an important advantage: they can usually be played very quietly. They are therefore ideal as exercise cymbals for the local environment. Electronic drums are generally unpopular with drummers for live use in rallies with music groups, which is due to their appearance, handling and feel.

Electronic plastic cymbals of the type described are in US5965834 . EP2541540A1 . US5262585 . US20020059861A1 . US6881885B2 . US6632989B2 disclosed.

Due to the fact that electronic plastic cymbals differ overall in appearance, feel, handling and feel clearly from the acoustic cymbals, in particular some efforts have been made in the recent past to make electronic cymbals in appearance and feel more realistic. In order to get closer to this goal, metal carriers are increasingly being used as the basis for electronic cymbals instead of plastic carriers. These metallic carriers are almost identical in shape to acoustic cymbals. In order to reduce the inherently high volume levels of the metallic carriers, two different approaches exist: on the one hand, metallic carriers are used, which are provided with a damping applied on the underside in order to damp the vibrations. On the other hand, the metallic carriers are perforated to reduce their mass and thus vibration and volume. Also in terms of signal acquisition, there are two different approaches: On the one hand, analogous to the electronic plastic cymbals, piezoelectric transducers, switches and sockets mounted on the bottom of the metal support to convert the beats on the cymbal into electronic signals. On the other hand, instead of piezoelectric transducers, microphones are positioned without contact under the perforated metal supports in order to detect the intrinsic sound of the carrier and to amplify it by means of an external device and to modify it if necessary.

In the electronic cymbals, which are made of metal supports, the difficulty is generally to reduce the impact noise to the level of an electronic Kunststoffzimbel. The impact sounds of wooden drumsticks on the metal surfaces are still loud in these solutions, compared to the electronic plastic cymbals. A damping of the top to reduce the impact noise is provided in any of the solutions mentioned. Thus, even with the cymbals, which have a damping layer on the underside of the carrier, the impact noises are still loud. These cymbals also share another drawback with the plastic cymbals: the transducers, switches and jacks are also mounted on the underside of the cymbal, resulting in an uneven weight distribution over the circumference of the instrument. The center of gravity moves away from the central axis and is also off-center, which results in an unnatural vibration behavior compared to acoustic metal cymbals. Another disadvantage of these cymbals is that electronic components, such as signal transducers and connectors with metal rivets are attached to the metal support. Due to the visible rivet heads, the appearance of these cymbals again deviates from acoustic cymbals. In addition, drum sticks wear out faster by accidentally striking the rivet heads.

Electronic cymbals, which have as a basis a metal carrier and a damping applied on the underside are in US5915289A and US7763788B2 disclosed.

The already mentioned electronic cymbals, which are based on a perforated metal carrier, circumvent some of the disadvantages mentioned, since they have no electronic components which are mounted directly on the underside of the cymbal. The principle of signal generation is different here: Instead of piezo elements that convert the beats on the cymbals into electronic signals, the natural sound of the perforated cymbal is detected with microphones and amplified by means of an external electronic module and optionally further modified. The non-contact microphone does not affect the vibration behavior of the cymbal, so that they can swing freely. However, these cymbals have the disadvantage that the natural sound of the perforated metal support is not comparable to the sound of acoustic cymbals. Also by the eventual change and modeling of the signal can not realistic sound can be generated. Add to that the cumbersome signal processing, which requires another external device. This makes it difficult to integrate these cymbals into an existing electronic drum kit. The mixing of the externally generated Zimbelklänge to the drum sounds, which in turn are also generated by an external device, designed difficult. A balanced volume ratio and a homogeneous and coherent overall sound of these different sound sources are, if at all, difficult to achieve.

Electronic cymbals that have a perforated metal base as base are in US20120060669A1 and US20130312590A1 disclosed.

In summary, it can be said that electronic plastic cymbals are ideal for practicing in the home environment, as they can be played very quietly. Due to the acoustical cymbals strongly deviating optics, feel and handling, these are unpopular with many drummers and only suitable for live performances with music groups. Electronic cymbals, which use a metal carrier as a basis, have an appearance that is much closer to the acoustic cymbal. However, due to the metal playing surface, they can not be recorded as quietly as electronic plastic cymbals, despite being damped, which in turn is a problem for practicing at home. Electronic cymbals with perforated metal carriers have the disadvantage that they can not be connected to the existing sound generator of the electronic instrument. Rather, another, separate sound generator is needed exclusively for these cymbals, which complicates the integration of these cymbals in the existing instrument. Also, the cymbal sound produced here deviates significantly from those of the acoustic cymbals.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide an electronic cymbal, the appearance, feel, play and vibration behavior that corresponds to an acoustic cymbal and are reduced in the attack and game noise to a minimum.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a cymbal having the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the electronic cymbal comprises a body, a connecting device and at least one signal converter, which converts a contact of a game body into an electronic signal, wherein the body is a plastic one-piece, one-piece, rotationally symmetrical body with a uniform mass distribution, the one in shape acoustic cymbal corresponds. The use of a one-piece plastic body, which represents almost an exact copy of an acoustic cymbal, has the advantage that the electronic cymbal can hardly be visually distinguished from an acoustic cymbal. This is particularly due to the fact that the one-piece body has no discontinuous shape or material transitions and thus ensures a harmonious overall appearance, as is the case with acoustic cymbals. By using plastic, the striking noises when playing the Zimbel are also quiet. Furthermore, the plastic produces no resonance, so that the cymbal altogether are recorded very quietly and thus can be used optimally for practicing in the home environment.

The body of the cymbal preferably has a damping protective layer. The protective layer ensures that impact noises during recording are even further dampened and thus reduced to a minimum. In addition, the protective layer protects the body of the cymbal and any layers of paint from scratching and wear, so that even with intensive use over a long period of time no signs of wear and tear and the cymbal always has a new look.

Preferably, the damping protective layer is a film. Corresponding films are particularly resistant and have enormously high impact and scratch resistance, so that in this way an optimal protective effect of the cymbal body is achieved. Despite the high resistance of the film, this is very thin and has a low weight, so that it does not adversely affect the vibration behavior of the cymbal. In addition, the film dampens the impact noise extremely effective and gives the cymbal a high-gloss appearance, as it is also found in acoustic cymbals.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the damping protective layer is preferably a sprayable or spreadable substance or a combination of film and sprayable or spreadable substance. Paints and / or liquid rubber are preferably used, whereby a simple manufacturing process and thus a cost savings can be achieved.

The damping protective layer is preferably transparent, as a result of which it is barely perceptible, but the underlying colored surface is visible and this gives it a high-gloss appearance.

The cymbal body preferably has circular, concentric grooves in different Diameters up. The grooves correspond to the look and feel of the cymbal in details of an acoustic cymbal, as it also has circular, concentric grooves that arise due to the production due to the twisting of the cymbal.

Preferably, the Zimbelkörper and / or the protective layer are provided with a gold-like color, whereby a color arises, as is also found in acoustic cymbals due to the bronze alloy.

Preferably, the cymbal on a rotation, which prevents the cymbal when playing uncontrollably rotated about its own axis of gravity. This ensures that the signal converter is always on the opposite side of the game area and can not be struck directly, which prevents very large impulses with unwanted loudspeaker peaks.

The cymbal preferably has a connection terminal, which comprises a connection socket, an anti-rotation counterpart and sensors for signal generation and can be attached to a Zimbelstativ. The functional integration of the connection device, anti-twist device and sensors in a connection terminal saves space and costs since only a part is required for several tasks. The connection terminal is preferably fastened below the cymbal on a cymbal stand, in particular with a screw, where it can remain permanently.

The cymbal preferably has up to five sensors, in particular three sensors, which can be designed as signal converters and / or switches. This makes it possible to produce different sounds for different playing zones of the cymbal, as well as to ablate the synthetically produced sounds abruptly, as is possible with acoustic cymbals.

The signal transducers are preferably piezoelectric elements and the switches are preferably foil potentiometers / pressure sensors. This type of sensors is inexpensive and ideally suited for the present application. By using these components, the compatibility of Zimbel is guaranteed to all external sound generators.

The body preferably corresponds in shape to that of an acoustic splash, crash, hi-hat, ride, china, or other effect cymbal. This creates a variety of different electronic cymbals, as found in acoustic cymbals.

embodiment

Further features and advantages as well as design and function of the subject matter of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawing.

In the drawing shows, in z. T. schematic, simplified representation:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of the cymbal.

2 a section of the cross section of an embodiment of the cymbal.

3 a plan view of the underside of an embodiment of the cymbal

4 a perspective view of an embodiment of the connection terminal

5 a perspective view of the top of an embodiment of the attached on a Zimbelstativ cymbal.

6 a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of the attached to a Zimbelstativ cymbal.

In 1 is the electronic cymbal ( 1 ) shown in perspective view. The body ( 2 ) corresponds in shape exactly to an acoustic cymbal and is made of plastic. He has a steady geometry, without any leaps in shape or material and has a harmonious overall appearance. The plastic used may be ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or another impact resistant plastic. The body ( 2 ) can be produced by injection molding or by deep drawing. Cymbal sizes from 6 to 24 inches as well as Splash, Crash, Ride, Hi-Hat, China or other types of effect cymbals are conceivable.

2 schematically shows a section of the cross section of the electronic cymbal ( 1 ). The body ( 2 ) has a thin cross section of about 2 to 3 mm. This is just so strong that he can not tear or break during recording. But it is thin and therefore light enough to swing like an acoustic cymbal. The body ( 2 ) has a multi-layered surface: it has a color layer ( 13 ) comprising a gold-colored basecoat, a first protective layer ( 17 ) comprising a clearcoat and a second protective layer ( 4 ) comprising a film having a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, other strengths being equally possible. Conceivable is the use of a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane) film. In the embodiment shown here is only the top with a second protective layer ( 4 ) Mistake. The underside is not recorded and thus significantly less mechanically stressed, which is why it is usually possible to dispense with a second protective layer here. In addition to the layer structure described here, other combinations of paints and films or other sprayable or spreadable substances, such as liquid rubber are possible. The film can be applied by hand or by deep drawing.

3 shows the bottom of the electronic cymbal. The signal converter ( 3 ), which sits on the underside, detects the strikes of the player on the cymbal ( 1 ) and converts these into electronic signals. In order to avoid unwanted riveting, the converter ( 3 ) glued. The converter ( 3 ) is small and very light in order to reduce the extra weight of the cymbal to a minimum. The connection between transducers ( 3 ) and connection terminal ( 8th ) with connection cable ( 11 ). The anti-twist device ( 7 ) prevents the cymbal from turning uncontrollably around its own axis when recording.

In 4 is the connection terminal ( 8th ) shown in perspective view. The connection of the cymbal ( 1 ) on a, not shown here, external drum sound generator via a connection device ( 6 ) in the separate connection terminal ( 8th ) is integrated. The connection between connection device ( 6 ) and external sound module is preferably to produce with a, not shown here, jack cable. The connection terminal ( 8th ) is in turn by means of cable and plug ( 11 ) with the converter ( 3 ) connected. The connection terminal ( 8th ) is in particular with a screw ( 12 ) on a Zimbelstativ ( 9 ), where it can remain permanently. The connection terminal ( 8th ) continues to house the anti-rotation counterpart ( 14 ) of the anti-twist device ( 7 ). In addition, it may include sensors for signal generation.

5 shows a perspective view of the top of the on a Zimbelstativ ( 9 ) attached cymbal ( 1 ). The cymbal ( 1 ) is on the cylindrical Zimbelstativ ( 9 ) and with a wing nut ( 16 ) fixed. Above and below the cymbal ( 1 ) there is a pelvic felt ( 15 ).

6 shows a perspective view of the underside of the on a Zimbelstativ ( 9 ) attached cymbal ( 1 ). The connection terminal ( 8th ) is by means of screw ( 12 ) on the Zimbelstativ ( 9 ), where it can remain permanently. It is positioned so that the anti-twist device ( 7 ) in the anti-rotation counterpart ( 14 ) protrudes. Above and below the cymbal ( 1 ) there is a pelvic felt ( 15 ).

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5965834 [0010]
• EP 2541540 A1 [0010]
• US 5262585 [0010]
• US 20020059861 A1 [0010]
• US 6881885 B2 [0010]
• US 6632989 B2 [0010]
• US 5915289A [0013]
• US 7763788 B2 [0013]
• US 20120060669 A1 [0015]
• US 20130312590 A1 [0015]

Claims (12)

Electronic cymbal ( 1 ), which is a body ( 2 ), a connection device ( 6 ) and at least one signal converter ( 3 ), which converts a contact of a game body into an electronic signal, characterized in that the body ( 2 ), a plastic one-piece, one-piece, rotationally symmetric body with uniform mass distribution, which corresponds in shape to that of an acoustic cymbal. Electronic cymbal according to claim 1, characterized in that the body ( 2 ) a damping protective layer ( 4 ) having. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping protective layer ( 4 ) is a foil. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping protective layer ( 4 ) is a sprayable or spreadable substance, in particular paint and / or liquid rubber or a combination of film and sprayable or spreadable substance. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping protective layer ( 4 ) is transparent. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body ( 2 ) circular, concentric grooves ( 5 ) of different diameters. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body ( 2 ) and / or the protective layer ( 4 ) are provided with a gold-like color. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cymbal ( 1 ) an anti-twist device ( 7 ) having. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cymbal ( 1 ) a connection terminal ( 8th ), that a connection device ( 6 ), an anti-rotation counterpart ( 14 ) and sensors for signal generation and on a Zimbelstativ ( 9 ) is attachable. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cymbal ( 1 ) has up to five sensors, preferably three sensors, which can be designed as a signal converter and / or switch. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transducers are piezoelectric elements and the switches are foil potentiometers / pressure sensors. Electronic cymbal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body ( 2 ) in its shape corresponds to an acoustic splash, crash, hi-hat, ride, China, or other effect Zimbel.

Images