JPH04109298A - Music box - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the mechanism and to reduce the size by vibrating the vibrating reeds of a comb-shaped diaphragm by the flexural motion of piezoelectric ceramic. CONSTITUTION:The music box consists of a sounding part 4 composed of the diaphragm, a cradle 2 which supports it, and the piezoelectric ceramic 3 which plays the vibrating reeds 1a of the diaphragm 1, a driving circuit part 6 which reads melody data out of a music number card 5 and drives the piezoelectric ceramic 3 selectively to vibrate optional vibrating reeds 1a, and a power source part. Thus, the piezoelectric ceramic 3 which is driven is controlled electrically to vibrate the selected vibrating reeds 1, thereby reproducing a melody. Consequently, constituent components are decreased in number to simplify the mechanism, and the number of reeds can be increased without being limited to a performance time nor performance music numbers.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a music box. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in the mechanism for popping the valve of a music box.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, music boxes that produce sound by vibrating a vibrating valve generally use a mainspring (spiral spring) as a driving source. As shown in FIG. 8, this music box plays a melody by playing a comb-shaped diaphragm 101 with a bottle 103 protruding from the circumferential surface of a rotating drum 102, and is a power source for rotating the rotating drum 102. Spring 104 is used as the main spring. The rotation taken out from the mainspring 104 is adjusted to a constant speed by a speed regulating mechanism (governor) 105, and is then decelerated by a reduction gear train 106 and transmitted to the rotating drum 102. The diaphragm 101 is made of a treetop which amplifies the vibration sound by playing a vibration valve 101a by the bottle 103 of the rotating drum 102 and uses the pedestal 107 as a resonator to play a melody of an appropriate size.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the conventional wind-up music box has a diaphragm 101 that is originally necessary to produce sound, and a pedestal 10 that serves as a resonator.
In addition to 7, a mainspring 104, a related mechanism 105, a reduction gear train 106, and a rotating drum 102 are required. These occupy much of the space of the music box unit, preventing miniaturization of the music box and complicating the structure.

Also, a rotating drum 10 is used as a means for repelling the vibration valve 101a.
2, the disadvantage is that one song must be composed during one revolution of the rotating drum 102, and with a small rotating drum, the song is relatively short and the melody is simple. . Furthermore, since the mainspring 104 is used as a driving source, there is a problem in that the playback time is limited, and in order to extend the playback time, the mainspring must be made larger, resulting in an increase in the size of the music box.

Furthermore, in conventional music boxes, each vibration valve 10 is
Since the number of valves 1a is tuned, the number of valves cannot be increased very much, and conventionally, the upper limit is 50 valves, and it is difficult to increase the number beyond that. For example, even in a so-called high-grade music box, which is made by specially processing rotating drum bottles and vibrating valves, the limit is about 50 valves, and the number n of valves is 50 to 10.
It is difficult to reduce it to about 0. Even if approximately 50 to 100 vibrating valves 101a were possible, the volume of the music box would be quite large. For this reason, conventional wind-up music boxes are limited in their ability to play complex melodies, melodies with advanced performance techniques, and accompaniment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a music box which can be made into a simple m-ellipse by reducing the number of component parts, and which can also have a large number of valves despite the restrictions on performance time and number of pieces to be played.

(Means for Solving Problem 8) In order to achieve the above object, the music box of the present invention has a diaphragm comprising a comb-shaped vibrating valve and a valve seat provided on the proximal end side of the vibrating valve. In a music box that produces sound by vibrating a vibrating valve, the vibrating valve is vibrated by the bending motion of piezoelectric ceramics.

(Function) Therefore, by electrically controlling the piezoelectric ceramics to be driven, the selected vibration valve is vibrated to create a melody.
can be played. That is, when an alternating voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic of the vibrating valve to be played based on melody data, minute displacements generated in the piezoelectric ceramic are transmitted to the vibrating valve, causing the vibrating valve to vibrate resonantly. Therefore, by driving the piezoelectric ceramic at the tip of the vibrating valve until the displacement of the vibrating valve reaches the same amount as when it is flicked by a pin on a rotating drum, it produces a sound comparable to that of a conventional music box.

(Example) Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail based on an example shown in the drawings.

An embodiment of the music box of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This music box consists of a diaphragm 1, a pedestal 2 that supports it, and a piezoelectric ceramic 3 that repels the vibration valve 1a portion of the diaphragm 1. A sound playing section 4, a music card 5 that records the music to be played as digital data, and a piezoelectric ceramic 3 that reads melody data from the music card 5.
It is comprised of a drive circuit section 6 that selectively drives the vibration valve 1a to vibrate an arbitrary vibration valve 1a, and a t-edge section. The reference numeral 8 is a lead wire connecting the drive circuit section 6 and the piezoelectric ceramic 3, and the reference numeral 9 is a power cord.

The piezoelectric ceramic 3 as an excitation source is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in the figure, each vibrating valve 1a is attached to a comb-like diaphragm 1 near the root of the vibrating valve 1a. In order to make the vibrating valve fa vibrate and produce sound in the same way as when the vibration valve fa is flicked with a pin by mechanical strain of the piezoelectric ceramic 3, the piezoelectric ceramic 3 is
Is it necessary to apply an alternating voltage under conditions such as In other words, the minute displacement of the piezoelectric ceramic 3 needs to be the same amount as the amount of displacement when the tip of the vibrating valve 1a is forcibly deformed by a rotating drum. For this purpose, an alternating voltage of a predetermined magnitude and a resonance frequency that matches the combined mass and shape of the piezoelectric ceramic 3 and the vibrating valve 1a is applied to the electrodes. Then, the piezoelectric ceramic 3 and the vibration valve 1a at that place
The minute displacement of is.

Due to resonance, the amount of displacement at the tip of the vibrating valve 1a is equivalent to that of the conventional method. Then, when the displacement of the vibration valve 1a is obtained by a predetermined amount, the excitation operation is terminated by cutting off the alternating voltage, and the period from then until the next excitation operation is applied based on the data of the program card 5. , vibration valve 1
Obtain the desired length of note by natural-$ decay of a. It is sufficient to provide the same number of sound generation systems in parallel as there are vibration valves 1a. As long as there is no limit to the size of the circuit, there may be any number of vibration valves. This piezoelectric ceramic 3 is fixed to the vibrating valve 1a by, for example, an adhesive.

An example of a method for cutting off the alternating voltage is to use a switch 10, as shown in FIG. 2, which detects that the tip of the vibrating valve 1a has been displaced by a predetermined amount and outputs an electric signal/reset signal. Is there a way to disconnect the alternating voltage? The means for detecting whether the displacement amount of the vibration valve 1a has reached a predetermined amount is not particularly limited to the switch 10,
Any method can be used as long as it detects that the vibration valve 1a has reached the desired position by electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or other means and outputs a signal.

For example, an optical switch, a Hall switch, etc. can be used. In addition, the method of cutting off the alternating voltage is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and a non-contact sensor such as a proximity sensor may be used, or a switch or sensor may be used instead of piezoelectric ceramics 3. The amount of displacement of the vibrating valve 1a may be adjusted by controlling on a circuit the time during which the alternating voltage is applied. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric ceramic lath 3 is attached to the upper surface of the vibrating valve 1a, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the piezoelectric ceramic lath 3 may be attached to the lower surface.

The diaphragm 1 is screwed to the valve seat 1b portion or to the base 2 using a holding bolt 12 via an electrically insulating ring 11.11. The pedestal 2 is usually formed by tie casting of a material suitable as a resonator, easy to form, and lightweight, such as zinc alloy. These diaphragm 1 and pedestal 2 are housed in a music box casing (box) 7, and constitute a sounding section 4.

Here, when the number of vibrating valves 1a increases, the sound pressure potential flow is also transmitted to the vibrating valves 1a that are not driven, so the integer number of the vibrating valves 1a that are also being driven, albeit faintly. It will be pronounced with twice the vibration. This effect becomes more pronounced as the number of vibrating valves 1a increases. At this time, since the vibration frequency of 1/f is also included, it gives a comfortable feeling to the listener, doubling the enjoyment and relaxation of listening to the music box.

In addition, although there are no particular restrictions on the power source,
Commercial power sources, batteries, solar cells, etc. can be used, and commercial power sources are usually used.

The song number card 5 is, for example, a RAM such as an IC memory mounted on a daughter board, and data (melody data) related to the number of songs to be played is written in advance. Melody data is which valve to vibrate (scale)
and data regarding the length of that sound. More specifically, a signal with a resonant frequency that is constantly output from the signal generator 15 of the drive circuit section 6 for each vibration valve 1a is converted into a signal data 1.
~This is data for controlling the timing of passing the voltage through the circuit 16 and applying it to the corresponding piezoelectric ceramics 3.

The drive circuit 6 that applies an alternating signal of a predetermined frequency to the piezoelectric ceramics 3 includes a card drum reader 13 that reads melody data from the song card 5, as shown in FIG.
A signal generator 15 that constantly generates a resonance frequency for each corresponding vibration valve la, and a gate that controls the timing of opening the signal gate width circuit 14 and allowing the signal from the signal generator 15 to pass based on the output from the card drum reader 13. @ generator 14, amplifier 17 which amplifies the signal passed through signal gate circuit #116 and outputs it to the corresponding piezoelectric ceramics 3, and receives a reset signal from switch 10 to determine the length of sound of track card 5. The sound length circuit 18 reads out the next command from the card drum reader 13 after a predetermined sound length time based on the data has elapsed. This drive circuit 6 is provided with circuits corresponding to the number of vibration valves 1a, for example, n. When the start switch 19 of the card drum reader 13 is pressed, the drive circuit starts reading the data of the track card 5 and sends signals from the signal generator 15 to each vibration valve 1.
The same number of signals as the number of valves n corresponding to a are output [see FIG. 6(b)]. When data regarding the corresponding vibration valve 1a is read from the track card 5 by the card drum reader 13 [see FIG. 6(a), the gate width generator 14
The gate signal becomes "1" [see FIG. 6(c)], and the signal of frequency f outputted from the signal generator 15 passes through the signal gate circuit 16 [see FIG. 6<d)] and is sent to the amplifier 17. T-pole 3 of piezoelectric ceramic 3 of corresponding vibration valve 1a
It is applied between a and 3b.

Since the frequency f has been selected to bring the corresponding vibrating valve 1a into a resonant state, the amplitude of the vibrating valve 1a increases at an accelerating rate [see FIG. 6(e)]. When it reaches a predetermined displacement amount, which is the amount of forced deformation of the vibrating valve la by the conventional bottle, the switch 10 is activated and outputs a reset signal. The signal is input to the sound length circuit 18. Then, the signal gate circuit is turned off and the vibration of the vibration valve 1a is stopped [see FIGS. 6(f) and (d)]. Also 2 reset signals are the length of the sound circuit 1
After a predetermined length of sound based on the data regarding the length of the sound [FIG. 6(g)], the next command from the track card 5 is read out from the card drum reader 13, and the gate signal is output. becomes 1 [FIG. 6(C)], and vibration is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic 3a of the vibration valve 1a. In this embodiment, by applying an ultrasonic alternating voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic 3, the piezoelectric ceramic 3 is slightly displaced, but the frequency is selected so that it becomes a resonance mode, so the tip of the vibrating valve 1a is It takes advantage of the fact that the amplitude increases rapidly. The stop of this music box is the card drum leader 1.
This is done by operating the Stodupusui Sochi 20 of No. 3.

It should be noted that although the above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the vibration plate 1 itself may be made of piezoelectric ceramics, and electrodes may be formed on each vibration valve 1a#E to enable selective vibration. Electrodes 3a, 3 in this case
b are formed on the front and back sides of the vibrating valve 1a, and may be formed across the entire area of the vibrating valve 1a, or may be formed in portions thereof.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), a laminated piezoelectric ceramic 23 supported by a bimorph piezoelectric ceramic 21 may be brought into contact with the vibrating valve 1a. In the case of this embodiment, when the sensor 10 installed near the tip of the vibrating valve 1a detects that the vibrating valve 1a has reached a predetermined displacement and a reset signal is output, the sensor 10 shown in FIG. 6(c) A voltage is applied to the bimorph type piezoelectric ceramic 21 by a reverse logic signal of the gate signal to bend the bimorph type piezoelectric ceramic 21, thereby separating the laminated type piezoelectric ceramic 23 from the vibration valve 1a. In addition, this bimorph type piezoelectric ceramic 21 cancels the voltage application when applying an alternating voltage to the laminated piezoelectric ceramic 23 in response to a reverse logic signal of the gate signal, thereby eliminating the deflection and causing the laminated piezoelectric ceramic 23 to be applied to the vibration valve 1a. An alternating voltage of a predetermined frequency is applied to the selected laminated piezoelectric ceramic 23 based on the melody data read from the music card drum by the 6-card drum reader 13 in contact with the 6-card drum reader 13, which causes resonance vibration with the vibration valve 1a. When the vibration valve 1a is made of a conductive material, the switch 10 at the tip of the vibration valve 1a that causes the vibration to come into contact with the pedestal 2 generates a reset signal. .

A spacer 22 is interposed between the vibrating valve 1a and the bimorph piezoelectric ceramic 21.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, it is also possible to construct the vibrating valve 1a and the pedestal 2 from a conductive material, and use the pedestal 2 as a GND. In this case, each vibrating valve 1a is provided with a positive @ electrode, and n lead wires 8 corresponding to the number n of positive electrodes are fixed.

Further, the means for storing melody data in advance is not limited to the above-mentioned track card 5, but may be implemented by other storage means such as a floppy disk, an IC card, or an optical CD-ROM.

(Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the above explanation, the music box of the present invention vibrates the vibration valve of the comb-shaped diaphragm by the bending motion of the piezoelectric ceramic,
By removing the reduction gear train and rotating drum, the mechanism can be simplified and downsized.

Moreover, since this music box uses the vibrating valves as they are, it does not lose the unique tone of conventional music boxes.Also, the music box of the present invention only needs to be provided with a drive circuit corresponding to the number of vibrating valves. , it is easily possible to increase the number of valves n without increasing the volume too much, for example to the level of i ooo valves. For this reason, it is possible to play complex melodies, accompaniment, chords, etc. that are difficult to play with conventional music boxes.

Furthermore, since the music box of the present invention is electrically driven, it can play long songs. Moreover, an exciting melody...
You can freely change the sound by simply replacing the card with data written on it.

Furthermore, since the music box of the present invention can have a large number of vibrating valves, sounds with a frequency of 1/f, that is, natural sounds, are generated, which increases the feeling of relaxation and relaxation that comes from listening to the music box.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the #I part of the sound part. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a music box driving circuit. FIG. 4 is a side view showing another embodiment of the music box of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the music box of the present invention, (A) is a side view showing the vibrating or normal state, (B)
2 is a diagram showing a state where the vibration excitation state is discontinued. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing output waveforms from each program of the drive circuit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the music box of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional music box. 1... Vibration plate 1a... Vibration valve, 2... Pedestal, 3.23... Piezoelectric ceramics, 5... Track card. Patent applicant Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Agent
Patent Attorney Murase - Mi 1 Figure 3 Figure 2 Figure 5 Figure 5 (A) Figure 5 (B) 0 Do Figure Figure Figure 1 (j/ 1<J!

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a music box that produces sound by vibrating the vibrating valve of a diaphragm consisting of a comb-like vibrating valve and a valve seat provided on the base end side of the vibrating valve, the vibrating valve is vibrated by the bending motion of piezoelectric ceramics. A music box that is characterized by the ability to