Sound generating module

Abstract

To provide a sound generator module that can change pitch of sound while being a clapper-type body percussion instrument of small size enough to fit in a palm of a child's hand.SOLUTION: In a sound generator module 102 that produces sound when struck against each other, the sound generator module 102 comprises at least two striking members 2a, 2b, and a plurality of projections 41 of different heights are provided on at least one of the pairs of striking surfaces 3a, 3b of the striking members 2a, 2b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound generating module that produces sounds to enjoy rhythm, melody, and even harmony, and more specifically to a small, simple castanet-like sound generating module that even small children can play. [Background technology]

[0002] There are two types of percussion instruments: membranophones, which produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane like a drum, and idiophones, which do not use a membrane but produce sound by vibrating the instrument itself. Idiophones are among the oldest musical instruments in human history.

[0003] There are two types of idiophones: those that produce sound by striking them with mallets or hands, such as xylophones, metallophones, mokugyo (wood blocks), and slit drums; and those that produce sound by striking them together, such as castanets, rattles, cymbals, and claves (interpercussive idiophones).

[0004] There are also types of instruments whose sounds have a sense of pitch (such as xylophones, metallophones, slit drums, and tubular bells), and types whose sounds do not have a sense of pitch (such as castanets, clappers, cymbals, and agogos). All idiophones that have a sense of pitch are the type that are struck with a drumstick, and idiophones that produce sound by striking each other do not have a sense of pitch.

[0005] Idiophones, which produce sounds by striking them with mallets like a xylophone, can adjust their pitch by changing the size of the sounding bodies, so they can create a scale by arranging multiple sounding bodies of different pitches, that is, different sizes, in a set, and can play all melodies, chords, and rhythms. However, they cannot be made small enough to fit in a child's hand.

[0006] On the other hand, educational castanets, which are also used in children's education, are simple percussion instruments made of two 5-8 cm diameter plates with a recess on the inside like a seashell, connected to each other with a rubber cord, which are struck from the outside with the hand or fingers to make sound.

[0007] Educational castanets naturally return to their original open position after being struck due to the force of the elastic cord, making them easy for children to use, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and widely used as an instrument for enjoying rhythm.

[0008] Castanets do not require mallets and can be made small enough to fit in a child's hand, but although they can play rhythm, they have no sense of pitch, so they cannot play melodies, chords, or accompaniments. Therefore, it can be said that there are no small, clapped-together percussion instruments that have a sense of pitch and fit in the palm of a child's hand.

[0009] In response to this, it has been proposed to change the tone of a clapping-type percussion instrument. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 each propose a clapper in which the plate member is modified in order to change the tone. Furthermore, Patent Document 4 proposes a castanet that is designed to change the volume. Furthermore, Patent Document 5 proposes a megaphone in which the shape of the sound generating body is devised to improve the resonance of the striking sound. Furthermore, Patent Document 6 proposes a cheering percussion instrument that resonates with an air column at a specific frequency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model No. 3120446 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model No. 3137326 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model No. 3212449 [Patent Document 4] Utility Model No. 3172564 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-244488 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-70986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] All of the above conventional percussion instruments have the problem that they cannot produce pitched sounds when they are small enough to fit in the palm of a child's hand. This is particularly difficult in the relatively low range of 2000 Hz or lower. Furthermore, to produce a scale spanning an octave, notes with a frequency difference of two and a half times the pitch are required, but these instruments cannot produce low notes with a pitched feel, meaning that they are unable to produce scales. Furthermore, because they cannot produce scales, they are unable to play melodies, chords, or accompaniments. Furthermore, since there are no small, palm-sized, percussion instruments that can be played with pitch, there is a problem in that while rhythm education is possible for young children, teaching melody, chords, and chord progressions is not possible. Furthermore, there is also the problem that it is difficult for adults, as well as children, to learn melodic instruments such as the piano or guitar to play melodies, chords, and chord progressions.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a sound generating module that is small enough to fit in the palm of a child's hand, yet can produce a pitched sound at a relatively low frequency (around 1000 Hz). [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the sound generating module of the present invention comprises: A sound-producing module having at least two mating members that produce sound by being mated with each other, The at least two mating members have a pair of mating surfaces that are mated to each other and have a typical dimension of 20 mm to 100 mm, The pair of mating surfaces has a pair of abutting portions that abut against each other when the mating surfaces are in a mated state, and a pair of non-abutting portions that define a gap therebetween that communicates with the outside when the mating surfaces are in a mated state, At least one of the mating surfaces has a recessed portion that is covered by the non-contact portion of the other mating surface in the mated state, and the recessed portion is open in a non-mating state in which the mating surfaces are not mated, The average depth of the recess is greater than 20% of the equivalent diameter of the mating surface. Here, the characteristic dimension is the longest outer dimension of each of the two mating members that are mated with each other.

[0014] Furthermore, the sound-producing module of the present invention is characterized in that the sound includes Helmholtz resonance, the frequency spectrum of the sound has a single main peak, and the volume dB of all sub-peaks that are in a frequency range more than 500 Hz away from the main peak and that are in a dissonant relationship with the main peak are 3 dB or more lower than the volume dB of the main peak.

[0015] The sound generating module of the present invention is characterized in that it has at least two pairs of striking surfaces, and the sounds emitted by the at least two pairs have different pitches and form chords. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the sound-producing module of the present invention has a typical dimension of 20 mm to 100 mm, and the average depth of the recess is deeper than 20% of the equivalent diameter of the striking surface. This has the effect of producing a low-pitched sound with a sense of pitch compared to conventional castanets, despite its small size that can fit in the palm of a child's hand.

[0017] Furthermore, the sound emitted by the sound-generating module of the present invention includes Helmholtz resonance, and the volume dB of the sub-peak that is in a dissonant relationship with the main peak of the frequency spectrum is 3 dB or more lower than the volume dB of the main peak, which has the effect of producing a sound with less noise and a higher pitch.

[0018] Furthermore, the sound generating module of the present invention has at least two pairs of striking surfaces that produce sounds of different pitches when struck together, which has the effect of making it possible to produce multiple sounds, i.e., chords, by simply striking one sound generating module (chord module).

[0019] Furthermore, by combining multiple sound generating modules of the present invention, each producing a single note with a different pitch, it is possible to create a sound generating set that can produce a scale like a xylophone or keyboard instrument, which has the effect of making it possible to play melodies even though it is a simple, clapped-together percussion instrument like a castanet.

[0020] Furthermore, by preparing multiple chord modules of the present invention that produce different chords, chord progressions and accompaniments can be played. In particular, when playing a chord progression using multiple chord modules, the difficulty of playing is significantly lower than when playing a melody, since it is sufficient to play the same chord module for one measure. Therefore, even those who have given up on playing music because of the difficulty of playing melodies can now easily enjoy playing music.

[0021] Furthermore, since it is possible to provide a small, palm-sized, and pitch-sensitive percussion instrument that can be struck by a hand, it is effective in teaching not only rhythm but also melody, harmony, and chord progressions in music education for young children.

[0022] Furthermore, it is surprising and gives new insights into the fact that a percussion instrument with a simple structure like the castanet has the resonance characteristics of a wind instrument, which has the effect of making people think about what a musical instrument is in the first place. Also, the invention of a chord percussion instrument that cannot play melodies but can play chord progressions has a philosophical effect of questioning the assumption in Western music education that melody is primary and chords and rhythm are secondary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sound generating module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sound generating module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the Helmholtz resonance model [Figure 4] Relationship between sound frequency generated by the sound generator module of the present invention and total volume of recesses [Figure 5] An example of a frequency spectrum generated by the sound generating module of the present invention [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sound generating module according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sound generating module according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of how pitch is changed in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sound generating module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 is a side view of a sound generating module showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sound generating module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sound generating module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sound generating body set according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A sound generator module and a sound generator set according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment]

[0025] A sound generator module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the sound generator module 1 comprises hemispherical members (mating members) 2a and 2b that produce sound when they are mated together. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the sound generator module 1 in a state in which the mating members 2a and 2b are not mated together (hereinafter referred to as the "non-mating state"). The mating members 2a and 2b have mating surfaces 3a and 3b that face each other, and are arranged so that the mating surfaces 3a and 3b face each other.

[0026] The mating surfaces 3a and 3b refer to the entire area where, when the mating members 2a and 2b come into contact with each other, 1) they approach each other in the mating direction until the moment of contact, 2) one mating surface covers the other mating surface while they are in the mating state (hereinafter referred to as the "mating state"), and 3) after they come into contact, they move away from each other in the opposite direction to the mating direction. Also, while one mating surface does not necessarily completely cover the other mating surface while in the mating state, it must at least partially cover it. If the mating surfaces do not at least partially cover each other, Helmholtz resonance, as described below, will not occur. In this embodiment, hemispherical recesses 6a and 6b are formed on the mating surfaces 3a and 3b, respectively.

[0027] The mating members 2a and 2b are movably connected to each other at a connecting portion 7 by a connecting means such as a rubber band (not shown). Furthermore, the mating surface 3b is formed with a protrusion 4. In this embodiment, the protrusion 4 is located on the opposite side to the connecting portion 7 in the radial direction of the mating member 2b.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of mating members 2a, 2b in the mated state. The mating surfaces 3a, 3b have a pair of contact portions 4a, 4b that contact each other in the mated state, and a pair of non-contact portions 5a, 5b that define a gap between them in the mated state. In the mated state, recesses 6a, 6b communicate with the outside through the gap. In this embodiment, mating surface 3a consists of contact portion 4a and non-contact portion 5a, and non-contact portion 5a includes the bottom surface of recess 6a. Similarly, mating surface 3b consists of contact portion 4b and non-contact portion 5b, and non-contact portion 5b includes the bottom surface of recess 6b. Further, the recesses 6a, 6b are covered by the non-contact portions 5b, 5a in the mating state, and are open in the non-matting state.

[0029] A user can generate sound by placing the sound generator module 1 configured in this way in one hand and striking the striking member 2a with the other. When the user then releases the hand from the striking member 2a, the sound generator module 1 is released from the striking state by the connecting means and returns to a state where it can be struck again (non-striking state).

[0030] 1 and 2, the outer shapes of the contact members 2a and 2b are hemispherical, but the outer shapes of the contact members 2a and 2b are not limited to this and may be any three-dimensional shape, but a shape that is easy for children to hold is preferable. For example, an oval shape, a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners, or the shape of an animal character or vehicle can be appropriately adopted.

[0031] In this embodiment, the size of the sound generator module 1 is approximately 40 mm in diameter, but it is not limited to this, and a typical size of approximately 20 mm to 100 mm is preferable because it is easy for children to hold. More preferably, it is 40 mm to 70 mm.

[0032] The size of the hemispherical recesses 6a, 6b is preferably such that the volume thereof is approximately 0.3 cc to 60 cc, and more preferably approximately 1 cc to 40 cc. If the volume of each of the recesses 6a, 6b is smaller than approximately 0.3 cc, it becomes difficult to process, and if it is larger than approximately 60 cc, it becomes difficult to reduce the size of the sound generating module 1, so this is not preferable. The total volume of the recesses 6a and 6b is preferably about 0.3 cc to 120 cc in consideration of the difficulty of processing and the size, and more preferably about 10 cc to 40 cc.

[0033] The average depth of each of the recesses 6a, 6b is deeper than 20% of the equivalent diameter of the mating surfaces 3a, 3b having the recesses 6a, 6b. Here, the average depth is the value obtained by dividing the recess volume by the recess inlet area. The equivalent diameter is a value that expresses the representative length of an arbitrary mating surface shape as the diameter of a circle, and is calculated by 4 × (the area of ​​the mating surface) ÷ (the outer periphery of the mating surface).

[0034] In this embodiment, the mating surfaces 3a and 3b are circular and the recesses 6a and 6b are hemispherical, so the equivalent diameter is the mating surface diameter and the average recess depth is 1 / 3 (approximately 33%) of the recess entrance circle diameter. The inventors have found through their research that if the average depth of the recesses 6a, 6b is deeper than 20% of the equivalent diameter of the striking surfaces 3a, 3b, the instrument can be small enough to fit in a child's hand, yet produce an unprecedented low pitch and improve the sense of pitch of the sound produced by striking the instrument.

[0035] In addition, we have newly discovered that if the recesses 6a, 6b are sufficiently deep, 1) spatial resonance occurs even in idiophones whose bodies vibrate, and 2) when the instruments are struck together, the gaps that form between the non-contacting portions 5a, 5b of the striking surfaces 3a, 3b form a communication path between the recess space and the outside, resulting in 3) substantial Helmholtz resonance occurring as a whole.

[0036] Helmholtz resonance is a theoretical model shown schematically in Figure 3, in which the air inside a container with an opening acts as a spring and resonates, generating sound. When a thin tube with an opening cross-sectional area S and a neck length L extends from a container (cavity) with an internal volume V, the resonance frequency is proportional to the square root of the opening area S divided by the neck length L and the internal volume V of the container. Therefore, as the internal volume V increases, the resonance frequency decreases, and as the opening area S increases, the resonance frequency increases. In other words, Resonance frequency ∝ √( S / (L·V)) is.

[0037] When sound-generating modules with different total recessed volume were created, the graph shown in Figure 4 was obtained. Characteristics of the actual Helmholtz resonance were found to be similar to those in the theoretical model. In other words, increasing the total volume of the recessed portions 6a and 6b lowered the frequency of the generated sound, while decreasing the total recessed portion volume raised the frequency of the generated sound. Furthermore, we found that, as long as the total volume of the opposing recessed portions 6a and 6b is the same, there is no significant difference in the actual Helmholtz resonance even if the shape of the recessed portions 6a and 6b is changed, and the pitch of the generated sound is generally the same.

[0038] In other words, the volumes and shapes of the recesses 6a and 6b do not necessarily have to be the same, and one recess volume may be larger than the other. In extreme cases, a recess may be provided on only one mating surface, with no recess on the other mating surface. If neither mating surface has a recess, it becomes difficult to establish Helmholtz resonance, which is undesirable, so at least one mating surface must have a recess.

[0039] It was also confirmed that the resonance frequency can be changed by changing the height of the protrusions 4. It was found that the higher the protrusions 4, the higher the frequency of the generated sound, and conversely, the lower the protrusions 4, the lower the frequency of the generated sound. This can be explained by the Helmholtz resonance model, as it is due to changes in the gap, which is the communication path between the recess and the outside.

[0040] In addition to changing the height of the protrusions 4, the communication path between the recesses and the outside can be changed by changing the shape and position of the protrusions 4, the shape of the non-contact portions 5a and 5b, or by drilling holes in the mating members 2a and 2b, thereby changing the pitch of the sound. When the tops of the protrusions 4 are rounded, as in this embodiment, the sound quality tends to be softer. Conversely, when the tops of the protrusions 4 abut against the mating surface 3a over a relatively large area, the sound quality tends to be harder. Therefore, the shape can be selected appropriately. However, when the tops of the protrusions 4 abut against the mating surface 3a over the entire outer periphery, i.e., when there are no non-contact portions 5a and 5b, Helmholtz resonance is less likely to occur, which is not desirable.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an example of the frequency spectrum of a sound that produces a more pronounced sense of pitch when the mating components 2a and 2b are struck together. It can be seen that there is a single maximum peak P (main peak, fundamental) at approximately 1000 Hz, corresponding to the pitch of C6, and no other significant peaks in other regions. It can be seen that when there is only a single main peak P and few significant sub-peaks (higher-order peaks, harmonics) in the high-pitched range, the sound has less noise, resulting in a more pronounced sense of pitch.

[0042] By adjusting the material of the mating members 2a and 2b, the shape and volume of the recesses 6a and 6b, the shape of the non-contacting portions 5a and 5b, the thickness from the inner surface of the recesses 6a and 6b to the outer surface of the sound-producing module 1, and the shape of the protrusions 4, a spectrum like that shown in Figure 5 can be obtained, thereby increasing the sense of pitch.

[0043] If there are sub-peaks other than the main peak P, they become noise, which impairs the sense of pitch, and are therefore undesirable. Sub-peaks that do not become noise include sub-peaks that are in a consonant relationship with the main peak P. Here, when one note and another note are said to be in a consonant relationship, it generally means that the intervals are the same, or that they are in a harmonic relationship with each other, such as a perfect octave, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, major third, major sixth, minor seventh, etc., or even multiples of these intervals. Anything else is dissonant.

[0044] In instruments such as xylophones, secondary and tertiary peaks are often set to create a sense of pitch that is consonant with the main peak P. In the present invention, too, it is more preferable to set sub-peaks that are consonant with the main peak P by adjusting the material, shape, etc. of the sound generator module 1 in various ways in order to create a sense of pitch. Preferred sub-peak frequencies can be set to consonant sounds such as an eighth degree, i.e., an octave, and even multiples thereof relative to the main peak P, or the fourth and tenth harmonics often used in marimbas, or the third and seventh harmonics used in xylophones.

[0045] Furthermore, as a result of examining sub-peaks that are dissonant with the main peak P (hereinafter referred to as "dissonant sub-peaks"), it was found that it is effective for increasing the sense of pitch to not have dissonant sub-peaks whose volume dB difference from the main peak P is less than 3 dB in a frequency region more than 500 Hz away from the main peak P. In other words, it was found that dissonant sub-peaks that exist in a frequency region within 500 Hz of the main peak P are less likely to become noise, and even if a dissonant sub-peak exists in a frequency region more than 500 Hz away from the main peak P, it is preferable for the volume dB of the dissonant sub-peak to be 3 dB or more lower than the volume dB of the main peak P (the difference from the volume dB of the main peak P is more than 3 dB), because this results in a sound with less noise and a higher sense of pitch. More preferably, the volume dB of all dissonant sub-peaks existing in the frequency range away from the main peak P by more than 500 Hz is at least 10 dB lower than the volume dB of the main peak P, and even more preferably, it is at least 20 dB lower than the volume dB of the main peak P.

[0046] To enhance the sense of pitch, it is better for the main peak P to be sharp. A main peak P with a broad base is undesirable as it increases noise and impairs the sense of pitch. Preferably, the base width of the main peak P is 1500 Hz or less, and more preferably 800 Hz or less. The same applies to sub-peaks that are consonant with the main peak P.

[0047] The materials for the mating members 2a and 2b may be any material that produces stable sound, and can be appropriately selected from wood, bamboo, plastic, metal, stone, etc. In the case of wood, an air-dry specific gravity of 0.2 to 1.2 is preferable. An air-dry specific gravity of less than 0.2 is undesirable because the sound quality becomes muffled and durability decreases, and the contact portions 4a and 4b in particular become more susceptible to deterioration. An air-dry specific gravity of more than 1.2 is also undesirable because the sound becomes sharp. A more preferable air-dry specific gravity is 0.4 to 1.0. Multiple materials can be used in appropriate combination. Various known coating methods can be used to improve durability and enhance appearance.

[0048] As long as the connecting portion 7 can be repeatedly joined together, various known connecting means can be used, not just rubber cords. Although ordinary cords with no elastic properties can be used for the connection, using an elastic connecting means such as rubber cords is preferable because a restoring force acts after joining, causing the parts to naturally return to their original unjoined state, i.e., non-joined state.

[0049] The connecting form does not require that the mating members 2a and 2b be in direct contact with each other. The mating members 2a and 2b may be connected without contact using a magnet or the like. Alternatively, the mating members 2a and 2b do not necessarily have to be connected to each other. In this case, for example, the mating members 2a and 2b may be held in the right and left hands, respectively, and mated together.

[0050] Alternatively, the clasping members 2a and 2b may be fitted to two opposing fingers, such as the thumb and middle finger, of one hand. By fitting clasping members of different volumes to the four fingers other than the thumb, four different pitches can be produced by changing the finger combinations. [Second embodiment]

[0051] A sound generator module 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 6. In the following embodiments, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. 6 shows a perspective view of the appearance of the sound generator module 101 in an unattached state. The sound generator module 101 is substantially the same as the sound generator module 1 described above, but differs from the sound generator module 1 in that the mating member 2a has a communication hole 8, which connects the recess 6a to the outside.

[0052] In this embodiment, the opening area that communicates with the outside when the instrument is struck is increased by the communication holes 8, and therefore, due to the principle of Helmholtz resonance, the pitch is higher than when there are no communication holes 8. By closing and opening the communication holes 8 with your fingers when striking the instrument, it is possible to play notes of different pitches.

[0053] In this embodiment, the communication hole 8 is circular, but is not limited to this, and can be of various shapes and sizes as long as it connects the recess 6a to the outside. Also, in this embodiment, there is only one communication hole 8 in the mating member 2a, but this is not limited to this, and a communication hole may also be provided in the mating member 2b, or multiple communication holes of any size and shape may be provided in any location in the mating members 2a and 2b. [Third embodiment]

[0054] 7 and 8 show a sound generator module 102 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an external perspective view of the sound generator module 102 in a non-connected state. The sound generator module 102 has mating members 2a and 2b, each approximately 100 mm long, 25 mm wide, and 20 mm thick. These mating members 2a and 2b are connected to each other at a connecting portion 7 with a rubber band (not shown). A plurality of protrusions 41 are formed at intervals on the mating surface 3a of the mating member 2b. The plurality of protrusions 41 each have a different height, and in the example of FIG. 7, the height decreases as they approach the connecting portion 7. Similar to the first embodiment, recesses 6a and 6b are formed on the mating surfaces 3a and 3b of the mating members 2a and 2b, respectively.

[0055] In this embodiment, the mating members 2a, 2b are elongated and connected by elastic cords, so as shown in Figure 8, a slight twist creates an angle, allowing them to mating in a twisted manner. Furthermore, since multiple protrusions 41 of different heights are formed, the protrusions 41 positioned at the appropriate angle form a contact portion, allowing them to mating even when twisted. In other words, the protrusions 41 that come into contact with the mating surface 3a are determined depending on the twist. The height and arrangement of the protrusions 41 are set so that when the twist angle is zero, the central protrusion 41 farthest from the connecting portion 7 comes into contact with the mating surface 3a, and as the twist angle increases, the protrusions 41 closer to the connecting portion 7 come into contact sequentially.

[0056] It was discovered that when the mating parts 2a and 2b are struck together with a misalignment, the pitch of the sound changes according to the angle of the misalignment. This can be explained using the Helmholtz resonance model: when the twist angle is zero, the opening area is smallest when the mating parts strike each other, resulting in the lowest pitch; but as the twist angle increases, the opening area increases, resulting in a higher pitch.

[0057] In this embodiment, the protrusions 41 are provided on only one side of the striking surface 3b (the right side in FIG. 8), and not on the other side (the left side in FIG. 8). The protrusions 41 may be provided on both sides, but if the protrusions 41 are only provided on one side, the sound generated when the parts without the protrusions 41 are twisted to the side without the protrusions 41 and struck together will have a hard sound quality like a wooden clapper, which is different from when the protrusions 41 abut, so you can enjoy two different sound qualities with one sound module 102.

[0058] In this embodiment, the shapes of the contact members 2a and 2b are vertically long, but this is not limited to this and various shapes can be used as long as the position of the contact portion can be changed by shifting them. Furthermore, the height and arrangement of the protrusions 41 are also not limited to this and various heights and arrangements can be selected as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the entire recess is covered by the non-contact portion in the mating state, but the recess does not necessarily have to be entirely covered by the non-contact portion in the mating state, and it is sufficient that at least a portion of the recess is covered by the non-contact portion in the mating state, as shown in Figures 8(b) to 8(d). [Fourth embodiment]

[0059] 9 to 11 show a sound generator module 103 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 shows an external perspective view of the sound generator module 103 in an unconnected state. Fig. 10 shows a side view of the sound generator module 103 in an unconnected state. Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the sound generator module 103 in an unconnected state.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, sound generator module 103 is a spherical sound generator module with an overall outer diameter of approximately 60 mm, obtained by stacking mating members 21a to 21d. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, mating member 21a has mating surface 31a, mating member 21b has mating surfaces 31b and 31c, mating surface 21c has mating surfaces 31d and 31e, and mating member 21d has mating surface 31f. The mating members 21a to 21d are combined so that mating surfaces 31a and 31b face each other, mating surfaces 31c and 31d face each other, and mating surfaces 31e and 31f face each other.

[0061] The mating surfaces 31b, 31d, and 31f are formed with protrusions 41a, 41b, and 41c, respectively. The mating members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are connected at connecting portions 71a, 71b, and 71c with rubber strings (not shown).

[0062] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, recesses 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, and 61f are formed on mating surfaces 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, and 31f, respectively. The volumes formed by the pair of recesses 61a and 61b, the pair of recesses 61c and 61d, and the pair of recesses 61e and 61f are different, so each pair generates a Helmholtz resonance with a different pitch. Each pair of recesses is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In sound generator module 103 of this embodiment, the shape and dimensions are set so that the total volume formed by the pair of recesses 61c and 61d is the largest, the total volume formed by the pair of recesses 61e and 61f is next largest, and the total volume formed by the pair of recesses 61a and 61b is the smallest. Therefore, according to the principle of Helmholtz resonance, the pitch generated by the pair of recesses 61c and 61d is the lowest, the pitch generated by the pair of recesses 61e and 61f is the next highest, and the pitch generated by the pair of recesses 61a and 61b is the highest.

[0064] The sound generator module 103 of this embodiment can produce multiple notes with simple movements similar to playing castanets, and can also produce chords by appropriately adjusting the shapes of the recesses 61a-61f. In this embodiment, the pitches, from lowest to highest, are approximately 1400 Hz, approximately 1760 Hz, and approximately 2100 Hz, constituting the chords F6 (Fa), A6 (La), and C7 (Do).

[0065] If multiple sound generating modules 103 that produce different chords are prepared, the corresponding sound generating modules 103 can be played in accordance with the chord progression of the song, allowing for the enjoyment of playing like an accompaniment. When playing chords as an accompaniment, for example, the number of chord changes within one measure is far less than in a melody, making it easier for even small children who have difficulty playing melodies to play.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer shape is a sphere with a diameter of approximately 60 mm, which is suitable for small children to hold in the palm of their hands and play. However, the size and shape are not limited to this, and any outer shape and size can be used as long as the recesses 61a to 61f can be set. For example, a sphere with a diameter of approximately 72 mm can produce chords of approximately 1050 Hz, approximately 1320 Hz, and approximately 1570 Hz, i.e., C6 (do), E6 (mi), and G6 (sol).

[0067] Furthermore, although the sound generator module 103 of this embodiment has four mating members, the number of mating members can be changed to suitably change the number of sounds produced at different pitches. Furthermore, since the external shape does not significantly affect the pitch of the sound, any three-dimensional shape can be selected. For example, character shapes such as animals that children like can be used.

[0068] In this embodiment, the striking members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are connected at the connecting portions 71a, 71b, and 71c with rubber bands (not shown), so that the striking members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d can be struck simultaneously or can be made to sound loosely (arpeggio). In actual performance, one sound generator module 103 can alternately produce tight sounds and loose sounds that are sounded simultaneously, further emphasizing the sense of rhythm and beat. [Fifth embodiment]

[0069] A sound generator module 104 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an external perspective view of the sound generator module 104 in a non-attached state. The sound generator module 104 is made up of short, cylindrical attachment members 21a to 21e. The contact member 21a can be attached to the thumb by a connecting portion 71a. Similarly, the contact members 21b to 21e can be attached to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger by connecting portions (not shown), respectively. As with the sound generating module 1 described above, the contact members 21a-21e have contact surfaces 31a-31e, respectively, and recesses are provided on the contact surfaces 31a-31e. The contact surface 31a of the contact member 21a worn on the thumb can be brought into contact with the contact surfaces 31b-31e of the contact members 21b-21e worn on the other fingers. A protrusion 41 is formed on the contact surface 31a.

[0070] In this embodiment, since the mating surfaces 31b to 31e are provided with recesses of different volumes, the total volume of the recesses can be changed by changing the combination such as mating members 21a and 21b, mating members 21a and 21c, mating members 21a and 21d, and mating members 21a and 21e, and four different pitches can be obtained. Therefore, eight notes can be produced with both hands, and an octave scale can be created, for example, Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Si, Do. [Sixth embodiment]

[0071] A sound generating body set 1001 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows an external perspective view of the sound generating body set 1001 in an unassembled state. The sound generating body set 1001 is made up of eight sound generating body modules 105a to 105h. Each of the sound generating body modules 105a to 105h is an individual, independent module, but each is mounted on a base (not shown) in an acoustically independent manner to prevent them from becoming disjointed.

[0072] Each of the sound generator modules 105a to 105h has substantially the same configuration as the sound generator module 1 described above.

[0073] The sound generator modules 105a to 105h are sound generator modules that produce different pitches. That is, the recessed portion pairs of each sound generator module 105a to 105h have different total volumes. In the sound generator set 1001 of this embodiment, the total volumes of the recessed portion pairs decrease in the order of sound generator modules 105a to 105h, and therefore the pitch increases in the order of sound generator modules 105a to 105h. Using this, the total volumes of the recessed portion pairs can be adjusted to configure the sound generator set 1001 to have a musical scale. For example, in the commonly used octo-note scale of C major (G major), Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, and Do can be assigned to the sound generator modules 105a to 105h, respectively. By appropriately selecting the number of sound generator modules and the pitch, various other arbitrary musical scales can be configured.

[0074] Because the instrument is structured with musical scales, melodies can be played with simple movements similar to playing castanets. Alternatively, multiple sound modules can be played simultaneously to produce chords. Unlike a xylophone, no mallets are used, allowing for greater flexibility in the number of notes that can be played simultaneously and in timing. Each sound module can be made small enough to fit in the palm of a child's hand; for example, if the width is made approximately 25 mm, each sound module can be played with one finger, like a keyboard instrument. In addition to playing melodies, it can also be used as a percussion instrument to create rhythms with quick arpeggios.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, the sound generator modules 105a-105h are acoustically independent. Acoustically independent means that the vibrations and resonances of the sound generator modules 105a-105h do not interfere with each other. Known methods for achieving acoustic isolation can be used, such as providing gaps between the sound generator modules 105a-105h, or separating the sound generator modules 105a-105h or their bases with cushioning material such as sponge between them. As long as they are acoustically independent, multiple sound generating modules may be linked and integrated so that multiple sounds are generated simultaneously with one striking action. For example, to produce a C-E-G triad, three corresponding sound generating modules may be linked horizontally and integrated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105a~105h Sound module 1001 Sounding Body Set 2a, 2b, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e Meeting materials 3a, 3b, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f Meeting surface 4, 41, 41a, 41b, 41c protrusions 4a, 4b Contact part 5a, 5b Non-contact part 6a, 6b, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, 61f recesses 7, 71a, 71b, 71c connection part 8 Communication hole P Main Peak

Claims

[Claim 1] A sound-producing module having at least two mating members that produce sound by being mated with each other, The at least two mating members have a pair of mating surfaces that are mated with each other, The pair of mating surfaces has abutting portions that abut against each other when the mating surfaces are in a mated state, and a non-abutting portion that defines a gap therebetween that communicates with the outside when the mating surfaces are in the mated state, At least one of the mating surfaces has a recessed portion that is covered by the non-contact portion of the other mating surface in the mated state, and the recessed portion is open in a non-mating state in which the mating surfaces are not mated, At least two protrusions having different heights are provided on at least one of the contact surfaces, and each of the at least two protrusions functions as a part of the contact portion. A sound generating module characterized by:

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