Electronic kalimba

Abstract

An electronic kalimba, comprising a body (100), and a playing assembly (200) and a pickup assembly (300), which are fixed to the body (100), wherein the body (100) comprises a first grip portion (110) and a second grip portion (120), which are symmetrically arranged, and a connecting portion (130), which is arranged between the first grip portion (110) and the second grip portion (120) and connects the first grip portion (110) to the second grip portion (120); and the playing assembly (200) and the pickup assembly (300) are fixed on the connecting portion (130), and the first grip portion (110), the second grip portion (120) and the connecting portion (130) are combined to form the body (100) in the shape of a gamepad.

Description

An electronic kalimba Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic musical instrument technology, and in particular to an electronic kalimba. Background Technology

[0002] The kalimba (also known as the mullah) is a traditional musical instrument, also called a thumb piano. It primarily produces specific sounds by the user plucking the keys with their thumbs, and through specific playing techniques, it can produce a rich variety of tones, gaining increasing popularity and recognition worldwide. Currently, to facilitate playing the kalimba in large performance venues or similar public spaces, electronic pickup devices are typically added to minimize ambient noise interference; these kalimbas are known as electronic kalimbas. However, existing electronic kalimbas are still limited by traditional designs, with keys mounted on a square or trapezoidal soundbox. This makes them difficult to play and fails to meet modern ergonomic design requirements, hindering further market expansion.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and developed.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an electronic kalimba to solve the problems that the shape design of the electronic kalimba in the prior art cannot meet the ergonomic requirements and the playing difficulty is high.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] This utility model discloses an electronic kalimba, including a body and a playing component and a pickup component fixed to the body, wherein the body includes:

[0008] The first grip portion and the second grip portion are symmetrically arranged; and

[0009] A connecting portion is disposed between the first grip portion and the second grip portion and connects the first grip portion and the second grip portion. The playing component and the sound pickup component are fixed on the connecting portion. The first grip portion, the second grip portion and the connecting portion are combined to form the body in the shape of a game controller.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first grip portion and the second grip portion are arranged symmetrically at an angle relative to the connecting portion, so that the thumb contacts the playing component when the user holds the first grip portion and the second grip portion with both hands.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first grip portion and the second grip portion is greater than the thickness of the connecting portion, so as to facilitate the user to hold the first grip portion and the second grip portion with both hands.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are ellipsoidal structures.

[0013] In one embodiment, the main body forms a latching protrusion corresponding to the first gripping part and the second gripping part. The latching protrusion cooperates with the first gripping part and the second gripping part to form a latching groove, so that when the user holds the first gripping part and the second gripping part with both hands respectively, the user's index finger is latched in the latching groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting part is hollow, forming a cavity in the connecting part, the playing component is fixed to the surface of the connecting part, the pickup component is disposed in the cavity, and the pickup component is correspondingly disposed to the playing component.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pickup component includes:

[0016] A pickup, which is fixed on the inner wall of the connecting part and is correspondingly arranged with the playing component;

[0017] A sound output jack, fixed to the inner wall at a position away from the microphone, and extending through the inner wall from the connection portion; and

[0018] A pickup wire connects the microphone and the sound output socket to output the sound collected by the microphone through the sound output socket.

[0019] In one embodiment, the playing component includes:

[0020] A fixing device is used to fix the playing component to the surface of the connecting part;

[0021] A spring is fixed to the surface of the connecting part by the fixing device and is set corresponding to the sound pickup component so that the sound pickup component can pick up the sound when the user flicks the spring.

[0022] In one embodiment, the fixing device includes:

[0023] A support frame, one end of which is fixed to the surface of the connecting part, and the other end is fixedly connected to the spring piece. The support frame is arranged perpendicular to the plane of symmetry between the first gripping part and the second gripping part.

[0024] The first nut is fixed to the surface of the connecting part and abuts against the spring piece.

[0025] The second nut is fixed to the surface of the connecting part and abuts against the spring piece. The second nut and the first nut are symmetrically arranged relative to the support frame so as to cooperate with the first nut to fix and support the spring piece.

[0026] In one embodiment, the main body of the game controller is a horseshoe-shaped structure integrally formed from the first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion.

[0027] In summary, this utility model discloses an electronic kalimba, including a main body and a playing component and a pickup component fixed to the main body. The main body includes: a first grip portion and a second grip portion symmetrically arranged; and a connecting portion disposed between and connecting the first grip portion and the second grip portion. The playing component and the pickup component are fixed to the connecting portion. The first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion combine to form the main body in the shape of a game controller. This utility model, with its game controller-shaped main body formed by the first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion, facilitates two-handed use, meets ergonomic requirements, reduces the difficulty of playing, and facilitates further market promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic kalimba in a handheld state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a front view of the electronic kalimba described in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic kalimba in another angle of handheld state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the electronic kalimba described in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the electronic kalimba described in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 6 is a right view of the electronic kalimba described in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 7 is a right sectional view of the electronic kalimba described in one embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This utility model provides an electronic kalimba. To make the purpose, technical solution, and effects of this utility model clearer and more explicit, the following provides a more detailed description of this utility model. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0036] It should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structure referred to must have a specific orientation or must be constructed in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] Traditional kalimbas typically have keys mounted on a square or trapezoidal soundbox, requiring the user to grip the sides of the soundbox for playing. This design makes the sides of the instrument difficult to hold, increasing the difficulty of playing. This new electronic kalimba, however, is shaped like a game controller, allowing users to hold it with both hands and use their thumbs to operate the keys, thus meeting ergonomic requirements and reducing the difficulty of playing. Furthermore, the electronic kalimba of this invention includes a pickup assembly, facilitating playing in any setting and further expanding the market for electronic kalimbas.

[0039] The electronic kalimba of this invention includes a body and a playing component and a pickup component fixed on the body. The body includes: a first grip portion and a second grip portion symmetrically arranged; and a connecting portion disposed between the first grip portion and the second grip portion and connecting the first grip portion and the second grip portion. The playing component and the pickup component are fixed on the connecting portion. The first grip portion, the second grip portion and the connecting portion are combined to form the body in the shape of a game controller.

[0040] Furthermore, in the electronic kalimba of this invention, the first grip portion and the second grip portion are arranged symmetrically at an angle relative to the connecting portion, so that the thumb contacts the playing component when the user holds the first grip portion and the second grip portion with both hands.

[0041] Furthermore, in the electronic kalimba of this invention, the thickness of the first grip portion and the second grip portion is greater than the thickness of the connecting portion, so as to facilitate the user to hold the first grip portion and the second grip portion with both hands.

[0042] Furthermore, the first grip portion and the second grip portion of the electronic kalimba described in this utility model have an ellipsoidal structure.

[0043] Furthermore, in the electronic kalimba of this invention, the main body forms a latching protrusion corresponding to the first gripping part and the second gripping part. The latching protrusion cooperates with the first gripping part and the second gripping part to form a latching groove, so that when the user holds the first gripping part and the second gripping part with both hands respectively, the user's index finger is latched in the latching groove.

[0044] Furthermore, in the electronic kalimba of this invention, the connecting part is hollow, forming a cavity in the connecting part. The playing component is fixed on the surface of the connecting part, and the pickup component is disposed in the cavity, with the pickup component corresponding to the playing component.

[0045] Furthermore, the pickup assembly in the electronic kalimba of this utility model includes: a pickup, which is fixed on the inner wall of the connecting part and is correspondingly arranged with the playing assembly; a sound output socket, which is fixed on the inner wall at a position away from the pickup and extends through the inner wall from the connecting part; and a pickup wire, which connects the pickup and the sound output socket to output the sound collected by the pickup through the sound output socket.

[0046] Furthermore, the playing component of the electronic kalimba of this utility model includes: a fixing device, wherein the playing component is fixed to the surface of the connecting part by the fixing device; and a spring, wherein the spring is fixed to the surface of the connecting part by the fixing device and is disposed corresponding to the sound pickup component, so that the sound pickup component picks up the sound when the user plucks the spring.

[0047] Furthermore, the fixing device in the electronic kalimba of this utility model includes: a support frame, one end of which is fixed to the surface of the connecting part, and the other end is fixedly connected to the spring piece, and the support frame is arranged perpendicular to the symmetrical plane of the first grip and the second grip; a first nut, which is fixed to the surface of the connecting part and abuts against the spring piece; and a second nut, which is fixed to the surface of the connecting part and abuts against the spring piece, and the second nut and the first nut are symmetrically arranged relative to the support frame to cooperate with the first nut to fix and support the spring piece.

[0048] Furthermore, the main body of the electronic kalimba described in this utility model, which is shaped like a game controller, is a horseshoe-shaped structure integrally formed from the first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion.

[0049] The following detailed description of the electronic kalimba described in this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic kalimba of this invention includes a body 100, a playing component 200 fixed to the surface of the body 100, and a pickup component 300 fixed inside the body 100. The pickup component 300 is disposed opposite to the playing component 200, such that the pickup component 300 is located below the playing component 200, to ensure that the user can pick up and output sound from the playing component 200 during performance.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the body 100 comprises a first grip portion 110, a second grip portion 120, and a connecting portion 130, forming an overall structure in the shape of a game controller. In one embodiment, the first grip portion 110, the second grip portion 120, and the connecting portion 130 are integrally formed to create a horseshoe-shaped body 100, giving the overall electronic kalimba a game controller-like structure, facilitating the user's use of their thumbs to play the playing component 200 when holding the electronic kalimba with both hands. The first grip portion 110, the second grip portion 120, and the connecting portion 130 are integrally formed to create a symmetrical body 100, with the symmetrical central axis of the connecting portion 130 being the symmetrical central axis of the body 100. It should be noted that the placement of the first grip portion 110 on the left corresponding to the user's left hand and the second grip portion 120 on the right corresponding to the user's right hand in Figure 1 is only one feasible implementation; the specific positions of the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 can be interchanged. Furthermore, the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the body 100, and the playing component 200 is also symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the body 100, thereby ensuring that when the user holds the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands, the thumbs of both hands can pluck the playing component 200 in a balanced manner, so as to achieve easy playing of the electronic kalimba.

[0052] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are symmetrically arranged relative to the connecting portion 130, and the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are arranged at an angle, that is, the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are not parallel. This allows the user to easily place their thumbs on the playing component 200 to complete the performance when holding the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands, further reducing the difficulty of playing. Optionally, the included angle between the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 is 30°-60°. Optionally, the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are arranged obliquely downward relative to the connecting portion 130 and in a figure-eight shape, that is, the distance between the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 is smaller as they are closer to the playing component 200, so as to make it easier for the user to place their thumbs on the playing component 200 when holding the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands respectively.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a latching protrusion 131 is provided below the connecting portion 130. The latching protrusion 131 is arranged perpendicular to the symmetrical plane of the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120, and a latching groove 132 is formed between the latching protrusion 131 and the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120. This allows the index fingers of both hands to be engaged in the latching groove 132 when the user holds the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands respectively, thereby reducing the force required for holding, reducing the difficulty of holding, and making it more convenient for long-term playing. Furthermore, the latching groove 132 is an arc-shaped groove, forming a smooth transition from the latching protrusion 131 to the first grip portion 110 or the second grip portion 120, allowing the user to hold the electronic kalimba more comfortably.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are integrally formed with the connecting portion 130, with no connecting seam on the outer surface of the electronic kalimba, thus enhancing the overall aesthetics. Furthermore, the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 have an ellipsoidal structure, allowing the user to hold them with both hands respectively, meeting ergonomic requirements and facilitating prolonged playing. Furthermore, the thickness of both the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 is greater than the thickness of the connecting portion 130. That is, the connecting portion 130 forms a groove structure between the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 relative to the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120, so that when the user holds the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands respectively, the fingers of both hands can be bent and rest on the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120, increasing the contact area between the user's hands and the electronic kalimba, thereby increasing friction, reducing the difficulty of holding, and facilitating long-term playing.

[0055] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the body 100 has a hollow structure, and a cavity is formed within the body 100 to accommodate the pickup component 300, which is positioned below the playing component 200. Further, the connecting portion 130 is hollow, and the pickup component 300 is disposed inside the connecting portion 130. The playing component 200 is fixed to the surface of the connecting portion 130 and is not above the pickup component 300. The first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 are symmetrically arranged relative to the pickup component 300 and the playing component 200, so that the user's thumbs can easily contact the playing component 200 when holding the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands respectively. Further, the surface of the body 100 is uniformly formed and has no openings, allowing sound to be completely collected and output through the pickup component 300, facilitating performance in public places and avoiding the influence of surrounding noise.

[0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the pickup assembly 300 includes a pickup 310, a sound output socket 320, and a pickup wire 330. The pickup wire 330 connects the pickup 310 and the sound output socket 320 to output the sound collected by the pickup 310 through the sound output socket 320. Optionally, the pickup 310 is an electronic vibration sensor to pick up sound by collecting vibration information from the spring 220. Optionally, the pickup 310 is an electric guitar pickup.

[0057] Furthermore, the microphone 310 is fixed to the inner wall of the body 100 below the playing component 200, corresponding to the playing component 200, to pick up the sound emitted by the playing component 200. The sound output socket 320 is fixed to the inner wall of the body 100, away from the microphone 310, and extends through the inner wall from within the body 100 to transmit the sound picked up by the microphone 310 outwards. Optionally, the sound output socket 320 is fixed to the inner wall of the connecting portion 130 away from the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120, and extends through the inner wall. That is, when the user holds the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands respectively, the sound output socket 320 extends from the end of the electronic kalimba away from the user, facilitating connection of the sound output socket 320 to an external sound processing or playback device.

[0058] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the playing assembly 200 includes a fixing device 210 and springs 220. The playing assembly 200 is fixed to the surface of the body 100 by the fixing device 210. A plurality of springs 220 are fixed to the surface of the body 100 by the fixing device 210 and have a gap between them and the surface of the body 100. The gap is larger than the vibrating range of the springs 220, thus forming the keys of the electronic kalimba. When the user plucks the springs 220 with their thumb in different ways, corresponding sound effects are produced, completing the playing of the electronic kalimba.

[0059] Further, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing device 210 includes a first nut 211, a second nut 212, and a support frame 213. The first nut 211, the second nut 212, and the support frame 213 are respectively fixed to the surface of the body 100, and the first nut 211 and the second nut 212 are symmetrically arranged relative to the support frame 213. The support frame 213 is a "Z"-shaped support frame, with one bottom end fixed to the surface of the body 100 by screws, and the top end fixedly connected to the spring piece 220, dividing the spring piece 220 into a short end and a long end. The long end of the spring piece 220 is close to the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 and abuts against the second nut 212 to form piano keys, allowing the user to easily pluck the keys with their thumbs when holding the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands respectively. Furthermore, the long end of the spring 220 is positioned above the pickup 310 in the pickup assembly 300 to facilitate the pickup 310 in capturing the sound. Furthermore, among the plurality of springs 220, the longer ends of each spring 220 are longer closer to the symmetrical central axis of the body 100, and shorter closer to both ends of the body 100, and are symmetrically arranged relative to the symmetrical central axis of the body 100 to form multiple keys capable of producing different sound effects. Furthermore, the short ends of the springs 220 extend away from the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 and abut against the first nut 211 to prevent energy loss due to vibration of the short ends during playing. The first nut 211 and the second nut 212 abut against the springs 220 respectively to fix and support the springs 220, assisting the springs 220 in producing the desired sound effects when playing the electronic kalimba. Furthermore, the second nut 212 is also provided with a cylindrical nut to assist in adjusting and optimizing the tone when the user plucks the tumbler 220.

[0060] When playing the electronic kalimba described in this invention, the user first holds the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120 with both hands. The user's index fingers are engaged in the slots 132, while the middle, ring, and little fingers encircle the first grip portion 110 and the second grip portion 120. The thumbs are naturally lowered to contact the playing component 200. Playing the electronic kalimba is achieved by plucking the spring 220 in the playing component 200. The pickup 310 in the pickup component 300 is located below the spring 220, directly collecting the sound emitted by the vibration of the spring 220 after being plucked. The pickup 310 outputs the collected sound data to an external playback device or sound processing device through the sound output socket 320 via the pickup wire 330. This invention combines the playing style of the kalimba, the structural design of a game controller, and the pickup settings of an electric guitar, thereby enabling the playing of the electronic kalimba in public places. The electronic kalimba is easy to hold and play, making it suitable for long performances and facilitating further market promotion.

[0061] In summary, this utility model discloses an electronic kalimba, including a main body and a playing component and a pickup component fixed to the main body. The main body includes: a first grip portion and a second grip portion symmetrically arranged; and a connecting portion disposed between and connecting the first grip portion and the second grip portion. The playing component and the pickup component are fixed to the connecting portion. The first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion combine to form the main body in the shape of a game controller. This utility model, with its game controller-shaped main body formed by the first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion, facilitates two-handed use, meets ergonomic requirements, reduces the difficulty of playing, and facilitates further market promotion.

[0062] It should be understood that the application of this utility model is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic kalimba, characterized in that, The system includes a main body and a playing component and a pickup component fixed to the main body, wherein the main body includes: The first grip portion and the second grip portion are symmetrically arranged; and A connecting portion is disposed between the first grip portion and the second grip portion and connects the first grip portion and the second grip portion. The playing component and the sound pickup component are fixed on the connecting portion. The first grip portion, the second grip portion and the connecting portion are combined to form the body in the shape of a game controller.

2. The electronic kalimba according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first grip and the second grip are arranged symmetrically at an angle relative to the connecting portion, so that the thumbs contact the playing component when the user holds the first grip and the second grip with both hands.

3. The electronic kalimba according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first grip portion and the second grip portion is greater than the thickness of the connecting portion, so as to facilitate the user to hold the first grip portion and the second grip portion with both hands.

4. The electronic kalimba according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gripping part and the second gripping part are ellipsoidal structures.

5. The electronic kalimba according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body forms a latching protrusion corresponding to the first gripping part and the second gripping part. The latching protrusion cooperates with the first gripping part and the second gripping part to form a latching groove, so that when the user holds the first gripping part and the second gripping part with both hands respectively, the user's index finger is latched in the latching groove.

6. The electronic kalimba according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is hollow, forming a cavity. The playing component is fixed to the surface of the main body, and the sound pickup component is disposed in the cavity, with the sound pickup component corresponding to the playing component.

7. The electronic kalimba according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pickup component includes: A pickup, which is fixed on the inner wall of the main body and is correspondingly arranged with the playing component; A sound output socket, the sound output socket being fixed on the inner wall at a position away from the microphone and extending through the inner wall from the body; and A pickup wire connects the microphone and the sound output socket to output the sound collected by the microphone through the sound output socket.

8. The electronic kalimba according to claim 6, characterized in that, The performance components include: The playing assembly is fixed to the surface of the body by means of the fixing device; and A spring is fixed to the surface of the body by the fixing device and is set corresponding to the sound pickup component so that the sound pickup component can pick up the sound when the user flicks the spring.

9. The electronic kalimba according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing device includes: A support frame, one end of which is fixed to the surface of the main body, and the other end is fixedly connected to the spring piece. The support frame is arranged perpendicular to the plane of symmetry between the first gripping part and the second gripping part. A first nut, the first nut being fixed to the surface of the body and abutting against the spring clip; and The second nut is fixed to the surface of the body and abuts against the spring piece. The second nut and the first nut are symmetrically arranged relative to the support frame to cooperate with the first nut to fix and support the spring piece.

10. The electronic kalimba according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the game controller is a horseshoe-shaped structure integrally formed from the first grip portion, the second grip portion, and the connecting portion.

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