JP2003029756A - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a keyboard device, with which musical sounds can be controlled on the basis of keying operation while facilitating production, reducing the cost and reducing the weight by simplifying the configuration. SOLUTION: A main frame 10 and each of sub-frames 20 are connected by six hinge parts 1 and integrally molded by a synthetic resin and a metal die, and the frame 20 is configured to move relatively to the arranging direction of keys in respect to the frame 10 through the hinge parts 1. An actuator 13 is extended closely to a central position CT of the frame 10, and a switch substrate 40 fixed on the frame 20 is equipped with a sensor 43. When a key is oscillated in the key arranging direction during a keying stroke or after keying, that power is propagated through a key guide 23 to the frame 20, the frame 20 is oscillated in the key arranging direction relatively to the frame 10 and this oscillation, namely, keying operation in the arranging direction of keys 30 is detected by the sensor 43.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard device for detecting a key pressing force and reflecting the detected key pressing force in tone control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a key pressing force component in a key pressing and releasing direction (up and down direction) and a key arranging direction (keyboard left and right direction) is detected during a key pressing stroke or after a key pressing stroke, and these force information is used for, 2. Description of the Related Art A keyboard device is known in which a musical sound is controlled by reflecting it on volume, pitch, reverb, pan, vibrato, etc. to broaden the range of performance and enrich the expressive power.

For example, in order to detect the key pressing force in the key arrangement direction, in the first conventional device, a fixed frame is fixed to the keyboard device main body, and the movable frame is arranged in the key arrangement direction with respect to the fixed frame. The movable frame is swingably connected, and when a force is applied to the keys in the key arranging direction, the movable frame oscillates in the key arranging direction accordingly. And
By detecting the displacement of the movable frame with respect to the fixed frame, the key pressing force in the key arrangement direction is detected.

On the other hand, in order to detect the key pressing force in the key pressing and releasing direction, in the second conventional device (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-160953), the base member is fixed to the keyboard device main body and An elastic plate made of metal is attached, and the elastic plate is configured to bend by pressing a key. By detecting the displacement of the elastic plate with respect to the base member, the key pressing force in the key pressing direction is detected. . Then, when the key pressing force detecting mechanism in the key pressing direction is constructed, the base member and the elastic plate have a folded structure.

For example, the rear portion of the first elastic spring as the elastic plate is connected to the rear portion of the second elastic spring, and the key pressing force acting on the front portion of the first elastic spring is the second key. It is configured to be transmitted to the front portion of the second elastic spring via the rear portion of the elastic spring and received by the base member. With such a folded structure, the allowable range of assembly accuracy is widened, manufacturing is facilitated, and subtle changes in key pressing force are detected.

[0006]

However, regarding the key pressing force detection mechanism in the key arrangement direction, in the first conventional device described above, the fixed frame and the movable frame are formed separately.
For example, since both frames were connected by a subunit or the like in which metal springs were fastened with aluminum die-cast parts to make the movable frame swingable, the number of parts was large,
There is a problem that the structure is complicated, the manufacturing is not easy, the cost is high, and the weight tends to increase by using the metal parts.

Further, when considering a member or a connecting method for connecting the movable frame to the fixed frame such that the movable frame can swing in the key arranging direction, such as the above-mentioned sub-unit, the key pressing operation in the key pressing and releasing direction is further delicate. In order to facilitate the detection, ensuring of rigidity in the key pressing and releasing direction should be considered.

Further, regarding the key-pressing force detection mechanism in the key-pressing and releasing direction, by considering the fixed frame and the movable frame, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing and detect subtle changes in the key-pressing force.
There was room for further improvement with respect to the second conventional device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. A first object of the present invention is to simplify the structure, to facilitate the manufacturing, to reduce the cost, and to reduce the weight, and to perform the key operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device capable of realizing various musical tone control based on the keyboard.

A second object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of detection by obtaining a sturdy frame structure which is not easily displaced in the key pressing and releasing direction while ensuring the swinging of the subframe in the key arrangement direction. Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device capable of realizing delicate musical tone control based on key operation.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which the total distance between the parts for detecting the key pressing force is long in a limited space, thereby facilitating the manufacture and improving the reliability of the detection. It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard device capable of improving delicate musical tone control based on key operation by improving the above.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, a keyboard device according to claim 1 of the present invention is a main unit fixedly provided to a keyboard composed of a plurality of keys and a keyboard instrument main body. A keyboard device comprising a keyboard frame composed of a frame and a sub-frame provided so as to be swingable in a key arrangement direction with respect to the keyboard instrument body, wherein the plurality of keys are respectively the main frame or the main frame. A part is fixed to either one of the subframes, and the keyboard frame is configured by integrally forming the main frame and the subframe with an elastic material via a hinge portion, and When a force is applied in the key arrangement direction, the force is transmitted from the key to the subframe, so that the subframe moves in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame via the hinge portion. Characterized in that it is configured so as to move.

According to this structure, when a force is applied to the key in the key arranging direction, the force is transmitted from the key to the subframe, so that the subframe passes through the hinge portion with respect to the main frame. Can move in the key arrangement direction. If this movement is detected and reflected in the tone control, various tone controls based on the key depression operation in the key arrangement direction are realized. Since the keyboard frame is configured by integrally forming the main frame and the sub frame with the elastic material via the hinge portion, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In addition, the need for metal parts for connection is eliminated, contributing to weight reduction. Therefore, it is possible to realize various musical tone controls based on key operations while simplifying the configuration, facilitating manufacturing, reducing cost, and reducing weight.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the keyboard device according to the first aspect, the key of the key is fixedly attached to the main frame in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame. Of the free end is swingable in the key releasing direction, and the free end is prevented from swinging in the key alignment direction by a key guide fixedly provided on the subframe in the vicinity of the free end. The force applied to the keys in the key arrangement direction is transmitted to the sub-frame via the key guide.

According to this structure, the free end portion of the key is swingable in the key pressing and releasing direction, and the free end portion of the free end portion is fixed by the key guide fixedly provided on the sub-frame in the vicinity of the free end portion. The swing in the key arrangement direction is suppressed, and the force applied to the key in the key arrangement direction is transmitted to the subframe via the key guide, so that the subframe can move in the key arrangement direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the keyboard apparatus according to the first aspect, the base of the key is fixedly attached to the main frame in the key arranging direction. The free end of the key is swingable in the key pressing and releasing direction, and the free end is configured to be restricted from swinging in the key alignment direction, and the free end of the key is aligned in the key alignment direction with respect to the key. The force is configured to be transmitted from the key to the subframe via the base end portion of the keyboard.

According to this structure, the free end portion of the key is swingable in the key pressing and releasing direction, and the swinging of the free end portion in the key arrangement direction is restricted. Further, the force in the key arrangement direction on the key is transmitted from the key to the subframe via the base end portion of the keyboard, so that the subframe can move in the key arrangement direction.

In order to achieve the above second object, the keyboard device according to claim 4 of the present invention is a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and a main frame fixedly provided to the keyboard instrument body, and the keyboard instrument body. A keyboard device including a keyboard frame configured to be swingable in a key arrangement direction with respect to the key frame, wherein each of the plurality of keys is either the main frame or the sub frame. A part of the subframe is fixed to the main frame, and the mainframe and the subframe are connected to each other via a hinge part, and when the key is swung in the key arrangement direction, the subframe is connected to the main frame. The hinge portion is configured to be swingable in the key arrangement direction with respect to the frame via the hinge portion, and the hinge portion has a thickness in the key pressing and releasing direction which is the main frame and the subframe. It is formed in the thinner substantially equal to the thickness of, and is characterized in that its cross-sectional shape is elongated to form the key depression and key release direction.

According to this structure, when the keys are swung in the key arrangement direction, the subframe can swing in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame via the hinge portion. If this swing is detected and reflected in the tone control, the tone control based on the key depression operation in the key arrangement direction is realized. Further, since the hinge portion is formed so that the thickness in the key release direction is substantially the same as the thinner thickness of the main frame and the subframe, and the cross-sectional shape is formed vertically long in the key release direction. The rigidity of the keyboard frame in the key pressing and releasing direction is secured, and when the key pressing force in the key pressing and releasing direction is detected and reflected in the tone control, it becomes easy to detect the key pressing and releasing operation delicately.
Therefore, by obtaining a sturdy frame structure that does not displace in the key pressing direction while ensuring the sub-frame to swing in the key alignment direction with respect to the main frame, the reliability of detection is improved and delicate operations based on key operations are performed. It is possible to realize various musical tone controls.

In order to achieve the third object, a keyboard device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention has a main frame fixedly provided to the keyboard instrument body and a key arrangement direction with respect to the keyboard instrument body. A keyboard device comprising a keyboard frame composed of a swingably provided sub-frame, wherein a key that can be pressed and released and the sub-frame is rocked in a key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame. A hinge part that is operably connected, an elastic body that is connected to the sub-frame and is configured to be bent according to a key pressing force on the key, and a first position (Q1) that is fixed to the main frame. ) Relative to the elastic body at a second position (Q
2) a key pressing force detecting means for detecting the key pressing force by detecting the movement, and the main frame and the hinge part are separated from the first position by a first connecting part (CN).
1), the hinge part and the sub-frame are connected by a second connecting part (CN2) separated from the first connecting part, and the sub-frame and the elastic body are separated from the second position. By being connected by the third connecting portion (CN3), the path from the first position to the second position is returned through the main frame at the first connecting portion and through the hinge portion. It is characterized in that it has a double-folded structure that reaches the second connection portion, further passes through the sub-frame, returns at the third connection portion, passes through the elastic body, and reaches the first position.

According to this structure, in the keyboard device having the hinge portion for connecting the subframe to the main frame so as to be swingable in the key arrangement direction, when the key is pressed, the elastic body connected to the subframe is pressed. However, it can bend depending on the key pressing force applied to the key. Then, the key pressing force is detected by detecting the movement of the second position fixed with respect to the elastic body with respect to the first position fixed with respect to the main frame.
If the detected key depression force is reflected in the tone control, the tone control based on the key depression operation is realized. A path from the first position to the second position passes through the main frame, folds back at the first connection part, passes through the hinge part, reaches the second connection part, and further passes through the sub-frame. Since the third connection portion has a double-folded structure that is folded back through the elastic body and reaches the first position, the relative positional deviation between the first position and the second position is detected with high accuracy. As a result, the assembling becomes easy. In addition, since the same key pressing force acts as a large moment by increasing the total distance between the first position and the second position, delicate detection of the key pressing force is facilitated. Therefore, by obtaining a structure in which the total distance between the parts for detecting the key pressing force is long in a limited space, manufacturing is facilitated, and the reliability of the detection is improved, and the delicate operation based on the key operation is performed. It is possible to realize the tone control.

Further, in the keyboard device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the upper limit of the amount of movement of the subframe with respect to the main frame in the key arrangement direction is restricted. It is characterized by having a stopper mechanism for.

According to this structure, the stopper mechanism allows
Since the upper limit of the amount of movement of the subframe in the key alignment direction with respect to the main frame is restricted, damage or failure of the hinge portion can be prevented.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the keyboard device according to the sixth aspect, the stopper mechanism is integrally formed with the first contact portion integrally formed with the main frame and the sub-frame. The second abutting portion is configured to come into abutment when the sub-frame moves in the key alignment direction.

According to this structure, when the upper limit movement amount in the key arrangement direction occurs in the subframe, the first contact portion integrally formed with the main frame and the second contact portion integrally formed with the subframe. Since the upper limit of the movement amount of the sub-frame is regulated by the contact with the contact portion, damage or failure of the hinge portion can be prevented without complicating the configuration.

In the sixth or seventh aspect, it is desirable that the stopper mechanism is provided between the main frame and the sub frame in the front-rear direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stopper mechanism from being configured as a separate independent member, and to simplify the configuration. Further, it is desirable that the stopper mechanism is provided substantially at the center in the key arrangement direction. Accordingly, the movement restriction function of the sub-frame can be uniformly performed regardless of the force of any key in the key arrangement direction. It should be noted that a plurality of the stopper mechanisms may be provided in the key arrangement direction from the viewpoint of ensuring the movement regulation function.

In the first to seventh aspects, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the hinge portion is "H-shaped" in the key pressing and releasing direction. This allows a large cross section 2 with the same outer dimensions.
The second moment can be secured, the strength can be maintained with a small amount of material, and when molding with synthetic resin, "sinking"
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the above and improve the molding accuracy.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a part of a keyboard frame of a keyboard device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a state in which a switch substrate 40, which will be described later, is removed for the sake of clarity. Further, the keyboard is composed of a group of white keys 30 and a group of black keys, but in the figure, only one white key 30 is attached. Note that, hereinafter, the player side of the keyboard device will be referred to as the front.

The keyboard frame is formed by integrally connecting a main frame 10 and a sub frame 20 with a hinge portion 1. This keyboard device is a device that detects the key pressing force in the key arrangement direction in addition to the key pressing direction (up and down direction) and uses it to realize various musical tone controls. As described above, the sub-frame 20 is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the main frame 10 in the key arrangement direction (the left-right direction of the keyboard device) via the hinge portion 1.

As will be described later, a key 30 is attached to the main frame 10, and a switch substrate 40, a plate member 50 that functions as a leaf spring, and the like are attached to the subframe 20.

The main frame 10 is formed to have a length that extends over substantially the entire key width and is fixed to a keyboard musical instrument body (not shown) (for example, a musical instrument case or a shelf). Regardless of configuring the keyboard instrument as a console type, mainframe 1 is required when configuring the keyboard instrument as a portable keyboard type.
0 may be formed integrally with the musical instrument case. Note that FIG.
In the first and second embodiments including the main frame 1
The case where 0 and the instrument case are configured separately is illustrated.

The sub-frame 20 is composed of first, second and third blocks 20A, 20B and 20C connected by a connecting portion 20Z. In the figure, first and second blocks 20 are shown.
Only A and 20B are shown. The first block 20A is arranged on the right side in the figure (left side as viewed from the player), and the third block 20C is arranged on the left side in the figure (right side as viewed from the player). The first block 20A and the third block 20C are configured symmetrically with respect to the device center position CT in the key arrangement direction. The second block 20B is arranged in the center of the device and has a length about twice that of the first and third blocks 20A and 20C.

The main frame 10 and the sub frame 20 are connected via six hinge portions 1 (1A to 1F, of which 1D to 1F are not shown), and these are integrally molded with a synthetic resin by a mold. The keyboard frame is constructed. The number and thickness of the hinge portions 1 may be appropriately changed depending on the material and design concept of the frame. In the present embodiment, the number of hinges is made close in the vicinity of the end portion and 2 in the vicinity of the central portion.
The key width for ~ 3 octaves is supported by two hinges.

The hinge portion 1A connects the connecting portion 10P1 of the main frame 10 and the connecting portion 20P1 of the connecting portion 20Z of the sub-frame 20. Similarly, the hinge portion 1B
Connects the connection portion 10P2 and the connection portion 20P2,
The hinge portion 1C includes a connection portion 10P3 and a connection portion 20P3.
And connect. Although not shown, the hinge portions 1D, 1E,
1F is configured substantially symmetrically with the hinge portions 1C, 1B, 1A about the device center position CT, respectively.

Since the keyboard frame is made of elastic synthetic resin, the hinge portion 1 also has elasticity. Moreover, the thickness of the hinge portion 1 in the key arrangement direction is determined by the main frame 10
It is much thinner than the subframe 20. Therefore, when a relative force in the key arrangement direction is applied between the sub-frame 20 and the main frame 10, the hinge portion 1 bends so that they can be relatively moved or swung. As will be described later, this swinging is caused by the operation of the key 30.
The material forming the keyboard frame may be any elastic material, and is not limited to synthetic resin.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the keyboard frame and its peripheral elements (as viewed from the right in FIG. 1), and FIG. 3 is an AA line in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the hinge portion 1 taken along the line D-D in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum thickness of the hinge part 1 in the key pressing direction is H1, and the maximum thickness of the main frame 10 in the key pressing direction is H2 in the range of the entire length of the hinge part 1 in the front-rear direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in the range over the entire length of the hinge portion 1 in the front-back direction,
The maximum thickness of the sub-frame 20 in the key release direction is H3
And The thickness H1 is substantially the same as the thickness H3, and the thickness H2 is set to be slightly thicker than the thicknesses H1 and H3.

Since the thickness H1 of the hinge portion 1 is formed to be substantially the same as the maximum thickness H3 of the subframe 20 which is the thinner one of the main frame 10 and the subframe 20,
High rigidity of the keyboard frame in the key pressing and releasing direction is ensured within the range where it does not project in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the hinge 1 has a sectional shape that is vertically long in the key pressing direction, that is, the thickness H1 in the up-down direction is formed larger than the thickness B1 in the key arranging direction, and is "H-shaped". It is formed. As a result, a large second moment of area can be effectively secured with the same outer dimensions and a small sectional area. With these,
It is possible to secure the swing of the sub-frame 20 in the key arranging direction and to obtain a sturdy frame structure that is hard to be displaced in the key pressing and releasing direction, and further increase the rigidity of the keyboard frame in the key pressing and releasing direction. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the hinge portion 1 may be any shape as long as it has a large second moment of area, and is not limited to the “H type”.

Further, in the range over the entire length of the hinge portion 1 in the front-rear direction, the main frame 10 and the sub-frame 2
0 and the upper limit position of the hinge portion 1 (position U shown in FIG. 2) are substantially coincident with each other. Thereby, the space in the vertical direction is effectively used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the key 30 has a base end portion 30c attached to the key installation portion 11 of the main frame 10, and a free end portion 30b centered on the key fulcrum portion 12 and a key release key. It is attached so that it can rotate in any direction. Figure 3
As shown in, a return spring 32 is mounted between the spring locking portion 14 of the main frame 10 and the spring receiving portion 31 of the key 30. The return spring 32 always urges the key 30 upward,
When the key is released after the key is pressed, the key 30 is in the initial position (non-key pressed position)
Return to.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the key 30 has two hanging pieces 30a extending downward. A key guide 23 is provided at the front of the connecting portion 20Z of the sub-frame 20 for each key 3
The key 30 is integrally formed with the sub-frame 20 corresponding to 0, and the two hanging pieces 30a sandwich the key guide 23 with a slight clearance so that the key 30 is arranged.

A lubricant (not shown) is applied between the key guide 23 and the hanging piece 30a. The key fulcrum portion 12 has a fulcrum structure in which rolling is prevented but swinging in the key pressing direction and the key arranging direction is allowed. The swinging of the keys 30 in the key arrangement direction is basically suppressed by the key guide 23. To be more precise, when the keys 30 are swung in the direction in which the keys are arranged, the force is applied to the sub frame 20 via the key guides 23.
Thus, the sub-frame 20 swings in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame 10. Note that other white keys, black keys, and key guides corresponding to them are similarly configured.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, subframe 2
An upper limit stopper 22 is provided at 0. The upper limit stopper 22 is fixed to the lower surface of the connecting portion 20Z for each key 30,
The initial position of the key 30 is defined by the hanging piece 30a of the key 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the subframe 20 is also provided with a board mounting portion 21 (21A, 21B). A plurality of board mounting portions 21A and 21B are provided in the rear and front portions of the subframe 20 (two in the front and rear in the first and third blocks 20A and 20C, respectively, in the second block 20B).
(Four front and rear) are formed so as to be integrally formed with the sub-frame 20.

The switch board 40 is attached to the sub-frame 20. The switch board 40 has a total length slightly shorter than the main frame 10, and has a board mounting portion 21.
It is attached to (21A, 21B) with screws 41 (41A, 41B). On the upper surface of the switch board 40, the key press switches 2 are provided corresponding to the respective keys 30. The key depression switch 2 is depressed by the key 30 and detects a key depression operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first block 20A of the sub-frame 20 is provided with a plate-shaped plate member 50 made of iron. The plate-shaped member 50 has a width in the key arrangement direction smaller than that of the first block 20A, and is attached to the ribs 27 and 28 formed on the first block 20A with a plurality of (for example, four screws) 24 and 25. ing. The plate member 50 is also provided on the third block 20C (not shown). By providing the plate-shaped member 50 symmetrically near both ends of the keyboard device, the detection accuracy of the key pressing operation in the key pressing and releasing direction by the sensor 55 described later is improved.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plate-like member 50 is provided with a lower limit stopper holder 51. The lower limit stopper holder 51 has a total length of substantially the entire key width, and is fixed to each plate-shaped member 50 with a screw 53 so as to bridge the plate-shaped members 50 on both sides. A lower limit stopper 52 made of felt and having a total length of substantially the entire key width is fixed to the lower limit stopper holder 51.

The lower limit stopper 52 is provided for the key 3 by pressing the key.
It does not define an accurate lower limit position of 0, but allows displacement of the plate member 50 in the thickness direction, and further lowers according to the degree of further key pressing (aftertouch) force after key pressing. It is configured to be displaceable.

A sensor 55 is provided between the lower limit stopper holder 51 and the key 30 as a first detecting means for detecting a key pressing force component in the key pressing and releasing direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mounting base 26 is provided at the front of the sub-frame 20.
Are attached, and the sensor 55 is attached to the attachment base 26. The sensor 55 is the lower limit stopper holder 51.
Is attached in a state of being precompressed by the lower limit stopper holder 51. The sensor 55 is, for example, an inductance change type induced electromotive force induction type sensor.

The sensor 55 outputs a signal corresponding to the change in the distance from the lower limit stopper holder 51, and the relative displacement between the sub-frame 20 side and the plate-shaped member 50 side is detected by this. The first detecting means has the same configuration as the third detecting means.
It is also provided at a symmetrical position of the block 20C (not shown). As the detection value, the sum total value of the left and right first detection means is adopted.

When the key 30 is depressed, the lower end of the hanging piece 30a comes into contact with the lower limit stopper 52, and the key depressing force is transmitted to the lower limit stopper holder 51 through the lower limit stopper 52, whereby the plate member 50 is moved. The rib 28 (screw 25) bends downward with the position of the rib 28 (screw 25) as a fulcrum. That is, although the rotation of the key 30 is almost stopped, the key pressing force after the key pressing stroke causes
The key 30 further moves slightly downward, and accordingly, the lower limit stopper holder 51 is displaced in the direction of separating from the sensor 55. This displacement is detected by the sensor 55, and the key depression operation after the key depression in the key depression / release direction is detected.

When the aftertouch is further increased, the plate member 5
The lower surface of 0 abuts the lower limiter 20L to stop the displacement of the key 30. The lower limit limiter 20L is made of metal, and has a top surface provided with taping LT for protection.
The lower limit of the lower limiter 20L is fixed to the sub-frame 20 with a screw 29. The lower limit limiter 20L is useful, for example, to prevent damage to the switches and the like even when an infant rides on the keyboard.

A stopper mechanism MS is provided near the central position CT of the keyboard frame (see FIG. 1). The stopper mechanism MS includes a stopper portion S1 (first contact portion) and a stopper portion S2 (second contact portion). The stopper portion S1 is a convex portion that projects forward from the main frame 10 and is integrally formed with the main frame 10.
Is composed of a concave portion integrally formed with the sub-frame 20 corresponding to the stopper portion S1. As shown in FIG. 1, a gap D1 is formed between the left and right outer side surfaces of the convex stopper portion S1 and the left and right inner side surfaces of the concave stopper portion S2.

When the sub-frame 20 swings in the key arrangement direction by operating the key 30 in the key arrangement direction, the stopper portion S
One of the inner side surfaces of 2 comes into contact with the outer side surface of the stopper portion S1 that faces the inner side surface of the second side portion 2, and the movement of the subframe 20 is restricted. That is, the stopper mechanism MS includes the subframe 20.
The function of restricting the upper limit of the moving amount of the hinge 1 is prevented, and thus the hinge 1 is prevented from being damaged or broken. Further, the gap D1 corresponds to the upper limit of the movement amount of the sub-frame 20 with respect to the main frame 10. The gap D1 is set to a value such that the hinge portion 1 is within a deformation amount with a sufficient margin with respect to the elastic limit.

The stopper mechanism MS includes the main frame 10
Is provided between the subframe 20 and the subframe 20 in the front-rear direction, and the stopper portions S1 and S2 are provided in the mainframe 1
0 and the sub-frame 20 are integrally formed, so that the structure is simple. In addition, the stopper mechanism M
Since S is provided substantially at the center in the key arrangement direction, the movement restricting function of the subframe 20 can be uniformly performed against the force of any key in the key arrangement direction. It should be noted that a plurality of stopper mechanisms MS may be provided in the key arrangement direction from the viewpoint of ensuring the movement regulation function.

In the vicinity of the central position CT of the apparatus, there is further provided a second detecting means composed of the actuator 13 and the sensor 43 for detecting the key pressing force component in the key arrangement direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the actuator 13 extends forward from the upper portion of the stopper portion S1 of the main frame 10 and is formed integrally with the main frame 10. The subframe 20 has holes 2 corresponding to the actuators 13.
0a is formed to avoid an undercut in the die molding.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the switch substrate 4
On the lower surface of 0, a sensor mounting portion 42 is provided so as to project downward. The sensor attachment portion 42 is attached to an elongated hole 20b (see FIG. 1) formed in the subframe 20 with a screw (not shown) so that the position can be adjusted in the key arrangement direction. A sensor 43 is provided on the sensor mounting portion 42. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 43 is attached so as to face the actuator 13 and be precompressed by the actuator 13. Like the sensor 55 (see FIG. 2), the sensor 43 is, for example, an inductance change type induced electromotive force induction type sensor. The sensor 43 is driven by the actuator 13 and moves in and out in the key arrangement direction to detect the movement of the subframe 20 in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame 10. As a result, the key depression operation of the keys 30 in the key arrangement direction is detected.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 1 (FIG. 6A) and a part of the modified example (FIG. 6B).

As described above, the board mounting portion 21A,
21B is projected on the sub-frame 20, the board mounting portion 21A is projected forward from the rear portion of the sub-frame 20, and the board mounting portion 21B is projected backward from the front portion of the sub-frame 20. There is. The same figure (a)
As shown in, the sub-frame 20 is formed with holes 20c and 20d corresponding to the board mounting portions 21A and 21B. The holes 20c and 20d are provided on the board mounting portions 2 respectively.
1A, 21B to the switch board 40 screw 41 (41A,
41B), it is required for the convenience of work when fixing from below.

On the contrary, the screw may be fixed from above. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the switch board 140 is mounted on the board mounting portion 121A,
Put it on the top of 121B and screw 141 (141A, 141
If B) is screwed from above, holes 20c, 20
The formation of d is unnecessary and the structure can be simplified.

In such a configuration (FIGS. 1 to 6A), when the player depresses the key 30, the key depressing switch 2 detects the key depressing operation, and the tone generator circuit (not shown) is responsive to the detection signal. , A musical sound is generated through the speaker.

Also, during or after a key depression stroke,
The player can perform an operation of swinging the keys 30 in the key arrangement direction. The force of the key 30 in the key arrangement direction is transmitted to the subframe 20 via the key guide 23 as described above,
As a result, the sub-frame 20 swings in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame 10. This swing is detected by the sensor 43.

Furthermore, the player plays the key 3 after the keystroke stroke.
You can press 0 further down. As described above, the downward force of the key 30 is applied to the plate member 50 via the hanging piece 30a, the lower limit stopper 52, and the lower limit stopper holder 51.
Then, the plate member 50 bends downward. Along with that, the lower limit stopper holder 51 is displaced in the direction away from the sensor 55, and this displacement is detected by the sensor 55.

Detection signal from sensor 43 and sensor 55
By controlling the musical tone by reflecting the detection signal of (1) on the tone color, volume, pitch, reverb, pan, vibrato, etc., various musical tone control including after control becomes possible. As a result, the range of performance can be widened and the expressiveness can be enriched. The sensor 43 and the sensor 5
The parameters controlled on the basis of the respective detection signals 5 may be set in advance, or may be arbitrarily assigned by the player.

Even if the lower limit stopper 52 of the key 30 is not contacted, if there is a lateral movement (in the key arrangement direction) during the key depression due to the friction between the operating finger and the key surface, the sensor 43 is used. Since a slight deviation (displacement) can be detected, musical tone control based on this can also be performed.

According to the present embodiment, the mainframe 1
0 and the subframe 20 are connected by the hinge part 1 and integrally molded with a synthetic resin by a mold so that the subframe 20 can be moved relatively to the main frame 10 in the key arrangement direction via the hinge part 1. Since it is configured, the number of parts is reduced,
Not only can manufacturing costs be reduced, but metal parts for connection are not required, which contributes to weight reduction. Further, the force of the keys 30 in the key arrangement direction is transmitted to the sub-frame 20 via the key guide 23 so that the sub-frame 20 swings with respect to the main frame 10 in the key arrangement direction. Since the actuator 13 provided at the position and the sensor 43 provided on the sub-frame 20 side detect the swing in the key arrangement direction and reflect the swing in the tone control, the key depression in the key arrangement direction is performed. Musical sound control based on operation becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to realize a variety of musical sound controls based on a key depression operation in the key arrangement direction while simplifying the configuration, facilitating manufacturing, reducing cost, and reducing weight.

According to the present embodiment, the maximum thickness H1 of the hinge portion 1 in the up-down direction is the maximum thickness H2 of the main frame 10 and the maximum thickness of the sub-frame 20 in the range over the entire length of the hinge portion 1 in the front-rear direction. By being formed substantially the same as the thinner one of the thicknesses H3, the high rigidity of the keyboard frame in the key pressing and releasing direction is ensured within the range in which it does not project in the vertical direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the hinge portion 1 is ensured. Since the key is formed vertically in the key release direction, it becomes easy to detect the key release operation delicately when the key pressing force in the key release direction is detected and reflected in the tone control.
In addition, since the hinge part 1 is formed in the "H shape", a large second moment of area can be effectively secured with the same outer dimensions and a small sectional area, and the strength can be maintained with a small amount of material. When molding with a synthetic resin, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects such as "sinks" and improve the molding accuracy. Therefore, by obtaining a sturdy frame structure in which the sub-frame 20 is prevented from displacing in the key releasing direction while ensuring the swinging of the sub frame 20 in the key arranging direction, the reliability of detection of the key pressing operation in the key releasing direction can be improved. It is possible to improve and realize delicate musical tone control based on key operation.

In this embodiment, the force of the keys 30 in the key arrangement direction is applied via the key guide 23 to the sub-frame 20.
However, the key guide 23 is excluded, and the free end portion 30b of the key 30 and the sub-frame 20 have a contact relationship (there may be an intervening substance) after the key is pressed. Then, the frictional force generated between the free end portion 30b and the sub-frame 20 may transmit the force in the key arrangement direction to the key 30 after key depression to the sub-frame 20. For example, the frictional force between the hanging piece 30a and the lower limit stopper 52 may be used to transmit the force to the sub-frame 20 via the plate member 50. In that case, a means for preventing the free end portion 30b of the key 30 from excessively swinging in the key arrangement direction is required instead of the key guide. For example, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-340078, the key 30 is attached to the main frame 10 by a wide connecting portion in the key arrangement direction, and the free end portion 30b can be slightly swung in the key arrangement direction. do it.

In this embodiment, the first detecting means for detecting the key pressing force component in the key pressing and releasing direction and the second detecting means for detecting the key pressing force component in the key arranging direction are induced electromotive force induction type. Although the above sensor is used, the present invention is not limited to these, and other detection mechanism such as a Hall element or a strain gauge may be used. At that time, parameters used for detecting the movement such as magnetism, light, and pressure are not limited.

For example, when the first detecting means is constructed by using a hall element, the hall element may be attached to the mount 26 and the magnet may be attached to the lower limit stopper holder 51 so as to face the hall element. Alternatively, the mounting positions of the Hall element and the magnet may be reversed.

Although the stopper mechanism MS has a structure in which the convex stopper portion S1 is formed on the main frame 10 side and the concave stopper portion S2 is formed on the sub frame 20 side, the concavo-convex relationship may be reversed. Good.

In this embodiment, the switch substrate 4
Since 0 is fixedly provided with respect to the subframe 20, by providing the sensor 43 on the subframe 20 side and the actuator 13 on the mainframe 10, respectively,
The relative movement between both frames 10 and 20 is detected. However, the switch substrate 4 is not limited to this.
0 may be fixedly provided on the main frame 10. In that case, what corresponds to the actuator 13 may be provided in the sub-frame 20, and what corresponds to the sensor 43 may be provided in the switch substrate 40.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the base end portion 30c of the key 30 is fixed to the main frame 10, and the force of the key 30 in the key arrangement direction is passed through the key guide 23. It is configured to be transmitted to the subframe 20. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the base end portion of the key is fixed to the subframe, and the force of the key in the key arrangement direction is transmitted to the subframe via the base end portion.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the keyboard frame and its peripheral elements of the keyboard device according to the second embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A) and a partial plan view of the keyboard frame (FIG. 7B). ).

As shown in FIG. 7B, the keyboard frame is integrally formed by connecting the main frame 210 and the sub frame 220 with the hinge portion 201. Although the overall shape of the keyboard frame is different, the function is similar to that of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the white key 230 is
The connecting portion 220 of the sub-frame 220 at the base end portion 230c
The free end 230b is fixed to Z and is rotatable in the key pressing direction. In addition, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-3400
Similar to the configuration shown in Japanese Patent No. 78 etc., the white key 230 is
It is connected to the base end portion 230c by a wide connecting portion 232 in the key arrangement direction, and the connecting portion 232 has an extending portion 231.
Is extended to the vicinity of the approximate center of the white key 230 in the longitudinal direction. The extended portion 231 is formed to have substantially the same width as the maximum width of the operation portion in the key arrangement direction of the white key 230 main body. Due to the wide connecting portion 232 and the extending portion 231, the free end portion 230b of the white key 230 freely swings in the pressing and releasing direction without a key guide, but hardly swings in the key arranging direction. Composed. Note that the black key has a configuration in which the length of the extending portion is different, but is almost the same as a whole.

An iron plate-shaped plate member 250 corresponding to the plate-shaped member 50 has screws 224 and 225 attached to the subframe 220.
Fixed by. The plate member 250 includes a lower limit stopper 52.
Is provided with a lower limit stopper 252 made of felt.

A switch board 240 corresponding to the switch board 40 is provided on the main frame 210, and a key depression switch 202 corresponding to the key depression switch 2 is provided on the switch board 240 for each key. Mainframe 21
0 is further provided with an over deformation preventing stopper 203,
The excessive deformation of the plate member 250 due to the excessive key pressing force of the key 230 is suppressed.

Although not shown, the first detecting means for detecting the key-pressing force component in the key-pressing and releasing direction is formed between the plate member 250 and the main frame 210 (a detector on one side, an actuator on the other side, etc.). ), The second detection means for detecting the key pressing force component in the key arrangement direction is formed between the main frame 210 and the sub frame 220 (the actuator 13 on one side and the sensor 43 on the other side).

Further, when the key is depressed, the key depression switch 202 is set to the key 2
When a force is applied to the keys 230 in the key arrangement direction when driven by the keys 30, the upper surface of the key depression switch 202 may be distorted or rubbed, and a detection error may occur due to a malfunction. In order to prevent this, the upper surface of the key pressing switch 202 and the lower surface (not shown) of the actuator of the key 230 that abuts on the key pressing switch 202 are configured to be slippery. For example, the upper surface of the key depression switch 202 is solidified by two-color molding using a material having good slipperiness. Alternatively, the key press switch 202 has a structure such that early key press processing such as on, off, and touch response can be performed so as not to cause a malfunction regardless of whether or not the key press switch 202 is twisted. Alternatively, the switch substrate 240 and the key depression switch 202 may be provided on the subframe 220 side, and the key actuator portion may be provided on a switch corresponding portion slightly rearward of the center in the key longitudinal direction.

In such a configuration, when the operation of swinging the key 230 in the key arrangement direction is performed, the force of the key 230 in the key arrangement direction is transmitted to the subframe 220 via the base end portion 230c, whereby the sub The frame 220 swings in the key alignment direction with respect to the main frame 210. This swing is detected by the second detecting means.

The key press operation is detected by the key press switch 202, and the key pressing force component after the key pressing stroke in the key press direction is detected by the first detecting means through the bending of the plate member 250. To be done.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a variety of musical tone control based on the key depression operation in the key arrangement direction while simplifying the configuration, facilitating the manufacture, reducing the cost and reducing the weight. In this regard, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the sensor 55 constituting the first detecting means for detecting the key-pressing force component in the key-pressing and releasing direction is connected to the sub-frame via the mounting base 26. The first detection means is attached to 20 and is configured to detect relative displacement between the sub-frame 20 side and the plate-shaped member 50 side. On the other hand, in the third embodiment,
The sensor 55 is fixed to the main frame side, and the first detection means is configured to detect relative displacement between the main frame side and the plate member 50 (elastic body) side.

FIG. 8 is a plan view (FIG. 8A) showing a part of the keyboard frame of the keyboard apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a side view of the keyboard frame and its peripheral elements (FIG. (B)).

The main frame 310 has an extension portion 310.
a is provided. The extended portion 310a includes the main frame 3
10 is protruded forward from the right end portion (left end portion when viewed from the player) in the figure, and is integrally formed with the main frame 310. A mounting base 326 is fixed to the front end surface 310aa of the extension portion 310a, and the sensor 55 is mounted on the mounting base 326. The first detecting means (key pressing force detecting means) by the sensor 55 has the same structure and is also provided at a symmetrical position of the third block 20C (not shown). Other configurations including the subframe 20 and the key 30 are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In such a structure, when the key 30 is further pushed down after the key depression stroke, the downward force of the key 30 is transmitted to the plate member 50, as in the first embodiment.
Along with that, the lower limit stopper holder 51 is displaced in the direction away from the sensor 55, and this displacement is detected by the sensor 55.

In the front-back direction of the keyboard device, the sensor 55,
The positions where the sensors 55 of the lower limit stopper holder 51 are opposed to each other are set to "Q1" (first position), "Q1", respectively.
2 "(second position), the connection position (corresponding to the connection portion 10P1) between the main frame 310 and the hinge portion 1A is set to" CN ".
1 "(first connection portion), subframe 20 and hinge portion 1A
The connection position (corresponding to the connection part 20P1) with is "CN2".
(Second connection portion), a fulcrum position when the plate member 50 bends downward (position position of the rib 28 and the screw 25, see FIG. 3) is “CN3” (third connection portion).

Considering the route from “Q1” to “Q2” as viewed from the side, “Q1” is passed through the mount 326 and the main frame 310 to “CN1”,
1 "to return to" CN2 "through the hinge portion 1A, then" CN2 "to return to the subframe 20 to" CN3 ", and further to" CN3 "to return to the plate member 50. It can be seen that it reaches "Q2". That is, the route from "Q1" to "Q2" is "CN
It has a double-folding structure in which it is double-folded between "1" and "CN3".

Main frame 310 and sub frame 20
Is movable in the key arranging direction through the hinge portion 1 and hardly moves in the vertical direction, but strictly speaking, it is also slightly displaced in the vertical direction due to the elasticity of the keyboard frame. In the first embodiment, since the sensor 55 is fixed to the sub-frame 20, the displacement between the two frames has nothing to do with the detection of the key pressing force in the key pressing direction. But,
In the third embodiment, since the sensor 55 is fixed to the main frame 310, the displacement between the two frames is related to the detection of the key pressing force in the key pressing direction.

However, as described above, in the present embodiment, since the route from "Q1" to "Q2" has a double-folded structure, the relative positional deviation between "Q1" and "Q2". As a result, it is possible to reduce the influence on the detection accuracy, which facilitates the assembly. In addition, since the total distance between "Q1" and "Q2" becomes long, the same key pressing force acts as a large moment, so that delicate detection of the key pressing force becomes easy.

According to the present embodiment, by obtaining the structure in which the total distance between the parts for detecting the key pressing force is long in the limited space, the manufacture is facilitated and the key pressing direction is increased. It is possible to improve the reliability of detection of the key pressing force and realize delicate musical tone control based on the key operation.

[0093]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
According to this, it is possible to realize various musical tone controls based on key operations while simplifying the configuration, facilitating manufacturing, reducing cost, and reducing weight.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the robustness of the detection of the subframe can be ensured by obtaining the sturdy frame structure which is not easily displaced in the key pressing direction while ensuring the swinging in the key arranging direction. It is possible to improve and realize delicate musical tone control based on key operation.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by obtaining the structure in which the total distance between the parts for detecting the key pressing force is long in the limited space, the manufacturing is facilitated and the reliability of the detection is improved. It is possible to improve the property and realize delicate musical tone control based on key operation.

Further, according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent the hinge portion from being damaged or broken.

Further, according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to prevent the hinge portion from being damaged or broken without complicating the structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a part of a keyboard frame of a keyboard device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a keyboard frame and its peripheral elements.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge portion 1 taken along the line D-D in FIG.

6 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 1 (FIG. 6 (a)).
9A and 9B are diagrams showing a part of the modified example (FIG. 11B).

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a keyboard frame and its peripheral elements of a keyboard device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7 (a)).
It is also a partial plan view of the keyboard frame (FIG. 7B).

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a part of a keyboard frame of a keyboard device according to a third embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 8A) and a side view of the keyboard frame and its peripheral elements (FIG. 8B). )
Is.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 hinge part, 2 key press switch, 10, 210,
310 main frame, 13 actuators,
20, 220 sub-frame, 23 key guide,
30 keys, 30b free end, 30c base end,
40, 140 switch board, 43 sensor, 50
Plate member (elastic body in the third embodiment), 52 lower limit stopper, 55 sensor (a part of key pressing force detecting means in the third embodiment), H1 hinge portion thickness, H2
Main frame thickness, H3 sub frame thickness, M
S stopper mechanism, S1 stopper part (first contact part), S2 stopper part (second contact part), Q1 position (first position), Q2 position (second position), CN
1 position CN1 (first connection part), CN2 position (second connection)
Connection part), CN3 position (third connection part)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, a main frame fixedly provided to the keyboard instrument main body, and a sub-frame provided to the keyboard instrument main body so as to be swingable in a key alignment direction. A keyboard device having a keyboard frame, wherein the plurality of keys are partially fixed to either one of the main frame or the sub-frame, and the keyboard frame includes the main frame and the sub-frame. The subframe and the subframe are integrally formed of an elastic material via a hinge portion, and when a force is applied to the key in the key alignment direction, the force is transmitted from the key to the subframe. A keyboard device, wherein the sub-frame is configured to be movable in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame via the hinge portion. 2. The key has a base end fixedly attached to the main frame in the key arranging direction so that a free end of the key can swing in a key releasing direction. A key guide fixedly provided on the sub-frame in the vicinity of the free end is configured to suppress the swinging of the free end in the key arrangement direction, and a force on the key in the key arrangement direction is set. 2. The sub-frame is transmitted to the sub-frame via the key guide.
Keyboard device described. 3. The key has a base end fixedly attached to the main frame in the key arranging direction so that a free end of the key can swing in a key pressing direction. In addition, the swinging of the free end portion in the key arrangement direction is regulated, and the force in the key arrangement direction on the key is applied from the key to the sub-key via the base end portion of the keyboard. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard device is configured to be transmitted to the frame. 4. A keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, a main frame fixedly provided to the keyboard instrument main body, and a sub-frame provided to the keyboard instrument main body so as to be swingable in a key alignment direction. A keyboard device having a keyboard frame, wherein the plurality of keys are partially fixed to either one of the main frame or the sub-frame, and the keyboard frame includes the main frame and the sub-frame. A subframe is connected via a hinge portion, and when the key is swung in the key arrangement direction, the subframe can swing in the key arrangement direction with respect to the main frame via the hinge portion. The hinge portion is formed such that the thickness in the key release direction is substantially the same as the thinner thickness of the main frame and the sub frame, and the cross-sectional shape thereof is A keyboard device characterized in that the key is formed vertically in the key release direction. 5. A keyboard frame comprising a main frame fixedly provided with respect to the keyboard instrument main body and a sub-frame provided so as to be swingable in the key arrangement direction with respect to the keyboard instrument main body. A keyboard device comprising: a key that can be pressed and released; a hinge portion that connects the subframe to the main frame so as to be swingable in a key alignment direction; and a key that is connected to the subframe and that presses the key. An elastic body configured to bend in response to a key force, and a first position (Q
1) A key pressing force detecting means for detecting the key pressing force by detecting the movement of the second position (Q2) fixed with respect to the elastic body, to the main frame and the hinge. The portion is connected by a first connecting portion (CN1) spaced from the first position, the hinge portion and the subframe are connected by a second connecting portion (CN2) spaced from the first connecting portion, The subframe and the elastic body are connected by the third connecting portion (CN3) separated from the second position, so that the route from the first position to the second position is the main frame. The first connection portion is folded back to pass through the hinge portion to the second connection portion, the third frame portion is folded back to pass through the elastic body, and the first position is reached. It has a double folding structure A keyboard device characterized by being 6. The stopper mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper mechanism for restricting an upper limit of a movement amount of the subframe with respect to the main frame in a key arrangement direction. Keyboard device. 7. The stopper mechanism has a first contact portion integrally formed with the main frame and a second contact portion integrally formed with the subframe in a key arrangement direction of the subframe. The keyboard device according to claim 6, wherein the keyboard device is configured so as to come into contact with the keyboard during movement.