JP2007025501A - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mold a pair of stoppers, which define a stationary position and a movement limit position of a hammer, integrally with a keyboard frame without using a slide die. <P>SOLUTION: The frame 30 to which a key 4 is fitted in an operable state and the hammer 5 is fitted to be put in stroke motion is molded in one body including a first stopper base 31 defining the position where the hammer 5 is stopped and a second stopper base 32 defining the limit position of movement of the hammer 5, and the stopper bases 31 and 32 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in a direction of die cutting during frame integral molding. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a keyboard device for performance applied to electronic musical instruments and the like, and more particularly to a keyboard device having an improved frame structure.

  In a keyboard device for music performance applied to an electronic musical instrument or the like, a key switch for detecting key on / off according to the operation of the key is provided corresponding to a plurality of keys for performance operation. Needless to say, a hammer (mass body) is provided which performs a stroke motion according to the operation of the key. This hammer (mass body) is for making it possible to obtain a key operation feeling similar to the key operation feeling obtained by an acoustic piano stringing hammer even in an electronic keyboard instrument. In this keyboard apparatus, a plastic frame integrally formed of resin is used as a frame (keyboard frame) for mounting these keys, key switches, hammers, and the like.

  On the other hand, a stopper is provided for defining the range of stroke movement of the hammer. This stopper is typically composed of a lower stopper that defines a position when the hammer is stationary and an upper stopper that defines a limit position when the hammer is moved. As an example of how to provide these stoppers, there is a method of integrally forming both the lower and upper stoppers 1 and 2 as a part of the frame 3 as shown in FIG. FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a frame structure in a conventional keyboard device, and only a portion necessary for explanation is extracted and schematically shown. FIG. 2B is a rear view schematically showing the arrangement of the lower and upper stoppers 1 and 2 provided on the frame 3. The key 4 is rotatably attached at a predetermined position of the frame 3 via a fulcrum (or rotating shaft) 4a, and the hammer 5 corresponding to the key 4 is supported at another predetermined position of the frame 3 by a fulcrum (or rotating shaft). ) It is attached so as to be able to stroke (or swing) up and down via 5a. As shown in FIG. 7B, the lower and upper stoppers 1 and 2 are arranged facing each other on the same line along the vertical stroke direction of the tip of the hammer 5, and the surface on which the hammer 5 abuts is arranged. Operation restricting members 6a and 6b made of a cushion or the like are attached. When the key 4 is not operated, the tip (operating point) 5 b of the hammer 5 is in contact with the operation restricting member 6 a of the lower stopper 1. When the key 4 is pressed, the opposite end (force point) 5c of the hammer 5 is pushed down, and the tip (action point) 5b moves upward. When the key 4 is fully depressed, the tip (operating point) 5b of the hammer 5 comes into contact with the operation restricting member 6b of the upper stopper 2 as indicated by a one-dot chain line 5 '. When the pressing of the key 4 is released, the tip (operating point) 5b is lowered by the weight of the hammer 5 and returns to the stationary position where it abuts against the operation restricting member 6a of the lower stopper 1.

  In the frame structure of FIG. 7, the lower and upper stoppers 1 and 2 are arranged facing each other on the same line along the vertical stroke direction of the tip (operating point) 5 b of the hammer 5. The stopper surface on which the regulating members 6a and 6b are provided becomes the undercut surfaces of the upper mold and the lower mold, and it is necessary to create and use a slide mold for forming the undercut surfaces. Therefore, there is a problem that the manufacturing process of the frame 3 is increased and the cost is increased. In addition, since the keyboard frame is large, it requires extremely delicate dimensional accuracy, so if a complicated mold configuration such as a slide mold is adopted, renewal is required for each maintenance, and the original Quality will be lost.

  As a measure for avoiding such troublesome slide molds and reducing the manufacturing cost of the keyboard frame, a frame structure as shown in FIG. 8 is also employed. In this case, the lower stopper 11 and the upper stopper 2 are not integrally formed. For example, the upper stopper 2 is integrally formed with the frame 3, but the lower stopper 11 is formed as a separate part. In this case, the stopper 11 made of another component is fastened and fixed to a predetermined portion of the frame 3 by screwing or the like. However, this structure has the disadvantage of increasing the number of parts and thus the number of assembly steps. Further, when the frame 3 is bent, a load is applied to the mounting and tightening portion of the stopper 11 made of another component, and in the worst case, there is a possibility that a problem of dropping off occurs.

  Further, as another countermeasure for avoiding the use of a slide mold and reducing the manufacturing cost of the keyboard frame, a structure as shown in FIG. 9 is also employed. In this case, only the upper stopper 2 is integrally formed with the frame 3, and the shelf board of the electronic keyboard instrument or the bottom plate 7 of the main body case is used as a stopper without providing any special parts as the lower stopper, and a cushion is provided there. A restricting member 6a such as is attached. In this case, there is no disadvantage that the number of parts increases, but since the impact during hammering is directly transmitted to the exterior parts such as the case bottom plate 7, the impact sound during key operation becomes large, and there is a problem in product quality. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by forming a pair of stoppers that define a stationary position and a movement limit position of a hammer on a frame without using a slide mold, by integrally forming the frame. An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device having a frame structure that can be manufactured at low cost and does not cause the above-described various problems.

  The keyboard device according to the present invention includes a plurality of keys for performance operation, a hammer that performs a stroke motion in accordance with the operation of the key, a key that is operable to operate the key, and a hammer that is capable of stroke motion. And a second stopper base for defining a limit position when the hammer is moved. The first stopper base and the second stopper base are arranged so as not to overlap each other with respect to a die cutting direction when the frame is integrally formed.

  According to the present invention, the first stopper base that defines the position when the hammer is stationary and the second stopper base that defines the limit position when the hammer moves are overlapped with each other with respect to the die-cutting direction when the frame is integrally formed. There is provided a frame structure having a configuration arranged so as not to occur. Thereby, in the integral molding of the frame, the first stopper base and the second stopper base can be integrally molded at the same time, and since there is no overlap in the mold release direction, an undercut surface does not occur on the frame structure, No slide mold is required. Accordingly, the keyboard structure can be simplified, the manufacturing cost of the keyboard frame can be reduced, the maintenance work is reduced, and there are no problems such as parts falling off and impact noise. Can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1A is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a frame structure in a keyboard apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and only a portion necessary for explanation is extracted and schematically shown. The resin frame 30 is provided with a plurality of performance keys 4 and hammers 5 that move according to the operation of the keys 4 in a predetermined arrangement, as in the prior art. (Shaft) 4a and 5a are attached to be swingable or rotatable. The frame 30 is integrally formed including a first stopper base 31 that defines the position of the hammer 5 when it is stationary and a second stopper base 32 that defines a limit position (upper limit) when the hammer 5 is moved. Therefore, the first stopper base 31 and the second stopper base 32 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the die cutting direction when the frame 30 is integrally formed.

  FIG. 1B is a rear view for illustrating the arrangement of the stopper bases 31 and 32. As shown in this figure, the first stopper base 31 includes a plurality of base portions 31a, 31b, 31c,... That are spaced apart from each other in the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys 4. The two stopper bases 32 are also configured to include a plurality of base portions 32a, 32b, 32c,... That are spaced apart from each other in the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys 4, and the plurality of base portions 31a, 31b, 31c,... And the plurality of base portions 32a, 32b, 32c,... Of the second stopper base 32 are arranged offset with respect to the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys 4 (shifted so as not to overlap). ing. The die cutting direction at the time of integral molding of the frame 30 is a direction that intersects the side-by-side direction X of a plurality of keys, typically a direction Y perpendicular to X. According to this frame structure, when the frame 30 is integrally formed, the upper surface (that is, the base surface) of the first stopper base 31 (parts 31a, 31b, 31c,...) Is in contact with the upper mold, and the second stopper base 32 ( The lower surfaces (that is, the base surfaces) of the portions 32a, 32b, 32c,... Are in contact with the lower mold. Therefore, an undercut surface is not formed on each stopper base 31, 32 during integral molding, and a slide mold is not required. The stopper bases 31 and 32 are integrally connected by a plurality of ribs 33 arranged at appropriate intervals with respect to the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys 4. Since it can be easily designed not to generate a cut surface, detailed illustration and description of the connecting structure are omitted. Of course, the arrangement of the plurality of ribs 33 should be at an appropriate interval so as to allow a space allowing passage of the hammers 5 in consideration of the arrangement of all the hammers 5. I will not explain it in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the first operation restricting member 6 a is disposed across the plurality of base portions 31 a, 31 b, 31 c,. The second operation restricting member 6b is disposed across the plurality of base portions 32a, 32b, 32c,. These operation restricting members 6a and 6b are made of an appropriate cushion material as in the above-described conventional example, and cushion the impact caused by the contact of the hammer 5 and cover the empty space between the base portions to prevent the movement. Acts to regulate. In other words, even if the hammer 5 comes into contact with a position corresponding to the empty space between the base portions, the movement of the hammer 5 is restricted by the presence of the operation restricting member 6a or 6b. The intervals between the base portions 31a, 31b, 31c,..., 32a, 32b, 32c,... Of the stopper bases 31 and 32 do not need to be uniform, but are appropriately non-uniform according to the design requirements. It may be.

  When the key 4 is not operated, the tip (operating point) 5 b of the hammer 5 is in contact with the operation restricting member 6 a of the lower first stopper base 31. When the key 4 is pressed, the opposite end (force point) 5c of the hammer 5 is pushed down, and the tip (action point) 5b moves upward. When the key 4 is fully depressed, the tip (operating point) 5b of the hammer 5 comes into contact with the operation restricting member 6b of the upper two stopper base 32, as indicated by a one-dot chain line 5 '. When the pressing of the key 4 is released, the tip (operating point) 5b is lowered by the weight of the hammer 5 and returns to the stationary position where it abuts against the operation restricting member 6a of the lower stopper 1.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a frame structure in a keyboard device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a schematic side sectional view and (b) is a schematic rear view. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the frame 30 includes a first stopper base 34 that defines the position when the hammer 5 is stationary, and a second stopper base 35 that defines an upper limit position when the hammer 5 is moved. Although it is the same as that of the first embodiment in that it is integrally molded, the first stopper base 34 and the second stopper base 35 may overlap each other with respect to the die-cutting direction when the frame 30 is integrally molded. The arrangement for avoiding this is different from that of the first embodiment.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first stopper base 34 extends along the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys 4, and the second stopper base 35 also extends in the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys. It extends. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first stopper base 34 and the second stopper base 35 are arranged so that the lower first stopper base 34 comes to the front in the depth direction of the key 4 and the upper first 2 The stopper bases 35 are offset from each other so that they are in the back. Even in this frame structure, when the frame 30 is integrally formed, the upper surface of the first stopper base 34 is in contact with the upper mold, and the lower surface of the second stopper base 35 is in contact with the lower mold. Therefore, an undercut surface is not generated in each stopper base 34, 35 during integral molding, and a slide mold is not required. In this case as well, it is a matter of course that the connection rib 33 is designed so that an undercut surface does not occur.

In the case of the second embodiment, the portion that hits the first stopper base 31 (the restriction member 6a thereon) when the hammer 5 is stationary and the portion that hits the second stopper base 32 (the restriction member 6b thereon) when the key is pressed. Is different. That is, the length from the fulcrum 5a where the hammer 5 hits the first stopper base 31 when stationary is shorter than the length from the fulcrum 5a where the hammer 5 hits the second stopper base 32 when the key is pressed.

  The third embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has the same frame structure as that of the second embodiment described above, but the length of the working point side of the hammer 15 is longer than the hammer 5 of FIG. It has the characteristics. In the case of FIG. 2, the tip 5 b on the working point side of the hammer 5 does not protrude from the upper (backmost) stopper base 35, so that the hammer 5 is brought into contact with the regulating member 6 b with a sufficient length. In other words, the impact force at the time of pressing the key is concentrated at the position where the tip 5b abuts against the regulating member 6b. Therefore, there is a possibility that the durability of the regulating member 6b made of a cushion material or the like is lowered. On the other hand, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the tip 15b on the working point side of the hammer 15 is configured to protrude deeper than the deepest stopper base 35 (that is, out of the frame 30). When the key 15 is pressed, the point of action of the hammer 15 moves upward and comes into contact with the upper stopper base 35 (the restricting member 6b disposed there). Well, you will win. Therefore, the impact force at the time of pressing the key is not concentrated on a specific portion of the upper regulating member 6b, but is applied within a sufficient length range, and the durability of the regulating member 6b made of a cushion material or the like is maintained. Can do. In the case of the frame structure as shown in FIG. 1, the tip 5b on the working point side of the hammer 5 is located behind the innermost stopper base 32 (that is, outside the frame 30) from the same viewpoint as the embodiment of FIG. The same effect can be acquired by projecting so as to protrude.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view schematically showing a frame structure in a keyboard apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment generally has a lot in common with the second embodiment, and the lower first stopper base 36 extends along the side-by-side direction X of the plurality of keys 4, and the second stopper base 37 is also formed. The plurality of keys extend in the side-by-side direction X, and the first stopper base 36 and the second stopper base 37 are arranged offset with respect to the depth direction of the key 4. However, in this third embodiment, the upper second stopper base 37 is offset so that the upper first stopper base 36 comes to the front and the lower first stopper base 36 is in the back. Even in this frame structure, when the frame 30 is integrally molded, the upper surface of the first stopper base 36 is in contact with the upper mold, and the lower surface of the second stopper base 37 is in contact with the lower mold. In this case, an undercut surface is not generated on each stopper base 36, 37, and a slide mold is not required. In this case as well, it is a matter of course that the connection rib 33 is designed so that an undercut surface does not occur.

  Compared to the frame structure of the second embodiment (FIG. 2), the frame structure of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 4) can reduce the entry of the upper and lower molds and can simplify the mold structure. Manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since the mold strength can be secured even if it is small, it is suitable for a small keyboard frame (on the other hand, a complicated mold like the second embodiment is small in order to secure the strength. There is a limit to the conversion.) In the case of the frame structure as shown in FIG. 4, the tip 5b on the working point side of the hammer 5 is located behind the deepest (lower) stopper base 31 from the same viewpoint as the embodiment of FIG. In other words, it may be configured to protrude (outside the frame 30).

  The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 has a frame structure in which the upper and lower stopper bases 38 and 39 are offset in substantially the same manner as the fourth embodiment described above. When the portion near 5b hits (regulates) the first and second stopper bases 38, 39, the hammer 5 and the contact surfaces of the first and second stopper bases 38, 39 are substantially parallel to each other. Further, at least one of these contact surfaces is configured to be inclined. If the contact surface with the hammer 5 is substantially parallel even if it is not intentionally inclined like the second stopper base 39 of the illustrated example, it is not necessary to intentionally form the inclination, and the other first A necessary inclination may be formed only in the stopper base 38. Thus, by forming the hammer 5 and the contact surfaces of the stopper bases 38, 39 so as to be substantially parallel, the stopper bases 38, 39 (that is, the regulating members 6a, 6b) when the hammer 5 is contacted. The acting direction of the force exerted on the surface becomes a direction substantially perpendicular to the abutting surface, so that generation of a component force in an unnecessary direction can be prevented, and damage to the regulating members 6a, 6b and the like due to generation of shearing force can be prevented. It should be noted that the formation of the frame so that the hammer and the contact surface of each stopper base are substantially parallel in this way also applies to other types of frame structures of the present invention (types of FIGS. 1 to 3) Is possible. As a modification of the fifth embodiment, the contact portion on the hammer 5 side may be inclined.

  The shapes of the hammers 5 and 15 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and may be any shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the tip portion 25b of the hammer 25 made of a rod-shaped metal may be curved to ensure a desired weight. The frame structure shown in FIG. 6 has the same characteristics as the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the actual prototype of the keyboard device according to the present invention. In this configuration, the positional relationship of the hammer driving projection 4w provided at the lower part of the white key with respect to the force point 25c of the hammer 25; The positional relationship between the hammer driving projection 4b provided below the black key and the force point 25c of the hammer 25 is the same. Accordingly, the white key hammer 25 and the black key hammer 25 can have the same configuration.

(A) is side surface sectional drawing which shows the frame structure in the keyboard apparatus based on 1st Example of this invention schematically, (b) is a back surface schematic diagram for showing arrangement | positioning of each stopper base. (A) is side surface sectional drawing which shows the frame structure in the keyboard apparatus based on 2nd Example of this invention schematically, (b) is a back surface schematic diagram for showing arrangement | positioning of each stopper base. Side surface sectional drawing which shows schematically the keyboard apparatus based on 3rd Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view schematically showing a frame structure in a keyboard device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view schematically showing a keyboard device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Side surface sectional drawing which illustrates the specific structure of the keyboard apparatus which concerns on the 5th Example while showing the modification of a hammer. (A) is a side sectional view schematically showing a frame structure in a conventional keyboard device, and (b) is a rear view schematically showing the arrangement of lower and upper stoppers. Side surface sectional drawing which schematically shows another frame structure in the conventional keyboard apparatus. Side surface sectional drawing which shows schematically still another frame structure in the conventional keyboard apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

4 Key 5, 15, 25 Hammer 4a, 5a, 15a, 25a Support point (or rotating shaft)
5b, 15b, 25a Tip 30 on the working point side of the hammer Frame 31, 34, 36, 38 First stopper base 32, 35, 37, 39 Second stopper base 33 Rib 6a, 6b Operation restricting member (cushion material)

Claims (3)

Multiple keys for performance operation,
A hammer that moves according to the operation of the key;
A keyboard device comprising: a frame integrally attached with a resin, wherein the key is operably attached and the hammer is movably attached.
The frame includes a first stopper base that defines a position when the hammer is stationary, and a second stopper base that defines a limit position when the hammer moves.
The keyboard device, wherein the first stopper base and the second stopper base are arranged so as not to overlap each other with respect to a die cutting direction when the frame is integrally formed. The die-cutting direction at the time of integral molding of the frame is a direction that intersects a side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
The first stopper base includes a plurality of base portions that are spaced apart with respect to a side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
The second stopper base also includes a plurality of base portions that are spaced apart with respect to a side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
The plurality of base portions of the first stopper base and the plurality of base portions of the second stopper base are arranged offset with respect to the side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
A first restricting member is disposed across the plurality of base portions of the first stopper base, and a second restricting member is disposed across the plurality of base portions of the second stopper base. 2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard device abuts on the first regulating member and abuts on the second regulating member at a limit during movement. The die-cutting direction at the time of integral molding of the frame is a direction that intersects a side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
The first stopper base extends in a side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
The second stopper base also extends in a side-by-side direction of the plurality of keys,
2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the first stopper base and the second stopper base are offset from each other in the depth direction of the key.

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