JP3203705B2 - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard device capable of generating musical tones by depressing a plurality of keys.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional keyboard apparatus of this type, a plurality of keys are rotatably mounted on a keyboard chassis, and the keyboard apparatus responds to key press operations of the keys on the keyboard chassis. There is known a configuration in which a printed circuit board on which a plurality of switch elements performing a switching operation is arranged in parallel is fixed.

[0003]

By the way, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional keyboard device, since the key width of a plurality of keys arranged side by side is fixed and uniform, a person with a large hand (for example, an adult) However, the key width of each key is too small to perform the key press operation. Therefore, even though it is intended that only the specific key is pressed, the key press operation is performed on the adjacent key. On the contrary, the key width of each key is too large for a person with a small hand (for example, a child) to press the key,
Despite the intention of trying to depress a plurality of keys at the same time, there has been a problem that a plurality of keys cannot be depressed simultaneously at the same time.
The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and regardless of the size of the player's hand,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard device capable of reliably and quickly pressing a plurality of keys.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a plurality of keys are provided by interposing a spacer corresponding to a state in which the distance between the keys is narrowed to a predetermined width or a state in which the distance between the keys is widened from the predetermined width. While being arranged, a support shaft is inserted into a shaft hole provided at the rear end portion of the key and rotatably supported on the keyboard chassis so that the interval between the keys is wider than the predetermined width. In such a case, a wide key member was detachably attached to the upper part of each key. A tone characteristic indicating element may be fixed to the lower surface of each key. Also, a plurality of protruding pieces having the tone characteristic indicating element may be formed on one flexible substrate, and these protruding pieces may be attached to the lower surface of each key.

[0005]

The plurality of keys of the keyboard device constructed as described above can be selectively widened or narrowed according to the size of the player's hand. When the interval between the keys is narrowed to a predetermined width, a spacer corresponding to the key width is interposed between the keys. By interposing using a spacer wider than the used spacer width and detachably attaching a wide key member to the upper part of each key, the gap between the keys is eliminated and the key is transformed into a key having a wide key width. Can be. In addition, if the tone characteristic indicating elements are fixed to the lower surface of each key, the positional shift between each key and each tone characteristic indicating element does not occur even if the interval between the keys is changed. Further, if a plurality of protruding pieces having the tone characteristic indicating element are formed on a single flexible substrate so as to be extendable and contractable, and these protruding pieces are attached to the lower surface of each of the keys, key expansion and contraction of the flexible base can cause mutual key exchange. It is possible to absorb a change in the gap between the keys, and to prevent the tone characteristic indicating element from being displaced from the lower surface of each key.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the keyboard device, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the keyboard device.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a keyboard device 1 according to this embodiment is in a state in which a keyboard chassis 2 constituting a musical instrument main body 2A is rotatable and a distance between the keyboard chassis 2 is reduced. A plurality of keys 3 and 4 installed so that their positions can be selectively adjusted in an expanded state, and key widths L ₁ and L _{2 in the} direction in which the keys 3 and 4 are arranged in parallel.
A plurality of wide key members 3 having key widths L ₃ and L ₄ larger than
1 and 41, and a switch element 5 as a tone characteristic indicating element fixed to the lower surface of each of the keys 3 and 4, respectively.

When the key width of each of the keys 3 and 4 is increased, the wide-width key members 31 and 41 are fixed to the upper portions of the keys 3 and 4. When returning to the state where the key width of each key 3, 4 is to be reduced, the wide-width key member 4 is removed from the upper part of each key 3, 4.

Each of the wide key members 31 and 41 is formed in a cover shape with an open lower portion so as to cover the entire upper portion of each of the keys 3 and 4, respectively. Locking portions 3 formed at the base end and the front end of the keys 3 and 4 are provided at the rear end and the front end of the keys 31 and 41, respectively.
a, 3b (see FIGS. 2 and 3), 4a, 4b (see FIG. 3)
Engaging portions 31a and 31b (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and 41a and 41b (see FIG. 3) are formed.
On both left and right sides of the wide key members 31, 41, interposed portions (interposed wall plates) 31c, 31c, 41c, 41c interposed between the keys 3-3 and 3-4 are provided. (See FIG. 3). These intervening parts 31c, 31c, 41c,
If the spacer 41c is formed to have a predetermined thickness as a spacer, the interval between the keys 3-3 and 3-4 is maintained at a predetermined interval depending on the thickness of the interposition portions 31c, 31c, 41c, and 41c. Also, a shaft hole 6 formed on the base end side of each of the keys 3, 4 is provided.
A long support shaft 7 having a columnar shape is inserted therein, and both ends of the support shaft 7 are attached to shaft support plates 8 fixed on the keyboard chassis 2. The keys 3 and 4
A plurality of lubricating members 9 are interposed on the support shaft 7 so that the keys 3 and 4 can rotate around the support shaft 7 smoothly.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the flexible substrate 10 is fixed to the lower surfaces of the keys 3 and 4 with an adhesive or the like while being positioned by the positioning protrusions 14.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flexible substrate 10 includes a plurality of protruding pieces 12 a to 1
2n, a connecting portion 13 connecting one end of each of the projecting pieces 12a to 12n to each other, and elastic portions 13a to 13n for extending and contracting the connecting portion 13 in the longitudinal direction. The switch elements 5 provided on the lower surfaces of the projecting pieces 12a to 12n are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the keys 3 and 4 in order to detect the key pressing speed of the keys 3 and 4. The first and second switches 5a and 5b are provided. These first and second switches 5a and 5b are
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, fixed contacts 17a and 17b formed on the lower surface of the protruding piece 12a, and a bulging portion 18 formed to wrap these fixed contacts 17a and 17b.
a and 18b, and movable contacts 19a and 19b formed at the center of the bulging portions 18a and 18b and at positions facing the fixed contacts 17a and 17b. The bulging portions 18a and 18b are connected to the flexible substrate 1
It is formed on a sheet-like sheet member 20 made of silicon rubber or the like, which is fixed to the lower surface of the sheet No. 0 with an adhesive or the like. The fixed contacts 17a and 17b are formed of a pair of comb-shaped electrodes as shown in FIG. Further, cylindrical projections 25 are provided at the bottoms of the bulging portions 18a and 18b.
a, 25b are formed downward, and
On the upper surface of the keyboard chassis 2 opposed to the cylindrical projections 25a, 25b, pressed portions 22a, 22b for pressing the cylindrical projections 25a, 25b are formed so as to protrude.

The L-shaped stoppers 32, 42 protruding downward at the positions of the tips of the keys 3, 4 are
The L-shaped stoppers 32, 42 are inserted into through holes 24 formed in the keyboard chassis 2, and are arranged along the direction in which the keys 3, 4 are arranged above and below the keyboard chassis 2. Upper limit regulating stopper 25 and lower limit regulating stopper 2 which are fixed
6 and up and down.

Next, a procedure for assembling the keyboard device according to this embodiment will be described. First, when it is desired to increase the key width of each key 3, 4, the wide key members 31, 41 are attached to the keys 3, 4.
Both ends of the wide key members 31 and 41 are press-fitted toward the base end and the front end of each of the keys 3 and 4 while covering the entire upper portion of the key members. The engaging portions 31a, 31b, 41a, 41b
Each locking portion 3 formed at the base end and the tip of each key 3, 4
a, 3b, 4a, and 4b. Further, after fixing each sheet member 20 having the switch element 5 to each of the protruding pieces 12a to 12n formed on the flexible substrate 10, the flexible substrate 10 is fixed to the positioning protrusions 1.
In the state of being positioned at 4, the keys 3 and 4 are fixed to the lower surfaces of the keys 3 and 4 with an adhesive or the like, whereby the keyboard unit 1A is completed.

Next, this keyboard unit 1A is
The support shaft 7 is inserted into the shaft holes 6 and 43 formed at the base ends of the keys 3 and 4 on the support shaft 7 between the keys 3 and 4. After each of the lubricating members 9 is interposed, the both ends of the support shaft 7 are rotatably mounted on the respective shaft support plates 8, and these shaft support plates 8 are fixed on the keyboard chassis 2. The assembly of the keyboard device including the keys 3 and 4 having a large key width is completed.

On the other hand, when it is desired to reduce the key width of each of the keys 3 and 4, the wide key members 3 are placed from above the keys 3 and 4.
Remove 1,41. Then, the wide-width key members 31 and 41
A space is formed between the keys 3 and 4 for the thickness of
The keys 3 and 4 are moved in the axial direction of the support shaft 7 by the space. In this embodiment, the keys 3 and 4 are moved to the lower range. Therefore, the interval between the keys 3 and 4 is narrowed. In addition, a dummy key (not shown) is rotatably mounted on the support shaft 7 in a key area which is a space on the treble side.
As a result, as shown in FIG.
4 is completed.

Next, the operation of the keyboard device according to this embodiment will be described. First, when the leading end of each of the keys 3 and 4 on the highest pitch side among the keys 3 and 4 is pressed, the keys 3 and 4 are rotated clockwise in FIG. Accordingly, following this rotation, the protruding piece 12a formed on the flexible substrate 10 also rotates in the same direction.

Then, the switch element 5 provided on the projecting piece 12a also rotates in the same direction, so that the first and second switches 5a, 5a,
b comes into contact with the pressed portions 22a and 22b formed on the upper surface of the keyboard chassis 2, and the pressed portions 22a and 22b
2b. For this reason, the fixed contacts 17a, 17b constituting the first and second switches 5a, 5b and the movable contacts 19a, 19b are electrically connected sequentially with a time difference corresponding to the key pressing speed of the keys 3, 4. , And two conduction signals are sequentially output. These two conduction signals are input to the electronic circuit unit via the printed wiring unit 27 and the connector unit 28 formed on the flexible substrate 10 respectively.

As a result, based on the time difference between the output timings of the two conduction signals, the volume of the tone to be generated and the like are controlled.

As described above, the keyboard device 1 according to this embodiment selectively adjusts the position of the plurality of keys 3 and 4 installed on the keyboard chassis 2 between a narrowed state and a widened state. Is possible, so that the distance between the keys 3 and 4 can be adjusted in accordance with the size of the player's hand, and the plurality of keys 3 and 4 can be adjusted regardless of the size of the player's hand. The pressing operation can be performed reliably and quickly.

Further, the plurality of keys 3 and 4 are adjusted in position so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the keys 3 and 4 are placed above the keys 3 and 4.
If the wide key members 31, 41 having the interposed portions 31c, 41c interposed between the four are detachably attached, the key 3,
Even if the player has a large hand with a wider operation range,
The key pressing operation is facilitated, and the interval between the keys 3 and 4 can be reliably specified and held by the plate thickness of the interposition portions 31c and 41c of the wide key members 31 and 41.

Further, the plurality of keys 3 and 4 are adjusted in position so as to be spaced apart from each other.
If the wide key members 31 and 41 wider than the keys 3 and 4 are detachably attached, the gaps formed when the distance between the keys 3 and 4 is increased are filled with the wide key members 31 and 41. Even when the interval between the keys 3 and 4 is widened, the performance operation can be performed smoothly without the finger being caught in the gap.

Since the switch elements 5 are fixed to the lower surfaces of the keys 3 and 4, respectively, even if the distance between the keys 3 and 4 is adjusted to be narrow or wide, the keys 3 and 4 and the switch elements 5 are not fixed. No positional deviation occurs. Therefore, when each of the keys 3 and 4 is pressed, each switch element 5 can be driven reliably.

Each protruding piece 12 having a plurality of switch elements 5 formed on a stretchable flexible substrate 10 is provided.
a, 12b, 12c,... are attached to the lower surfaces of the keys 3 and 4, so that even when the interval between the keys 3 and 4 changes, the expansion and contraction of the flexible substrate 10 causes the keys 3 and 4 to expand and contract. Changes can be absorbed, so each key 3,
The shift of the position of the switch element 5 from the position of the lower surface of
It can be prevented beforehand.

Next, FIGS. 7 and 8 are partially cutaway plan views showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a side view of the interval determining member.

In this embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the keyboard chassis 2 is rotatable, and the position thereof can be selectively adjusted between a narrowed state and a widened state. It is the same in that it has a plurality of keys 3 and 4 installed and a switch element 5 fixed to the lower surface of each of the keys 3 and 4, respectively. The difference from the above-described embodiment is that an interval determining member 9A for determining the interval is provided.

As in the case of the above-described embodiment, a long cylindrical support shaft 7 is inserted into a shaft hole 6 formed on the base end side of each of the keys 3 and 4. Both ends of the shaft 7
It is attached to each shaft support plate 8 fixed on the keyboard chassis 2.

The spacing determining member (spacer) 9A is composed of a plurality of sets of lubricating members 9a and 9b having different plate thicknesses, and one set of lubricating members 9a and 9b is provided. member (YoNamera member 9a of the thick plate L ₅ represents the case of FIG. 7, also YoNamera member 9b of the thin plate thickness L ₆ in the case of FIG. 8) interposed on the support shaft 7 between each key 3,4 Are located.

On the other hand, the flexible substrate 10 is fixed to the lower surfaces of the keys 3 and 4 with an adhesive or the like in a state where the flexible substrate 10 is positioned by the positioning protrusions 14 as in the above-described embodiment.

[0028] In such a configuration, the thickness of different sets of YoNamera member 9a, a thick plate thickness and L ₅ From among 9b of the pair of YoNamera member (7 YoNamera member 9a also, YoNamera member 9b) each key 3 and 4 of the thin plate thickness L ₆ in the case of FIG. 8
Between the keys 3, 4 by selectively interposing them on the support shaft 7 between them.
Parallel the arrangement direction of the distance L _7, L _8, can be easily modified by a set of YoNamera member 9a which is selectively interposed, 9b thickness L _3, L _4, and thus, each key The key widths of 3 and 4 can be easily changed. In each of the embodiments, the case where the switch element 5 is used as the tone characteristic indicating element is described, but a piezo element, a distortion element, or the like may be used.

[0029]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of keys are arranged with spacers interposed therebetween in a state in which the interval between the keys is narrowed to a predetermined width or in a state widened from the predetermined width. Also, when a support shaft is inserted through a shaft hole provided at the rear end of the key and rotatably supported on the keyboard chassis, and the interval between the respective keys is set to be larger than the predetermined width, Since the wide key member is detachably attached to the upper part of each key, a plurality of keys can be pressed reliably and quickly regardless of the size of the player's hand. .

In the keyboard device according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the tone characteristic indicating element is fixed to the lower surface of each key, even if the interval between a plurality of keys is widened or narrowed, each key is connected to each other. There is no displacement between the tone characteristic indicating elements. Therefore, when each key is depressed, each tone characteristic indicating element can be reliably driven.

In the keyboard device according to the third aspect, a plurality of protruding pieces having the tone characteristic indicating element are formed on one flexible substrate, and these protruding pieces are attached to the lower surface of each key. Even when the distance between the keys is increased or decreased, the change in the distance between the keys can be absorbed by the expansion and contraction of the flexible base, and therefore, the position of the musical tone element is shifted from the lower surface position of each key. Can be prevented beforehand.

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the keyboard device.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the keyboard device.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a flexible substrate.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially broken plan view showing the periphery of a fixed contact forming the switch element.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a case where a lubricating member having a large thickness is arranged between keys.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a case where a thin lubricating member is arranged between keys in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the interval determining member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Keyboard apparatus 2A Musical instrument main body 2 Keyboard chassis 3, 4 keys 31, 41 Plural wide key members 5 Switch element 9A Interval determining member (spacer) 9a, 9b Good lubricating member

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and a keyboard chassis.
In the apparatus, the plurality of keys are in a state in which the interval between the keys is reduced to a predetermined width.
Alternatively, a spacer corresponding to a state expanded from the predetermined width is used.
The keys are arranged with the shaft interposed therebetween, and the keys are inserted through shaft holes provided at the rear end of the key.
The keyboard chassis is rotatably supported by the keyboard chassis, and the interval between the keys is set larger than the predetermined width.
In such a case, a wide key member is detachably mounted on the top of each key.
A keyboard device characterized by being attached . Wherein said keyboard apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that are respectively fixed tone characteristics indicated element on the lower surface of each key. 3. The keyboard according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of protruding pieces having said tone characteristic indicating element are formed on one flexible substrate, and said protruding pieces are attached to a lower surface of each of said keys. apparatus.