JP3705177B2 - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates to a small keyboard device suitable for carrying.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a keyboard device that has been improved in portability by downsizing is known. In general, the keyboard device has a shape that is long in the key arrangement direction (lateral direction) due to its nature. However, in order to reduce the size of the conventional keyboard device, the device is configured to be a folding type or a scroll type. For example, foldable electronic keyboard apparatus (Japanese Utility Model 61-764 93 No.) forms a keyboard section into a thin sheet, between white key black key does not intervene (E-F key between, G-C key By folding at the division position, the front and back surfaces of the keyboard are folded so that they overlap each other and can be made compact.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in general, when folded, the valley side shrinks and the mountain side extends. Unless it is a zero-thickness folded body, which is impossible in reality, it has such characteristics. Therefore, in order to actually manufacture a conventional keyboard device, it is necessary to configure the keyboard itself that becomes the seat portion with an elastic material. Therefore, the degree of freedom in material selection is limited. In addition, even if it is made of a stretchable material, there is a problem that the operability is poor because there is no rigidity and durability and the key pressing stroke is not large compared to a normal keyboard (not folding or scroll type). is there. In addition, since it is configured to bend at the split position using the elasticity of the sheet material, it may be folded at the split position (fold position), which may gradually impair performance operations, Durability is lower than other parts. This not only deteriorates the balance of the operability of the keys, but also requires the use of an elastic sheet, so that playing techniques such as glissando are difficult, and the operability from the initial use is also poor. Thus, the conventional keyboard device has problems in terms of operability, rigidity, and durability.
[0004]
Furthermore, as a result of emphasizing all of durability, portability, and operability, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing becomes difficult.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-Its purpose, high durability, while maintaining the portability and operability, providing a keyboard apparatus that can facilitate the production There is to do.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Keyboard apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention to achieve the above Symbol purpose includes a plurality of frames, and a plurality of subframes each one is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of frames, each of the plurality of A plurality of keyboard units each having a plurality of keys, each one fixed corresponding to a subframe, and adjacent frames among the plurality of frames are connected to each other, and both the adjacent frames are folded from a flat state Connecting means that can be rotated relative to each other, and in the flat developed state, the left and right side subframes, together with the corresponding keyboard unit, have a key arrangement direction relative to the corresponding frame. independently movably configured, the keyboard unit of the left and right end side, by moving relatively the key arrangement direction with respect to the corresponding frame, via the coupling means, the The arrangement is such that both a folding arrangement in which a number of frames are folded into approximately one frame size and a planar development arrangement in which the plurality of frames are expanded and arranged in series in the key arrangement direction are possible. , each keyboard unit, the black key unit and has both a key base end portion having a plurality of black keys to common white key unit and Kagimoto end having a plurality of white keys to the common key base end are stacked, the white key unit and the black key unit are both formed in a flat plate shape, that Kagimoto end of the black key unit is stacked on Kagimoto end of the white key unit A difference in height between the black key and the white key is caused by the thickness of the black key unit .
[0012]
According to this configuration, the frames adjacent to each other among the plurality of frames are connected by the connecting means, and the two adjacent frames can be relatively rotated from the folded state to the flat deployed state. Rigidity and durability are improved compared to the case of folding and folding. In addition, both the folding arrangement in which the plurality of frames are folded into approximately one frame size and the planar development arrangement in which the plurality of frames are expanded and arranged in series in the key arrangement direction via the connecting means. Since it can be arranged, it can be folded and placed in a compact manner, and it can be played in a flat deployment, and the keys are provided on a frame that is somewhat rigid and not sheet-like. Easy to perform key press operation. Further, each of the plurality of frames includes a white key unit having a plurality of white keys having a common key base end portion and a black key unit having a plurality of black keys having a common key base end portion. Since the keyboard unit configured by being stacked at the end is provided, the assembly can be performed simply by stacking the keyboard units, and the keyboard can be easily assembled.
The white key unit and the black key unit are both formed in a flat plate shape, and the key base end of the black key unit is stacked on the key base end of the white key unit. Not only can the thickness be reduced to further reduce the vertical dimension of the keyboard, but it is also possible to manufacture the keyboard unit by punching a flat plate, and the configuration and manufacture can be simplified. In addition, by simply stacking the key base end of the black key unit on the key base end of the white key unit, the height difference between the white key and the black key is automatically generated depending on the thickness of the black key unit. Since the black key can be projected upward from the white key as in a normal keyboard, the black key is obtained and a blind operation is also possible. Therefore, while maintaining high durability, portability and operability, the configuration and assembly of the keyboard can be simplified to facilitate manufacture.
[0013]
If the key pressing operation portion (the tip side from the key hinge portion) and the key base end portion are formed to have the same thickness, it becomes easy to manufacture a comb-like keyboard unit by punching a flat plate.
[0016]
Incidentally, the white key unit and the black key unit may be configured in the same thickness.
[0017]
Incidentally, both the arrangement of the front Kioritatami arrangement and planar development arrangement, the left and right end side of the keyboard unit, configured to allow it to move relative key arrangement direction with respect to the corresponding frame Also good. At this time, for example, when the keyboard units on the left and right ends are moved in the center direction approaching each other (rightward for the leftmost keyboard unit and leftward for the rightmost keyboard unit), the relative rotation of both adjacent frames is determined. While the movement is restricted, it is desirable that when the keyboard units on the left and right ends are moved, for example, in the directions of the left and right ends that are separated from each other, the adjacent frames can be relatively rotated. As a result, it can be folded by a simple operation, and when used, each frame is fixed in a flat development arrangement, and the operability is good.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a keyboard apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
The keyboard device 1 is a small keyboard device that can be folded and carried, deployed, played, or connected to a mobile computer to input and edit musical sound data. In FIG. It is shown. Hereinafter, the player side of the apparatus is referred to as the front.
[0021]
The keyboard device 1 includes a main case MC (frame) made of synthetic resin, and the main case MC is divided into four blocks. The first, second, third, and fourth main cases MC1, MC2, MC3, MC4 are arranged in series. Subframe assemblies SUB1 to SUB4 described in detail in FIG. 7 are arranged on the first to fourth main cases MC1 to MC4, respectively, and keyboard units KU1 to KU4 are arranged on the subframe assemblies SUB1 to SUB4. Are arranged correspondingly. The subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB2, SUB2 and SUB3, and SUB3 and SUB4 are divided by division positions DIV1, DIV2, and DIV3, respectively.
[0022]
Although details will be described later, the first main case MC1 and the second main case MC2 are rotatably connected by a connecting part CON1 (connecting means), and the second main case MC2 and the third main case MC3 are connected. The third main case MC3 and the fourth main case MC4 are rotatably connected by the connecting part CON3 (connecting means). The subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are configured to be slidable in the key arrangement direction (lateral direction) with respect to the first and fourth main cases MC1 and MC4, respectively, and when the keyboard device 1 is folded or unfolded. Moved.
[0023]
2-4 is an external view which shows the process from the expansion | deployment state of the keyboard apparatus 1 to a folding state. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are moved to the left end position and the right end position, respectively. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the second main case MC2 and the third main case MC3 are rotated and overlapped via the connecting part CON2. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the four main cases MC1 to MC4 are folded and overlapped. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the keyboard device 1 in a developed state.
[0024]
Thus, performance is possible in the unfolded state as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, that is, in a state where the four main cases MC1 to MC4 are unfolded and arranged in series in the key arrangement direction. It becomes. On the other hand, it is normally carried in the folded state shown in FIG. 4, that is, in a state in which the four main cases MC1 to MC4 are folded into approximately one main case.
[0025]
First, the unfolding and folding mechanism of the apparatus 1 will be described.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the connecting part CON <b> 1 includes a connecting piece 20 made of synthetic resin and hinges 21, 22, 23, and 24. The hinges 21 and 22 make the main case MC1 and the connecting piece 20 relatively rotatable, and the hinges 23 and 24 make the connecting piece 20 and the main case MC2 relatively rotatable. Similarly, the connection part CON3 includes a connection piece 25 and hinges 26, 27, 28, and 29. The hinges 26 and 27 make the main case MC3 and the connecting piece 25 relatively rotatable, and the hinges 28 and 29 make the connecting piece 25 and the main case MC4 relatively rotatable.
[0027]
In a state where the subframe assembly SUB1 is moved to the left end position shown in FIG. 2, the main case MC1 and the main case MC2 freely rotate. However, in the state where the subframe assembly SUB1 is moved to the right end position, that is, the position shown in FIG. 1, the right end portion of the subframe assembly SUB1 overlaps the main case MC2, and thus the rotation is restricted. . Further, the relationship between the main case MC3 and the main case MC4 is the same as this, and the rotation is allowed when the subframe assembly SUB4 is moved to the right end position shown in FIG. 2, but the left end shown in FIG. The rotation is restricted at the position. Thereby, at the time of use, it is fixed by the planar development arrangement and the operability is good.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the connecting part CON <b> 2 includes hinges 30 and 31. The hinges 30 and 31 allow the main cases MC2 and MC3 to rotate in the direction in which the back faces face each other from the deployed state, but do not rotate in the direction in which the surfaces face each other from the deployed state. .
[0029]
When folded by the functions of the connecting parts CON1 to CON3, the main cases MC3 and MC4 are further arranged such that the main cases MC2 and MC3 face each other and the main cases MC1 and MC2 face each other. The four main cases are stacked so that their surfaces face each other. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, this apparatus 1 becomes a size of about 1 case size.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the keyboard device 1 in a developed state.
[0031]
As shown in the figure, the main case MC4 is provided with a lever 13 and a claw 32. The main case MC1 is provided with a locking portion (not shown) that engages with the claw 32, and when the keyboard device 1 is folded, both are engaged and the folded state is maintained. Further, the claw 32 is moved forward by sliding the lever 13 forward (player side). When the claw 32 is deployed from the folded state, the claw 32 and the claw 32 are operated by operating the lever 13 forward. It is comprised so that engagement with a latching | locking part can be cancelled | released.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, the main case MC also includes left and right speakers 12L / R that perform stereo sound generation, locking members 16 and 17 whose front portions are arc-shaped in plan view, a display 89 such as an LCD, and a mobile device that will be described later. In addition to an I / F (interface) unit 18 for connection to the computer 60, a storage unit 19 that stores a storage device 84, a sound source circuit 87, a power supply unit 88, and the like, which will be described later, is provided.
[0033]
The speaker 12L is disposed at the left end of the main case MC1 and behind the keyboard unit KU1. The speaker 12R is disposed at the right end of the main case MC4 and behind the keyboard unit KU4. With such an arrangement, when the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are slid in the key arrangement direction with respect to the first and fourth main cases MC1 and MC4, respectively, the speaker 12L / R is connected to the subframe assemblies SUB1, Does not interfere with SUB4. As a result, it is possible to effectively use a narrow space and prevent the compactness from being hindered. Further, since the speakers 12L / R are positioned at the left and right ends which are the outermost sides when the keyboard device 1 is developed, stereo sound generation is effective.
[0034]
The keyboard unit KU1 disposed on the subframe assembly SUB1 includes a white key unit KU1W and a black key unit KU1B, as well as a key range shift operator 11L for changing the pitch of sound produced by pressing a key. As will be described later, when the key range shift operator 11L is pressed, the sound generation range is set, for example, one octave lower (or returned). The keyboard unit KU1 is also provided with an operator group 14 for performing various operations on the screen of the connected mobile computer 60.
[0035]
A part of the operator group 14 and / or a part of the operator group 15 (described later) of the keyboard unit KU4 may be assigned as the key range shift operator 11.
[0036]
The keyboard unit KU2 disposed on the subframe assembly SUB2 includes a white key unit KU2W and a black key unit KU2B, and the keyboard unit KU3 disposed on the subframe assembly SUB3 includes the white key unit. It is composed of KU3W and black key unit KU3B.
[0037]
The keyboard unit KU4 disposed on the subframe assembly SUB4 includes a key shift operation element 11R for changing the tone pitch by pressing the key, in addition to the white key unit KU4W and the black key unit KU4B. As will be described later, when the key range shift operator 11R is pressed, the sound generation range is set higher by, for example, one octave (or returned to the original). The keyboard unit KU4 is also provided with various operator groups 15 for performing mode switching, tone color setting, effect setting for imparting various effects to the musical sound, and the like.
[0038]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are each provided with two locking recesses KM. The locking recess KM has a concave shape that fits with the front arcs of the locking tools 16 and 17. The locking tools 16 and 17 are always urged forward by an elastic body such as a spring. When the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are at the positions shown in FIG. The locking tools 16 and 17 are fitted in the locking recess KM. When the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are slid to the left and right in the key arrangement direction from the state of FIG. 1, the locking tools 16 and 17 are retracted rearward, and when the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are further moved, As shown in FIG. 2, the locking tools 16 and 17 are fitted into the respective locking recesses KM inside. Accordingly, when the locking tools 16 and 17 are fitted in the locking recesses KM, two stable positions in the key arrangement direction of the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 (positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Is defined.
[0039]
Next, the internal configuration of each subframe assembly SUB and each keyboard unit KU will be described.
[0040]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the subframe assembly SUB. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 7, the subframe assembly SUB4 includes a subframe 42 made of a metal plate such as iron and a membrane sheet 43 made of a flexible material. The membrane sheet 43 has a known configuration, and switch portions 44 and 45 are configured in a dome-shaped space formed between the upper and lower sheets. The switch units 44 and 45 are provided corresponding to the white key WK and the black key BK, respectively, and detect pressing / releasing key operations. In addition, when the key pressing operation is detected, the dome-shaped portions of the switch portions 44 and 45 are buckled and deformed, whereby a click feeling with a feeling of escape is obtained. A lower limit stopper 42c is integrally formed on the front portion of the subframe 42 so as to define the lower limit position of the white key WK that is pressed with an excessive force.
[0042]
On the other hand, guide grooves 33 and 34 are provided in the fourth main case MC4. The guide grooves 33 and 34 are formed over substantially the entire width in the key arrangement direction of the fourth main case MC4, and the rear and front edges of the subframe 42 are slidably fitted into the guide grooves 33 and 34, respectively. Thus, the subframe assembly SUB4 can slide in the key arrangement direction. In order to move the subframe assembly SUB4, the key range shift operator 11R can be held and moved left and right. Therefore, since the key range shift operator 11R also serves as a gripping part at the time of slide movement, the configuration is simple.
[0043]
The subframe assembly SUB1 is configured similarly to the subframe assembly SUB4. For the subframe assembly SUB1, the key range shift operator 11L also serves as a gripping portion. The subframe assemblies SUB2 and SUB3 are configured similarly to the subframe assembly SUB4 except for the guide grooves 33 and 34.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 8, the four subframe assemblies SUB are divided at the division positions DIV1, DIV2, and DIV3 (indicated by keyboard parts) shown in FIG. However, the subframe assemblies SUB2 and SUB3 are physically and electrically connected by the flat cable 41B. A flat cable 41A extends from the subframe assembly SUB2 to the left, and a flat cable 41C extends from the subframe assembly SUB3 to the right.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 9, the subframe 42 is cut and raised by the cut and raised portion 42a, and the cut and raised piece 42b is bent downward. The membrane sheet 43 extends so that the extended portion 43a extends downward from the left side of the subframe 42, and is further bonded and fixed to the cut and raised piece 42b so as to cover the cut and raised piece 42b. An electrode (not shown) is provided on the lower surface 43b of the extending portion 43a. On the other hand, the flat cable 41C extending from the subframe assembly SUB3 extends below the subframe assembly SUB4 and is bonded and fixed to the bottom surface of the fourth main case MC4. An electrode (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the flat cable 41C. And when this electrode and the electrode provided in the lower surface 43b of the extending part 43a of the membrane sheet 43 contact, sub-frame assembly SUB3 and SUB4 are electrically connected via the flat cable 41C. Since the cut-and-raised piece 42b is urged downward by its elasticity, both the electrodes are always kept in contact with each other even when the subframe assembly SUB4 is slid in the key arrangement direction.
[0046]
Further, the subframe assembly SUB1 is similarly configured, and the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB2 are always electrically connected via the flat cable 41A. The electrical connection between the subframe assemblies SUB3 and SUB4 and the electrical connection between SUB1 and SUB2 are not limited to the above configuration. For example, you may comprise combining the hook-shaped movable terminal and fixed terminal which are employ | adopted with a rotary encoder etc.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 7, the keyboard unit KU4 is disposed above the subframe assembly SUB4. The keyboard unit KU4 is formed by stacking a black key unit KU4B on a white key unit KU4W. That is, the key base end portion KU4Wa of the white key unit KU4W is mounted on the upper portion of the rear portion of the subframe 42, and the key base end portion KU4Ba of the black key unit KU4B is further mounted on the upper portion thereof. It is fixed to the rear portion of the subframe assembly SUB4 with screws 46.
[0048]
Each of the white key unit KU4W and the black key unit KU4B is formed by punching a synthetic resin flat plate, and the thickness is set as thin as possible within a range where the performance operation can be performed without any trouble (for example, 2 mm, preferably 5 mm). Less than). In addition, in both units KU4W and KU4B, substantially the entire region that can be seen in plan view from above is formed on a substantially flat surface. As a result, the thickness of the white key WK and the black key BK is minimized, and the vertical dimension of the keyboard is reduced.
[0049]
In the present embodiment, in both units KU4W and KU4B, the key pressing operation portion (the tip side from the hinge portion of the key) and the key base end portions KU4Wa and KU4Ba are formed to have the same thickness. Comb-like keyboard units can be easily manufactured. Further, since the unit can be assembled simply by stacking and fixing the black key unit KU4B on the white key unit KU4W, the assembling work is simple. Further, since the black key BK protrudes naturally upward (about 2 mm) from the white key WK due to the thickness of the black key unit KU4B itself, a black key-likeness appears and a blind operation is also possible. Note that both units KU4W and KU4B may be manufactured by molding.
[0050]
Actuators KU4Wb and KU4Bb are attached to the lower surfaces of the white key WK and the black key BK, respectively. By the key pressing operation, the actuators KU4Wb and KU4Bb turn on the switch portions 44 and 45 of the membrane sheet 43, respectively, and the key pressing operation is detected. The key release operation is detected by the reverse operation.
[0051]
The other keyboard units KU1 to KU3 are basically configured in the same manner as the keyboard unit KU4, but the types of keys arranged based on the difference in pitch are different.
[0052]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the keyboard unit KU1 has the C key to F key, the keyboard unit KU2 has the G key to C key, the keyboard unit KU3 has the D key to G key, and the keyboard unit KU4 has the A key to C key. Established. In the present embodiment, in order to make the length of the keyboard arrangement direction of each keyboard unit KU as common as possible, the F # key is assigned to the keyboard unit KU2 and the C # key is assigned to the keyboard unit KU3. , G # keys are arranged in the keyboard unit KU4, respectively, but these black keys may be arranged in any adjacent keyboard unit KU.
[0053]
With this arrangement, the number of white keys in the keyboard units KU1, KU2, KU3, and KU4 is “4, 4, 4, 3” in order, and all the black and white keys are 25 keys. Although the number of keys from C to C is 25, the number of keys is small, but the sound range can be covered in many musical tones, and there are few troubles in performance and the use is not excessively limited.
[0054]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a mobile keyboard system in which the keyboard device 1 is connected to the mobile computer 60.
[0055]
As an example, the mobile computer 60 includes a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63, a storage device 64, a keyboard 65, a display circuit 66, a sound source circuit 67, a communication I / F (interface) 68, and an I / F (interface) unit 69 via a bus 73. Connected and configured. A display 70 such as an LCD is connected to the display circuit 66, and a sound system 71 is connected to the sound source circuit 67. The communication I / F 68 enables connection with a distribution server or other computers via the communication network 72.
[0056]
The CPU 61 controls the entire mobile computer 60. The RAM 62 stores various data and also functions as a working area for the CPU 61. The ROM 63 stores a control program executed by the CPU 61 and the like. The storage device 64 is composed of a RAM, a hard disk or the like, and stores performance data and the like. The display circuit 66 displays various information on the display 70 in a visible manner. The display 70 displays, for example, a screen for editing automatic performance data and musical tone data, and allows confirmation of input information.
[0057]
In the keyboard device 1, a CPU 82, a RAM 82, a ROM 83, a storage device 84, various operators 85, a display circuit 86, a sound source circuit 87, a power source unit 88 such as a battery, and the I / F (interface) unit 18 described above are a bus 90. Connected and configured. The display circuit 86 is connected to the display 89 described above, and the sound source circuit 87 is connected to the speaker 12L / R described above. The various operators 85 include the key range shift operator 11L / R, the switch units 44 and 45, and the operator groups 14 and 15 described above.
[0058]
The CPU 81 controls the entire keyboard device 1. The RAM 82 stores various data and also functions as a working area for the CPU 81. The ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the CPU 81 and the like. The storage device 84 is configured by a RAM or the like. The display circuit 86 displays various information on the display 89 in a visible manner. The tone generator circuit 87 generates a musical sound signal in response to a key pressing operation of each key, and the musical sound is generated by the speaker 12L / R converting the musical sound signal into sound.
[0059]
This mobile keyboard system is configured by connecting the I / F unit 18 of the keyboard apparatus 1 and the I / F unit 69 of the mobile computer 60. As these interfaces, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 or the like may be employed.
[0060]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of various switch event processing in the mobile keyboard system. This process is executed by the CPU 61.
[0061]
It is determined whether or not any switch (SW) event has occurred (step S101). If there is no switch event as a result of the determination, the process ends. If any switch event has occurred, It is determined whether or not the switch event is a key switch event (switch unit 44, 45 on or off event) (step S102).
[0062]
As a result of the determination, if the switch event is a key switch event, keyboard processing is executed (step S103), and the process proceeds to step S115. In this keyboard processing, sound generation or mute processing corresponding to the pressed key is performed. On the other hand, if the switch event is not a key switch event, it is determined whether or not the switch event is a timbre switch (step S104).
[0063]
As a result of the determination, if the switch event is a timbre switch event, various timbre parameter change setting processing is executed (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if the switch event is not a timbre switch event, it is determined whether or not the switch event is an effect switch event (step S106).
[0064]
As a result of the determination, if the switch event is an effect switch event, various effect parameter change setting processing is executed (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if the switch event is not an effect switch event, it is determined whether or not the switch event is an octave switch event, that is, an ON event of any one of the key range shift operators 11L / R (step S108).
[0065]
As a result of the determination, if the switch event is an octave switch event, it is determined which of the key range shift operator 11L (−) or the key range shift operator 11R (+) is on (step S109). ). As a result of the determination, if the octave switch event is an on event of the key range shift operator 11R (+), “1-POCT” is set in the variable POCT (step S110), and the note number table corresponding to the key. Is rewritten by the variable POCT (step S111), and the process proceeds to step S115. As a result, each time the key range shift operator 11R is pressed, the sounding range produced by the key depression is switched between the initial state and the state shifted to the one octave high range side.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S109 is that the octave switch event is the key range shift operator 11L (−), “1-MOCT” is set in the variable MOCT (step S112), and the note corresponding to the key is set. The number table is rewritten with the variable MOCT (step S113), and the process proceeds to step S115. Thus, every time the key range shift operator 11L is pressed, the sounding range produced by the key depression is switched between the initial state and the state shifted to the 1 octave low range side.
[0067]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S108 is that the switch event is not an octave switch event, “other processing” corresponding to the switch event is executed (step S114), and the process proceeds to step S115. In the “other processing”, for example, music data is transmitted / received by connecting to the Internet, or automatic performance is reproduced. In addition, real-time performance, step input of musical sound data, various mode switching processing, and the like can be performed by “other processing”.
[0068]
In step S115, various parameters after the change are displayed on the display 70, enabling confirmation by the user, and the present process is terminated. After this process is completed, the process returns to the beginning of the routine to perform event processing.
[0069]
The keyboard device 1 is connected to other devices such as a mobile phone, PHS, and PDA, and uses these communication functions and information processing functions to transmit and receive data and produce music. Good. Note that the keyboard device 1 can perform simple pronunciation by playing alone without being connected to the mobile computer 60 or the like. Even in such a case, there are only restrictions such as a reduction in tone richness and a decrease in the number of control parameters as compared with the combined configuration with the mobile computer 60 or the like.
[0070]
According to the present embodiment, of the four main cases MC, adjacent main cases MC are rotatably connected by the connecting portions CON1, CON2, and CON3, and the adjacent main cases MC are folded from the folded state to the flatly developed state. Therefore, the rigidity and durability are improved as compared with the case where the sheet-like keyboard is folded and folded. In addition, since both the folding arrangement and the flat deployment arrangement are possible via each connecting part CON, the folding arrangement can be carried in a compact manner, and the performance operation can be performed in the flat deployment arrangement. Moreover, since the keyboard unit KU is provided not on the soft sheet but on the main case MC having a certain degree of rigidity, it is easy to perform a key pressing operation. In addition, the four main keys MC1 to MC3 on the low-frequency range side are each provided with four white keys. Therefore, the lengths in the key arrangement direction can be easily unified, the size can be easily reduced, and the portability can be improved. Can be increased. The number of keys arranged in the main case MC4 on the highest sound range side is not limited to the illustrated five keys (monochrome combined). For example, multi-model production is facilitated by using the same main case MC and changing the number of keys arranged in the main case MC4 in various ways. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the key arrangement configuration of C key to C key 25 key is adopted, the sound range can be covered in many musical tones, there are few troubles in performance, and the use is not excessively limited. Therefore, it becomes possible to adapt to a wide music scene.
[0071]
Therefore, it has high durability, portability and operability, and can easily adapt to a wide music scene and cope with multi-model production.
[0072]
Note that even if the number of white keys arranged in the main case MC4 on the highest sound range side is two keys and the total number is 24 keys, it is possible to adapt to a wide music scene. For example, in the case of 24 keys, the arrangement of “F key to E key” or “C key to B key” can cover the sound range in more musical tones. Further, the white key may not be arranged in the main case MC4, and a total of 20 keys may be secured in black and white. Even in this case, adaptation to a relatively wide music scene is possible. For example, if the arrangement is from the F key to the C key, the sound range can be covered in many tunes. As described above, the arrangement of white keys “4, 4, 4,...” From the low sound range side secures at least 20 keys including black and white, which facilitates adaptation to a wide music scene.
[0073]
In the present embodiment, the operator group 15 for timbres and effects, which are operators other than the keys, is provided in the main case MC4 on the highest tone range side, so that space is effectively used. In other words, the main case MC4 is not provided with a key in the case of a total of 20 keys, and needs two white keys in the case of 24 keys and three white keys in the case of 25 keys. Assuming that the lengths of the four main cases MC in the key arrangement direction are unified, in any of these cases, an empty space is generated in the main case MC4. As a result, the operation elements can be laid out without increasing the size of the entire keyboard device. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the portability by making the space compact by effectively utilizing the empty space.
[0074]
Further, in the present embodiment, in each keyboard unit KU, the white key WK and the black key BK have a thickness of 5 mm or less, and substantially the entire area that can be seen in plan view from above is formed on a substantially flat surface. By minimizing the thickness of the key, the vertical dimension of the keyboard can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve portability by minimizing the keyboard thickness while maintaining high durability and operability.
[0075]
Further, the keyboard unit KU is configured by stacking a key base end KUBa as a black key common base end of the black key unit KU4B on a key base end KUWa as a white key common base end of the white key unit KUW. Therefore, the keyboard unit KU can be assembled simply by stacking both key base ends, and the keyboard unit can be easily assembled. Moreover, since both the key units KUW and KUB are formed in a flat plate shape, not only can the thickness of the white key and the black key be reduced to reduce the vertical dimension of the keyboard, but also the keyboard by punching the flat plate or the like. The unit can be manufactured, and the configuration and manufacturing can be simplified. Therefore, while maintaining high durability, portability and operability, the configuration and assembly of the keyboard can be simplified to facilitate manufacture.
[0076]
Furthermore, the height of the white key WK and the black key BK is increased depending on the thickness of the black key unit KU4B by simply stacking the key base end KUB of the black key unit KU4B on the key base end KUWa of the white key unit KUW. Thus, the black key BK can be projected upward from the white key WK as in a normal keyboard, so that a black key is obtained and a blind operation is also possible. Therefore, with a simple configuration and easy assembly, a blind operation or the like can be performed and operability can be improved.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, since the key range shift operator 11 is provided, the soundable range is widened, and the key range shift operator 11 has the left end portion of the main case MC1 on the lowest range side and the main range on the highest range side. Since it is provided at the right end of the case MC4, it is easy to operate each key range shift operator 11. In addition, since the key range shift operator 11L / R is configured to also serve as a grip portion when the subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are slid, the key range shift operator 11L / R is compared with a case where a key range shift operator and a grip portion are separately provided. In addition, the configuration can be simplified. Therefore, it has high durability, portability and operability, and can cover a wide sound range with a simple configuration and a small number of keys.
[0078]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the speaker 12L / R is arranged at the left and right ends of the main cases MC1, 4 and behind the keyboard units KU1, 4, so that the folding arrangement and the planar development arrangement are The speaker 12L / R does not get in the way when the keyboard units KU1 and KU are moved in the key arrangement direction at the time of changing the arrangement. Therefore, the speaker 12 can be arranged without wasting a narrow space, which contributes to downsizing, so that the portability of the apparatus is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to generate a sound by pressing a key while maintaining high durability, portability, and operability. Further, when the planar development arrangement is adopted, the speakers 12L / R are located at the outermost both ends of the keyboard device 1, respectively, so that the arrangement is the most effective for stereophonic sound and a good stereo effect is obtained. be able to.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, the white key unit KUW and the black key unit KU4B are configured separately, but may be configured integrally. In that case, after punching the flat plate, a black seal of about 5 mm may be stuck on the upper surface of the region corresponding to the black key unit KU4B. As a result, the black key is clearly visually recognized, and the black key protrudes upward from the white key, and the blind operation is facilitated as described above.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the white key unit KUW and the black key unit KU4B are both formed in a flat plate shape, but only one of them may be configured as such, and the thicknesses of both are not the same. May be. Only one of the key range shift operators 11L / R may be provided.
[0081]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a keyboard apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0082]
In the first embodiment, the key arrangement configuration of C key to C key 25 key is illustrated, but in the second embodiment, the key arrangement configuration of F key to F key 25 key is shown. The basic configuration of the subframe assembly and the keyboard unit is the same as that of the first embodiment, and only the division positions are different. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the subframe assemblies SUB11 and SUB12, the SUB12 and SUB13, and the SUB13 and SUB14 are divided at the dividing positions DIV11, DIV12, and DIV13, respectively. . Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0083]
According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0084]
The number of white keys arranged in the keyboard unit corresponding to the subframe assembly SUB14 may be any of 0 to 4. For example, when the number of white keys is 2 and the total number of keys is 24, “F Ideally, “key to E key”.
[0085]
In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in the case where there are four main cases MC is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this, and two or more connecting portions CON1 to CON3 are appropriately combined ( A plurality of main cases MC (including four or more) may be configured to be foldable.
[0086]
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, two main cases MC101 and main case MC102 are rotatably connected by a connecting part CON101, and the connecting part CON101 is connected by a connecting piece 125 and hinges 126, 127, 128, and 129. It may be configured. In the figure, only the outline of the configuration of the main case MC is shown, and the keyboard unit KU and the like are omitted.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
According to the keyboard device of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to simplify the configuration and assembly of the keyboard and to facilitate manufacture while maintaining high durability, portability, and operability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a keyboard device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a state where subframe assemblies SUB1 and SUB4 are moved to a left end position and a right end position, respectively.
FIG. 3 shows a state where the second main case and the third main case are rotated and overlapped via a connecting part CON2.
FIG. 4 shows a state where four main cases are folded and overlapped.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the keyboard device in a developed state.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the keyboard device in a developed state.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a subframe assembly SUB.
9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a mobile keyboard system in which a keyboard device is connected to a mobile computer.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of various switch event processing in the mobile keyboard system.
FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a keyboard device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example when there are two main cases.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 keyboard device, 11L / R key range shift operator, 14, 15 operator group, 18 I / F (interface) unit, 42 subframe, 43 membrane sheet, 44, 45 switch unit, 60 mobile computer, 61 CPU, 64 storage devices, 68 communication I / F (interface), 69 I / F (interface) section, 70 display, 81 CPU, KU1 to KU4 keyboard unit, SUB1 to SUB4 subframe assembly, MC1 to MC4 main case (frame) , WK white key, BK black key, CON1-CON3 connecting part (connecting means)

Claims (2)

Multiple frames,
A plurality of subframes, each one corresponding to each of the plurality of frames;
A plurality of keyboard units each having a plurality of keys, each one fixed corresponding to each of the plurality of subframes;
A connecting means for connecting adjacent frames among the plurality of frames and relatively rotating the adjacent frames from a folded state to a flat-deployed state;
In the flat unfolded state, the left and right side subframes, together with the corresponding keyboard unit, are configured to be independently movable in the key arrangement direction relative to the corresponding frame,
A folding arrangement in which the plurality of frames are folded into approximately one frame size via the connecting means by moving the keyboard units on the left and right ends relative to the corresponding frames in the key arrangement direction. And a plurality of frames are expanded and arranged in a plane deployment arrangement in which the frames are arranged in series in the key arrangement direction.
Each keyboard unit, laminating a black key unit having a plurality of black keys of the white key unit and Kagimoto end having a plurality of white keys to the common key base end portion in common with both the key base end Be configured ,
The white key unit and the black key unit are both formed in a flat plate shape ,
Since the key base end of the black key unit is stacked on the key base end of the white key unit, there is a difference in height between the black key and the white key depending on the thickness of the black key unit. keyboard apparatus characterized by there. 2. The keyboard apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a key range shift operator fixedly provided at at least one of a left end portion of the left end side keyboard unit and a right end portion of the right end side keyboard unit.

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