JP3716771B2 - 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]
In addition, when a key switch board having a key switch is provided to detect key operations such as key pressing, the key switch is designed so that accurate detection can be performed without malfunction when it is in a playable state. It is required to do.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-purpose of that is, high durability while maintaining the portability and good operability, to ensure the stability of the key operation detecting An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device that can be used.
[0008]
[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, connecting the frames adjacent to each other among the plurality of frames, the plane from the folded state of both frames the adjacent Each has a connecting means that can be rotated relative to the unfolded state and a key switch that can detect a key operation, provided corresponding to each of the plurality of frames, and fixedly held in the corresponding frame A key switch board, a keyboard unit corresponding to each key switch board and disposed on the upper surface of each key switch board, a locking portion provided on the plurality of frames, and both left and right ends respectively provided on the keyboard unit corresponding to the side of the frame, and a locking counterpart of the locking portion can be locked respectively engaged in the plan expanded state, corresponding to the left and right end sides frame By moving the keyboard unit relative to the corresponding frame in the key arrangement direction, and the plurality of frames are folded into approximately one frame size via the connecting means; And a keyboard corresponding to the left and right side frames when the two-dimensionally deployed arrangement is possible. The key switch of the corresponding key switch board faces each key of the unit so that the key operation of each key can be detected, and the keyboard units corresponding to the left and right side frames are arranged in the key arrangement direction. The keyboard unit is stable at a position corresponding to the folding arrangement by moving the adjacent keyboard unit away from the adjacent keyboard unit and locking the locking part to the locking corresponding part. In addition, the keyboard unit corresponding to the frame on both the left and right sides is moved so as to be close to the keyboard unit adjacent in the key arrangement direction, so that the keyboard unit is over the corresponding frame and the frame adjacent to the frame. The keyboard unit is stabilized at a position corresponding to the planar development arrangement by locking the locking portion to the locking corresponding portion in a wrapped state .
[0009]
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. Further, by moving the keyboard units corresponding to the left and right side frames in the key arrangement direction relative to the corresponding frames, the plurality of frames are made approximately one frame large via the connecting means. Since both the folded arrangement that is folded and the planar deployment arrangement in which the plurality of frames are expanded and arranged in series in the key arrangement direction are possible, the folded arrangement can be compactly carried and Further, the performance operation can be performed in a flat deployment, and the key is provided on a frame having a certain degree of rigidity rather than a sheet shape, so that the key pressing operation is easy. In addition, when the plane deployment arrangement, the key switch of the corresponding key switch board is opposed to each key of the keyboard unit corresponding to the left and right side frames, so that the key operation of each key can be detected. In a planar development arrangement for performing a performance operation, the key operation of each key is reliably detected. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stability of key operation detection while maintaining high durability, portability, and good operability.
[0010]
In the configuration described in claim 1, it is preferable that the keyboard unit is composed of a white key unit having a plurality of white keys and a black key unit having a plurality of black keys. By configuring in this way and allowing the slide as a keyboard unit with an integrated white key / black key, the device can be easily expanded and folded. In addition, the keyboard unit 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 stacked on both key base ends. And may be configured. As a result, assembly can be performed simply by stacking the keyboard units, and the assembly of the keyboard can be simplified.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]
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.
[0016]
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. On the first to fourth main cases MC1 to MC4, key switch boards PB1 to PB4, which will be described later, are fixedly arranged with respect to the respective cases, and on the key switch boards PB1 to PB4, the keyboard units KU1 to KU1. KU4 is arranged correspondingly. Between the first and second main cases MC1 and MC2, between the second and third main cases MC2 and MC3, and between the third and fourth main cases MC3 and MC4, the division positions DIV1, DIV2, and DIV3 are divided, respectively. Yes.
[0017]
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). As will be described later, the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 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 the keyboard device 1 is folded or unfolded. When you move.
[0018]
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 keyboard units KU1 and KU4 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.
[0019]
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.
[0020]
First, the expansion and folding mechanism of the apparatus 1 will be described mainly.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, key switch boards PB1 to PB4 are provided in the main cases MC1 to MC4, respectively. The key switch substrates PB1 to PB4 are fixed to the corresponding main case MC with an adhesive or a double-sided tape (not shown).
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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. .
[0024]
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.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, a lever 13 is provided in the main case MC4. The main case MC1 is provided with claws and locking portions (both not shown) that can be engaged with each other by operating the lever 13 in the front-rear direction. When the keyboard device 1 is folded, both engage. Thus, the folded state is maintained.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
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, the speaker 12L / R does not interfere with the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 when the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are slid in the key arrangement direction with respect to the first and fourth main cases MC1 and MC4, respectively. . 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.
[0028]
The keyboard unit KU1 disposed above the first main case MC1 includes a white key unit KU1W and a black key unit KU1B, as well as a key range shift operator 11L for changing the sound pitch generated by pressing the 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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
The keyboard unit KU2 includes a white key unit KU2W and a black key unit KU2B, and the keyboard unit KU3 includes a white key unit KU3W and a black key unit KU3B.
[0031]
In addition to the white key unit KU4W and the black key unit KU4B, the keyboard unit KU4 includes a key range shift operator 11R for changing the sound pitch generated by pressing a key. 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.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 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, and when the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are at the positions shown in FIG. The locking tools 16 and 17 are fitted in the recess KM. When the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are slid to the left and right in the key arrangement direction from the state shown in FIG. 1, the locking members 16 and 17 are retracted backward, and the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are further moved, as shown in FIG. As described above, the locking tools 16 and 17 are fitted into the respective locking recesses KM. Therefore, when the locking tools 16 and 17 are fitted to the locking recesses KM, two stable positions (positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in the key arrangement direction of the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are defined. Is done.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, 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, and further the key base end portion KU4Ba of the black key unit KU4B is mounted on the upper portion thereof. Composed. The keyboard unit KU4 is slidably mounted on the upper part of the rear portion of the key switch board PB4.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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 differences in pitches are different.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
The relationship between the keyboard unit KU1 and the key switch substrate PB1 is the same as the relationship between the keyboard unit KU4 and the key switch substrate PB4. Since the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are configured as white key / black key integrated keyboard units, they can be slid together with the corresponding main case or key switch board, and the keyboard device 1 can be expanded and folded. It has become easier.
[0039]
Further, in a state where the key operation is possible (the state shown in FIG. 1) in a flat state, the F key of the keyboard unit KU1 is assigned to the first main case MC1, the key switch board PB1, the second main case MC2, and the key. It is located across (overlapping) the switch board PB2, and the G # key of the keyboard unit KU4 spans the third main case MC3, the key switch board PB3, the fourth main case MC4, and the key switch board PB4. Located (overlapping). Thus, the structure is difficult to bend.
[0040]
Adjacent key switch boards PB are electrically connected by a flexible flexible cable. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a string-like flexible cable FC1 (connecting means) is provided between the key switch boards PB1 and PB2, and a flat flexible cable FC2 (connecting means) is provided between the key switch boards PB2 and PB3. The switch boards PB3 and PB4 are connected by a string-like flexible cable FC3 (connection means). Each cable FC connects the rear part of each key switch board PB.
[0041]
A recess 91 (L / R) for accommodating the cable FC1 is formed between the key switch boards PB1 and PB2. A groove cut out horizontally at the rear end of the left end of the main case MC2 is a recess 91R. A recess 91L, which is a groove symmetrical to the recess 91R, is also cut out at the rear end of the right end portion of the main case MC1, but the recess 91L does not appear in the drawing. A recess 93 (L / R) for accommodating the cable FC3 is formed between the key switch boards PB3 and PB4. Similar to the recesses 91L and R, the recesses 93L and R are configured as grooves that are horizontally cut out at the rear end of the right end of the main case MC3 and the rear end of the left end of the main case MC4, respectively.
[0042]
The flexible cables FC1 and FC3 can be flexibly flexed. When the keyboard device 1 is unfolded, the flexible cables FC1 and FC3 are hardly bent, and are flexed backward along the groove as the keyboard device 1 is folded (FIG. 3). reference). That is, the bent portions of the cables FC1 and FC3 are accommodated in the recesses 91 and 93, respectively.
[0043]
On the other hand, a recess 92 (L / R) for accommodating the cable FC2 is formed between the key switch boards PB2 and PB3. The recess 92L is formed by cutting the rear end of the right end of the main case MC2 to the left, and the recess 92R is formed by cutting the rear end of the left end of the main case MC3 to the right. The cable FC2 can be flexibly flexed. When the keyboard device 1 is folded, the cable FC2 hardly bends, and as the keyboard device 1 is deployed, the cable FC2 expands and flexes in a hook shape in the key arrangement direction and upward (see FIG. 1, see FIG. However, since the recess 92 is provided, the bent portion of the cable FC2 is accommodated in the recess 92. Note that the cable FC2 may be configured to protrude outward (upward) to such an extent that the key operability is not affected in the flat state.
[0044]
In this way, the cables FC1, FC2, FC3 can be accommodated in the recesses 91, 92, 93, so that the bent portion protrudes to the outside and interferes with the expansion / folding operation. There is no fear.
[0045]
The recesses 91, 92, and 93 may have other shapes as long as they can accommodate the cables FC1, FC2, and FC3. Moreover, although each recessed part 91 was formed by providing a groove | channel in both adjacent main cases, you may make it only provide an appropriate recessed part only in any one.
[0046]
Next, the sliding mechanism of the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 will be described. The keyboard device 1 is provided with a guide body 100L / R. As shown in FIG. 1, the guide bodies 100L / R are disposed at the left end and the right end of the main cases MC1 and MC4, respectively. The keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are guided by the guide body 100L / R when sliding.
[0047]
In FIG. 1, illustration of a part of the player side of the guide body 100L is omitted (a broken surface). 2 and 3, the guide body 100L / R is not shown.
[0048]
FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the guide body. In the figure, a guide body 100R is shown.
[0049]
The guide body 100R is configured such that guide pieces 100Ra and 100Rb are connected to the base portions 100Rc and 100Rd with a step, and a bridge portion 100Re is connected between the guide pieces 100Ra and 100Rb. For example, the guide body 100R is integrally formed of synthetic resin or metal. In the case of metal, it is integrally formed by pressing. The guide body 100R is fixed by screwing both base portions 100Rc and 100Rd to the main case MC4. The guide body 100L is similarly configured symmetrically.
[0050]
On the other hand, hook-shaped guided portions 11La and 11Lb are formed integrally with the keyboard unit KU1 at the lower portions of both front and rear ends of the key range shift operator 11L of the keyboard unit KU1 (see FIG. 1). Similarly, guided portions 11Ra and 11Rb are formed for the key range shift operator 11R. The guided portion 11Ra is not shown in the figure, and the guided portion 11Rb is shown in FIG. The guided portions 11La and 11Lb are loosely fitted below the guide pieces 100La and 100Lb, and the guided portions 11Ra and 11Rb are loosely fitted below the guide pieces 100Ra and 100Rb, respectively.
[0051]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the main cases MC1 and MC4 are provided with grooves 94 and 95, respectively. The grooves 94 and 95 are formed along the key arrangement direction on the bottom surfaces of the main cases MC1 and MC4. On the lower surfaces of the keyboard units KU1 and KU4, protrusions (not shown) that are fitted in the grooves 94 and 95 and longer than the groove width are provided in the key arrangement direction, and sliding operation of the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 is performed. Sometimes, these protrusions slide in the groove portions 94 and 95, and the guided portions 11La, 11Lb, 11Ra, and 11Rb slide under the guide pieces 100La, 100Lb, 100Ra, and 100Rb. As a result, the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 can smoothly slide in the key arrangement direction.
[0052]
In order to move the keyboard units KU1 and KU, the key range shift operators 11L and R can be held and moved left and right. Accordingly, the key range shift operators 11L and 11R also serve as a gripping part during the slide movement, so that the configuration is simple.
[0053]
Each key switch board PB is provided with a key switch SW (not shown). The key switch SW is provided corresponding to each of the white key WK and the black key BK, and detects a key release operation. As an example, the positions of the key switch SW1 for D # 4, the key switch SW2 for F4, and the key switch SW3 for G # 5 on the key switch board PB are shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the keyboard unit KU1 is moved to the left end, the D # 4 key and the key switch SW1 do not coincide with each other in the key arrangement direction. However, as shown in FIG. In the state where KU1 is moved to the left end, the D # 4 key (the actuator portion not shown) is positioned just above the key switch SW1. Therefore, in the unfolded state, the corresponding key switch SW is opposed to each key of the keyboard units KU1, 4 and the key operation of each key of the keyboard units KU1, 4 can be detected. Since the keyboard units KU2 and KU4 are fixed with respect to the main cases MC2 and MC4 and do not slide, the key switches SW on the key switch boards PB2 and PB3 always face each key of the keyboard units KU2 and KU4. .
[0054]
The key switch SW is composed of, for example, a membrane switch that is folded to form two surfaces (two sheets). This key switch SW is formed by forming a concave portion that protrudes outward by pressing on either surface of each membrane sheet, and forming a switch pattern on the inner surface and the corresponding portion. It should be noted that other switch configurations may be employed as long as they are configured to be extremely thin.
[0055]
FIG. 7 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.
[0056]
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.
[0057]
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.
[0058]
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 key switch unit SW, and the operator groups 14 and 15 described above.
[0059]
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.
[0060]
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.
[0061]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of various switch event processing in the mobile keyboard system. This process is executed by the CPU 61.
[0062]
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 (on / off event of the key switch unit SW) (step S102).
[0063]
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).
[0064]
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).
[0065]
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).
[0066]
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.
[0067]
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.
[0068]
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”.
[0069]
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.
[0070]
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.
[0071]
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. Further, when the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are slid and arranged in a plane, the key switches SW of the corresponding key switch boards PB1 and PB4 are opposed to the keys of the keyboard units KU1 and KU4, and the key operation of each key is performed. Although the key switch boards PB1 and PB4 are fixed to the main cases MC1 and MC4, the switch operation is stably performed and the key operation of each key is reliably detected. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stability of key operation detection while maintaining high durability, portability, and good operability.
[0072]
The keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are composed of a white key unit KUW having a plurality of white keys and a black key unit KU4B having a plurality of black keys. By making it possible, the expansion and folding operations of the apparatus can be facilitated.
[0073]
In addition, the key switch boards PB1, PB2, PB3, and PB4 are connected by flexible cables FC1, FC2, and FC3 that can be flexibly bent. In the process of changing the arrangement between the folding arrangement and the flat deployment arrangement, each cable is bent. Since this part can be accommodated in each of the recesses 91, 92, 93 provided between the adjacent main cases MC, the cable can be prevented from being damaged or disturbed by the expansion and folding operations of the apparatus. The Therefore, it is possible to ensure a good electrical connection state between the substrates in the expansion and folding operations of the apparatus while maintaining high durability, portability, and good operability.
[0074]
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.
[0075]
In addition, in this Embodiment, although the structure in case the number of main cases MC is four was illustrated, it is not restricted to this, Two or more (including four or more are included) combining the connection parts CON1-CON3 suitably. A plurality of main cases MC may be foldable.
[0076]
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, two main cases MC <b> 101 and main case MC <b> 102 are rotatably connected by a connecting part CON <b> 101, and the connecting part CON <b> 101 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.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to claim 1 of the present invention, it is possible to ensure the stability of key operation detection while maintaining high durability, portability, and good operability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a state in which the keyboard units KU1 and KU4 are moved to the left end position and the 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 an external perspective view showing a configuration of a guide body.
FIG. 7 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. 8 is a flowchart of various switch event processing in the mobile keyboard system.
FIG. 9 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) section, 42 subframe, 43 membrane sheet, 60 mobile computer, 61 CPU, 64 storage device, 68 communication I / F (interface), 69 I / F (interface) section, 70 display, 81 CPU, 91, 92, 93 recess, 100 L / R guide body, KU1-KU4 keyboard unit, MC1-MC4 main case (frame), WK white key, BK black key, CON1-CON3 connecting part (connecting means), PB1-PB4 key switch board, SW key switch, KU1W white key unit, KU1B black key unit, FC1-FC3 flexible cable (connecting means)

Claims (2)

Multiple frames,
Connecting means for connecting frames adjacent to each other among the plurality of frames, and relatively rotating the adjacent frames from a folded state to a flat deployed state;
Each having a key switch capable of detecting a key operation, provided corresponding to each of the plurality of frames, and a key switch substrate fixedly held in the corresponding frame;
A keyboard unit corresponding to each key switch board and disposed opposite to the upper surface of each key switch board ;
Locking portions provided on the plurality of frames;
Each provided with a keyboard unit corresponding to the frame on both the left and right sides, and a locking corresponding portion that can be locked respectively.
In the planar development state, by moving the keyboard units corresponding to the left and right side frames in the key arrangement direction relative to the corresponding frames, the plurality of frames are substantially omitted via the connecting means. A configuration in which both a folding arrangement in which the frame is folded and a plane deployment arrangement in which the plurality of frames are expanded and arranged in series in the key arrangement direction is possible,
When arranged in the plane, the key switch of the corresponding key switch board faces each key of the keyboard unit corresponding to the left and right side frames, and the key operation of each key can be detected. It is,
The keyboard unit corresponding to the left and right side frames is moved and moved away from the adjacent keyboard unit in the key arrangement direction, and the locking part is locked to the locking corresponding part, whereby the keyboard The unit is stable at a position corresponding to the folding arrangement,
The keyboard unit corresponding to the left and right side frames is moved so as to approach the keyboard unit adjacent in the key arrangement direction, and the keyboard unit overlaps the corresponding frame and the frame adjacent to the frame. Thus, the keyboard unit is stabilized at a position corresponding to the planar development arrangement by locking the locking part to the locking corresponding part . 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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