Electronic wind instrument and key operation detection method

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic wind instrument and a key operation detection method, which can improve the operability of the keys. The operation surfaces (31a) and (31b) of the pitch control keys (30a) and (30b) are constructed as inclined surfaces that are inclined downward toward the pitch control keys (30a) and (30b). That is, the operation surfaces (31a) and (31b) have the function of limiting the player's fingers from being separated from between the pitch control keys (30a) and (30b). Thus, when an operation such as moving the fingers back and forth between a pair of pitch control keys (30a) and (30b) is performed, the fingers can be prevented from crossing over the pitch control keys (30a) and (30b). Therefore, the pitch control keys (30a) and (30b) can be easily pressed, thereby improving the operability of the pitch control keys (30a) and (30b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic wind instrument and a key operation detection method, and in particular to an electronic wind instrument and a key operation detection method capable of improving key operability. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electronic wind instrument (electronic wind instrument) that is played by a player blowing air into the instrument while operating the keys with their fingers. A plurality of keys are provided on the outer surface of the instrument body of the electronic wind instrument.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-162281 (e.g., paragraphs 0006 and 0008, Figure 1 、 Figure 3 ) Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In such electronic wind instruments, a single finger is sometimes used to operate multiple keys. That is, a finger is sometimes moved back and forth between the keys, alternately pressing them to play. During this performance, a finger may overshoot a key, fail to press the key, or press a different key. Consequently, the key operability is poor.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic wind instrument capable of improving key operability.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the electronic wind instrument of the present invention includes an instrument body, and a plurality of keys having an operating surface operated by the fingers of the player and arranged on the outer surface of the instrument body. Among the plurality of keys, at least two of the keys arranged in a manner of sandwiching or surrounding a specified area include a limiting portion formed on the operating surface, and the limiting portion is used to limit the player's fingers from separating from each other of the keys forming the limiting portion.

[0011] The key operation detection method of the present invention is a key operation detection method in an electronic wind instrument, wherein the electronic wind instrument includes an instrument body, and a plurality of keys having an operation surface operated by a player's fingers and arranged on the outer surface of the instrument body. Among the plurality of keys, the operation surfaces of at least two of the keys are arranged in a manner of sandwiching or surrounding a specified area to form a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is used to limit the player's fingers from separating from each other of the keys forming the limiting portion, and the operation of the keys is detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 (a) is a top view of the electronic wind instrument in the first embodiment, Figure 1 (b) is a bottom view of the electronic wind instrument.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (a) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument as viewed in the direction of arrow II.

[0014] Figure 3 (a) is Figure 1 (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument along line IIIa-IIIa, Figure 3 (b) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument showing the state of pressing a pitch control key by rotating and moving the finger. Figure 3 (c) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument showing the state of pressing a pitch control key by sliding a finger.

[0015] Figure 4 (a) is a top view of the electronic wind instrument in the second embodiment, Figure 4 (b) is a bottom view of the electronic wind instrument.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 (a) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument as viewed in the direction of arrow V.

[0017] Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6 (c) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument showing a modified example of a pitch control key.

[0018] Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (c) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument showing a modified example of a pitch control key.

[0019] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0020] 1.201: Electronic wind instruments

[0021] 2: Instrument body

[0022] 5: Roller (rotating member)

[0023] 6: Ball wheel (rotating component)

[0024] 20a~20g:Pitch key (key)

[0025] 21c, 21d: Operation surface

[0026] 30a, 30b: Pitch control keys (keys)

[0027] 31a, 31b: Operation surface (restriction portion)

[0028] 40a, 40b: octave key (key)

[0029] 41a, 41b: Operation surface

[0030] 42a, 42b: Rubber portion (restriction portion)

[0031] 250a~250c:Effect key (key)

[0032] 251a, 251b, 251c: Operation surface (limiting portion) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 (b) and Figure 2 , the overall structure of the electronic wind instrument 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 (a) is a top view of the electronic wind instrument 1 in the first embodiment, Figure 1 (b) is a bottom view of the electronic wind instrument 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (a) is a partially enlarged side view of the electronic wind instrument 1 as viewed in the direction of arrow II.

[0034] in addition, Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 (b) and Figure 2 The arrows UD, FB, and LR respectively represent the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction of the electronic wind instrument 1. Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 However, the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction of the electronic wind instrument 1 are not necessarily the same as the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction of the electronic wind instrument 1 when it is used.

[0035] like Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 As shown in (b), the electronic wind instrument 1 is an electronic instrument imitating a recorder and includes an instrument body 2 in which various electronic components are arranged, and a mouthpiece 3 attached to the front end of the instrument body 2 (the end in the direction of arrow F).

[0036] The instrument body 2 is provided with a breath sensor (not shown) for detecting the exhalation of the player, or a substrate 4 (see FIG. Figure 3 The instrument body 2 is formed long in the front-back direction (arrow FB direction), and the mouthpiece 3 is detachably mounted on its front end.

[0037] The front end of the mouthpiece 3 is opened to form a blowing port 3a (see Figure 1 (b) The change in air pressure associated with the exhaled air blowing into the air outlet 3a is detected by a respiratory sensor (not shown), and the volume of the generated musical sound is controlled based on the detection result.

[0038] On the upper surface of the instrument body 2, there are provided pitch keys 20a to 20g and pitch control keys 30a and 30b (see FIG. Figure 1 (a)), on the lower surface of the instrument body 2, set the crescent-shaped octave key 40a and octave key 40b (refer to Figure 1 (b)). The keys are used to control the pitch of the generated musical sound.

[0039] A plurality of pitch keys 20a through 20g (seven in this embodiment) are arranged in the order of pitch key 20a, pitch key 20b, pitch key 20c, pitch key 20d, pitch key 20e, pitch key 20f, and pitch key 20g, starting from the front end of the instrument body 2. The pitch keys 20a through 20g are arranged to correspond to the tone holes of the recorder. Specifically, the pitch keys 20a through 20c are arranged to be pressed (operated) by the player's left index through ring fingers, while the pitch keys 20d through 20g are arranged to be pressed by the player's right index through pinky fingers.

[0040] Therefore, for example, if exhaled air is blown into the blowing port 3a while all the pitch keys 20a to 20g are pressed, a musical sound corresponding to the pitch of C4 is generated. If exhaled air is blown into the blowing port 3a while the pitch keys 20a to 20c are pressed, a musical sound corresponding to the pitch of G4 is generated.

[0041] The pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b are keys for changing the pitch of the generated musical sound when they are pressed simultaneously with the pitch key 20a to the pitch key 20g. Specifically, the pitch control key 30a is a key for raising the pitch by a semitone, and the pitch control key 30b is a key for lowering the pitch by a semitone. The pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b are arranged in a pair in a front-to-back manner, sandwiching the center of each other in the facing direction to form a symmetrical shape (see Figure 2 ).

[0042] For example, if you exhale while the pitch keys 20a to 20c and the pitch control key 30a are pressed, a pitch corresponding to G#4 (A On the other hand, if you blow out the breath while the pitch keys 20a to 20c and the pitch control key 30b are pressed, a musical sound corresponding to the pitch of G is generated. Thus, by pressing the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b to raise or lower the pitch by a semitone, the instrument can be played with a fingering method simpler than that of a recorder.

[0043] Furthermore, pitch control keys 30a and 30b are arranged between pitch key 20c and pitch key 20d, forming a pair and sandwiching a predetermined area intended to be pressed by the player's left pinky finger. Thus, pitch keys 20a through 20g can be used to achieve fingering similar to that of a recorder. Meanwhile, by using the pinky finger of the left hand, which is not used for recorder performance, to press pitch control keys 30a and 30b, a playing feel similar to that of a recorder can be achieved, allowing for simpler fingering than that of a recorder.

[0044] Octave key 40a is used to raise the pitch of a note by one octave, and octave key 40b is used to lower the pitch of a note by one octave. Therefore, for example, by exhaling while pressing pitch keys 20a through 20c and then pressing either octave key 40a or 40b, the resulting musical sound can be changed to a pitch of G3, G4, G5, or the like.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, octave keys 40a and 40b are arranged in a pair, arranged front to back. In a side view of the instrument body 2, at least one of the octave keys 40a and 40b (in this embodiment, the octave key 40b) is positioned so as to vertically overlap the pitch key 20a. In other words, the octave keys 40a and 40b are arranged as a pair so as to surround (sandwich) a predetermined area that is assumed to be pressed by the player's left thumb. This allows the left thumb, while performing an octave rise and fall (thumbing) of the string, to press down the octave keys 40a and 40b, creating a recording-like playing feel.

[0046] Between the octave keys 40a and 40b, a cylindrical thumb rest 2a protrudes from the lower surface of the instrument body 2. The octave keys 40a and 40b are formed into a curved shape (crescent shape) along the outer periphery of the thumb rest 2a, which is circular when viewed from above (see FIG. Figure 1 (b) The thumb rest 2a is a place for placing fingers when the octave key 40a or octave key 40b is not pressed.

[0047] The height of the thumb rest 2a from the bottom surface of the instrument body 2 is set slightly lower (for example, 0.5 mm) than the height of the octave keys 40a and 40b. Therefore, when playing by moving the fingers back and forth between the octave keys 40a and 40b, the fingers can slide along the thumb rest 2a, which is at approximately the same height as the octave keys 40a and 40b, making it easier to press the octave keys 40a and 40b.

[0048] The lower surfaces of the octave keys 40a and 40b serve as operating surfaces 41a and 41b, respectively, which are pressed by the player. Rubber portions 42a and 42b are formed along the edges of the operating surfaces 41a and 41b, respectively, on the sides opposite the area (thumb rest 2a) enclosed by the octave keys 40a and 40b. While the operating surfaces 41a and 41b are formed from a relatively low-friction material (e.g., metal or resin), the rubber portions 42a and 42b are formed from a higher-friction material (in this embodiment, a rubber-like elastic body).

[0049] Specifically, the rubber portions 42a and 42b function as restricting portions that, through their frictional force, prevent the player's fingers from moving away from between the octave keys 40a and 40b (or, alternatively, allow the player to recognize that they are at the edges of the octave keys 40a and 40b). This prevents the player's fingers from sliding along the thumb rest 2a and moving back and forth between the octave keys 40a and 40b, thus making it easier to press the octave keys 40a and 40b, improving operability of the octave keys 40a and 40b.

[0050] Furthermore, by setting the height of the thumb rest 2a from the lower surface of the instrument body 2 slightly lower than the height of the octave keys 40a and 40b, it is possible to suppress the fingers from sliding along the thumb rest 2a and thus moving over the octave keys 40a and 40b. This improves the operability of the octave keys 40a and 40b.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, the rubber parts 42a and 42b are arranged in a manner embedded in the operating surfaces 41a and 41b (the operating surfaces 41a and 41b are flush with the rubber parts 42a and 42b), but the rubber parts 42a and 42b can also be formed to be higher than the operating surfaces 41a and 41b (protruding downward).

[0052] The upper surfaces of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are configured as operating surfaces 31a and 31b to be pressed by the fingers of the performer. The operating surfaces 31a and 31b are formed by descending and tilting toward between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, respectively. That is, the height of the operating surfaces 31a and 31b from the upper surface of the instrument body 2 (a plane perpendicular to the stroke direction of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b) is set higher the further away from the opposite positions of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. Therefore, the operating surfaces 31a and 31b have the function of serving as a restriction portion that restricts the performer's fingers from escaping from between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0053] Thus, when an operation such as moving a finger back and forth between the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b is performed (the details of the operation will be referred to later). Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 (c) (described in detail below) can prevent fingers from crossing over the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. Therefore, the pitch control keys 30a and 30b can be easily pressed, and pressing of other keys (such as the pitch key 20c and the pitch key 20d) can be prevented, thereby improving the operability of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0054] Furthermore, the height of the operating surfaces 31a and 31b from the upper surface of the instrument body 2 is set higher as the distance from the pitch control keys 30a and 30b is greater, thereby forming a restriction portion. Therefore, compared with the above-mentioned case where the movement of the finger is restricted by the friction force of the rubber portions 42a and 42b (which are on the same surface as the operating surfaces 41a and 41b), the function of the restriction portion can be more reliably exerted. Furthermore, the operating surfaces 31a and 31b are flat, so compared with the structure in which the operating surfaces 31a and 31b have a step difference (see FIG. Figure 6 (b) or Figure 6 Compared with (c), the tactile feeling when the fingers touch the operation surface 31a and the operation surface 31b can be improved.

[0055] As described above, the pitch keys 20a to 20g are keys that mimic the tone holes of a recorder. To achieve a closer feel between the left and right hands of the player holding the instrument body 2, the distance between the pitch keys 20c and 20d must be relatively small. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance between the pitch keys 20c and 20d and the pitch control keys 30a and 30b is set to be smaller than the distance between the other pitch keys 20a to 20g (e.g., between the pitch keys 20a and 20b, or between the pitch keys 20d and 20e).

[0056] Therefore, depending on how the instrument body 2 is held or how the instrument is played, there is a concern that the pitch control keys 30a and 30b may be pressed by the fingers that are supposed to press the pitch keys 20c and 20d. In contrast, in this embodiment, the top heights of the operation surfaces 31a and 31b of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b (the heights from the upper surface of the instrument body 2) are set higher than the operation surfaces 21c and 21d of the pitch keys 20c and 20d adjacent to the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0057] This prevents the fingers that should press the pitch keys 20c and 20d from entering the area between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, thereby preventing the pitch control keys 30a and 30b from being mistakenly pressed by other fingers.

[0058] Then, refer to Figure 3 (a) will describe the detailed structure of the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b. Figure 3 (a) is Figure 1 (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 along line IIIa-IIIa. Figure 3 In (a), for simplification of the diagram, a portion of the internal structure of the instrument body 2 is omitted. Furthermore, the structure for pressing the sensor 4a using the pitch control keys 30a and 30b described below is substantially the same for the pitch keys 20a to 20g or the octave keys 40a and 40b.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), a base plate 4 including a sensor 4a and a rubber elastic body 4b surrounding the sensor 4a is fixed inside the instrument body 2. The sensor 4a fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 4 is a pressure sensor for detecting whether the pitch control key 30a or the pitch control key 30b has been pressed.

[0060] The rubber elastic body 4b is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 4 with a space surrounding the sensor 4a. The instrument body 2 has a through hole 2b formed therein, extending from the upper surface (outer surface) of the instrument body 2 toward the rubber elastic body 4b (sensor 4a). The pitch control keys 30a and 30b are inserted into the through hole 2b.

[0061] The pitch control keys 30a and 30b each include a substantially cylindrical operating portion 32 whose upper surfaces serve as operating surfaces 31a and 31b, and a shaft 33 for securing the operating portion 32. The shaft 33 is cylindrical, and the operating portion 32 and the shaft 33 are secured together by a screw S with a portion of the lower end of the operating portion 32 inserted into the shaft 33.

[0062] In addition, the operating part 32 includes a cylindrical large diameter portion whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 2b, and a roughly cylindrical small diameter portion formed on the upper surface of the large diameter portion and having an outer diameter smaller than the large diameter portion. The upper surface of the small diameter portion is the operating surface 31a and the operating surface 31b.

[0063] A claw 34 is formed on the lower end of the shaft portion 33, protruding from the outer circumference of the shaft portion 33. A protruding portion 2c is formed on the through-hole 2b, extending from the inner circumference thereof. The claw 34 is hooked on the lower end of the protruding portion 2c, thereby preventing the pitch control keys 30a and 30b from falling out of the through-hole 2b.

[0064] In the initial state, when the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are not pressed and the claws 34 are hooked on the extension 2c, the operating surfaces 31a and 31b of the operating portion 32 are exposed from the upper surface (through-hole 2b) of the instrument body 2. When the operating surfaces 31a and 31b are pressed from this initial state, the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are displaced along the through-hole 2b (extension 2c) toward the base plate 4, thereby pressing the rubber elastic body 4b toward the sensor 4a via the shaft 33. This pressing causes the rubber elastic body 4b to contact the sensor 4a while elastically deforming, and the pressure generated by this contact (pressing) is detected by the sensor 4a.

[0065] On the other hand, when the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are released from being pressed, the elastic restoring force of the rubber elastic body 4b pushes the pitch control keys 30a and 30b upward, returning to the initial state in which the claws 34 are hooked on the extension 2c. Thus, the presence or absence of depression (on / off) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b is detected by the sensor 4a.

[0066] In this way, the touch direction of the pitch control key 30a, 30b is along the direction of penetration of the through hole 2b (protruding portion 2c). On the other hand, when the finger is moved back and forth between the pitch control key 30a, 30b, the movement direction of the finger becomes a direction inconsistent with the touch direction of the pitch control key 30a, 30b. However, in this embodiment, the pitch control key 30a, 30b can be pressed smoothly even in such a case. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 (c) This structure is described.

[0067] Figure 3 (b) is a partially enlarged side view of the electronic wind instrument 1 showing the state in which the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b are pressed in such a manner that the finger T rotates and moves. Figure 3 (c) is a partially enlarged side view of the electronic wind instrument 1 showing how the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b are operated by sliding the finger T. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 In (c), the shape of the player's finger T is schematically illustrated, and the finger T in a state before being pressed is illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), the operation (pressing) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b is sometimes performed by rotating the finger T between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b while moving it back and forth. In this case, the operation surfaces 31a and 31b of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are planes whose height gradually increases as they move away from the opposing space of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. Therefore, the force of twisting the finger T is borne by the inclined operation surfaces 31a and 31b, and the force is easily transmitted in the direction of light touch (pressing direction) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0069] That is, the operation surfaces 31a and 31b can be used to restrict the player's fingers from moving away from the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, and the force applied to the operation surfaces 31a and 31b when the movement of the fingers is restricted can be used to detect the operation (pressing) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. Therefore, the player can move the fingers back and forth between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b and smoothly press the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0070] On the other hand, Figure 3As shown in (c), sometimes the pitch control key 30a, 30b is pressed while the finger T slides back and forth. In this case, because the operating surfaces 31a, 31b are inclined planes, it is easy to press the pitch control key 30a, 30b as the finger T slides along the operating surfaces 31a, 31b. That is, the operating surfaces 31a, 31b can restrict the player's fingers from detaching from the pitch control key 30a, 30b, and the force exerted on the operating surfaces 31a, 31b when the movement of the fingers is restricted can be used to detect the operation (pressing) of the pitch control key 30a, 30b. Therefore, the finger can be moved back and forth between the pitch control key 30a, 30b, and the pitch control key 30a, 30b can be pressed smoothly.

[0071] Thus, according to this embodiment, the operation of alternately pressing the pitch control keys 30a and 30b can be smoothly performed. Furthermore, even when such an operation is performed quickly, the formation of the restricting portions (the inclined operation surfaces 31a and 31b) on the pitch control keys 30a and 30b prevents the fingers from crossing over the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. In other words, even when performing complex musical performances such as rapidly raising and lowering semitones, the pitch control keys 30a and 30b can be pressed accurately.

[0072] In addition, the interval between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b is set to be smaller than the interval between other keys (for example, the interval between the pitch key 20a and 20b, or the interval between the pitch key 20d and 20e) (see Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 (b) or Figure 2 ). As a result, the distance between the centers (axes) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b can be shortened. Therefore, even when the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are pressed with relatively thin little fingers, the pitch can be quickly raised or lowered by a semitone corresponding to the pressing of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0073] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the outer dimension L1 (diameter) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b in the direction in which they are arranged is set smaller than the outer dimension L2 (diameter) of the other pitch keys 20a to 20g in the direction in which they are arranged. This further shortens the distance between the centers (axes) of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. Consequently, the pitch can be raised or lowered more quickly by semitones caused by pressing the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0074] Then, refer to Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) and Figure 5 The second embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment, a case where a restricting portion is provided on the pitch control keys 30a and 30b or the octave keys 40a and 40b of the instrument body 2 was described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a case where a restricting portion is provided on the effect keys 250a to 250c will be described. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0075] Figure 4 (a) is a top view of the electronic wind instrument 201 in the second embodiment, Figure 4 (b) is a bottom view of the electronic wind instrument 201. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged side view of the electronic wind instrument 201 as viewed in the direction of arrow V in FIG. 2 (a).

[0076] like Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) and Figure 5 As shown, an effect key 250a, which is circular when viewed from above, is provided on the upper surface of the instrument body 2 of the electronic wind instrument 201. A pair of effect keys 250b and 250c, which are crescent-shaped when viewed from above, are provided on the lower surface of the instrument body 2. Effect keys 250a through 250c are keys for setting effects applied to musical sounds.

[0077] The effect key 250a is provided adjacent to the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b. The upper surface of the effect key 250a serves as an operation surface 251a (see FIG. 1 ) which is pressed by the finger of the player. Figure 5 ) In addition, the structure of the effect key 250a is the same as that of the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b except that the inclination direction of the operation surface 251a is different.

[0078] The operating surface 251a is a plane (restriction portion) that is inclined downward toward the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b. Thus, when a finger is moved back and forth between the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b and the effect key 250a is pressed, the finger can be prevented from passing over the effect key 250a. That is, the operating surface 31a, the operating surface 31b, and the operating surface 251a can restrict the finger from being exposed from the area surrounded by the pitch control key 30a, the pitch control key 30b, and the effect key 250a. Therefore, the operability of the pitch control key 30a, the pitch control key 30b, and the effect key 250a can be improved.

[0079] In addition, the operating surface 251a is a plane that is inclined downward toward the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b, thereby achieving the same effect as the operating surface 31a and the operating surface 31b (for example, it is easy to press the effect key 250a by sliding the finger along the operating surface 251a).

[0080] In addition, the heights of the upper ends (lower ends) of the operation surfaces 31a, 31b and 251a from the upper surface of the instrument body 2 become the same, but the height of the upper end (lower end) of any operation surface can also be higher or lower.

[0081] The effect key 250b is provided adjacent to the front side (in the direction of arrow F) of the octave key 40a, and the effect key 250c is provided adjacent to the rear side (in the direction of arrow B) of the octave key 40b. The octave keys 40a and 40b have the same structure as in the first embodiment, except that the pair of octave keys 40a and 40b are arranged at point-symmetrical positions about the center of the thumb rest 2a when viewed from above.

[0082] The lower surfaces of the effect keys 250b and 250c serve as operation surfaces 251b and 251c (see FIG. Figure 5 The operation surfaces 251b and 251c include inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 forming portions on the opposing sides (thumb rest 2a side) thereof, and flat portions 251b2 and 251c2 forming portions on the opposite sides thereof.

[0083] The flat portions 251b2 and 251c2 of the operation surfaces 251b and 251c are flat surfaces at a constant height from the bottom surface of the instrument body 2, while the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 are planes that rise and slope toward the opposing space between the effect keys 250b and 250c. Specifically, the height of the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 from the bottom surface of the instrument body 2 (a plane perpendicular to the tapping direction of the effect keys 250b and 250c) increases as they move farther from the opposing space between the effect keys 250b and 250c.

[0084] Thus, when a finger is moved back and forth between the octave keys 40a and 40b (sliding along the thumb rest 2a) and the effect keys 250b and 250c are pressed, the finger is prevented from passing over the effect keys 250b and 250c. In addition, the two restricting portions, namely the rubber portions 42a and 42b of the octave keys 40a and 40b and the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 of the operation surfaces 251b and 251c, more reliably prevent the finger from passing over the effect keys 250b and 250c.

[0085] Specifically, the rubber portions 42a and 42b and the operation surfaces 251b and 251c (the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1) prevent fingers from being exposed from the area surrounded by the octave keys 40a and 40b and the effect keys 250b and 250c. This improves operability of the octave keys 40a and 40b and the effect keys 250b and 250c.

[0086] In addition, the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 of the operating surfaces 251b and 251c are planes that are inclined downward toward the effect keys 250b and 250c, thereby achieving the same effect as the operating surfaces 31a and 31b (for example, it is easy to press the effect keys 250b and 250c by sliding your fingers along the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 of the operating surfaces 251b and 251c).

[0087] In addition, the height (height from the lower surface of the instrument body 2) of the upper ends of the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 of the operating surfaces 251b and 251c (the ends on the thumb rest 2a side) is the same as the height of the operating surfaces 41a and 41b of the octave keys 40a and 40b, but it can also be a structure in which the height of the upper ends of the inclined portions 251b1 and 251c1 is lower than or slightly higher than the operating surfaces 41a and 41b.

[0088] Then, refer to Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6 (c) and Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (c) of the present invention will describe modifications of the pitch control key 30a, the operation surface 31a of the pitch control key 30b, and the operation surface 31b (restriction portion). Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6 (c) and Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (c) is a partially enlarged side view of an electronic wind instrument showing a modified example of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0089] In the above embodiments, the operation surfaces 31a and 31b of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are planes that are inclined downward toward the space between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Figure 6 As shown in (a) of FIG. 3 , the operation surfaces 31 a and 31 b may be configured as curved surfaces that are concave toward the instrument body 2 .

[0090] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in (b), the operation surfaces 31a and 31b may be formed by combining flat surfaces 31a1 and 31b1 having a fixed height from the upper surface of the instrument body 2 with inclined surfaces 31a2 and 31b2 that slope downwardly toward the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. More specifically, the operation surfaces 31a and 31b may be formed by placing the flat surfaces 31a1 and 31b1 on the sides facing the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, and placing the inclined surfaces 31a2 and 31b2 on the sides opposite the facing pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0091] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in (c), the structure may also be as follows: the operating surfaces 31a and 31b are set as flat surfaces with a fixed height from the instrument body 2, and protrusions 32a and 32b protruding upward are formed at the ends of the operating surfaces 31a and 31b on the opposite sides of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0092] If as described Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6 As in the modified example (c), a structure in which a portion of the operation surface 31a or 31b is raised at the end opposite to the pitch control key 30a or 30b can function as a restricting portion. In other words, the shape of the operation surface 31a or 31b can be appropriately set as long as the structure can restrict the movement of the finger.

[0093] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the tapping directions of the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b are the same is described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the operation surfaces 31a and 31b may be flat surfaces with a fixed height from the upper surface of the instrument body 2, so that the touch directions of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are inclined to each other.

[0094] In this structure, the touch directions of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are also set in such a manner that the operation surfaces 31a and 31b are inclined downward toward the sides facing each other, thereby allowing the operation surfaces 31a and 31b to function as limiting parts. In addition, according to this structure, when the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are pressed while the fingers are moved back and forth between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, the force of the fingers is easily transmitted in the direction of pressing the pitch control keys 30a and 30b. In addition, when the touch directions of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are inclined relative to each other, as long as the substrate 4 (refer to Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (c)) is tilted in accordance with the tapping direction of the pitch control key 30a or the pitch control key 30b.

[0095] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b are arranged adjacent to each other, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7 As shown in (c), a structure in which a rotating member such as a cylindrical roller 5 or a ball caster 6 is provided between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b facing each other may be adopted.

[0096] The roller 5 is in the direction facing the pitch control key 30a and the pitch control key 30b ( Figure 7 The instrument body 2 is axially supported in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction (b) (along the upper surface of the instrument body 2) by the instrument body 2 in a posture facing the axis. In this way, if the roller 5 or ball wheel 6 exposed from the upper surface (outer surface) of the instrument body 2 is provided between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, the roller 5 or ball wheel 6 can be used to guide the movement of the fingers between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b.

[0097] Thus, even when the pitch control keys 30a and 30b are spaced apart from each other (not close together), the pitch can be quickly raised or lowered by a semitone. Furthermore, since the pitch control keys 30a and 30b have inclined operation surfaces 31a and 31b, respectively, the fingers are prevented from crossing over the pitch control keys 30a and 30b due to the momentum of the rotation of the roller 5 or the ball wheel 6.

[0098] Furthermore, when roller 5 or ball wheel 6 is provided, it is preferred that the lower ends of the operating surfaces 31a and 31b are at the same height as the upper ends of the roller 5 or ball wheel 6. Thus, the roller 5 or ball wheel 6 can smoothly guide the finger back and forth between the operating surfaces 31a and 31b.

[0099] In addition, it is more preferable to make the upper end of the roller 5 or the ball wheel 6 slightly higher than the lower end of the operation surface 31a, the operation surface 31b. In this way, the roller 5 or the ball wheel 6 can more smoothly guide the finger to and from the operation surface 31a, the operation surface 31b.

[0100] While the above description is based on the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and it can be readily inferred that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, part or all of one embodiment may be interchanged or combined with part or all of one or another embodiment to form the electronic wind instrument 1 or 201.

[0101] Therefore, it is also possible to Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6 (c) Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 The shapes, tapping directions, and rotating member structures of the operation surfaces 31a and 31b of the pitch control keys 30a and 30b shown in (c) can be applied to the octave keys 40a and 40b or the effect keys 250a to 250c. Furthermore, the structures of the rubber portions 42a and 42b of the octave keys 40a and 40b can also be applied to the pitch control keys 30a and 30b or the effect keys 250a to 250c. Furthermore, the structures of the operation surfaces 251b and 251c of the effect keys 250b and 250c can also be applied to the pitch control keys 30a and 30b or the octave keys 40a and 40b.

[0102] Alternatively, the structure may be as follows: a restriction portion including an inclined operating surface is formed on one key (for example, the pitch control key 30a) among a plurality of keys (for example, the pitch control key 30a, the pitch control key 30b, and the effect key 250a) that sandwich or surround a specified area, and a restriction portion including a rubber portion is formed on the other keys (for example, the pitch control key 30b and the effect key 250a).

[0103] Alternatively, a structure corresponding to the thumb rest 2a may be provided in the area between the pitch control keys 30a and 30b, or in the area surrounded by the pitch control keys 30a and 30b and the effect key 250a.

[0104] In the above embodiments, a recorder is illustrated as an example of a musical instrument simulated by the electronic wind instrument 1 or 201, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the electronic wind instrument 1 or 201 may be configured to simulate another wind instrument (such as a saxophone or a cucurbit flute).

[0105] In the above-described embodiments, the case where an inclined operating surface or rubber portion (restricting portion) is formed on two keys (for example, the pitch control key 30a, the pitch control key 30b), three keys (the pitch control key 30a, the pitch control key 30b and the effect key 250a), or four keys (the octave key 40a, the octave key 40b and the effect key 250b, the effect key 250c) is described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.

[0106] When there is a prescribed area in which fingers are envisioned to move back and forth between multiple keys, the number or configuration of keys forming the restriction portion can be appropriately set as long as the structure can prevent the player's fingers from protruding from the prescribed area (the fingers passing over the outermost keys in the prescribed area).

[0107] Therefore, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a restriction portion is provided on the key located on the outermost side of the predetermined area, or a configuration may be adopted in which a restriction portion is provided on all keys.

[0108] In the above-described embodiments, the operation portion 32 of the pitch control key 30a or 30b includes a cylindrical large-diameter portion having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole 2b, and a substantially cylindrical small-diameter portion formed on the upper surface of the large-diameter portion and having an outer diameter smaller than the large-diameter portion, with the upper surface of the small-diameter portion serving as the operation surface 31a or 31b. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. For example, the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion may be made equal to the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion (eliminating the step difference), with the operation surface 31a or 31b formed entirely on the upper surface of the operation portion 32.

[0109] In the above embodiments, the rubber portions 42a and 42b are formed of a material having a higher friction than the operating surfaces 41a and 41b, thereby functioning as the restricting portions. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. As long as the friction of a portion of the operating surface can be increased, the method is not limited. For example, a structure may also be used to increase the surface roughness of a portion of the operating surface by corrugating (fine concave and convex) to increase the friction.

[0110] In the above embodiments, the thumb rest 2a is described as being cylindrical with a flat bottom surface. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the thumb rest 2a may be formed into a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped (a polygonal shape when viewed from above), or a truncated cone. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the thumb rest 2a may be provided with recessed or raised areas.

Claims

1. An electronic wind instrument, characterized in that: include: The instrument body and a plurality of keys having an operating surface operated by the fingers of the player and arranged on the outer surface of the instrument body, The multiple keys include at least two adjacent keys, and the operating surfaces of the at least two adjacent keys form a limiting portion. The operating surfaces for forming the limiting portion are constructed as follows: when the instrument body is viewed from the left and right directions of the instrument body, the operating surfaces for forming the limiting portion are inclined toward each other.

2. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 1, wherein The restricting portion is formed by setting the height of at least a portion of the operating surface of the key forming the restricting portion to be higher as the height is farther away from the range between the at least two adjacent keys forming the restricting portion.

3. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 2, wherein: The operating surface of the key forming the restriction portion is a plane whose height gradually increases as it moves away from a range between the at least two adjacent keys forming the restriction portion.

4. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The height of the top of the operation surface of the key forming the restriction portion is set higher than the operation surfaces of the other keys adjacent to the key forming the restriction portion.

5. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The keys forming the limiting portion are a pair of keys that change the pitch of the generated musical sound.

6. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that: The interval between the keys forming the restriction portion is set to be smaller than the interval between the other keys arranged other than the at least two adjacent keys forming the restriction portion.

7. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 6, wherein: The outer dimensions of the keys in the arrangement direction of the adjacent keys are set to be smaller than those of the other keys arranged other than the at least two adjacent keys forming the restriction portion.

8. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A rotating member is provided rotatably between at least two adjacent keys forming the restricting portion, and guides movement of a player's fingers.

9. A method for detecting key operations in an electronic wind instrument, wherein the electronic wind instrument comprises an instrument body and a plurality of keys having operation surfaces operated by a player's fingers and arranged on an outer surface of the instrument body, wherein: At least two keys are arranged adjacent to each other among the plurality of keys, and a restriction portion is formed by operating surfaces of the at least two adjacent keys. The operating surfaces for forming the restriction portion are configured so that when the instrument body is viewed from the left and right directions, the operating surfaces for forming the restriction portion are inclined toward each other. The restricting portion restricts the player's finger from leaving the range of the at least two adjacent keys forming the restricting portion and the range between the at least two adjacent keys, and detects the operation of the key.

10. The key operation detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The restricting portion is formed by setting the height of at least a portion of the operating surface of the key forming the restricting portion to be higher as the height is farther away from the range between the at least two adjacent keys forming the restricting portion.

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