Input device and audio signal generation device

Abstract

An input device has a first operation member and a first sensor. The first sensor includes a first electrically conductive body, a first coil, and a first magnetic body that forms an open magnetic circuit with the first coil. The positional relationship between the first coil and the first magnetic body is fixed. A first distance between a first end portion of the first magnetic body and the first electrically conductive body changes in correspondence with an amount of operation of the first operation member. The first sensor outputs a first signal corresponding to the first distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device and a sound signal generating device. Background Art

[0002] In electronic keyboard instruments, key presses are detected, and a sound signal is generated based on the detection result. Key presses are detected using either contact sensors or non-contact sensors. Non-contact sensors include, for example, magnetic induction sensors (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 4,580,478 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Sensors using magnetic fields can be used as distance sensors, so they can continuously measure the amount of key presses. On the other hand, the magnetic field expands in all directions with the coil as the center, so EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) countermeasures are required. In addition, in the case of a structure with multiple keys arranged like a keyboard instrument, sometimes the sensors corresponding to multiple adjacent keys interfere with each other, reducing the measurement accuracy. Therefore, when using a magnetic induction sensor, it is necessary to control the magnetic field formed by the coil according to the purpose of use.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to control a magnetic field formed by a coil of a magnetic induction sensor.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an input device is provided, comprising a first operating member and a first sensor. The first sensor includes a first conductor, a first coil, and a first magnetic body that forms an open magnetic circuit together with the first coil. The first coil and the first magnetic body are fixed in position. A first distance between a first end of the first magnetic body and the first conductor varies in accordance with the amount of operation performed on the first operating member. The first sensor outputs a first signal corresponding to the first distance.

[0007] The input device can further have a second operation member and a second sensor. The second operation member is adjacent to the first operation member in a first direction. The second sensor includes a second electrically conductive body, a second coil, and a second magnetic body that forms an open magnetic circuit with the second coil. The second magnetic body has a second portion that extends in a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the second coil. A positional relationship between the second coil and the second magnetic body is fixed. The second magnetic body is separate from the first magnetic body. A second distance between a second end portion on a side of the second portion of the second magnetic body and the second electrically conductive body changes in correspondence with an amount of operation of the second operation member. The second sensor outputs a second signal corresponding to the second distance. The first magnetic body has a first portion that extends in the second direction with respect to the first coil. The first end portion can also be an end portion on a side of the first portion of the first magnetic body.

[0008] The first electrically conductive body can also be linked to the first operation member.

[0009] The first electrically conductive body can also include a third coil.

[0010] A portion of the first magnetic body can also pass through an internal space of the first coil.

[0011] The first coil can also be formed on a substrate, and the first coil is disposed between at least a portion of the first magnetic body and the first electrically conductive body at at least any one position of a movement range of the first operation member.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an input device having a first operation member and a first sensor. The first sensor includes a first coil, a third coil, and a third magnetic body. The third coil is disposed between the first coil and the third magnetic body at at least any one position of a movement range of the first operation member. A positional relationship between the third coil and the third magnetic body is fixed. A first distance between the first coil and the third coil changes in correspondence with an amount of operation of the first operation member. The first sensor outputs a first signal corresponding to the first distance.

[0013] The input device may further include a second operating member and a second sensor. The second operating member is adjacent to the first operating member in the first direction. The second sensor includes a fourth coil, a fourth magnetic body, and a second coil having portions whose winding directions are opposite to each other. The fourth coil is arranged between the second coil and the fourth magnetic body at at least one position within the range of movement of the second operating member. The positional relationship between the fourth coil and the fourth magnetic body is fixed. The fourth magnetic body is separated from the third magnetic body. The first distance between the second coil and the fourth coil changes corresponding to the amount of operation on the second operating member. The second sensor outputs a second signal corresponding to the second distance. The first coil may also have portions whose winding directions are opposite to each other.

[0014] The first coil and the second coil may be arranged in a second direction different from the first direction so that portions thereof, in which the winding directions are opposite to each other, are arranged in a second direction.

[0015] The first operating element and the second operating element may have a longitudinal length along the second direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sound signal generating device including: the input device described above; and a generating unit configured to generate a sound signal based on the first signal and the second signal.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control a magnetic field formed by a coil of a magnetic induction sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 These are diagrams for explaining the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the keyboard device (when a key is released) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention (when a white key is pressed).

[0022] Figure 4 These are diagrams for explaining the passive circuit substrate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 These are diagrams illustrating the active circuit substrate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6These are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between the active coil and the magnetic body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the open magnetic path formed by the active coil and the passive coil according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the keyboard device (when a key is released) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the passive coil and the magnetic body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 These are diagrams illustrating an active circuit substrate according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between an open magnetic path formed by an active coil and a passive coil according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure (when a key is released) of a keyboard device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13 These are diagrams illustrating an active circuit substrate according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between an open magnetic path formed by an active coil and a passive coil according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure (when a key is released) of a keyboard device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between an open magnetic path formed by an active coil and a passive coil according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a keyboard device (when a key is released) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the keyboard device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention (when a white key is pressed).

[0037] Figure 19 These are diagrams illustrating an active circuit substrate according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The embodiment shown below is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention cannot be interpreted as being limited to these embodiments. In addition, in the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having the same functions are labeled with the same numbers or similar numbers (numbers such as A and B are marked after the numbers), and their repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted. In addition, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the dimensional ratios of the drawings may sometimes differ from the actual ratios, or part of the structure may be omitted from the drawings.

[0039] <First embodiment>

[0040] In the first embodiment, a keyboard device used as an electronic keyboard instrument is described. According to this keyboard device, a key press can be detected by a magnetic induction sensor. The keyboard device is described in detail below.

[0041] [1. Overview of Keyboard Device]

[0042] Figure 1 This figure illustrates a keyboard device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The keyboard device 1 is an electronic keyboard instrument, and in this example, an electronic piano. The keyboard device 1 includes keys 10, a housing 50, a speaker 60, a sound source unit 80, and an operating unit 90. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the side on which the performer is located relative to the keyboard device 1 (the side on which the keys 10 are located relative to the housing 50) is defined as the front side, and the side opposite to the performer is defined as the rear side. In addition, left and right, and up and down are also defined as directions when viewed from the performer.

[0043] A plurality of keys 10 (first operating member, second operating member) are arranged in one direction. Here, the scale direction in which the plurality of keys 10 are arranged is referred to as the left-right direction D1 (first direction). The direction perpendicular to the left-right direction D1 is referred to as the front-back direction D2 (second direction). When the keyboard device 1 is viewed from above, the length direction of the key 10 is the same as the front-back direction D2. The direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction D1 and the front-back direction D2 is referred to as the up-down direction D3 (third direction) (see Figure 2 The up-down direction D3 corresponds approximately to the vertical direction when the keyboard device 1 is placed horizontally. That is, when the keyboard device 1 is placed horizontally, the left-right direction D1 and the front-back direction D2 are directions within the horizontal plane.

[0044] The key 10 is rotatable relative to the frame 50. The state in which the length direction of the key 10 and the front-back direction D2 are consistent is included in the rotation range of the key 10. The frame 50 is provided with a speaker 60, a key press amount measuring unit 70, a sound source unit 80 and an operating unit 90. If the user operates the key 10, a sound is emitted from the speaker 60 through the pronunciation function of the keyboard device 1. The operating unit 90 is a device such as an operating button, a touch sensor and a slider, which receives instructions for changing the type (timbre) and volume of the sound emitted, and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the sound source unit 80. In addition, the keyboard device 1 may also include an interface for inputting and outputting signals with an external device. As an interface, for example, it is a terminal for outputting sound signals to an external device, a cable connection terminal for sending and receiving MIDI data, etc.

[0045] The key press amount measuring unit 70 includes a magnetic induction type sensor configured for each of the multiple keys 10. The sensors corresponding to each key 10 each detect the position (pressing amount) of the key 10 within the rotation range. The key press amount measuring unit 70 outputs the key information for determining any one of the multiple keys 10 and the pressing amount information corresponding to the pressing amount of the determined key 10 to the sound source unit 80. The pressing amount information can be a value representing the pressing amount of the key 10 itself, or a value that can be calculated based on the pressing amount, such as a speed calculated based on a change in the pressing amount, or information that combines them. The combination of the key press amount measuring unit 70 and the key 10 is an example of an input device. The detailed structure of the key press amount measuring unit 70 will be described later.

[0046] The sound source unit 80 (generator) is a signal processing circuit that generates a sound signal in response to a performance operation on the keys 10. Specifically, the sound source unit 80 generates a sound signal based on information output from the key press amount measuring unit 70 and outputs the generated sound signal to the speaker 60. The speaker 60 amplifies the sound signal output from the sound source unit 80 and outputs the amplified sound signal, thereby producing a sound corresponding to the sound signal.

[0047] [2. Internal Structure of Keyboard Device 1]

[0048] Next, the internal structure of the keyboard device 1 will be described. Here, a diagram schematically shows a cross section of the keyboard device 1 when it is cut along a plane having a normal line in the left-right direction D1 (a plane including the front-back direction D2 and the up-down direction D3). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Provide explanation.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the keyboard device (when a key is released) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3This diagram illustrates the internal structure of the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention (when a white key is pressed). The structure corresponding to the white key 10w of the key 10 is shown. The structure corresponding to the black key 10b is the same as that corresponding to the white key 10w, so only the position of the black key 10b is shown, and the other structures are omitted.

[0050] The frame 20 is fixed to the housing 50 and supports the plurality of keys 10 arranged in the left-right direction D1. In this embodiment, the frame 20 is formed of a resin material and includes a key guide 201, a key support 203, a rib 205, and a substrate holding portion 207.

[0051] The key guide portion 201 is located below the front end portion of the key 10 and limits the movement of the key 10 in the left-right direction D1 by means of a component that slides with the key 10. The key support portion 203 supports the flexible portion 105 disposed at the rear end portion of the key 10. The flexible portion 105 is deformed in the up-down direction, whereby the free end side of the key 10 rotates around the key support portion 203. At this time, the movement of the key 10 in the left-right direction D1 is limited by the key guide portion 201, and therefore rotates around the left-right direction D1 as an axis. The rib portion 205 is a plate-shaped component having a surface including the front-to-back direction D2 and the up-down direction D3 (a surface having a normal line in the left-right direction D1). A plurality of rib portions 205 are arranged along the left-right direction D1. The plurality of rib portions 205 are respectively connected to the key guide portion 201, the key support portion 203, and the substrate holding portion 207.

[0052] The substrate holder 207 is a plate-shaped member that holds the active circuit substrate 700 and the magnetic body 780. In this example, the active circuit substrate 700 is arranged on the upper surface side (key 10 side) of the substrate holder 207, and the magnetic body 780 is arranged on the lower surface side (opposite to the key 10 side) of the substrate holder 207. The passive circuit substrate 750 is arranged on the lower surface side of the key 10 (on the substrate holder 207 side). The passive circuit substrate 750 is held on the lower surface side of the key 10 by a holder or the like.

[0053] As will be described later, the active circuit substrate 700 and the passive circuit substrate 750 constitute the magnetic induction sensor and are included in the key press quantity measuring unit 70 along with the magnetic body 780. The passive circuit substrate 750 and the magnetic body 780 are provided corresponding to each key 10. In this example, the active circuit substrate 700 is provided corresponding to a plurality of keys 10, but it may be provided corresponding to each key 10.

[0054] If in Figure 2 If key 10 is pressed in the state Figure 3As shown, the active circuit substrate 700 and the passive circuit substrate 750 are close to each other. The pressed amount information output by the key pressed amount measuring unit 70 is information corresponding to the distance between the active circuit substrate 700 and the passive circuit substrate 750.

[0055] [3. Structure of Key Press Amount Measuring Unit 70]

[0056] As described above, the keystroke amount measuring unit 70 (first sensor, second sensor) includes an active circuit substrate 700, a passive circuit substrate 750, and a magnetic body 780. The active circuit substrate 700 includes a coil (hereinafter referred to as an active coil) that generates a magnetic field by the supplied power. When the passive circuit substrate 750 including the coil (hereinafter referred to as a passive coil) moves in the magnetic field, the active circuit 770 (see FIG. 1 ) moves in correspondence with the position of the passive coil due to magnetic coupling. Figure 5 ) undergoes anti-resonance, that is, the circuit characteristics of the active circuit 770 change, and the output signal obtained from the active circuit substrate 700 changes. Therefore, the distance between the active circuit substrate 700 and the passive circuit substrate 750 can be measured based on the signal obtained from the active circuit substrate 700. The following describes the various components of the keystroke quantity measuring unit 70 in detail.

[0057] [3-1. Structure of Passive Circuit Board 750]

[0058] Figure 4 These are diagrams for explaining the passive circuit substrate according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The passive circuit substrate 750 is shown as viewed from below. The passive circuit substrate 750 is a printed circuit board that includes a passive coil 751 and a capacitor 756. The passive coil 751 (first conductor, second conductor, third coil, and fourth coil) is formed on the substrate and includes a wiring 751a formed on the lower surface of the substrate (active circuit substrate 700 side) and a wiring 751b provided on the upper surface of the substrate (key 10 side), with both ends connected. A capacitor 756 is connected in series between the two ends of the passive coil 751. In this example, the surface of the passive circuit substrate 750 (the surface on which the passive coil 751 is formed) is approximately parallel to the upper surface of the key 10 (the operating surface).

[0059] [3-2. Structure of Active Circuit Substrate 700]

[0060] Figure 5 These are diagrams illustrating the active circuit substrate according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5The active circuit substrate 700 is shown as viewed from above. The active circuit substrate 700 is a printed circuit board that includes multiple active circuits 770, a multiplexer 709, and various wiring lines (including a ground wiring 708, a clock signal line, a selection signal line, an input signal line, and an output signal line). The active circuit substrate 700 also includes a signal processing circuit (not shown). Each of the multiple active circuits 770 is provided corresponding to each key 10. The two wiring lines connecting the active circuits 770 and the multiplexer 709 correspond to the signal input unit 703a and the signal output unit 703b.

[0061] The active circuit 770 includes an active coil 701, capacitors 706a, 706b, and resistors 707a, 707b. The active coil 701 (first coil, second coil) is formed on a substrate and includes a wiring 701a formed on the upper surface side of the substrate (key 10 side) and a wiring 701b provided on the lower surface side of the substrate (substrate holding portion 207 side), with both ends connected. Figure 5 The structure arranged on the bottom surface of the substrate is shown by dashed lines. Capacitors 706a and 706b are connected in series between the two ends of active coil 701. A ground wiring 708 is connected between capacitors 706a and 706b. Ground wiring 708 is provided commonly for all active circuits 770. A resistor 707a is connected between capacitor 706a and signal input unit 703a, and a resistor 707b is connected between capacitor 706b and signal output unit 703b.

[0062] When an AC signal is input to signal input section 703a via multiplexer 709, active coil 701 generates a magnetic field corresponding to the input signal, magnetically coupling active coil 701 and passive coil 751. This modulates the signals (first and second signals) output from signal output section 703b. The modulated signals are then output to a signal processing circuit (not shown) via multiplexer 709 and converted into key press amount information. The signal processing circuit outputs key press amount information and key press amount information corresponding to the signal received by multiplexer 709.

[0063] [3-3. Positional Relationship between Active Circuit 770 and Magnetic Body 780]

[0064] Figure 6 These are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between the active coil and the magnetic body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The positional relationship between the active coil 701 and the magnetic body 780 in the active circuit substrate 700 as viewed from above is shown. To make the positional relationship easier to understand, other components are omitted from the illustration.

[0065] like Figure 6As shown, the magnetic body 780 (the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body) has a rod shape extending in the front-to-back direction D2, and its positional relationship with the active coil 701 is fixed. Adjacent magnetic bodies 780 are separated from each other. The magnetic body 780 includes a portion overlapping with the active coil 701 (hereinafter referred to as the overlapping portion OA1) and a portion extending from the overlapping portion OA1 relative to the active coil 701 in the front-to-back direction D2. In this example, the magnetic body 780 extends from the overlapping portion OA1 in both the front direction (corresponding to the front end direction of the key) and the rear direction (corresponding to the rear end direction of the key), but it can also extend in only one direction.

[0066] The length of the magnetic body 780 along the left-right direction D1 is preferably the same as or smaller than the length of the active coil 701 along the left-right direction D1. In this example, the active coil 701 includes an overlapping portion OA1 with the magnetic body 780 and a portion extending in the left-right direction D1 relative to the overlapping portion OA1.

[0067] The active coil 701 and the magnetic body 780 have the following characteristics: Figure 6 Because of the positional relationship shown, the magnetic field generated by the active coil 701 is less likely to spread in the left-right direction D1 due to the influence of the magnetic body 780. Therefore, compared to a case where the magnetic body 780 is not provided, the interference of the magnetic fields generated by the active coils 701 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction D1 can be reduced.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the open magnetic path formed by the active coil and the passive coil according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 In order to make Figure 2 and Figure 3 The positional relationship between the active coil 701 and the magnetic body 780 is shown more clearly, and the magnetic flux MF corresponding to the magnetic field formed by the active coil 701 is further shown schematically. The passive coil 751 shown in dotted lines is the position when the key is released (corresponding to the position of the passive coil 751 when the key is released). Figure 2 Corresponding to the passive coil 751 shown by the solid line is the position when the key is pressed (corresponding to the Figure 3 Magnetic flux MF has a path that passes through the magnetic body 780 as a magnetic path, and returns to the active coil 701 from the vicinity of the ends 780a and 780b of the magnetic body 780 through the space. As described above, the magnetic body 780 and the active coil 701 form an open magnetic path.

[0069] When the passive coil 751 moves within the magnetic flux MF, an induced current corresponding to the density of the magnetic flux MF passing through the passive coil 751 at that location is generated in the passive coil 751, causing the output signal from the active circuit substrate 700 obtained via the active coil 701 to change. In other words, this output signal changes in accordance with the distance between the active coil 701 and the passive coil 751, or alternatively, the distance between the end 780a of the magnetic body 780 and the passive coil 751. In this example, the active coil 701 is positioned between the passive coil 751 and at least a portion of the magnetic body 780, while the magnetic body 780 is not positioned between the active coil 701 and the passive coil 751. This positional relationship can be achieved when the key 10 is within at least one range of its movement range. This concludes the description of the structure of the key press amount measuring unit 70.

[0070] As described above, according to the keyboard device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic induction sensor can be used in the keystroke amount measuring unit 70 to measure the amount of depression of a key 10. In this case, by disposing the magnetic body 780, the range of the magnetic field generated by the active coil 701 can be controlled, thereby reducing interference between sensors corresponding to adjacent keys 10. Therefore, compared to a case where the magnetic body 780 is not used, a keyboard device 1 can be realized that improves the accuracy of keystroke amount measurement.

[0071] <Second embodiment>

[0072] In the second embodiment, an example in which a magnetic body corresponding to the passive circuit board 750 is further provided in the first embodiment will be described.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the keyboard device (when a key is released) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the passive coil and the magnetic body according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is with Figure 2 The corresponding figure shows the vicinity of key 10 in an enlarged manner. Figure 9 is with Figure 4 Corresponding Figure. The magnetic body 790 (the third magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body) of the second embodiment has a rod shape extending in the front-to-back direction D2 and is embedded in the key 10. The magnetic body 790 includes a portion overlapping with the active coil 701 (hereinafter referred to as the overlapping portion OA2) and a portion extending from the overlapping portion OA2 in the front-to-back direction D2 relative to the passive coil 751. In this example, the magnetic body 790 extends from the overlapping portion OA2 in both the front direction (corresponding to the front end of the key) and the rear direction (corresponding to the rear end of the key), but it may extend in only one direction.

[0074] In addition, the length of the magnetic body 790 along the left-right direction D1 is preferably the same as or smaller than the length of the passive coil 751 along the left-right direction D1. In this example, the passive coil 751 includes an overlapping portion OA2 with the magnetic body 790 and a portion extending in the left-right direction D1 relative to the overlapping portion OA2.

[0075] As described above, the magnetic body 790 is also provided on the side of the passive coil 751. This makes it easier to form a magnetic flux MF using the magnetic body 790 as a magnetic circuit when the passive coil 751 approaches the active coil 701. As a result, compared to the case where the magnetic body 790 is not used, the magnetic flux MF passing through the passive coil 751 is increased, and the magnetic coupling between the passive coil 751 and the active coil 701 can be achieved more efficiently. Therefore, compared to the case of the first embodiment, even if the passive coil 751 is located directly above the active coil 701, the magnetic flux MF can be effectively utilized. It is also possible to reduce the leakage of the magnetic flux MF above the key 10. In addition, by adjusting the size and weight of the magnetic body 790, it can also be used to adjust the physical touch feel of the key 10.

[0076] <Third embodiment>

[0077] In the third embodiment, an example in which a magnetic body 780A having a shape different from that of the magnetic body 780 is used instead of the magnetic body 780 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0078] Figure 10 These are diagrams illustrating an active circuit substrate according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between an open magnetic path formed by an active coil and a passive coil according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is with Figure 6 The corresponding figure shows the vicinity of key 10 in an enlarged manner. Figure 11 is with Figure 7 The corresponding figure.

[0079] The magnetic body 780A of the third embodiment includes a flat plate portion 780Ar, protruding portions 780Ata and 780Atb, and a central portion 780Ac. The flat plate portion 780Ar has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is disposed on the active circuit substrate 700A. The protruding portions 780Ata and 780Atb are rectangular parallelepiped portions protruding upward (toward the key 10) at both ends of the flat plate portion 780Ar. The end portions 780Aa and 780Ab of the magnetic body 780A correspond to the upper sides of the protruding portions 780Ata and 780Atb. The central portion 780Ac is a cylindrical portion protruding upward (toward the key 10) from the center of the flat plate portion 780Ar.

[0080] The active coil 701A is wound around the central portion 780Ac of the magnetic body 780A. In other words, a portion (the central portion 780Ac) of the magnetic body 780A passes through the inside space of the active coil 701A. The active coil 701A is formed of a conductive body different from the wiring formed on the active circuit substrate 700A, and is connected to the multiplexer 709 (see FIG. 8) via the wiring on the active circuit substrate 700A. As shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic flux MF corresponding to the magnetic field formed by the active coil 701A passes through the magnetic body 780A as a magnetic path, having a path that returns to the active coil 701A (the central portion 780Ac) from the vicinity of the end portions 780Aa, 780Ab via the space. In this example, the magnetic body 780A forms an open magnetic path together with the active coil 701A. Figure 5 Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic flux MF corresponding to the magnetic field formed by the active coil 701A passes through the magnetic body 780A as a magnetic path, having a path that returns to the active coil 701A (the central portion 780Ac) from the vicinity of the end portions 780Aa, 780Ab via the space. In this example, the magnetic body 780A forms an open magnetic path together with the active coil 701A.

[0081] <4th Embodiment>

[0082] In the 4th embodiment, an example in which the magnetic body 780B having a different shape from the magnetic body 780A is used instead of the magnetic body 780A of the 3rd embodiment is described. In the 4th embodiment, a portion of the magnetic body is also disposed in the inside space of the active coil as in the 3rd embodiment. In this example, however, unlike the 3rd embodiment, a structure that can be realized even if a portion of the magnetic body is disposed between the active coil 701 and the passive coil 751.

[0083] Figure 12 FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing the internal configuration of the keyboard device of the 4th embodiment of the present application (when a key is pressed). Figure 13 FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing the active circuit substrate of the 4th embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing the positional relationship between the open magnetic path formed by the active coil and the passive coil of the 4th embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 FIG. 17 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7, and shows the vicinity of the key 10 in an enlarged manner. Figure 2 FIG. 18 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8. Figure 13 FIG. 19 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9. Figure 6 FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10. Figure 14 FIG. 21 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 11. Figure 7 FIG. 22 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12.

[0084] The passive circuit substrate 750 of the 4th embodiment is disposed so as to protrude downward from the key 10. That is, the passive circuit substrate 750 is supported by the key 10 by burying a portion thereof in the key 10. In this example, the passive circuit substrate 750 is disposed so as to protrude vertically with respect to the surface of the key 10, and is disposed so that the central axis of the passive coil 751 faces the length direction of the key 10.

[0085] ​The magnetic body 780B of the fourth embodiment includes a flat plate portion 780Br, pillar portions 780Bpa and 780Bpb, and upper plate portions 780Bua and 780Bub. The flat plate portion 780Br has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is disposed on the active circuit substrate 700B. The pillar portions 780Bpa and 780Bpb are rectangular parallelepiped portions protruding upward (toward the key 10) at both ends of the flat plate portion 780Br. The upper plate portion 780Bua extends from the upper end of the pillar portion 780Bpa and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper plate portion 780Bub extends from the upper end of the pillar portion 780Bpb and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0086] End 780Ba of magnetic body 780B is the end of upper plate portion 780Bua opposite to pillar portion 780Bpa. End 780Bb of magnetic body 780B is the end of upper plate portion 780Bub opposite to pillar portion 780Bpb. End 780Ba and end 780Bb face each other, forming a predetermined space between them.

[0087] The active coil 701B is wound around the column 780Bpb. In other words, a portion of the magnetic body 780B (the column 780Bpb) passes through the internal space of the active coil 701B. The active coil 701B is formed of a conductive material different from the wiring formed on the active circuit substrate 700B, and is connected to the multiplexer 709 (see FIG. 1 ) via the wiring on the active circuit substrate 700B. Figure 5 ) connection. Figure 14 As shown, magnetic flux MF corresponding to the magnetic field formed by active coil 701B passes through magnetic body 780B as a magnetic path, and has a path from near end 780Ba through the aforementioned predetermined space back to end 780Bb. In this example, magnetic body 780B also forms an open magnetic path with active coil 701B. Active coil 701B may also be wound around a portion of magnetic body 780B other than column 780Bpa.

[0088] like Figure 14As shown, when a key is released, the passive coil 751 (dashed line) is positioned offset in the vertical direction D3 relative to the space between end 780Ba and end 780Bb. When a key is pressed, the passive coil 751 moves downward, thus moving to a position between end 780Ba and end 780Bb. In other words, the distance between end 780Ba (end 780Bb) and the passive coil 751 changes. As described above, when a key is pressed, the passive coil 751 is exposed to a stronger magnetic field than when the key is released. Furthermore, after the passive coil 751 enters the space between end 780Ba and end 780Bb, it is unclear to which part the distance between end 780Ba (end 780Bb) and the passive coil 751 corresponds. Here, the definition is that the larger the area of ​​the passive coil 751 that enters the space between end 780Ba and end 780Bb, the smaller the distance between end 780Ba (end 780Bb) and the passive coil 751.

[0089] <Fifth embodiment>

[0090] In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which the magnetic body 780A of the third embodiment is turned down 90 degrees and arranged so that the side surface of the magnetic body 780A is parallel to the surface of the substrate.

[0091] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure (when a key is released) of a keyboard device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between an open magnetic path formed by an active coil and a passive coil according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is with Figure 2 The corresponding figure shows the vicinity of key 10 in an enlarged manner. Figure 16 is with Figure 6 In addition, Figure 16 The passive coil 751 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7 represents the position of the passive coil 751 when a key is pressed.

[0092] The passive circuit substrate 750 of the fifth embodiment is arranged so as to protrude downward from the key 10. That is, a portion of the passive circuit substrate 750 is embedded in the key 10 and is thereby supported by the key 10. In this example, the passive circuit substrate 750 is arranged so as to protrude perpendicularly relative to the surface of the key 10, and the central axis of the passive coil 751 is arranged so as to face the scale direction (left-right direction D1).

[0093] like Figure 16 As shown, relative to the magnetic body 780C, in the left-right direction D1 ( Figure 16 In addition, as described above, the magnetic path is limited by the magnetic body 780C, so the magnetic flux MF does not expand in the vertical direction D3.Figure 15 As shown, passive coil 751 is positioned offset in the vertical direction D3 relative to magnetic body 780C. When a key is pressed, passive coil 751 moves downward, thus moving to a position opposite magnetic body 780C. This means that the distance between end 780Ca of magnetic body 780C and passive coil 751 changes. Therefore, when a key is pressed, passive coil 751 enters a stronger magnetic field than when the key is released.

[0094] <Sixth embodiment>

[0095] In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the passive circuit substrate 750 is arranged in a component that operates in conjunction with the key 10 will be described.

[0096] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a keyboard device (when a key is released) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 This is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the keyboard device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention (when a white key is pressed). Figure 17 is with Figure 2 The corresponding figure. Figure 18 is with Figure 3 The keyboard device 1D of the sixth embodiment includes a load unit 30 arranged corresponding to each key 10D. The key 10D is connected to the load unit 30. Thus, the key 10D and the load unit 30 are connected to each other at the key connection portion 301 (sliding portion 307) of the load unit 30, thereby interlocking.

[0097] The load unit 30 includes a key connection portion 301, a bearing 303, and a hammer portion 305. The bearing 303 is provided corresponding to a shaft portion provided on the frame 20. The key connection portion 301 is located on the opposite side of the bearing 303 from the hammer portion 305. A sliding portion 307 provided at one end of the key connection portion 301 slides relative to the load connection portion 103 provided below the key 10D. The load unit 30 has a center of gravity located closer to the hammer portion 305 than the bearing 303. Therefore, when the key 10D is not pressed, the hammer portion 305 rests on the lower stopper 351, holding the key 10D in its rest position (equivalent to when the key is released). When the key 10D is pressed, the load unit 30 rotates about the bearing 303, causing the hammer portion 305 to move upward. The hammer portion 305 then collides with the upper stopper 353, restricting further movement. The lower stopper 351 and the upper stopper 353 are supported by the frame 20 .

[0098] In this example, the passive circuit substrate 750 is not placed on the key 10D, but is placed on the load unit 30 that is linked to the key 10D. Specifically, the passive circuit substrate 750 is placed on the lower surface of the key connection portion 301 in the load unit 30. Therefore, the substrate holding portion 207D where the active circuit substrate 700 is placed is placed below the key connection portion 301. Figure 17 If key 10 is pressed in the state Figure 18 As shown, the key connection portion 301 moves downward, and the active circuit substrate 700 approaches the passive circuit substrate 750. As described above, the passive circuit substrate 750 can be mounted on various components as long as they move in response to key operations.

[0099] Furthermore, the difference in the angle between the passive circuit substrate 750 and the active circuit substrate 700 when the key is released and when the key is pressed is greater than in the first embodiment in which the passive circuit substrate 750 is attached to the key 10. Even if this angle changes significantly, the amount of magnetic flux passing through the passive coil 751 also changes, so there is no problem even if the positional relationship between the passive coil 751 and the active coil 701 is the same as in the sixth embodiment.

[0100] <Seventh embodiment>

[0101] In the seventh embodiment, an active circuit substrate 700E in which the structure of the active coil 701 is modified without using the magnetic body 780 will be described.

[0102] Figure 19 This figure illustrates an active circuit substrate according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The active circuit substrate 700E according to the seventh embodiment includes an active coil 701E. The active coil 701E includes a first active coil 701Ex and a second active coil 701Ey. The first active coil 701Ex and the second active coil 701Ey are arranged along the front-to-back direction D2, with their winding directions being opposite to each other. The opposite winding directions do not mean that the wiring is structurally wound in opposite directions, but rather that the wiring is wound so that current flows in opposite directions. Therefore, the magnetic flux generated by the active coil 701E immediately passes through the second active coil 701Ey after exiting the first active coil 701Ex.

[0103] This arrangement also prevents interference between the magnetic fields generated by adjacent active coils 701E. Therefore, in this case, the structure corresponding to magnetic body 780 need not be used. In this example, it is preferable to adopt a structure using magnetic body 790 on the passive circuit board 750 side, as in the second embodiment.

[0104] Modifications

[0105] The above describes one embodiment of the present application, but the one embodiment of the present application can be modified in various ways as described below. Further, the above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be applied in combination with each other. Also, as to a part of the structure of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or substitution of other structures can be made. In the following description, examples of modification of the first embodiment are described, but the examples can be applied to examples of modification of other embodiments.

[0106] (1) The passive coil 751 is provided in the passive circuit substrate 750, but a metal plate can be provided instead of the passive coil 751. Even with such a structure, the output signal of the active circuit 770 can be modulated by the eddy current generated in the metal plate, as with the passive coil 751. That is, in the passive circuit substrate 750, a metal plate or the like that can absorb energy via a magnetic field can be provided instead of a coil.

[0107] (2) In the first embodiment, the active coil 701 is disposed on the frame 20 side, and the passive coil 751 is disposed on the key 10 side. The passive coil 751 does not need power supply or the like, and thus is disposed on a structure having a movable portion, which is easy in design, but can be implemented even in the opposite relationship. That is, the active coil 701 can be disposed on the key 10 side, and the passive coil 751 can be disposed on the frame 20 side.

[0108] (3) The magnetic body 780 extends in the front-rear direction D2, but can extend in a direction inclined to at least one of the up-down direction and the left-right direction with respect to the front-rear direction D2, as long as the direction is different from the left-right direction D1.

[0109] (4) As to the distance between the active coil 701 (or the end portion 780a of the magnetic body 780) and the passive coil 751, the distance can be closer at the time of pressing the key than at the time of releasing the key, but can be closer at the time of releasing the key. Such a structure can be implemented via a member linked with the key 10, and can be configured such that the active circuit substrate 700 is disposed on the upper surface side of the key 10.

[0110] (5) The set of the active circuit 770 and the passive circuit substrate 750 is provided as one set for each key 10, but can be provided as a plurality of sets for each key 10. For example, the sensor that measures the amount of depression of the key 10 as in the first embodiment and the sensor that measures the amount of movement of the member linked with the key 10 as in the sixth embodiment can be configured to measure the amount of movement of a plurality of members. Further, a plurality of sensors can be provided in the key 10. In this case, the range in which the amount of depression can be measured can be different in each sensor.

[0111] (6) The coil shape of the active coil 701 can be formed in various ways other than the above-described various ways. In addition, the active coil 701 can be implemented using a plurality of coils. The same applies to the passive coil 751. As long as a magnetic field is formed in the active coil 701, a structure in which the passive coil 751 causes anti-resonance in the active circuit 770 via the magnetic field, and the active coil 701 and the passive coil 751 can adopt various ways.

[0112] (7) While an example in which the key amount measuring section 70 is provided to the electronic keyboard instrument has been described, it can also be provided to the keys of an acoustic piano. In addition, it can also be provided to a movable portion such as a pedal, in addition to the keys of an acoustic piano, to measure the amount of movement of the portion.

[0113] (8) The key amount measuring section 70 is provided to the electronic keyboard instrument to measure the amount of depression of the key 10, but can also be provided to the electronic keyboard instrument to measure the amount of movement of a movable portion other than the key 10 (for example, a pedal device). In addition, the structure corresponding to the key amount measuring section 70 is not limited to a keyboard instrument, but can also be applied to other types of instruments such as a wind instrument, a guitar-shaped string instrument, and the like. Thus, it is possible to detect the operation of a key of a wind instrument, the operation of a tremolo arm of an electronic string instrument, and the like. These types of instruments are included in the concept of the performance operation device.

[0114] In addition, the performance operation device includes an instrument (keyboard device 1) that has a sound source section 80 to output an audio signal, and an instrument that has a sound production mechanism to produce sound, in addition to these instruments, a device that does not output an audio signal (for example, a MIDI controller) and a device that does not produce sound by itself (for example, a pedal mechanism) can also be included. In this case, the key and the pedal are specified as operation members for performance operation. As described above, the performance operation device includes a device that is controlled in a manner corresponding to the operation of an operation member by a performer (operator) with a hand or a foot to change the generation of sound and the generation form thereof, or outputs an audio signal.

[0115] Furthermore, the key amount measuring section 70 can also be provided to an input device that has an operation member such as a button, a slider, or the like to input an instruction of a user. In this case, it is sufficient that the amount of operation with respect to the operation member is measured by the active circuit substrate 700 and the passive circuit substrate 750. The input device as described above can be provided to an audio signal generation device that generates an audio signal by the operation of the operation member, or can be provided to a device that does not generate an audio signal. That is, it can be said that the key 10 is one example of an operation member to input an instruction of a user, the combination of the key 10 and the key amount measuring section 70 is one example of an input device, and the keyboard device 1 is one example of an audio signal generation device.

[0116] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0117] 1. 1D…Keyboard device, 10. 10D…Keys, 10b…Black keys, 10w…White keys, 20…Frame, 30…Load unit, 50…Casing, 60…Speaker, 70…Keystroke amount measuring unit, 80…Sound source unit, 90…Operation unit, 103…Load connecting unit, 105…Flexible unit, 201…Key guide unit, 203…Key support unit, 205…Ribs, 207. 207D… Substrate holding portion, 301...key connection portion, 303...bearing, 305...hammer portion, 351...lower stopper, 353...upper stopper, 700, 700A, 700B, 700E...active circuit substrate, 701, 701A, 701B, 701E...active coil, 701a, 701b...wiring, 701Ex...first active coil, 701Ey...second active coil Source coil, 703a…Signal input portion, 703b…Signal output portion, 706a, 706b…Capacitor, 707a, 707b…Resistors, 708…Ground wiring, 709…Multiplexer, 750…Passive circuit substrate, 751…Passive coil, 751a, 751b…Wiring, 756…Capacitor, 770…Active circuit, 780, 780A, 780B, 780C, 790…Magnetic material, 780a, 780b, 780Aa, 780Ab, 780Ba, 780Bb, 780Ca…End portion, 780Ac…Central portion, 780Bpa, 780Bpb…Column portion, 780Ar, 780Br…Plate portion, 780Ata, 780Atb…Protruding portion, 780Bua, ​​780Bub…Top plate portion.

Claims

1. An input device comprising: a first operating member; and The first sensor includes a first conductive body, a first coil, and a first magnetic body that forms an open magnetic circuit together with the first coil. The first coil and the first magnetic body are fixed in position. A first distance between a first end of the first magnetic body and the first conductive body changes in accordance with an amount of operation on the first operating member. The first sensor outputs a first signal corresponding to the first distance. The first magnetic body includes, in the longitudinal direction of the first operating member, a portion overlapping with the first coil in the moving direction of the first operating member and a portion extending from the overlapping portion relative to the first coil in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction of the first operating member, and the length of the first magnetic body along a first direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first operating member and the moving direction of the first operating member is less than or equal to the length of the first coil along the first direction.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein Also features: a second operating member adjacent to the first operating member in the first direction; and The second sensor includes a second conductive body, a second coil, and a second magnetic body that forms an open magnetic circuit together with the second coil, the second magnetic body having a second portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction relative to the second coil, the second coil and the second magnetic body having a fixed positional relationship, the second magnetic body being separated from the first magnetic body, a second distance between a second end portion of the second magnetic body on the second portion side and the second conductive body that changes in accordance with an amount of operation on the second operating element, and the second sensor outputting a second signal corresponding to the second distance. The first magnetic body has a first portion extending in the second direction relative to the first coil. The first end portion is an end portion of the first magnetic body on the first portion side.

3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first conductor and the first operating element are linked together.

4. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first conductor includes a third coil.

5. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A portion of the first magnetic body passes through the internal space of the first coil.

6. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first coil is formed on a substrate. The first coil is arranged between at least a portion of the first magnetic body and the first conductive body at at least any position within the moving range of the first operating element.

7. The input device according to claim 2, wherein: The first operating member and the second operating member have a longitudinal length along the second direction.

8. An input device comprising: a first operating member; and The first sensor includes a first coil, a third coil, and a third magnetic body. The third coil is disposed between the first coil and the third magnetic body at at least one position within the range of movement of the first operating member. The positional relationship between the third coil and the third magnetic body is fixed. A first distance between the first coil and the third coil changes in accordance with the amount of operation on the first operating member. The first sensor outputs a first signal corresponding to the first distance. The third magnetic body includes a portion in the longitudinal direction of the first operating member that overlaps with the third coil in the moving direction of the first operating member and a portion that extends from the overlapping portion relative to the third coil in at least one direction along the longitudinal direction of the first operating member, and the length of the third magnetic body along a first direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first operating member and the moving direction of the first operating member is less than or equal to the length of the third coil along the first direction.

9. The input device according to claim 8, wherein Also features: a second operating member adjacent to the first operating member in the first direction; and The second sensor includes a fourth coil, a fourth magnetic body, and a portion of the second coil having opposite winding directions, wherein the fourth coil is arranged between the second coil and the fourth magnetic body at at least one position within the range of movement of the second operating member, the positional relationship between the fourth coil and the fourth magnetic body is fixed, the fourth magnetic body is separated from the third magnetic body, a second distance between the second coil and the fourth coil changes in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operating member, and the second sensor outputs a second signal corresponding to the second distance. The first coil has portions whose winding directions are opposite to each other.

10. The input device according to claim 9, wherein The first coil and the second coil are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, with portions of the first coil and the second coil having opposite winding directions. The input device according to claim 10 , wherein: The first operating member and the second operating member have a longitudinal length along the second direction.

12. A sound signal generating device comprising: The input device according to claim 2 or 9; and A generating unit generates a sound signal based on the first signal and the second signal.

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