Key operation detection device of keyboard device, key operation detection method and keyboard device

Abstract

A detection device (101) for key operation of a keyboard device is provided, comprising: a key-side conductive portion (20) provided on each of a plurality of keys (13); a substrate (15) provided in a manner opposite to the plurality of keys (13) in the pressing direction of the plurality of keys (13); at least two signal output portions (31, 32) provided on the substrate (15) in a manner corresponding to at least two signal output portions (31, 32) for one of the plurality of keys (13), wherein each of the at least two signal output portions has a coil and outputs a signal corresponding to a distance from the conductive portion (20) provided on the corresponding key (13); and a detection portion (50) which detects displacement of at least one of the yaw direction or the roll direction of the corresponding key (13) during a key stroke based on signals output from the at least two signal output portions (31, 32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a key operation detection device of a keyboard device, a key operation detection method and a keyboard device with the detection device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there is a known keyboard instrument in which two pressure sensors are arranged in the key arrangement direction for each key on a frame, and the sound is controlled based on the difference or sum of the outputs of the two sensors (Patent Document 1). The keyboard instrument uses the two sensors as level sensors, and controls the sound such as pitchbend and portamento based on the difference between the two, and controls the volume based on the sum of the two. In addition, the key operation is detected by a key switch.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4375302

[0004] Patent Document 2: International Patent Publication "WO2019 / 122867A1" Summary of the invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, a contact type sensor is used, and the tilt (yaw, roll) of the key cannot be detected unless the key is released.

[0006] On the other hand, as a non-contact sensor, a keyboard device is known in which a resonant circuit having a coil is provided between a key and a substrate, and the position and speed of the key are detected based on a signal output from the resonant circuit provided on the substrate (Patent Document 2). The resonant circuit of Patent Document 2 can detect the position and speed of the key in the direction of the keystroke. However, it cannot detect the roll (displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction) of the key.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a key operation detection device for a keyboard device that can detect displacement of a key in a yaw direction or a roll direction even in the middle of a key stroke.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for detecting key operations of a keyboard device, comprising: a conductive portion, which is provided on each of a plurality of keys; a substrate, which is provided in a manner opposite to the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; at least two signal output portions, which are provided on the substrate in a manner such that at least two signal output portions correspond to one of the plurality of keys, the at least two signal output portions each having a coil that outputs a signal corresponding to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key; and a detection portion, which detects a displacement of at least one of a yaw direction or a roll direction of the corresponding key during a key stroke based on the signal output from the at least two signal output portions.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, even when a key is being pressed, displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction of the key can be detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a keyboard device.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a partial front view of the keyboard portion of the keyboard device.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the operation detection device.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion.

[0014] Figure 5 It is an enlarged view of the first conductive portion when viewed from above.

[0015] Figure 6 It is an enlarged view of the first signal output portion when viewed from above.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of the first conductive portion.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of the first signal output section.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a schematic front view of one key and the sensor portion corresponding thereto.

[0019] Fig.10 This is a schematic front view of one key and the sensor portion corresponding thereto.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion.

[0021] Fig.12 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a first modification of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion.

[0022] Fig.13 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a second modification of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion.

[0023] Fig.14 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a third modification of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion.

[0024] Fig.15 It is a schematic plan view showing a structural example of a fourth modified example of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion.

[0025] Fig.16 It is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a fifth modification example of the key-side conductive portion and the sensor portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a keyboard device to which the key operation detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram focusing on one key 13 among the plurality of keys 13 of the keyboard device 100. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the front end side of the key 13 in the longitudinal direction is the front, and the key surface (surface) side is the top. The direction observed from the front side of the key 13 where the performer is located is called the left-right direction. Therefore, the key arrangement direction is the same as the left-right direction. The keyboard device 100 is suitable for application to electronic keyboard instruments, but is also suitable as a device that outputs sound signals without generating sound.

[0028] The key 13 can rotate in the up-down direction with the fulcrum 12 fixed to the frame 11 as the center. The key 13 has a protrusion 16 and a protrusion 17. A key-side conductive portion 20 described later is provided at the front end (lower end) of the protrusion 16. A circuit substrate 15 is provided on the frame 11. The circuit substrate 15 is provided opposite to each key 13 in the pressing direction of the plurality of keys 13. On the circuit substrate 15, a plurality of sensor portions 30 described later are arranged corresponding to the key-side conductive portions 20, respectively.

[0029] A coil spring 14 is installed in a compressed state between the key 13 and the frame 11. The coil spring 14 always pushes the key 13 upward. The frame 11 is provided with a lower limit stopper 18 facing the protrusion 17. The key 13 in the non-operating state is restricted by contacting with an upper limit stopper (not shown). Figure 1 The initial position (non-key position) shown. If the player presses the key 13, the coil spring 14 is compressed, and the protrusion 17 abuts against the lower limit stopper 18. The lower limit position of the key stroke of the protrusion 17 is limited by the lower limit stopper 18. The lower limit stopper 18 can be elastically deformed within a specified range, and is elastically deformed by being pressed by the protrusion 17. The position where the lower limit stopper 18 is elastically deformed within the specified range becomes the lower limit position of the key stroke of the protrusion 17. The stopper for specifying the lower limit position can also be separated from the lower limit stopper 18 and provided separately. If the player releases the key 13 from the key completion state where the protrusion 17 presses the lower limit stopper 18, the key 13 returns to the initial position due to the force of the coil spring 14.

[0030] During the key stroke of the key 13, the key side conductive part 20 is close to the sensor part 30, and during the release stroke of the key 13, the key side conductive part 20 is away from the sensor part 30. Here, even if the protrusion 17 reaches the lowermost position, the key side conductive part 20 does not contact the sensor part 30. Therefore, the key side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30 are always non-contact. The details will be described later. The key side conductive part 20 has a pair of conductive parts 21 and 22 ( Figure 3 The sensor unit 30 includes, for example, two (a pair of) signal output units 31 and 32 ( Figure 3 ), as a plurality of signal output units that output signals corresponding to the distances between the key-side conductive portions 20 of the corresponding keys 13.

[0031] Figure 2 1 is a partial front view of the keyboard portion of the keyboard device 100. The plurality of keys 13 include a plurality of white keys 13W and a plurality of black keys 13B. The plurality of keys 13 are arranged in the left-right direction (key arrangement direction) when viewed from the player. The structures of the keys 13 and the corresponding key-side conductive parts 20 and sensor parts 30 are common. Figure 2 As shown, the front end of the key 13 swings in the stroke direction, that is, the pitch direction, by pressing and releasing operations. The key 13 is displaced mainly in the pitch direction, but strictly speaking, it is also displaced in the yaw direction and the roll direction. That is, the key 13 can also be displaced in the yaw direction due to the force in the left and right directions. In addition, since the key 13 is subjected to the force in the left and right directions, or the key 13 is pressed near the end position in the width direction, the key 13 can be displaced in the direction of rotation (roll direction) with the axis in the longitudinal direction as the center. The displacement in the yaw direction and the roll direction (so-called roll) is caused by a composite force.

[0032] In the past, the aftertouch distance (aftertouch) generated by further operating the key at the key pressing end stage was used for sound control, which could expand the sound performance. Typically, the increase or decrease of the force in the stroke direction at the key pressing end stage is detected as the aftertouch distance. In addition, sometimes at the key pressing end stage, after the protrusion 17 abuts against the lower limit stopper 18, the performer intentionally tilts to generate the aftertouch distance. As described in detail later, in this embodiment, through the combination of the key side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30, it is possible to detect not only the stroke position of the key 13 but also the displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction in a non-contact manner. Moreover, the above displacement can be detected not only at the key pressing end stage, but also in the middle of pressing or releasing the key.

[0033] Furthermore, the key 13 is mainly displaced in the pitch direction, but as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4375302 and the like, the key 13 may be designed to be displaced also in the roll direction and the yaw direction.

[0034] Figure 3 : is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the operation detection device 101. In addition to the key-side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30, the operation detection device 101 also includes an adding part 51, a subtracting part 52 and a control part 50. The detection part of the present invention mainly includes an adding part 51, a subtracting part 52 and a control part 50. Although not shown in the figure, the control part 50 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a timer, etc. The sound generating part 53 includes a sound source circuit and an effect circuit. The control part 50 controls the generation of sound by the sound generating part 53 based on the detection result of the operation of each key 13 detected by the sensor part 30. For example, the control part 50 controls the generation and silencing of sound based on the detection result of the pitch direction, and controls the effect of the sound to be emitted based on the detection result related to the displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction. The details of the effect assignment will be described later.

[0035] Figure 4 2 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the key-side conductive portion 20 is shown as a projection diagram obtained by plan view (plane view). Figure 4 The left side is the rear side of the keyboard device 100 having the fulcrum 12. Figure 4 In the figure, capacitors and resistors are omitted. The key-side conductive portion 20 includes a pair of conductive portions (a first conductive portion 21 and a second conductive portion 22). The first conductive portion 21 and the second conductive portion 22 are arranged in the key arrangement direction. The first conductive portion 21 is a circuit having a coil connected to two spiral portions (winding portions 23 and 24). The second conductive portion 22 is also a circuit having a coil connected to two spiral portions (winding portions 25 and 26).

[0036] The sensor portion 30 is provided corresponding to each key 13, and includes a pair of signal output portions (a first signal output portion 31, a second signal output portion 32). The first signal output portion 31 is a circuit having a coil connected to two spiral portions (winding portions 33, 34). The second signal output portion 32 is also a circuit having a coil connected to two spiral portions (winding portions 35, 36). The structure of the first conductive portion 21 and the second conductive portion 22 is common. The structure of the first signal output portion 31 and the second signal output portion 32 is common. In Figures 5 to 8 In the following, the detailed structures of the first conductive portion 21 and the first signal output portion 31 are described as representatives.

[0037] Figure 5It is an enlarged view of the first conductive portion 21 when viewed from above. The first conductive portion 21 has an 8-shaped coil C21 as a whole. The coil C21 is arranged in a plane at the front end of the protrusion 16 of the key 13. The coil C21 is continuous from the via 27 to the via 28 via the capacitor 29. And the via 27 and the via 28 are directly coupled on the back side of the substrate. The winding portion 23 and the winding portion 24 are adjacent to each other. The center of gravity position of each of the winding portions 23 and 24 is set to the center of gravity G1 and G2. In addition, the center of gravity G1 and G2 are defined as the center of gravity position of the figure of the winding portions 23 and 24 having a roughly circular contour shape. Alternatively, the center of gravity G1 and G2 can also be defined as the center of gravity position of each of the winding portions 23 and 24 with a focus on mass. The straight line L1 passing through the center of gravity G1 and G2 is roughly parallel to the length direction of the key 13. A straight line L2 ( Figure 4 ) is also substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the key 13. Therefore, the first conductive portion 21 and the second conductive portion 22 are arranged so that the straight lines L1 and L2 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0038] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the first signal output unit 31 when viewed from above. The first signal output unit 31 has an 8-shaped coil C31 as a whole. The coil C31 is arranged in a planar shape on the circuit substrate 15. The coil C31 is continuous from the via hole 37 to the via hole 38 via the capacitors 39 and 40. In addition, the via hole 37 and the via hole 38 are directly coupled on the back side of the substrate. The resistor 41 is connected to the capacitor 39, and the resistor 42 is connected to the capacitor 40. The resistors 41 and 42 are not necessarily provided. The winding portion 33 and the winding portion 34 are adjacent to each other. The center of gravity positions of the winding portions 33 and 34 are respectively set as the center of gravity G3 and G4. In addition, the definition of the center of gravity G3 and G4 is the same as that of the center of gravity G1 and G2. The straight line L3 passing through the center of gravity G3 and G4 is approximately parallel to the length direction of the key 13. The straight line L4 ( Figure 4 ) is also substantially parallel to the length direction of the key 13. Therefore, the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 are arranged in a manner that the straight lines L3 and L4 are substantially parallel. Figure 4 As shown, the interval between the straight lines L3 and L4 is larger than the interval between the straight lines L1 and L2.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, the spiral directions of the winding portions 23 and 24 are the same with respect to the center as the base point. That is, the spiral direction of the winding portion 23 is clockwise (clockwise) when the via hole 28 near the center of gravity G1 is regarded as the starting point. The spiral direction of the winding portion 24 is also clockwise when the via hole 27 near the center of gravity G2 is regarded as the starting point. Based on this relationship, when a current in a certain direction flows through the coil C21, the direction of the magnetic flux becomes opposite in the winding portion 23 and the winding portion 24. Similarly, Figure 6 As shown, the spiral directions of the windings 33 and 34 are the same with respect to the center. When a current in a certain direction flows through the coil C31, the directions of the magnetic flux become opposite in the windings 33 and 34.

[0040] Figure 7 2 is a circuit diagram of the first conductive portion 21 . Figure 8 : is a circuit diagram of the first signal output unit 31. The first conductive unit 21 is configured as a resonant circuit on the passive side. The first conductive unit 21 is a closed circuit. The first signal output unit 31 is configured as a resonant circuit on the active side. These resonant circuits are basically the same as the structures disclosed in WO2019 / 122867A1.

[0041] In the first signal output unit 31, the terminal 44 on the input side is connected to a driving circuit (not shown). The detection signal is taken out from the terminal 43 on the output side. Figure 3 As shown, the detection signal from the second signal output unit 32 is input to the + terminal of the adder 51 and the + terminal of the subtractor 52. The detection signal from the first signal output unit 31 is input to the other + terminal of the adder 51 and the - terminal of the subtractor 52. In addition, in order to correct the phase deviation between the detection signal from the first signal output unit 31 and the detection signal from the second signal output unit 32, the respective outputs may be input to the adder 51 and the subtractor 52 via a smoothing circuit (not shown). The adder 51 outputs the sum of the detection signals from the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 to the control unit 50. The subtractor 52 outputs the difference between the detection signal from the first signal output unit 31 and the detection signal from the second signal output unit 32 to the control unit 50. These detection signals are continuous quantities.

[0042] The output of the signal output parts 31 and 32 is, for example, a voltage value. When the signal output parts 31 and 32 are driven at a predetermined resonant frequency, if the first conductive part 21 approaches the first signal output part 31, then in the first conductive part 21, a current flows in a direction that cancels the magnetic flux generated in the first signal output part 31. As a result, the magnetic flux of the first signal output part 31 changes, and the voltage changes. Therefore, the detection signal can be taken out as a voltage value. In correspondence with the first conductive part 21 approaching the first signal output part 31, the output of the first signal output part 31 becomes smaller. Similarly, if the second conductive part 22 approaches the second signal output part 32, the output of the second signal output part 32 becomes smaller accordingly. That is, the output (voltage) of the signal output parts 31 and 32 changes in correspondence with the distance from the corresponding conductive parts 21 and 22, and the shorter the distance, the smaller the output (voltage). In addition, as the output of the signal output parts 31 and 32, the change of the resonant signal or the current value can also be used.

[0043] In particular, as described above, both the coil C21 and the coil C31 are in an 8-shaped shape. Therefore, the relationship between the first signal output part 31 and the first conductive part 21 is as follows. First, in a state where an upward magnetic flux is generated from the winding part 33 of the first signal output part 31 and a downward magnetic flux is generated from the winding part 34, if the first conductive part 21 approaches the first signal output part 31, a current in a direction that cancels the upward magnetic flux from the winding part 33 flows in the winding part 23 of the first conductive part 21. As a result, an upward magnetic flux is generated in the winding part 24 of the first conductive part 21, and therefore, the downward magnetic flux of the winding part 34 of the first signal output part 31 becomes weak. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the winding directions of the winding part 33 and the winding part 34 are opposite, the change in the output of the first signal output part 31 becomes larger. As a result, the sensitivity as a sensor becomes higher.

[0044] In addition, from the perspective of suppressing crosstalk, the resonant frequencies of the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 may be different. In addition, as disclosed in WO2019 / 122867A1, the resonant frequencies may be different between the multiple sensor units 30. In particular, the resonant frequencies may be different between the sensor units 30 corresponding to adjacent keys 13. In addition, as disclosed in WO2019 / 122867A1 and Japanese Patent Gazette No. 4375302, when driving each sensor unit 30, time division processing may be performed using a multiplexer and a demultiplexer. For example, multiple sensor units 30 are grouped according to key domains so that physically adjacent sensor units 30 are not driven at the same time. For example, the sensor units 30 in the low domain may be driven simultaneously one by one in each group in sequence.

[0045] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 1 is a schematic front view of one key 13 and the corresponding sensor unit 30. The stroke position and tilt (displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction) of the key 13 are detected as follows.

[0046] First, when the key-side conductive portion 20 is brought close to the sensor portion 30 by a key operation, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32 are input to the adding unit 51 and the subtracting unit 52. The control unit 50 detects the stroke position of the key 13 based on the sum of the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32 input from the adding unit 51. At this time, for example, the smaller the sum of the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32 is, the deeper the stroke position is detected.

[0047] In parallel with this, the control unit 50 detects the magnitude of the roll of the key 13 based on the difference between the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32 input from the subtraction unit 52. At this time, the larger the difference between the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32, the larger the roll is detected to be. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the right portion of the key surface of the key 13 is pressed, the key 13 rolls to the right. In this case, the distance between the first conductive portion 21 and the first signal output portion 31 becomes shorter than the distance between the second conductive portion 22 and the second signal output portion 32. Therefore, the first signal output portion 31 outputs a smaller detection signal than the second signal output portion 32, and thus the difference in the detection signals becomes larger. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the rolling direction of the key 13 and the magnitude of the rolling displacement.

[0048] As mentioned above, Figure 4 As shown, the interval between the straight lines L3 and L4 is larger than the interval between the straight lines L1 and L2. That is, the first signal output part 31 is shifted to the right in the key arrangement direction relative to the first conductive part 21, and the second signal output part 32 is shifted to the left in the key arrangement direction (the opposite direction to the first signal output part 31) relative to the second conductive part 22. Fig.10 As shown, if the key 13 is subjected to a force to the right, the key 13 is displaced to the right in the horizontal direction. In this case, in the projection when viewed from above, the overlapping area of ​​the first conductive part 21 and the first signal output part 31 is larger than the overlapping area of ​​the second conductive part 22 and the second signal output part 32. Therefore, the magnetic flux of the first conductive part 21 acting on the first signal output part 31 is stronger than the magnetic flux of the second conductive part 22 acting on the second signal output part 32. In this way, the first signal output part 31 outputs a smaller detection signal than the second signal output part 32, so the difference in the detection signals becomes larger. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the magnitude of the displacement of the key 13 in the yaw direction.

[0049] By such a shift configuration, the difference between the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32 when the key 13 is displaced in the horizontal direction becomes larger, so the sensitivity of the detection related to the yaw direction becomes higher. The roll displacement and the yaw displacement are displacements generated in a composite manner, and it is difficult for the performer to perform the performance without being aware of both. Therefore, it is not very meaningful to distinguish between the roll displacement and the yaw displacement in the detection of displacement. Therefore, the control unit 50 detects the roll displacement and the yaw displacement in a composite manner as a roll, which is beneficial to the effect control.

[0050] In addition, the displacement direction of the first signal output part 31 relative to the first conductive part 21 and the displacement direction of the second signal output part 32 relative to the second conductive part 22 may also be different from the first signal output part 31 and the second conductive part 22. Figure 4 The illustrated structure is opposite. In addition, the shifted configuration is not necessary, and the interval between the straight lines L1 and L2 and the interval between the straight lines L3 and L4 can also be made the same, and the first conductive part 21 and the second conductive part 22, and the first signal output part 31 and the second signal output part 32 are arranged in a manner that the straight lines L1 and L2 overlap with the straight lines L3 and L4, respectively. In this case, from the viewpoint of suppressing crosstalk, it is preferred to arrange the key side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30 in a manner that the center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G3 are consistent, and the center of gravity G2 and the center of gravity G4 are consistent.

[0051] The control unit 50 detects the stroke position of the key 13 at any time during the key pressing and releasing. When the stroke position of the key 13 becomes deeper than the first predetermined position, the control unit 50 generates a note-on event and causes the sound generating unit 53 to start producing sound. After the sound production starts, the control unit 50 implements post-key distance control to impart effects such as vibrato based on the detected tilt. For example, the greater the tilt of the key 13, the greater the degree of the effect imparted, or the shorter the cycle. In addition, the detection results can be used for the control of effect impartment not only at the end of the key pressing, but also in the middle of the key pressing and releasing.

[0052] In addition, when the stroke position of the key 13 of the release stroke becomes shallower than the second prescribed position (shallower than the first prescribed position) during the sounding process, the control unit 50 starts to mute the sound generating unit 53. In addition, the control unit 50 can also detect the key pressing speed based on the time required for the key 13 to reach the first prescribed position from the third prescribed position (shallower than the first prescribed position) and use it for sound control such as volume. Similarly, the release speed can also be detected during the release operation and used for sound control. In addition, there is no limitation on the effect parameters of the control.

[0053] Figure 4 The illustrated arrangement can be applied to any of the white keys 13W and the black keys 13B, but it is difficult to realize if the key width is narrow. Figure 4 The configuration shown is suitable for the white key 13W. For the configuration suitable for the black key 13B with a narrow key width, Fig.11 is described in.

[0054] Fig.11 2 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the key-side conductive portion 20 is shown as a projection diagram when viewed from above. Fig.11 The first conductive part 21, the second conductive part 22, the first signal output part 31, and the second signal output part 32 are respectively configured as follows: Figure 4 The structure is the same as described in .

[0055] like Fig.11 As shown, the straight lines L1 and L2 are located on a straight line, and the conductive parts 21 and 22 are arranged on a straight line in the key length direction. Fig.11 The rear of the keyboard device 100 having the fulcrum 12 is on the left side in the key length direction. On the other hand, the signal output parts 31 and 32 are also arranged in the key length direction, but are not located on a straight line. That is, the straight line L3 is located further to the right than the straight line L1, and the first signal output part 31 is arranged to be shifted to the right side relative to the first conductive part 21 in the key arrangement direction. The straight line L4 is located further to the left than the straight line L2, and the second signal output part 32 is arranged to be shifted to the left side (in the opposite direction to the first signal output part 31) relative to the second conductive part 22 in the key arrangement direction. By such a shifted configuration, it can play a role in improving the detection sensitivity related to the yaw direction. Figure 4 In addition, in the white key 13W, it is also possible to adopt Fig.11 In addition, Fig.11 The signal output units 31 and 32 record the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 for comparison.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, a key-side conductive portion 20 is provided as a pair of conductive portions for each of the plurality of keys 13. A sensor portion 30 (a pair of signal output portions 31, 32) is provided on the circuit substrate 15 corresponding to each key 13. The sensor portion 30 outputs a signal corresponding to the distance between the key-side conductive portion 20 of the corresponding key 13. The control portion 50 detects the displacement of at least one of the yaw direction or the roll direction of the corresponding key 13 during the key stroke based on the signal output from the sensor portion 30. Therefore, the displacement of the key in the yaw direction or the roll direction can be detected even in the middle of the key pressing.

[0057] In particular, the tilt of the key 13 can be detected in the middle of the key stroke and release stroke, so it is not limited to the distance control after the key, and the detection result can also be used to contribute to the sound control in the middle of the key operation, and can be applied to rich sound expression.

[0058] In addition, the control unit 50 detects the stroke position of the corresponding key 13 based on the signals output from the signal output units 31 and 32. For example, the control unit 50 detects the stroke based on the sum of the signals output from the signal output units 31 and 32, and detects the displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction based on the difference between the signals output from the signal output units 31 and 32. Therefore, using the same sensor unit 30, not only the yaw direction or the roll direction of the key can be detected, but also the stroke position of the key can be detected.

[0059] In particular, the pair of signal output units 31 and 32 are arranged in the key arrangement direction, so that the displacement of the key 13 in the rolling direction can be detected. Figure 4 , Fig.11 The shift configuration shown can detect the displacement in the yaw direction with higher accuracy.

[0060] Furthermore, in each of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30 , the spiral directions of two spiral portions adjacent to each other in the key length direction are the same with respect to the center as a base point, and thus crosstalk can be suppressed.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the stroke position detection and the tilt detection of the key 13 can be realized by a common sensor unit, so the structure can be simplified. There is no need to set up an optical sensor for the stroke position detection and the tilt detection of the key 13. However, an optical or contact position sensor or speed sensor may be set up separately to detect the stroke position or the key pressing speed. In addition, it is not necessary to detect the stroke position based on the detection signal of the pair of signal output units 31 and 32.

[0062] Below, in Figure 12 to Figure 16 Various modification examples are described in detail. Fig.12 2 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a first modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. Fig.12 In the example, relative to Figure 4 For example, the winding directions of the winding parts 23 and 24 of the first conductive part 21 are opposite. Therefore, the spiral directions of the winding parts adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction, that is, the winding part 23 of the first conductive part 21 and the winding part 25 of the second conductive part 22, with the center as the base point are opposite to each other. Similarly, the spiral directions of the winding part 24 and the winding part 26 adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction with the center as the base point are also opposite to each other.

[0063] In addition, similarly, Fig.12 In the example, relative to Figure 4In the example, the winding portions adjacent to each other in the direction orthogonal to the key arrangement direction, i.e., the winding portions 33 and 34 of the first signal output portion 31, have opposite winding directions. Therefore, the spiral directions of the winding portions 33 and 35 adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction with the center as the base point are opposite to each other. Similarly, the spiral directions of the winding portions 34 and 36 adjacent to each other in the direction orthogonal to the key arrangement direction with the center as the base point are also opposite to each other. As described above, in each of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30, the spiral directions with the center as the base point are opposite to each other between the winding portions adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction. According to this structure, the directions of the magnetic flux generated not only in the key length direction but also between the winding portions adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction are opposite, which is further conducive to suppressing crosstalk.

[0064] Fig.13 2 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a second modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. Figure 4 In the example of , the conductive parts 21, 22 and the signal output parts 31, 32 are substantially parallel to the key length direction. Fig.13 In the example of FIG. 1 , the signal output parts 31 and 32 are arranged obliquely with respect to the key length direction. Figure 4 Same as the example.

[0065] like Fig.13 As shown, the winding portion 23 overlaps with the winding portion 33, and the winding portion 25 overlaps with the winding portion 35. On the other hand, the winding portions 34 and 36 are located outside in the key width direction relative to the winding portions 24 and 26. Therefore, the distance between the straight line L3 passing through the center of gravity G3 and G4 of the winding portions 33 and 34 of the first signal output portion 31 and the straight line L4 passing through the center of gravity G3 and G4 of the winding portions 35 and 36 of the second signal output portion 32 increases as they approach the front end side of the key 13. Therefore, when viewed from above, the straight line L3 is located to the right as it is further forward relative to the straight line L1, and the distance between the two increases as they approach the front end side of the key 13. When viewed from above, the straight line L4 is located to the left as it is further forward relative to the straight line L2, and the distance between the two increases as they approach the front end side of the key 13. In addition, in Fig.13 The signal output units 31 and 32 record the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 for comparison.

[0066] By configuring the pair of signal output units 31 and 32 in such a tapered shape, it is possible to detect yaw displacement and roll displacement even without adopting the above-mentioned shift configuration. Fig. 9 ), a distance difference occurs between the opposing winding portions, and thus the output difference between the signal output portions 31 and 32 becomes larger. As a result, Figure 4On the other hand, when the key 13 is displaced in the yaw direction ( Fig.10 ), the tip of the key is rotated about the fulcrum 12 (although not too much). For example, if the conductive parts 21, 22 are rotated to the right, the angle between the straight line L1 and the straight line L3 becomes smaller when viewed from above, while the angle between the straight line L2 and the straight line L4 becomes larger. If the conductive parts 21, 22 are rotated to the left, the opposite effect occurs. As a result, the output difference between the signal output parts 31, 32 becomes larger, which can be compared with the output difference between the signal output parts 31, 32. Figure 4 The yaw displacement is detected in the same way as in the example.

[0067] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30 in which the conductive portions 21 and 22 and the signal output portions 31 and 32 are arranged in the key length direction, respectively. Fig.13 The tapered configuration described in the above can also be applied to narrow keys such as the black key 13B. Fig.14 In the diagram, the inclination when viewed from above is taken into consideration, so the arrangement of each winding portion is represented by the position of the center of gravity. The meaning of the straight lines L1 to L4 is the same as Fig.11 same.

[0068] The straight lines L1 and L2 are located on a straight line, and the conductive parts 21 and 22 are arranged on the same straight line in the key length direction. When viewed from above, the straight line L3 is located further to the left than the straight line L1, and the distance between the straight line L3 and the straight line L4 is located further to the right than the straight line L2, and the distance between the straight line L4 and the straight line L4 is increased toward the front end of the key 13. With such a tapered arrangement, the black key 13B can also be aligned with the straight line L3. Fig.13 The yaw displacement and roll displacement are detected in the same manner as in the example.

[0069] Fig.15 2 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30 in which the conductive portions 21, 22 and the signal output portions 31, 32 are arranged in the key length direction. Fig.15 In, with Fig.14 Similarly, the arrangement of each winding portion is represented by the position of the center of gravity. The center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G3 do not need to coincide with each other. Fig.15 As shown, all the straight lines L1 to L4 can be tilted relative to the key length direction when viewed from above. In the range between the center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G2, the straight line L1 and the straight line L3 intersect. In the range between the center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G2, the straight line L2 and the straight line L4 intersect. With such a conical configuration, the yaw displacement and the roll displacement can also be detected. In addition, as Fig.15The intersecting tapered configuration shown may also be applied to the white key 13W.

[0070] In addition, if Fig.13 , Fig.14 , Fig.15 As shown in the example, in order to detect the roll displacement and the yaw displacement by the tapered configuration, the following conditions only need to be met. When viewed from above, the relative tilt direction of the first signal output portion 31 relative to the first conductive portion 21 and the relative tilt direction of the second signal output portion 32 relative to the second conductive portion 22 are opposite. In this case, the side where the interval is expanded by the tapered shape may not be the front in the key length direction, but may be the rear.

[0071] In addition, it can also be applied to Figure 4 , Fig.11 The shift configuration shown, and Figure 13 to Figure 15 Both of these are shown in tapered configurations.

[0072] Fig.16 2 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a fifth modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. Fig.16 As shown, the conductive parts 21, 22 and the signal output parts 31, 32 may each be formed by a coil composed of a single spiral instead of two spirals. In addition, only the group of the conductive part 21 and the signal output part 31 or the group of the conductive part 22 and the signal output part 32 may be formed as a group of coils composed of a single spiral.

[0073] In addition, the key-side conductive part is preferably an inductive element, but is not limited to an induction coil, and a conductive component may be used in the key-side conductive part. For example, as shown in the key-side conductive part 20-2, conductive metal plates 54 and 55 may be provided instead of the conductive parts 21 and 22. The metal plates 54 and 55 are made of iron or the like. The metal plates 54 and 55 are plate components that are roughly parallel to the key surface. If the distance of the metal plates 54 and 55 relative to the signal output parts 31 and 32 changes, the capacitance of the signal output parts 31 and 32 changes, thereby being able to extract a signal of a size corresponding to the distance.

[0074] Alternatively, as shown in the key side conductive part 20-3, a metal plate 56 having the same conductivity as the metal plates 54 and 55 may be provided instead of the conductive parts 21 and 22. In addition, when the key side conductive part 20-2 or the key side conductive part 20-3 is used, the coil shape of the signal output part 31 and 32 may be two spirals or a single spiral.

[0075] In addition, the stroke position detection does not necessarily require the use of the sum of the signals, and the stroke position may be detected using only one of the pair of signal output units 31 and 32 .

[0076] In addition, in each example including the above-mentioned modified example, the signal output unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the distance from the corresponding key-side conductive portion 20 is set so that more than two signal output units correspond to multiple keys 13, and is not limited to two. For example, more than two pairs of signal output units can be set, and the displacement is detected using the signal from each pair. Alternatively, three signal output units can be arranged in the key arrangement direction, and the signal output unit in the middle is dedicated to the detection of the stroke position.

[0077] Furthermore, the key operation detection device of the present invention does not necessarily need to be able to detect the operation of all the keys 13 of the keyboard device 100, and may detect only some of the keys 13.

[0078] The spiral portions of the coils C21 and C31 constituting the conductive parts 21 and 22 and the signal output parts 31 and 32 may be elliptical or rectangular in shape. The coils C21 and C31 are planar, but they do not need to be planar if the configuration space allows.

[0079] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the keyboard device 100 , but can also be applied to a pedal, a keyboard for a computer, and the like.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, the wording denoted by "substantially" does not mean to completely exclude. For example, "substantially parallel" and "substantially circular" respectively include completely parallel and circular.

[0081] The following is a summary of the method for detecting key operations of the keyboard device of the present invention.

[0082] (1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting key operation of a keyboard device, the keyboard device comprising: a conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys; a substrate provided in a manner opposite to the plurality of keys in a release direction of the plurality of keys; and at least two signal output portions provided on the substrate in a manner such that at least two signal output portions correspond to one of the plurality of keys, the at least two signal output portions each having a coil for outputting a signal corresponding to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key.

[0083] The key operation detection method has the following steps:

[0084] During the key stroke, displacement of at least one of the yaw direction and the roll direction of the corresponding key is detected based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units.

[0085] (2) A key operation detection device is provided, which, in addition to the above (1), further comprises the step of detecting a stroke position of the corresponding key based on a signal output from at least one of the at least two signal output units.

[0086] (3) A key operation detection device is provided, wherein, based on the above (1) or (2), the at least two signal output units are a pair of signal output units corresponding to each of the plurality of keys,

[0087] The method further comprises the steps of detecting the stroke of the corresponding key based on the sum of the signals respectively outputted from the pair of signal output parts, and detecting the displacement of the corresponding key in the yaw direction or the roll direction based on the difference between the signals respectively outputted from the pair of signal output parts.

[0088] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiment, and various modes that do not depart from the scope of the invention are also included in the present invention.

[0089] This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-209549) filed on November 20, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] Industrial Applicability

[0091] The key operation detection device and key operation detection method of the keyboard device and the keyboard device of the present invention can detect the displacement of the key in the yaw direction or the roll direction even when the key is being pressed.

[0092] Description of the label

[0093] 13 keys

[0094] 15 Circuit board

[0095] 20 Key side conductive part

[0096] 21, 22 Conductive part

[0097] 31, 32 Signal output unit

[0098] 30 Sensor unit

[0099] 50 Control Department

[0100] 101 Operation detection device

Claims

1. A device for detecting key operation of a keyboard device, comprising: a conductive portion disposed on each of the plurality of keys; a substrate disposed in a manner opposite to the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; at least one pair of signal output parts, which are arranged on the substrate in a manner that the at least one pair of signal output parts corresponds to one of the plurality of keys, the at least one pair of signal output parts each having a coil and outputting a signal corresponding to a distance from the conductive part arranged at the corresponding key; as well as The detection unit detects the stroke of the corresponding key based on the sum of the signals respectively outputted from the pair of signal output parts during the key stroke, and detects the displacement of the corresponding key in the yaw direction or the roll direction based on the difference between the signals respectively outputted from the pair of signal output parts.

2. The key operation detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The detection unit detects a stroke position of the corresponding key based on a signal output from at least one of the at least one pair of signal output units.

3. The key operation detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of signal output parts are arranged in a key arrangement direction in which the plurality of keys are arranged.

4. The key operation detection device according to claim 3, wherein: The first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is configured to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a first direction of the key arrangement direction, and the second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is configured to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a second direction of the key arrangement direction opposite to the first direction.

5. The key operation detection device according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive portion has a pair of conductive portions corresponding to the pair of signal output portions, and the pair of conductive portions are arranged in the key arrangement direction. When viewed from above, the relative inclination direction of the first signal output part in the pair of signal output parts relative to the first conductive part in the pair of conductive parts is opposite to the relative inclination direction of the second signal output part in the pair of signal output parts relative to the second conductive part in the pair of conductive parts.

6. The key operation detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of signal output parts are arranged side by side in the length direction of the corresponding key.

7. The key operation detection device according to claim 6, wherein: The first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is configured to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a first direction of the key arrangement direction, and the second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is configured to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a second direction of the key arrangement direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The key operation detection device according to claim 6, wherein: The conductive portion has a pair of conductive portions corresponding to the pair of signal output portions, and the pair of conductive portions are arranged in the length direction of the corresponding key. When viewed from above, the relative inclination direction of the first signal output part in the pair of signal output parts relative to the first conductive part in the pair of conductive parts is opposite to the relative inclination direction of the second signal output part in the pair of signal output parts relative to the second conductive part in the pair of conductive parts.

9. The key operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The coils of the at least one pair of signal output parts each have two spiral parts adjacent to and connected to each other, The spiral directions of the two spiral portions are the same with respect to their respective centers as base points.

10. The key operation detection device according to claim 3, wherein: The coils of each of the pair of signal output units have two spiral portions adjacent to and connected to each other. The spiral directions of the two spiral portions are the same with respect to their respective centers as base points. In the coils of the first signal output section and the second signal output section of the pair of signal output sections, spiral directions of spiral portions adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction are opposite to each other with their respective centers as base points.

11. The key operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The conductive portion is a metal plate parallel to a surface of the corresponding key.

12. The key operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The conductive part is a circuit having a coil formed by connecting two spiral parts. The spiral directions of the two spiral portions of the conductive portion are the same with respect to each other, with the respective centers as base points.

13. A keyboard device, comprising: The key operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and The plurality of keys.

14. A method for detecting key operation, which is a method for detecting key operation of a keyboard device, the keyboard device comprising: a conductive portion, which is provided on each of a plurality of keys; a substrate, which is provided in a manner opposite to the plurality of keys in a release direction of the plurality of keys; and at least one pair of signal output portions, which are provided on the substrate in a manner corresponding to at least one pair of signal output portions for one of the plurality of keys, the at least one pair of signal output portions each having a coil, outputting a signal corresponding to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key, In the key operation detection method, During the key stroke, the stroke of the corresponding key is detected based on the sum of the signals respectively output from the pair of signal output parts, and the displacement of the corresponding key in the yaw direction or roll direction is detected based on the difference between the signals respectively output from the pair of signal output parts.

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