Keyboard instruments

Abstract

The keyboard instrument key (10) has a key base member (300), a first member (310) disposed on either the left or right side of the key base member (300), and a second member (320) disposed on the other side of the key base member (300). The vertical length (hb) of the first member (310) near the front of the key is different from the vertical length (ha) of the second member (320) near the front of the key.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] In accordance with the Paris Convention, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-207672, filed on December 22, 2021, and incorporates the entire disclosure therein, including the specification, claims, abstract and drawings. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to keyboard musical instruments. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, a keyboard instrument was disclosed that features keys with wooden components attached to the sides of the key base components to enhance their texture. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-229515 discloses a keyboard instrument in which, for example, the E key, a wooden component is attached to the left side of the wider portion of the key, while the wooden component is not attached to the left side of the narrower portion of the key. The wooden component is attached to the entire right side, which is continuous from the wider to the narrower portion. Furthermore, the vertical length of these wooden components is the same. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In keyboard instruments, the shape of the shell is sometimes carefully studied to enhance the aesthetic design. In this way, the wooden components are not only the exposed sides of the adjacent keys when struck, but sometimes it is desired that the wooden components can be observed from the sides of the keys without any cracks, even when the keyboard instrument is viewed from various angles.

[0006] The advantage of this invention is that it provides a keyboard instrument in which the wooden components can be seen from the side of the keys without cracks, even when viewed from various angles, thus improving the texture.

[0007] The keyboard instrument of the present invention comprises: a key base member; a first member disposed on either the left or right side of the key base member; and a second member disposed on the other side of the key base member, wherein the vertical length of the first member near the front of the key is different from the vertical length of the second member near the front of the key. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a keyboard musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Sectional view II-II. White and black keys show the side view.

[0010] Figure 3This is a top view showing the left and right sides of the keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention enlarged and the middle part omitted.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the white keys associated with the C key of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a left side view of the key base component of the C key of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a right-side view of the key base component of the C key of a keyboard musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7 The white keys of the keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 Sectional view VII-VII.

[0015] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the white keys related to the D key of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the white key at the far left of the A key of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the white key at the far right of the C key of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the left side of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state after the keyboard is struck.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the right side of a keyboard instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state after the keyboard is struck. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1The keyboard instrument 10 shown includes a full-size (88-key) keyboard 50 and a housing 20. The keyboard 50 has multiple white keys 30 and multiple black keys 40. In the following description, the front of the keys in the forward-backward direction FB is designated as front side F, the rear of the keys in the forward-backward direction FB is designated as rear side B, the left side facing the keyboard 50 is designated as left side L, and the right side is designated as right side R. The key arrangement direction LR of the keyboard 50 is left-right. Furthermore, in the vertical direction UL of the keyboard instrument 10, the top is designated as upper side Up, and the bottom is designated as lower side Lo. This embodiment of the keyboard instrument 10 shows an electronic piano, but any instrument that produces sound based on the player's (user's) key operations can be any other keyboard instrument.

[0021] The housing 20 is a roughly rectangular plate with the left-right length direction, divided into an upper housing 21 and a lower housing 22. Both the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22 are made of resin material. Inside the housing 20 are a substrate, a battery (serving as a power source), and other components. An operating section 11 is provided on the upper surface of the left side of the upper housing 21, which includes a knob and dial for volume and various settings. Furthermore, a headphone jack 12 is provided on the front surface of the left side of the upper housing 21.

[0022] The upper surface 21a of the upper housing 21, adjacent to the keyboard 50 on the left side, and the upper surface 21b of the upper housing 21, adjacent to the keyboard 50 on the right side, are formed as inclined surfaces that slope downwards from the rear to the front. Additionally, the left-right elongated upper surface 21c located in the upper center of the upper housing 21 is also an inclined surface. Furthermore, although not shown, a hole corresponding to a speaker is provided on the back of the upper housing 21.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 20 assembles the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22 by bolting together a lower protrusion 23 erected vertically from the lower housing 22 and an upper protrusion 24 erected vertically from the upper housing 21. An inner housing 25 is provided inside the housing 20. The inner housing 25 is elongated in the key arrangement direction LR. Figure 2 In the cross-sectional view, it has a roughly U-shaped cross section with the opening side facing downwards (Lo). A circuit board 60 is provided on the upper surface of the inner housing 25. A plurality of switches 61 are provided on the circuit board 60 corresponding to each white key 30 and each black key 40. Each white key 30 and each black key 40 has a switch pressing part 33 at the position corresponding to the switch 61. Figure 2 The switch pressing part 33 of the white key 30 is shown; the switch pressing part of the black key 40 is not shown.

[0024] At the rear of the inner housing 25, a support shaft 25a is provided corresponding to each white key 30 and each black key 40, and the support shaft 25a rotatably supports each white key 30 and each black key 40. Inside the inner housing 25, a hammer member 70 is provided corresponding to each white key 30 and each black key 40. A counterweight 71 is provided on the rear side B of the hammer member 70. An arm 72 extending from the counterweight 71 to the front side F is supported by a support shaft 25b provided in the inner housing 25 and is rotatable. A hammer cap 73 is provided at the front end of the arm 72, and the hammer cap 73 is connected to a hammer pressing part 31 extending from each white key 30 and each black key 40 to the lower side Lo. Figure 2 The hammer pressing part 31 of the white key 30 is shown, and the hammer pressing part of the black key 40 (not shown) is engaged. A hole 31a is provided in the hammer pressing part 31 for engaging the hammer cap 73. Furthermore, a hook-shaped limiting protrusion 32 is provided at the front end of each white key 30 and each black key 40. This limiting protrusion 32 extends downward to the lower side Lo, and its front end protrudes rearward. Figure 2 The limiting protrusion 32 of the white key 30 is shown; the limiting protrusion of the black key 40 is not shown.

[0025] Taking the white key 30 as an example, the operation of the white key 30 and the hammer assembly 70 will be explained. When the white key 30 is pressed, the hammer pressing part 31 of the white key 30 presses down the hammer cap 73. As a result, the counterweight part 71 of the hammer assembly 70, which is positioned opposite the hammer cap 73 across the support shaft 25b, rises. In this way, the white key 30 can be struck while feeling the same weight as a real piano. Then, the rising counterweight part 71 comes into contact with the upper damper 26 for the hammer, which is provided in the inner housing 25.

[0026] On the other hand, when the white key 30 is pressed, the limiting protrusion 32 is pressed down and comes into contact with the lower buffer 29 provided corresponding to the limiting protrusion 32. When the white key 30 is pressed again, the switch 61 is pressed by the switch pressing part 33 provided on the white key 30, and a sound corresponding to the pressed white key 30 is emitted. Moreover, when the hand is removed from the white key 30, the counterweight part 71 of the hammer member 70 drops and comes into contact with the lower buffer 27, and the jaw of the limiting protrusion 32 comes into contact with the upper buffer 28, becoming Figure 2 The state. Additionally, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the limiting protrusion 32 is composed of a plate-shaped left limiting protrusion 32a and a plate-shaped right limiting protrusion 32b.

[0027] like Figure 3As shown, the shapes of the multiple white keys 30 on the keyboard 50 vary according to their positions (scales). That is, in the key arrangement direction LR, the white key 30AL located at the far end of the left L and the white key 30CR located at the far end of the right R do not have other white keys 30 of the same shape. Between white keys 30AL and 30CR, there are multiple white keys 30A as keys of the scale A, i.e., A keys, and similarly, there are multiple white keys 30B to 30G. White keys 30A, 30D, and 30G are arranged with black keys 40 on the left L and right R. White keys 30B, 30C, 30E, and 30F are arranged with black keys 40 on either the left L or right R. Therefore, the following describes white keys 30C, 30D, and the farthest white keys 30AL and 30CR in a representative manner.

[0028] Here, as Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 As shown, as a basic structure, the white bond 30 has a bond base member 300 manufactured by resin injection molding, and a first member 310 and a second member 320 disposed on the left and right sides of the bond base member 300.

[0029] use Figures 4-7 Explain key 30C. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the white key 30C includes a first member 310, a second member 320, and a key base member 300C. The key base member 300C is manufactured by resin injection molding. The key base member 300C is provided with the aforementioned hammer pressing part 31, limiting protrusion 32, and switch pressing part 33 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 6 Additionally, a stepped portion 305 is provided on the right side R of the key base member 300C. The rear side of the stepped portion 305 is a narrow portion adjacent to the black key 40, and the front side of the stepped portion 305 is a wide portion with a striking surface.

[0030] The key base member 300C includes a top plate 301. The top plate 301 has a wide portion 301a extending forward from the step portion 305 and a narrow portion 301b extending rearward from the step portion 305. From the lower surface 301q of the front end of the top plate 301 (see reference...) Figure 5 , Figure 6 Starting from the top plate 301, a front plate 302 is provided extending downwards from the bottom of the top plate 301. The front plate 302 is configured with its surface facing the front-rear direction FB and is set to have a width approximately the same as the width portion 301a of the top plate 301.

[0031] Additionally, on the key base member 300C, left and right side plates 303 and 304 are provided, which are connected to the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301 and the rear surface 302c of the front plate 302. For example... Figure 5As shown, the left-side L side plate 303 has a portion corresponding to the wide portion 301a of the top plate 301, namely the front side plate 303a, and a portion corresponding to the narrow portion 301b, namely the rear side plate 303b. The front side plate 303a and the rear side plate 303b are plates of approximately elongated rectangular shape, extending in the front-rear direction FB, and are continuously arranged in a straight line (the sides are approximately the same surface). The length QL1 of the key in the front-rear direction FB of the front side plate 303a is set to be shorter than the length QL3 of the key in the rear side plate 303b in the front-rear direction FB (QL1 < QL3). The length QL2 of the front side plate 303a in the vertical direction UL is set to be longer than the length QL4 of the rear side plate 303b in the vertical direction UL (QL2 > QL4).

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, the right-side R side plate 304 has a front side plate 304a corresponding to the wide portion 301a of the top plate 301, and a rear side plate 304b corresponding to the narrow portion 301b. The front side plate 304a and the rear side plate 304b correspond to the step portion 305 and are connected in a stepped manner by a connecting plate 304c in a direction orthogonal to the side plates 304 (front side plate 304a, rear side plate 304b). The front side plate 304a and the rear side plate 304b are plates with an approximately long rectangular shape that are longer in the front-rear direction FB. The length QR1 of the key in the front-rear direction FB of the front side plate 304a is set to be shorter than the length QR3 of the key in the front-rear direction FB of the rear side plate 304b (QR1 < QR3). The length QR2 of the front side plate 304a in the vertical direction UL is set to be longer than the length QR4 of the rear side plate 304b in the vertical direction UL (QR2 > QR4).

[0033] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the length QL1 of the front side panel 303a of the left side panel 303 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length QR1 of the front side panel 304a of the right side panel 304 in the front-rear direction (QL1>QR1). Furthermore, the length QL2 of the front side panel 303a in the vertical direction (UL) is longer than the length QR2 of the front side panel 304a of the right side panel 304 in the vertical direction (QL2>QR2). Additionally, the length QL3 of the rear side panel 303b of the left side panel 303 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length QR3 of the rear side panel 304b of the right side panel 304 in the front-rear direction (QL3<QR3). The length QL4 of the rear side panel 303b in the vertical direction (UL) is approximately the same as the length QR4 of the rear side panel 304b in the vertical direction (UL) of the right side panel 304 (QL4=QR4).

[0034] On the rear side plates 303b and 304b of the side plates 303 and 304 corresponding to the narrow section 301b, a plate-shaped switch pressing part 33 protruding downwards Lo is provided. Additionally, a protruding plate 306 protruding to the right R is provided on the lower surface of the side plate 304 corresponding to the wide section 301a. Similarly, protruding plates 307 protruding to the left and right directions are provided on the lower surfaces of the side plates 303 and 304 corresponding to the narrow section 301b, respectively. Furthermore, the upper surface 32a1 of the left limiting protrusion 32a of the left side L and the upper surface 31b of the hammer pressing part 31 of the left side L are arranged on approximately the same plane. Furthermore, the upper surface of the protruding plate 306 of the right side R and the upper surface 32b1 of the right limiting protrusion 32b of the right side R are arranged on approximately the same plane. Additionally, a protrusion 31c protruding from the upper surface of the hammer pressing part 31 of the right side R (see also...) Figure 4 The upper surface of the SI portion (surrounded by the diagram) and the upper surface of the protrusion plate 307 on the right side R are arranged on approximately the same plane.

[0035] At the rear end of the key base member 300C, a rotating hole 308 is provided in the arrangement direction LR of the through key. The rotating hole 308 is rotatably engaged with the support shaft 25a of the inner housing 25 inside the housing 20.

[0036] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the first member 310 is disposed on the left side L of the key base member 300C, which is either the left or right side. The second member 320 is disposed on the right side R of the key base member 300C, which is the other side. Both the first member 310 and the second member 320 are made of wood and are formed into wooden plates.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the first member 310 has a shape corresponding to the disposed side plate 303. That is, the first member 310 has a front portion 311 disposed on the front side plate 303a of the side plate 303 and a rear portion 312 disposed on the rear side plate 303b, and the front portion 311 and the rear portion 312 are continuously disposed. The vertical length UL of the front portion 311 is set to be longer than the vertical length UL of the rear portion 312. The upper surface 310a of the first member 310 is a continuous surface, and the lower surface 310b is stepped at the connection between the front portion 311 and the rear portion 312.

[0038] The second member 320 has a shape corresponding to the configured side panel 304. That is, it has a front second member 321 configured on the front side panel 304a of the side panel 304 and a rear second member 322 configured on the rear side panel 304b. The vertical length UL of the front second member 321 is set to be longer than the vertical length UL of the rear second member 322.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first member 310 is disposed on the key base member 300C in the following manner: its front surface 310c abuts against the rear surface 302c of the front plate 302 of the key base member 300C, its upper surface 310a abuts against the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301, and an adhesive is applied to the side surface 310e facing the outer side of the side plate 303. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, the outer side 310f of the first component 310 and the left side end 301c1 of the top plate 301 are approximately the same plane. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the front plate 302 is configured to have approximately the same width as the wide portion 301a of the top plate 301. Therefore, the outer side surface 310f of the first member 310 is also the same surface as the side end 302a of the left side L of the front plate 302. In addition, the rear surface 310d of the first member 310 does not abut against the wall portion 303d that is erected at the rear end of the side plate 303 and faces the rear surface 310d, and a gap is provided.

[0040] Furthermore, at the rear portion 312 of the first member 310, the outer side surface 310f of the first member 310 is also flush with the side end 301c1 of the top plate 301 and the side end 302a of the front plate 302. Additionally, the lower surface 310b of the first member 310 has some gaps with the upper surface 32a1 of the left limiting protrusion 32a, the upper surface 31b of the hammer pressing part 31, and the upper surface of the protruding plate 307. The upper surface 32a1 of the left limiting protrusion 32a, the upper surface 31b of the hammer pressing part 31, and the upper surface of the protruding plate 307 are portions used to support the first member 310 in case it falls.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the front second member 321 of the second member 320 is disposed on the key base member 300C in the following manner: the front surface 321c abuts against the rear surface 302c of the front plate 302 of the key base member 300C, the upper surface 321a abuts against the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301, and an adhesive is applied to the side surface 321e facing the outer side of the front side plate 304a of the side plate 304. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, the outer side 321f of the second front member 321 is on the same plane as the right side end 301c2 of the wide portion 301a of the top plate 301. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the outer side 321f of the second front member 321 is on the same side as the right side R of the front plate 302.

[0042] Similarly, as Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the rear second member 322 of the second member 320 is disposed on the key base member 300C in the following manner: its front surface 322c abuts against the connecting plate 304c, its upper surface 322a abuts against the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301, and an adhesive is applied to the side surface 322e facing the outer side of the rear side plate 304b. The outer side surface 322f of the rear second member 322 is on the same plane as the right side end 301c3 of the top plate 301 corresponding to the narrow portion 301b. In addition, the rear surface 322d of the rear second member 322 of the second member 320 does not abut against the wall portion 304d erected at the rear end of the side plate 304 and facing the rear surface 322d, but is provided with a gap. Furthermore, the rear surface 321d of the front second member 321 of the second member 320 is open.

[0043] That is, the side plates 303 and 304 are positioned on the same side as the side ends 301c1, 301c2, 302a, and 302b of the top plate 301 and the front plate 302, and the side surfaces 310f, 321f, and 322f of the configured first component 310 and second component 320 (front second component 321 and rear second component 322).

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, the white key 30D includes a key base member 300D and two second members 320. Since the key base member 300D has black keys 40 arranged on both the left and right sides, stepped portions 305 are also provided on both the left and right sides. That is, in the key base member 300D, a side plate 304L, approximately symmetrical to the side plate 304 on the right side R, is provided on the left side L. Furthermore, the side plate 304 on the right side R is the same as the side plate 304 of the white key 30C. Therefore, second members 320 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the key base member 300D of the white key 30D. The second members 320 are installed in the same manner as the second members 320 on the right side R of the white key 30C.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the white key 30AL includes a key base member 300AL, a first member 310, and a second member 320. The key base member 300AL has a stepped portion 305 on its right side R for arranging the black key 40. That is, the left and right side plates 303 and 304 are arranged in the same manner as the white key 30C. Therefore, on the key base member 300AL of the white key 30AL, the first member 310 is mounted on the left side L, and the second member 320 is mounted on the right side R.

[0046] like Figure 10As shown, the white key 30CR includes a key base member 300CR and two first members 310. No stepped portion 305 is provided on the key base member 300CR. That is, in the key base member 300CR, a side plate 303R, approximately symmetrical to the side plate 303 on the left side L, is provided on the right side R. Therefore, the first members 310 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the key base member 300CR of the white key 30CR. The first members 310 are mounted in the same manner as the first member 310 on the left side L of the white key 30C.

[0047] Thus, on the key base member 300, a first member 310 is disposed on the side plates 303 and 303R without the stepped portion 305, and a second member 320 is disposed on the side plates 304 and 304L with the stepped portion 305.

[0048] in addition, Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 as well as Figure 11 , Figure 12 The values ​​of ha, hb, a, and b are shown below.

[0049] ha; the vertical UL length of the key near the front of the second component 320 (refer to...) Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 )

[0050] hb; the vertical length of the key near the front of the first component 310 in the UL direction (refer to...) Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 )

[0051] a; the vertical length UL from the upper surface 301p of the top plate 301 near the key of the white key 30 when it is struck, to the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301 near the key of the white key 30 adjacent to the white key 30 after the strike (in other words, the upper surface 310a near the key of the first member 310 or the upper surface 321a near the key of the second member 320 before the second member 321) in the vertical direction (refer to...) Figure 11 , Figure 12 In other words, the length b of the vertical UL of the front second member 321 of the first member 310 or the second member 320 located outside the two ends of the keyboard 50 when the key is pressed; the length b of the vertical UL of the front side of the key exposed when the key is pressed from the upper surface 21a of the upper housing 21 on the left side L or the upper surface 21b of the upper housing 21 on the right side R to the white key 30 (white key 30AL, white key 30CR) when the key is not pressed (refer to...). Figure 11 , Figure 12 )

[0052] In the keyboard instrument 10 of this embodiment, hb is larger than b (hb > b). Therefore, even if a shell 20 with an upper surface 21a, 21b that is inclined on the left side L and right side R of the upper shell 21 is used, the lower surface 310b of the wooden first component 310 will not be exposed on the left and right sides exposed in the white keys 30AL, 30CR.

[0053] Furthermore, in the keyboard instrument 10 of this embodiment, ha is larger than a (ha > a). Therefore, even when a white key 30 is struck, the lower surface 321b of the front second member 321 of the second member 320 of the white key 30 adjacent to the struck white key 30 will not be exposed. Moreover, hb and ha are different (hb ≠ ha), and hb is larger than ha (hb > ha). Therefore, even if a first member 310 is arranged on an adjacent white key 30, the lower surface 310b of that first member 310 will not be exposed.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, b is greater than a (b > a). Therefore, summarizing the above, in the keyboard instrument 10 of this embodiment, the relationship becomes hb > b > ha > a.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first component 310 and the second component 320 have portions corresponding to the narrow portion 301b of the white key 30 (the rear portion 312 of the first component 310 and the rear second component 322 of the second component 320). However, when the white key 30 is struck, the side of the white key 30 corresponding to the narrow portion 301b where the black key 40 is disposed is less exposed. Therefore, the portions corresponding to the narrow portion 301b of the white key 30 (the rear portion 312 of the first component 310 and the rear second component 322 of the second component 320) can also be omitted.

[0056] A second component 320 is disposed on the side of the white key 30, which serves as a key on the keyboard 50, on the side of the step portion 305 for configuring the black key 40 (the right side of white key 30AL, the left side of white key 30B, the right side of white key 30C, both sides of white key 30D, the left side of white key 30E, the right side of white key 30F, and both sides of white key 30G). Instead of the step portion 305, a first component 310 is disposed on the side of the straight white key 30 (the left side of white key 30AL, the right side of white key 30B, the left side of white key 30C, the right side of white key 30E, the left side of white key 30F, and both sides of white key 30CR). Therefore, even for the keyboard 50 of the keyboard instrument 10, which improves the appearance design by setting the upper surfaces 21a and 21b of the upper housing 21 at an angle, the wooden components are sufficient to use only the first component 310 and the second component 320 having the front second component 321 and the rear second component 322, which can promote the commonality of components.

[0057] In other words, in this technical solution, three types of components are sufficient to be disposed on the sides of the key base member. Using this technical solution, even keyboard devices with both ends exposed can provide an aesthetically pleasing keyboard device. Furthermore, since only three types of components are used as components disposed on the sides of the key base member in this technical solution, each component can be easily disposed on each side of the key base member, further reducing the cost of manufacturing the keyboard device.

[0058] In the embodiments of the present invention, the keyboard instrument 10 includes a key base member 300, a first member 310 disposed on either the left or right side of the key base member 300, and a second member 320 disposed on the other side. The length hb of the vertical direction UL near the front of the key of the first member 310 is different from the length ha of the vertical direction UL near the front of the key of the second member 320.

[0059] Therefore, even with the design of the housing 20, the visibility of the lower surfaces of the first member 310 and the second member 320 mounted on the side of the key base member 300 can be reduced. Thus, even when viewing the keyboard instrument 10 from various angles, the wooden components can be observed from the side of the keys without any cracks, providing a keyboard instrument 10 with an improved texture.

[0060] Furthermore, the vertical length hb of the key-proximal side of the first member 310 in the vertical direction UL is longer than the vertical length b of the key-proximal side of the first member 310 located at at least one end of the keyboard 50 when it is not pressed from the upper surfaces 21a, 21b of the housing 20, and is also longer than the vertical length a of the key-proximal side UL of the second member 321 of the second member 320. Therefore, even if the exposed area of ​​the outer side of the white keys 30AL, 30CR, which are the left and right outermost keys, is greater than the exposed area of ​​the white keys 30 adjacent to the white keys 30 after being pressed, the wooden components, etc., can be appropriately exposed.

[0061] Furthermore, the upper surfaces 21a and 21b of the upper housing 21 adjacent to the white keys 30AL and 30CR at the far end are inclined surfaces that slope downward toward the front of the keys. Thus, even in the keyboard instrument 10 where the upper surfaces 21a and 21b of the housing 20 (upper housing 21) adjacent to the white keys 30AL and 30CR at the far end are inclined to improve the appearance design, the wooden components can be appropriately exposed.

[0062] Furthermore, the key base member 300 includes: a top plate 301 with a striking surface; a front plate 302 with approximately the same width as the top plate 301 and extending downward from the front end of the top plate 301; and left and right side plates 303 and 304 connected to the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301 and the rear surface 302c of the front plate 302. A first member 310 or a second member 320 is disposed on the side plates 303 and 304, abutting against the lower surface 301q of the top plate 301 and the rear surface 302c of the front plate 302. The side plates 303 and 304 are positioned on the same plane as the side ends 301c1, 301c2, 302a, and 302b of the top plate 301 and the front plate 302, and the outer sides 310f, 321f, and 322f of the first member 310 or the second member 320. Thus, the white keys 30 can be designed to appear as if entirely made of wood, providing a more aesthetically pleasing keyboard instrument 10. In addition, the top plate 301, front plate 302, side plates 303 and 304 may not be plate-shaped, but block-shaped, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, in the key base member 300, the side plate 303 of the white key 30C, which is configured with the first member 310, is continuously arranged in a straight line, while the side plate 304 of the white key 30C, which is configured with the second member 320, is arranged in a stepped shape. Thus, for example, in the white key 30C, the rear side plates 303b and 304b corresponding to the black key 40 can also be configured with the wooden first member 310 (rear portion 312) and the rear second member 322 of the second member 320.

[0064] Furthermore, the first member 310 has a front portion 311 near the front of the key and a rear portion 312 whose length in the vertical direction UL is shorter than that of the front portion 311. Thus, even in continuous side panels 303, wood can be arranged up to the part adjacent to the black key 40.

[0065] Furthermore, the second member 320 has a front second member 321 and a rear second member 322 whose length in the vertical direction UL is shorter than that of the front second member 321. Thus, even in stepped side panels 304, etc., wood can be arranged up to the position adjacent to the black key 40.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the component disposed on the side of the key base component is a wooden component is described.

[0067] However, it is also possible to use wood-grain style components instead of wooden components.

[0068] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention described in the claimed scope and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A keyboard instrument, wherein, have: A plurality of bond base members, each of the bond base members having a left side plate and a right side plate, the plurality of bond base members including: a bond base member in which both the left side plate and the right side plate are arranged in a stepped manner, and a bond base member in which the left side plate is arranged in a straight manner and the right side plate is arranged in a stepped manner; A first wooden component, comprising either a left or right side plate arranged in a straight line in the key alignment direction of the key-based component; and The second wooden component comprises a stepped side plate disposed in the left and right side plates of the key-arrangement direction of the key-based component, the second component having a front second component and a rear second component. The vertical length of the first component near the front of the key is longer than the vertical length of the first component at at least one end of the keyboard, when not pressed, extending from the upper surface of the housing near the front of the key, and is also longer than the vertical length of the first component near the front of the key. The vertical length of the front side of the second component near the key is longer than the vertical length of the front side of the first component exposed from the upper surface of the housing when the key is pressed. The upper surface of the housing is an inclined surface that slopes down toward the front side of the key.

2. The keyboard instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of bond base components also include bond base components in which both the left side plate and the right side plate are arranged in a straight line.

3. The keyboard instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The key base component also has a top plate and a front plate. The top plate has a striking surface. The front plate has approximately the same width as the top plate and extends downward from the front end of the top plate. The left side plate and the right side plate connect the lower surface of the top plate and the rear surface of the front plate. The first component or the second component abuts against the lower surface of the top plate and the rear surface of the front plate and is disposed on the left side plate or the right side plate. The left side plate or the right side plate is positioned on the same plane as the top plate and the front plate, at each side end of the top plate and the front plate.

4. The keyboard instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first component has a front portion near the front of the key and a rear portion that is shorter in length in the vertical direction than the front portion.

5. The keyboard instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of the second component in the vertical direction is shorter than that of the second component in the front direction.

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