keyboard unit

Abstract

A keyboard unit in which operation failure is less likely to occur is provided. A keyboard unit (1) has a frame (500), a first member (580, 590) connected to the frame (500) and having rigidity weaker with respect to a first direction (D1) than rigidity with respect to a second direction (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1), and a mounted member (400) having a first pressing portion (430) that suppresses movement of the first member (580, 590) in the first direction (D1) by pressing a portion of the first member (580, 590) from the second direction (D2), and a positioning unit (430') that suppresses movement of the mounted member (400) in the first direction (D1) with respect to the frame (500).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a keyboard unit. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a keyboard unit having a structure in which mounting components are mounted on a frame. Background Technology

[0002] In electronic musical instruments, components are typically mounted to a frame using fasteners such as screws. Usually, the component has a through-hole, through which a fastener connects to the frame, thus mounting the component. For example, in Patent Document 1, a plate-shaped component (circuit board) with a sensor is fixed to the frame using screws. In this structure, considering the dimensional difference between the shape of the frame and the shape of the component (circuit board), sometimes the size of the through-hole in the component is designed to be larger than the size of the fastener in a specific direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-180527

[0004] In the above situation, if fasteners are used to mount the component to the frame, the relative position of the mounted component to the frame may sometimes deviate from the proper position when the fasteners are tightened. As mentioned above, if the relative position deviates from the proper position, the mounted component will be fixed to the frame in a distorted state, either in the frame or the mounted component. As a result, the distorted component may sometimes interfere with other components, causing malfunctions in the keyboard unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a keyboard unit that is less prone to malfunctions.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a keyboard unit comprising: a frame; a first component whose rigidity relative to a first direction is weaker than its rigidity relative to a second direction intersecting the first direction, and connected to the frame; and a mounted component having a first pressing portion and a positioning unit, the first pressing portion suppressing movement of the first component in the first direction by pressing a portion of the first component from the second direction. The positioning unit suppresses movement of the mounted component relative to the frame in the first direction.

[0007] Alternatively, the first pressing part may be a pair of pressing parts, which suppress the movement of the first component in the first direction by clamping a portion of the first component in the second direction.

[0008] Alternatively, the end of the first component in the second direction may be connected to the frame.

[0009] Alternatively, the keyboard unit may further include a second component, the second component being less rigid relative to the first direction than relative to the second direction, the end of the second component being connected to the frame and aligned with the first component in the first direction, the positioning unit including a second pressing portion that suppresses movement of the second component in the first direction by pressing a portion of the second component from the second direction, the positional relationship between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion in the first direction being fixed.

[0010] Alternatively, the second component may be positioned in the first direction at a location closer to the center of the keyboard unit than the first component, and the positioning unit may have a pair of stops that engage in the first direction relative to a portion of the second component.

[0011] Alternatively, the keyboard unit may further include: a second component whose rigidity relative to the first direction is weaker than its rigidity relative to the second direction, the end of the second direction being connected to the frame; and a third component whose rigidity relative to the first direction is weaker than its rigidity relative to the second direction, the end of the second direction being connected to the frame. The positioning unit includes: a second pressing portion that suppresses movement of the second component toward the first direction by pressing a portion of the second component from the second direction; and a third pressing portion that suppresses movement of the third component toward the first direction by pressing a portion of the third component from the second direction. The positional relationship between the first pressing portion, the second pressing portion, and the third pressing portion in the first direction is fixed.

[0012] The keyboard unit may have a length in the first direction, the first component includes a rib and a boss, the rib has a length in the second direction, the first end of the rib is connected to the frame, the second end of the rib is connected to the boss, and the boss is pressed by the first pressing part in the second direction, directly or indirectly contacting the first pressing part.

[0013] Alternatively, the positioning unit may include a structure connected to the frame.

[0014] It is possible that the first component is adjacent to the component constituting the keyboard unit in the first direction.

[0015] Alternatively, the mounted component may have a through hole, and a fastening component that fixes the mounted component to the first component may pass through the through hole, wherein the width of the through hole in the first direction is greater than the portion of the fastening component that passes through the through hole.

[0016] Alternatively, the first component may have a threaded hole corresponding to a screw that secures the mounted component to the first component, and include a first contact portion and a second contact portion that contact a pair of the first pressing portions. When viewed from a direction in which the bottom of the threaded hole is visible, the first contact portion contacts one of the first pressing portions in a clockwise direction along an arc centered on the threaded hole. When viewed from a direction in which the bottom of the threaded hole is visible, the second contact portion contacts the other of the first pressing portions in a clockwise direction along the same arc.

[0017] Alternatively, the first component may include a first contact portion and a second contact portion that contact a pair of the first pressing portions, wherein the first contact portion contacts one of the first pressing portions at more than two points.

[0018] It is possible that the second contact portion makes contact with the other first pressing portion at more than two points.

[0019] It may be that, in the first contact portion, one of the first pressing portions is recessed in accordance with the shape of the first component, and / or, in the second contact portion, the other of the first pressing portions is recessed in accordance with the shape of the first component.

[0020] It is possible that the movement of the first component in the first direction is suppressed by the frictional force between the first component and the pair of first pressing parts.

[0021] It is possible that the pair of said first pressing portions have lengths in the first direction in a manner parallel to each other.

[0022] The effects of the invention

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard unit that is less prone to malfunctions can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a keyboard unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a sound source device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the frame of one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating an example of a hammer assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5This is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the frame of one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bottom.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a stop track according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This diagram shows the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A-A' cross-sectional view.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 This diagram shows the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 B-B' cross-section.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, a keyboard unit according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of how the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having the same function are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals (labeled with A, B, etc. after the numbers), and sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted. The scale of the drawings (the scale between the structures, the scale in the vertical and horizontal directions, etc.) is sometimes different from the actual scale for the sake of explanation, and sometimes a part of the structure is omitted from the drawings. In the following description, based on the vertical direction of each drawing, it is sometimes expressed as "up," "above," "top," "lower," "below," "bottom," "lower end," but these vertical directions are only used to describe the relationship of relative directions, and the vertical directions can be reversed.

[0038] [1. First Embodiment]

[0039] [1-1. Structure of the Keyboard Unit]

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of the keyboard unit according to the first embodiment. The keyboard unit 1 is an electronic keyboard instrument, such as an electronic piano, that produces sounds in correspondence with the keys pressed by the user (performer). The keyboard unit 1 may be a keyboard-type controller that outputs control data (e.g., MIDI) for controlling an external sound source device in correspondence with the keys. In this case, the keyboard unit 1 may not have a sound source device.

[0041] Keyboard unit 1 has keyboard assembly 10. Keyboard assembly 10 includes white keys 100w and black keys 100b. Unless otherwise specified, white keys 100w and black keys 100b are simply referred to as keys 100. Multiple white keys 100w and black keys 100b are arranged side-by-side. The number of keys 100 is N, which is 88 in this example. The direction in which these keys 100 are arranged is called the scale direction (D1 direction). Keyboard unit 1 has length in the D1 direction. In the following description, structures marked with "w" after a number refer to structures corresponding to white keys. Structures marked with "b" after a number refer to structures corresponding to black keys.

[0042] A portion of the keyboard assembly 10 exists inside the housing 90. When viewing the keyboard unit 1 from above, the portion of the keyboard assembly 10 covered by the housing 90 is referred to as the non-visible portion NV, and the portion exposed from the housing 90 and visible to the user is referred to as the visible portion PV. That is, the visible portion PV is part of the key 100 and represents the area where the user can perform playing operations. Hereinafter, the portion of the key 100 exposed through the visible portion PV is sometimes referred to as the key body portion.

[0043] An audio source device 70 and a speaker 80 are disposed inside the housing 90. The audio source device 70 generates an audio waveform signal in conjunction with the pressing of the key 100. The speaker 80 outputs the audio waveform signal generated in the audio source device 70 to an external space. The keyboard unit 1 may also have a slider for controlling volume, a switcher for switching timbre, a display for displaying various information, etc.

[0044] In this specification, directions such as up, down, left, right, near, and far refer to the directions observed by the player when playing the keyboard unit 1. For example, the non-visual part NV may be shown as being located on the far side compared to the visible part PV. Sometimes, directions based on key 100 are shown, such as the front side of the key (front of the key) and the rear side of the key (rear of the key). In this case, the front side of the key refers to the near side observed by the player relative to key 100. The rear side of the key refers to the far side observed by the player relative to key 100. According to this definition, in the black key 100b, the front to rear end of the key body of the black key 100b may be shown as a portion that protrudes upwards compared to the white key 100w.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the sound source device according to the first embodiment. The sound source device 70 includes a signal conversion unit 710, a sound source unit 730, and an output unit 750. Sensors 300 are provided corresponding to each key 100, detect key operations, and output signals corresponding to the detected content. In this example, the sensors 300 output signals corresponding to the number of key presses in three stages. The key press speed can be detected corresponding to the interval of this signal.

[0046] The signal conversion unit 710 acquires the output signals from the sensors 300 (sensors 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-88 corresponding to the 88 keys 100), generates and outputs operation signals corresponding to the operation state of each key 100. In this example, the operation signals are in MIDI format. Corresponding to key presses, the signal conversion unit 710 outputs "note on". At this time, the key number indicating which of the 88 keys 100 was pressed and the speed corresponding to the key press speed are associated with "note on" and output. On the other hand, corresponding to key releases, the signal conversion unit 710 outputs the key number associated with "note off". Signals corresponding to other operations such as pedal input can also be input to the signal conversion unit 710 and reflected in the operation signals.

[0047] The sound source unit 730 generates an audio waveform signal based on the operation signal output from the signal conversion unit 710. The output unit 750 outputs the audio waveform signal generated by the sound source unit 730. This audio waveform signal is output to, for example, a loudspeaker 80 or an audio waveform signal output terminal.

[0048] [1-2. Structure of the Keyboard Components]

[0049] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the frame in the first embodiment as viewed from the side. In the following description, the structure associated with the white key 100w is illustrated, but the hammer assembly 200 according to this embodiment can also be applied to the structure associated with the black key 100b. Figure 3 As shown, a keyboard assembly 10 and a speaker 80 are disposed inside the frame 90. The speaker 80 is located at the distal end of the keyboard assembly 10. The speaker 80 is configured to output sounds corresponding to the keys towards the top and bottom of the frame 90. The sound output to the bottom enters the outside from the lower surface side of the frame 90. On the other hand, the sound output to the top passes through the internal space of the keyboard assembly 10 from inside the frame 90 and enters the outside from the gap between adjacent keys of the white keys 100w on the exterior PV or the gap between the white keys 100w and the frame 90.

[0050] For the structure of keyboard component 10, use Figure 3 The keyboard assembly 10, in addition to the white key 100w and sensor 300 described above, also includes a hammer assembly 200, a stop rail 400, a frame 500, a connecting part 800, and a mounting part 900. The keyboard assembly 10 is a resin structure manufactured mostly by injection molding or the like. The frame 500 is fixed to the frame 90. The stop rail 400 and mounting part 900 are fixed to the frame 500. The connecting part 800 is mounted to the mounting part 900, connecting the white key 100w in a rotatable manner relative to the frame 500. The white key 100w includes a key body 110w and a key support 120w. The key body 110w is connected to the connecting part 800 via the key support 120w. The key support 120w is a plate-shaped component. A portion of the key support 120w is thinner in the thickness direction compared to the other parts, and is flexible. The key support 120w bends due to the flexibility, thereby causing the white key 100w to rotate relative to the frame 500.

[0051] The white key 100w has a front key guide 150w. The front key guide 150w slidably contacts the front frame guide 510 of the frame 500 in a state that covers the front frame guide 510 of the frame 500. The front key guide 150w contacts the front frame guide 510 on both sides in the D1 direction at its upper and lower parts. On the other hand, no component corresponding to the front key guide 150w is provided on the black key 100b.

[0052] The hammer assembly 200 is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft portion provided on the frame 500. Details will be described later. The bearing component 220 of the hammer assembly 200 is rotatably mounted to the shaft portion. The front end component 210 of the hammer assembly 200 contacts the hammer support portion 130w in the internal space of the white key 100w in a generally front-to-back sliding manner. This sliding portion, i.e., the part where the front end component 210 contacts the hammer support portion 130w, is located below the white key 100w in the outer appearance portion PV (located further forward than the rear end of the key body portion 110w).

[0053] The hammer assembly 200 has a metal counterweight 230 located further distal from its rotation axis. When a key is released (without a key being pressed), the counterweight 230 is positioned on the lower stop 410, and the front end 210 of the hammer assembly 200 pushes the white key 100w upwards. If a key is pressed, the counterweight 230 moves upwards and collides with the upper stop (not shown). That is, the hammer assembly 200 rotates in response to the movement of the white key 100w. The counterweight 230 applies weight to the hammer assembly 200 for each key press. The lower stop 410 and the upper stop are formed of a cushioning material (non-woven fabric, elastomer, etc.).

[0054] A sensor 300 is mounted on the frame 500 above the counterweight component 230. If the sensor 300 is flattened on the upper surface of the counterweight component 230 by pressing a button, the sensor 300 outputs a detection signal. The sensor 300 is arranged corresponding to each button 100 as described above.

[0055] A boss 580 is connected to frame 500. Boss 580 extends downward from frame 500. Details will be described later, via fastener 600 (see reference). Figure 5 The lower end of the boss 580 is connected to the stop rail 400.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating an example of a hammer assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the hammer assembly 200 has a front end component 210, a bearing component 220, a counterweight component 230, and a main body component 240.

[0057] The main body component 240 constitutes the main part of the hammer assembly 200, excluding the counterweight component 230, and functions as the frame of the hammer assembly 200. The main body component 240 has ribs 241 and recesses 242. The ribs 241 ensure the rigidity of the main body component 240, and the recesses 242 enable the main body component 240 to be lightweight.

[0058] As described above, the front end component 210 is slidably mounted relative to the hammer support 130w. The front end component 210 protrudes from the main body component 240 in a direction away from the bearing component 220. The front end component 210 has bifurcated protrusions, and the hammer support 130w slides in the groove between the two protrusions.

[0059] The bearing component 220 has a shape suitable for mounting to the shaft. Specifically, the bearing component 220 has an arc-shaped inner wall and an opening 243 for mounting to the shaft. When the hammer assembly 200 is mounted to the shaft, the hammer assembly 200 moves such that the shaft passes through the opening 243 to reach the bearing component 220. The bearing component 220 is mounted relative to the shaft in a snap-fit ​​manner. The hammer assembly 200 rotates about a rotation center 222.

[0060] The counterweight component 230 is fixed to the main body component 240 and extends in the opposite direction to the front end component 210. That is, the counterweight component 230 is rod-shaped. Figure 4Below the hammer assembly 200, a counterweight component 230 is shown in its detached state from the main body component 240. The counterweight component 230 has a first part 231 and a second part 232. The first part 231 is cylindrical. The second part 232 is a flattened shape of the first part 231. The second part 232 is covered by the main body component 240.

[0061] As described above, the hammer assembly 200 rotates around the rotation center 222 by the weight of the counterweight 230 and is supported by the lower stop 410 provided on the stop rail 400. The stop rail 400 extends along the D1 direction and supports the multiple counterweights 230 provided on the keyboard unit 1.

[0062] [1-3. Structure of the stopper track 400 and frame 500]

[0063] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the frame of one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bottom. Figure 5 The diagram shown is viewed from below. Figure 3 The diagram shows keyboard unit 1. Figure 5 For ease of explanation, a portion of the stop rail 400 is omitted in the illustration, so that the state of the counterweight member 230 positioned above the stop rail 400 can be visually confirmed. Rib 590 connects to the frame 500 and extends from the frame 500 along the D2 direction. Rib 590 extends along the D2 direction between adjacent counterweight members 230 in a portion of the plurality of hammer assemblies 200. Figure 5 In this case, the rib 590 is positioned between adjacent white keys 100w without sandwiching the black key 100b. That is, the rear ends of the counterweight members 230 adjacent to each other in the D2 direction are at the same position. The distance between adjacent white keys 100w without sandwiching the black key 100b is larger than the distance between the black key 100b and the white key 100w, so it is possible to provide bosses 580 and ribs 590 of sufficient size to ensure sufficient strength.

[0064] The boss 580 is connected to the rib 590 and is positioned between the adjacent counterweight components 230. The detailed structure of the boss 580 will be described later. As described later, a through hole 420 is provided in the stop rail 400, and a fastener 600 passes through this through hole 420 to connect with the boss 580, thereby connecting the stop rail 400 to the frame 500. Ribs 441 and recesses 442 are provided on the bottom surface of the stop rail 400. The ribs 441 are lattice-shaped extending along the D1 and D2 directions, surrounding the recesses 442. The ribs 441 ensure the rigidity of the stop rail 400, and the recesses 442 achieve weight reduction of the stop rail 400.

[0065] like Figure 3As shown, during key release, the stop rail 400 supports multiple counterweight components 230 via the lower stop 410. Therefore, to stably support the load of the counterweight components 230, the stop rail 400 is preferably connected to the frame 500 near the point where the counterweight components 230 contact the stop rail 400 (lower stop 410). On the other hand, the hammer assembly 200 (mainly the counterweight components 230) extends along the D2 direction, so to achieve the above structure, the frame 500 and the boss 580 are connected by ribs 590 extending along the D2 direction. That is, the first end of the rib 590 is connected to the frame 500, and the second end of the rib 590 is connected to the boss 580. In other words, the boss 580 is supported by the ribs 590 between the frame 500, which is shaped to sandwich the hammer assembly 200 from the D2 direction.

[0066] [1-4. Problems encountered when connecting the stopper rail 400 to the frame 500]

[0067] As described above, the rib 590 has a length in the D2 direction. Particularly in this embodiment, the rib 590 is positioned between portions of the frame 500 opposite to the D2 direction. Therefore, the rib 590 is more rigid relative to the D2 direction and less rigid relative to the D1 direction. Consequently, when an external force in the D1 direction is applied to the boss 580 or the rib 590, the rib 590 deforms in the D1 direction, and the position of the boss 580 deviates from its proper position in the D1 direction. As a result, if the amount of movement of the boss 580 is large, the boss 580 or the rib 590 may interfere with the counterweight member 230.

[0068] For example, when a screw is used as the fastener 600, the rib 590 is distorted due to the external force when the screw is screwed into and tightened into the boss 580. Sometimes, the stopper rail 400 is fixed to the boss 580 in a state where its position in the D1 direction deviates from the proper position. For example, when the first fastener 600 is connected to the first boss 580 in the proper position and the second fastener 600 is connected to the second boss 580 in a state where it has deviated from the proper position, the distance between the first boss 580 and the second boss 580 becomes an unsuitable distance. As a result, as described above, the boss 580 sometimes interferes with the counterweight member 230.

[0069] The structure described in the keyboard unit 1 according to this embodiment, as explained below, is a structure designed to suppress the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, the stop rail 400 is sometimes referred to as a "fastened component." The boss 580 and rib 590 are sometimes collectively referred to as a "first component." In this case, it can be said that the rigidity of the first component relative to the D1 direction (first direction) is weaker than its rigidity relative to the D2 direction (second direction). In this embodiment, a structure in which the D1 direction (first direction) and the D2 direction (second direction) of the key 100 are orthogonal is shown, but these directions are not limited to structures where they are orthogonal, as long as they intersect. Furthermore, to describe the structure in another way, in the second direction, the first component is connected to the frame 500 at its end. In other words, in the second direction, the first component is mounted between opposing portions of the frame 500. Further, in other words, the end of the first component in the second direction is connected to the frame 500.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the boss 580 and rib 590 (first component) are adjacent to the counterweight component 230, which is a component constituting the keyboard unit 1, in the D1 direction. Specifically, the first component is disposed between the counterweight components 230 that are adjacent in the D1 direction.

[0071] [1-5. Structure of the stopper track 400]

[0072] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a stop track according to one embodiment of the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, a through hole 420 and a pressing part 430 are provided in the stop track 400. Sometimes the pressing part 430 is referred to as the "first pressing part".

[0073] The through hole 420 is positioned correspondingly to the boss 580. The fastener 600 passes through the through hole 420 and connects to the boss 580, thereby fixing the stopper rail 400 to the boss 580 (or the first component). The through hole 420 has a length in the D1 direction of the stopper rail 400. The D1 direction corresponds to the pitch direction when the stopper rail 400 is mounted on the frame 500. Details will be described later; in the D1 direction, the width of the through hole 420 is greater than the width of the portion of the fastener 600 through which the through hole 420 passes.

[0074] The stop track 400 connects multiple bosses 580 arranged in the D1 direction. Therefore, if the dimensions of the stop track 400 in the D1 direction fluctuate, the positional deviation between the bosses 580 near both ends in the D1 direction and the through hole 420 becomes larger. Thus, the through hole 420 has a length in the D1 direction, thereby enabling the fastener 600 to connect with the bosses 580 even if the dimensions of the stop track 400 fluctuate as described above.

[0075] The pressing portions 430 are arranged in pairs, separated by the through hole 420. The pair of pressing portions 430 are spaced apart in the D2 direction and extend along the D1 direction. The pair of pressing portions 430 are parallel to each other and have a length in the D1 direction. The distance d1 between the pair of pressing portions 430 in the D2 direction is... Figure 5 The width of the boss 580 in the D2 direction is slightly smaller. The pressing part 430 protrudes upward from the upper surface 401 of the stopper track 400. The pressing part 430 is provided corresponding to the through hole 420. When adjacent through holes 420 are close to each other, the pressing part 430 is provided in the adjacent through holes 420. When adjacent through holes 420 are separated from each other, the pressing part 430 is provided corresponding to each through hole 420. In the D1 direction, the width of the pressing part 430 is greater than the width of the through hole 420. In this embodiment, a structure in which the pressing part 430 protrudes upward from the upper surface 401 of the stopper track 400 is shown, but it is not limited to this structure. For example, the pressing part 430 may also be a concave shape that is recessed from the upper surface 401 toward the inside of the stopper track 400.

[0076] [1-6. Mounting structure of stopper rail 400 to frame 500]

[0077] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the state in which the stopper rail is mounted on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A-A' cross-sectional view. Figure 7 This is a view of the stop track 400 from above, with the stop track 400 mounted on the frame 500. It is a simplified diagram showing the positional relationship between the boss 580 and the pressing part 430. Figure 7 For ease of explanation, the shape of the boss 580 is shown in a simplified form. Details will be described later. Figure 7 In the diagram, the structures indicated by the labels without single quotes are those that are installed using fasteners 600. On the other hand, the structures indicated by the labels with single quotes are those that have not yet been installed using fasteners 600.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the boss 580 is disposed between a pair of pressing portions 430. In this embodiment, in the D2 direction, the distance d1 between the pair of pressing portions 430 is less than the width d2 of the boss 580; therefore, when viewed from above, the boss 580 overlaps with a portion of the pressing portions 430. Figure 8As shown, the sidewall of the pressing part 430 is conical. That is, the angle θ between the sidewall of the pressing part 430 and the upper surface 401 is less than 90°. In this case, the aforementioned distance d1 is the distance between the lower ends of the conical sidewalls (or the shortest distance between opposing sidewalls).

[0079] The end of boss 580 ( Figure 8 The width d2 in the D2 direction of the lower end of the boss 580 (in its state) is greater than the aforementioned distance d1, therefore the end of the boss 580 contacts the inclined sidewall of the pressing part 430. That is, if the stopper rail 400 presses the frame 500, the boss 580 presses the inclined surface of the pressing part 430, and therefore the boss 580 is pressed in the D2 direction by the pressing part 430. The frictional force between the boss 580 and the pressing part 430 generated by the pressing based on the pressing part 430 suppresses the movement of the boss 580 in the D1 direction (see reference). Figure 7 If the above structure is described in another way, a pair of pressing parts 430 clamp a portion of the boss 580 in the D2 direction, thereby inhibiting the movement of the boss 580 in the D1 direction.

[0080] exist Figure 8 The example shown illustrates a structure where the boss 580 and the pressing part 430 are in direct contact, but this structure is not limited to it. For example, other components may be provided between the boss 580 and the pressing part 430, so that the boss 580 and the pressing part 430 are not in direct contact. In this case, the boss 580 is pressed in the D2 direction by other components connected to the pressing part 430, thus suppressing the movement of the boss 580 in the D1 direction as described above. The structure in which other components are provided between the boss 580 and the pressing part 430 can be referred to as the boss 580 and the pressing part 430 being in indirect contact.

[0081] The stopper rail 400 is connected to a plurality of bosses 580 arranged in the D1 direction. Therefore, even before the stopper rail 400 is fixed to the frame 500 by the fastener 600, the plurality of bosses 580 are pressed by their respective pressing parts 430, thereby suppressing the movement of the stopper rail 400 in the D1 direction. That is, when the fastener 600 is connected to the bosses 580 of the object to be mounted, the bosses 580' other than the bosses 580 of the object are pressed by their respective pressing parts 430', thereby fixing the position of the bosses 580 of the object in the D1 direction. In this case, the bosses 580' other than the bosses 580 of the object are sometimes referred to as "positioning units" for the bosses 580 of the object. Figure 7The positioning unit shown is a set of pressing parts 430', bosses 580', and ribs 590'. The keyboard unit 1 of this embodiment has 88 keys 100. The bosses 580 and 580' are provided in two locations for one octave. Therefore, the positioning unit of the keyboard unit 1 as a whole is 17 sets of pressing parts 430', bosses 580', and ribs 590'.

[0082] The above describes the situation where the boss 580' and rib 590' are collectively referred to as the "second component". In this case, it can be said that the rigidity of the second component relative to the D1 direction (first direction) is weaker than its rigidity relative to the D2 direction (second direction). Sometimes, the pressing part 430' corresponding to the boss 580' is referred to as the "second pressing part". The pressing part 430' (second pressing part) has the same structure as the pressing part 430 (first pressing part). Therefore, if the stop rail 400 is pressed against the frame 500, the boss 580' (part of the second component) is pressed from the D2 direction by the pressing part 430' (second pressing part). Through this structure, the pressing part 430' inhibits the movement of the boss 580' in the D1 direction. Both the pressing part 430 (first pressing part) and the pressing part 430' (second pressing part) are provided on the upper surface 401, so these positional relationships in the D1 direction are fixed.

[0083] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the state in which the stopper rail is mounted on the frame in one embodiment of the invention. (See diagram for example.) Figure 9 As shown, the stop rail 400 also has a through hole 425, a pressing part 435, and a stop 439. Similarly, a rib 595 extends from the frame 500 along the D2 direction, and a boss 585 is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 425. Sometimes the boss 585 and the rib 595 are referred to together as the "second component". This second component (boss 585 and rib 595) is located in the D1 direction closer to the center of the keyboard unit 1 than the first component (boss 580 and rib 590).

[0084] The through hole 425 is approximately circular. The pressing part 435 is sometimes referred to as the "second pressing part". Stoppers 439 are arranged in pairs, separated by the through hole 425. The pair of stoppers 439 are spaced apart in the D1 direction and both extend in the D2 direction. The pair of stoppers 439 are parallel to each other and have a length in the D2 direction. The distance between the pair of stoppers 439 in the D1 direction is the same as the distance d1 between the pair of pressing parts 430. The cross-sectional shape of the pressing part 435 and the stopper 439 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the pressing part 430. That is, the boss 585 is engaged by contacting the inclined sidewall of the stopper 439, restricting the movement of the boss 585 in the D1 direction. Therefore, the stopper 439 is sometimes referred to as a "positioning unit". In addition, similar to the pressing parts 430 and 435, the boss 585 can be pressed in the D1 direction by the stopper 439 by pressing the frame 500 through the stopper rail 400.

[0085] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the state in which the stopper rail is mounted on the frame in one embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 In, with Figure 7 and Figure 9 The differences are not shown in a simplified manner. Figure 5 The shape of the boss 580 shown. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the boss 580 has a cylindrical portion 581 and a protruding portion 582. Figure 10 In the cylindrical portion 581, four protrusions 582 are provided around it. When it is necessary to distinguish the four protrusions 582, they are referred to as protrusions 582-1, 582-2, 582-3, and 582-4. Similarly, when it is necessary to distinguish each pair of pressing portions 430, they are referred to as pressing portions 430-1 and 430-2. Figure 10 In this case, the distance between the ends of the protrusions 582 located at both ends in the D2 direction is equivalent to the width d2 of the boss 580. That is, in Figure 10 In this case, the protrusion 582 contacts the side wall of the pressing part 430.

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, protrusions 582-1 and 582-2 contact the pressing part 430-1, and protrusions 582-3 and 582-4 contact the pressing part 430-2. Sometimes protrusions 582-1 and 582-2 are referred to as the "first contact part." Sometimes protrusions 582-3 and 582-4 are referred to as the "second contact part." In this case, it can be said that the first contact part contacts the pressing part 430-1 at two or more points, or that the second contact part contacts the pressing part 430-2 at two or more points. The first contact part may also contact the pressing part 430-1 at three or more points, and the second contact part may also contact the pressing part 430-2 at three or more points.

[0087] For example, in Figure 10 In the illustrated state, when a screw is used as the fastener 600, a threaded hole 583 (or thread teeth) is formed on the inner wall of the boss 580. When the screw is tightened, the boss 580 is subjected to an action in the direction of the arrow from the screw. Due to this action, the boss 580 attempts to rotate, but in this direction of rotation, the protrusion 582-2 is engaged with the pressing part 430-1, thus restricting the rotation. Similarly, the protrusion 582-4, provided on the opposite side of the protrusion 582-2 with reference to the cylindrical part 581, engages with the pressing part 430-2, thus restricting the rotation of the boss 580 as described above. That is, the torsion of the boss 580 is suppressed by the protrusion 582 and the pressing part 430.

[0088] In this embodiment, the boss 580 has four protrusions 582-1 to 4. However, if the direction of the force exerted by the fastener 600 is predetermined, a portion of the protrusions 582 can be omitted corresponding to that direction of force. For example, as described above, when a screw is used as the fastener 600, the rotational direction for tightening the screw ( Figure 10 Since the direction of rotation of the arrow has been determined, it is also possible to provide only protrusions 582-2 and 582-4 (or only protrusions 582-2 or 582-4) around the cylindrical portion 581. To describe the structure in another way, when the boss 580 is viewed from above (from a direction where the bottom of the threaded hole 583 is visible), protrusion 582-2 contacts one of the pair of pressing portions 430-1 in a clockwise direction along an arc centered on the threaded hole 583. When the boss 580 is viewed from above, protrusion 582-4 contacts the other of the pair of pressing portions 430-2 in a clockwise direction along an arc centered on the threaded hole 583. As described above, the protrusions 582-2 and 582-4 are engaged with the pressing portions 430-1 and 430-2 respectively, thereby preventing the boss 580 from rotating about the center of the threaded hole 583.

[0089] The portion of the protrusion 582 that contacts the pressing portion 430 has a sharper shape than the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 581. That is, the radius of curvature of the portion of the protrusion 582 that contacts the pressing portion 430 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 581. In other words, the protrusion 582 contacts the pressing portion 430 with strong pressure. In this case, the protrusion 582 can engage with the sidewall of the pressing portion 430. In this case, at the protrusion 582-2 (first contact portion), one pressing portion 430-1 is recessed corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 582-2 (or, the first component). Similarly, at the protrusion 582-4 (second contact portion), another pressing portion 430-2 is recessed corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 582-4 (or, the first component).

[0090] In this embodiment, a structure is shown in which the boss 580 is pressed from both sides in the D2 direction by the pressing portion 430, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to have a structure in which the boss 580 is pressed from one side in the D2 direction relative to the boss 580 by the pressing portion 430. Even in such a case, the movement of the boss 580 in the D1 direction can be suppressed by the frictional force between the boss 580 and the pressing portion 430.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a structure is shown where the sidewall of the pressing part 430 is conical and the pressing part 430 presses the boss 580 in the D2 direction, but this structure is not limited to this one. For example, the sidewall of the pressing part 430 may be vertical (the angle between the sidewall and the upper surface 401 is approximately 90°), and the sidewall of the boss 580 may be conical. In the case where the sidewalls of both the pressing part 430 and the boss 580 are vertical (the angle between the sidewalls and the upper surface 401 is 90°), the boss 580 may be positioned between the pressing parts 430 while the pressing part 430 or the boss 580 is elastically deformed, and the pressing part 430 presses the boss 580 in the D2 direction by the restoring force of the elastically deformed pressing part 430 or the boss 580. Alternatively, instead of the pressing part 430 or the boss 580 undergoing elastic deformation, the pressing part 430 or the boss 580 can be pre-tightened by an elastic component such as a spring, thereby pressing the boss 580 in the D2 direction by the pressing part 430.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a structure is shown where the boss 580 and rib 590 (first component) are mounted between opposite portions of the frame 500, that is, a structure where the end of the first component is connected to the frame 500, but this structure is not limited to this one. For example, a structure in which the boss 580 and rib 590 protruding upward from the flat bottom of the frame 500 may also be provided. The cylindrical portion 581 may also be a shape other than a cylinder.

[0093] As described above, according to the keyboard unit 1 of this embodiment, when a mounted component such as a stop rail 400 is mounted to the frame 500 using a fastener 600, it is possible to prevent the stop rail 400 from deviating from its proper position when, for example, the fastener 600 is tightened. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent interference between the boss 580 or rib 590 of the mounting fastener 600 and adjacent components (e.g., the counterweight component 230 of the hammer assembly 200), thus preventing malfunctions in the operation of the keyboard unit 1.

[0094] [2. Second Implementation]

[0095] [2-1. Mounting structure of stopper rail 400A to frame 500A]

[0096] use Figure 11 and Figure 12 The keyboard unit 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 B-B' cross-section. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The stopper rail 400A and frame 500A shown are... Figure 7 The stopper rail 400 and frame 500 shown are similar, but the positioning unit for the boss 580A is connected to the frame 500A, which is the same as... Figure 7 The structures shown are different. In the following description, the terms "and" will be used interchangeably. Figure 7 The structure shown is the same as the structure shown, so the explanation is omitted. The main focus is on the structure shown. Figure 7 The structural differences shown will be explained. Furthermore, in the following description, when the same structure as in the first embodiment is described, refer to... Figures 1 to 7 The letter "A" is added after the reference numerals shown in the above figures for illustrative purposes.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, a boss 580A is connected to the frame 500A via a rib 590A. A through hole 440A is provided in the stop rail 400A. A through pin 570A is provided in the frame 500A. The through hole 440A has a length in the D2 direction. Figure 12 As shown, the insert pin 570A passes through the through hole 440A.

[0098] The insert pin 570A passes through the through hole 440A, thereby supplying an external force in the D1 direction to the boss 580A. When the boss 580A and the rib 590A move together in the D1 direction, it inhibits the movement of the stopper track 400A in the D1 direction. In this case, the insert pin 570A and the through hole 440A are sometimes referred to as a "positioning unit" for the boss 580A. That is, this positioning unit (insert pin 570A) is connected to the frame 500A.

[0099] exist Figure 11 The example shows a structure where the through hole 440A and the through pin 570A are located at a different position in the D1 direction than the boss 580A. However, the through hole 440A and the through pin 570A can also be located at the same position in the D1 direction as the boss 580A. Alternatively, a recess can be provided instead of the through hole 440A, and the through pin 570A may not necessarily penetrate the through hole 440A.

[0100] [3. Third Implementation]

[0101] [3-1. Mounting structure of stopper rail 400B to frame 500B]

[0102] use Figure 13 The keyboard unit 1B according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stopper rail is installed on the frame in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 The stopper rail 400B and frame 500B shown are... Figure 7 The stopper track 400 and frame 500 shown are similar, but the multiple bosses 580B are arranged in the D2 direction. Figure 7 The structures shown are different. In the following description, for those... Figure 7 The structure shown is the same as the structure shown, so the explanation is omitted. The main focus is on the structure shown. Figure 7 The structural differences shown will be explained. Furthermore, in the following description, when the same structure as other embodiments is described, reference will be made to... Figures 1 to 7 The letter "B" is added after the reference numerals shown in the above figures for clarification.

[0103] like Figure 13 As shown, the keyboard unit 1B has frames 500B-1, 500B-2, 500B-3, and 500B-4, bosses 580B-1, 580B-2, and 580B-3, and ribs 590B-1, 590B-2, and 590B-3. Bosses 580B-1, 580B-2, and 580B-3 are arranged in the D2 direction. Boss 580B-1 is connected to frames 500B-1 and 500B-2 via rib 590B-1 between them. Boss 580B-2 is connected to frames 500B-2 and 500B-3 via rib 590B-2 between them. The boss 580B-3 is connected to the frames 500B-3 and 500B-4 via rib 590B-3 between the frames 500B-3 and 500B-4.

[0104] Where there is no need to specifically distinguish between frames 500B-1, 500B-2, 500B-3, and 500B-4, they will be referred to as frame 500B. Where there is no need to specifically distinguish between bosses 580B-1, 580B-2, and 580B-3, they will be referred to as boss 580B. Where there is no need to specifically distinguish between ribs 590B-1, 590B-2, and 590B-3, they will be referred to as rib 590B. The structure of frame 500B, boss 580B, and rib 590B is similar to... Figure 7 The frame 500, boss 580, and rib 590 shown have the same structure, so descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Sometimes boss 580B-1 and rib 590B-1 are collectively referred to as "Part 1". Sometimes boss 580B-2 and rib 590B-2 are collectively referred to as "Part 2". Sometimes boss 580B-3 and rib 590B-3 are collectively referred to as "Part 3". Sometimes pressing part 430B-1 is referred to as "Part 1". Sometimes pressing part 430B-2 is referred to as "Part 2". Sometimes pressing part 430B-3 is referred to as "Part 3". The positional relationship of pressing part 430B-1 (Part 1), pressing part 430B-2 (Part 2), and pressing part 430B-3 (Part 3) is fixed. The structure of the above-mentioned Parts 1 to 3 and the pressing parts 1 to 3 are... Figure 7 The structure shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0106] In the keyboard unit 1B according to this embodiment, three or more bosses 580B are provided on the stop rail 400B and the frame 500B. By providing three bosses 580B, for example, when attempting to connect the fastener 600B to boss 580B-1, the other bosses 580B-2 and 580B-3 are pressed by the pressing portions 430B-2 and 430B-3 respectively. Therefore, movement of the stop rail 400B in the D1 direction and rotation of the stop rail 400B on the plane extending in both the D1 and D2 directions can be suppressed. That is, as... Figure 7 As shown, bosses 580 do not necessarily have to be arranged in the D1 direction. Figure 13 The example shows a structure where the bosses 580B are arranged at the same position in the D1 direction along the D2 direction, but the bosses 580B can also be arranged at different positions in the D1 direction along the D2 direction. Furthermore, there can be more than four bosses 580B.

[0107] In the above embodiments, an electronic piano is shown as an example of a keyboard device using a hammer assembly. Furthermore, a structure in which the hammer assembly is positioned relative to the keys is illustrated. However, the hammer assembly of the above embodiments can also be applied to devices other than electronic pianos or to components other than the keys of an electronic piano.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0109] Explanation of the label

[0110] 1: Keyboard unit, 10: Keyboard assembly, 70: Sound source device, 80: Speaker, 90: Frame, 100: Key, 100b: Black key, 100w: White key, 110w: Key body, 120w: Key support, 130w: Hammer support, 150w: Front key guide, 200: Hammer assembly, 210: Front part, 220: Bearing part, 222: Rotation center, 230: Counterweight part, 231: Part 1, 232: Part 2, 240: Main body part, 241: Rib, 242: Recess, 243: Opening, 300: Sensor, 400: Stopper rail, 401: upper surface, 410: lower stopper, 420, 425, 440A: through hole, 430, 435: pressing part, 439: stopper, 441: rib, 442: recess, 500: frame, 510: front frame guide, 570A: insert pin, 580, 585: boss, 581: cylindrical part, 582: protrusion, 583: threaded hole, 590, 595: rib, 600: fastener, 600B: fastener, 710: signal conversion part, 730: sound source part, 750: output part, 800: connection part, 900: mounting part.

Claims

1. A keyboard unit, comprising: frame; A first component, whose rigidity relative to a first direction is weaker than its rigidity relative to a second direction intersecting the first direction, is connected to the frame; and The mounted component has a first pressing part and a positioning unit, the first pressing part inhibiting movement of the first component in the first direction by pressing a portion of the first component from the second direction. The positioning unit inhibits the movement of the mounted component relative to the frame in the first direction. The pressing from the second direction is achieved by elastic deformation of a part of the first component or the first pressing part.

2. The keyboard unit according to claim 1, wherein, The first pressing part is a pair of pressing parts. The pair of pressing parts inhibit the movement of the first component in the first direction by clamping a portion of the first component in the second direction.

3. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The end of the first component in the second direction is connected to the frame.

4. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The keyboard unit also has a second component, which is less rigid with respect to the first direction than with respect to the second direction. The end of the second component is connected to the frame and is aligned with the first component in the first direction. The positioning unit includes a second pressing part, which inhibits the movement of the second component in the first direction by pressing a portion of the second component from the second direction. The positional relationship between the first pressing part and the second pressing part in the first direction is fixed.

5. The keyboard unit according to claim 4, wherein, The second component is positioned in the first direction at a location closer to the center of the keyboard unit than the first component. The positioning unit has a pair of stops that engage in the first direction relative to a portion of the second component.

6. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The keyboard unit also has: The second component, whose rigidity relative to the first direction is weaker than its rigidity relative to the second direction, has its end in the second direction connected to the frame; and The third component is less rigid relative to the first direction than it is relative to the second direction, and its end in the second direction is connected to the frame. The positioning unit includes: The second pressing part inhibits the movement of the second component in the first direction by pressing a portion of the second component from the second direction; and The third pressing part inhibits the movement of the third component in the first direction by pressing a portion of the third component from the second direction. The positional relationship between the first pressing part, the second pressing part, and the third pressing part in the first direction is fixed.

7. The keyboard unit according to claim 1, wherein, The keyboard unit has a length in the first direction. The first component includes ribs and bosses. The rib has a length in the second direction. The first end of the rib is connected to the frame. The second end of the rib is connected to the boss. The boss is pressed in the second direction by the first pressing part, and directly or indirectly contacts the first pressing part.

8. The keyboard unit according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning unit includes a structure that is connected to the frame.

9. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first component is adjacent to the component constituting the keyboard unit in the first direction.

10. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The component to be installed has a through hole, and a fastening component that fixes the component to be installed to the first component passes through the through hole. The width of the through hole in the first direction is greater than that of the portion of the fastening member through which the through hole passes.

11. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first component has a threaded hole corresponding to the screw that secures the mounted component to the first component, and includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion that contact the pair of first pressing portions. When viewed from a direction where the bottom of the threaded hole is visible, the first contact portion contacts one of the first pressing portions in a clockwise direction along an arc centered on the threaded hole. When viewed from a direction in which the bottom of the threaded hole is visible, the second contact portion contacts the other of the first pressing portions in a clockwise direction on the arc.

12. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first component includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion that contact the pair of the first pressing portions. The first contact portion makes contact with one of the first pressing portions at more than two points.

13. The keyboard unit according to claim 12, wherein, The second contact portion makes contact with the other first pressing portion at more than two points.

14. The keyboard unit according to claim 11, wherein, In the first contact portion, one of the first pressing portions is recessed in accordance with the shape of the first component, and / or, In the second contact portion, another of the first pressing portions is recessed in a shape corresponding to the first component.

15. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The frictional force between the first component and the pair of first pressing parts suppresses the movement of the first component in the first direction.

16. The keyboard unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pair of first pressing portions have lengths in the first direction in a manner parallel to each other.

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