Electronic wind instrument and method of mounting a heating element

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic wind instrument capable of improving the detection accuracy of exhaled breath and a method for installing a heating element. By heating the substrate (34) forming the bottom surface of each curved flow path (314a, 315a) using a heater (341), saliva adhering to each curved flow path (314a, 315a) can be dried, and moisture caused by dew formation in each curved flow path (314a, 315a) can be suppressed. Thus, moisture can be suppressed from accumulating in each curved flow path (314a, 315a), so the flow of exhaled breath can be suppressed from being interrupted by the moisture, and the moisture can be suppressed from flowing downstream (towards the temperature sensor (360)). Therefore, the flow of exhaled breath blown into the blow-in port (310, 311) can be accurately detected by the temperature sensor (360).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic wind instrument and a method for installing a heating element, and more particularly to an electronic wind instrument and a method for installing a heating element that can improve the detection accuracy of exhalation. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic wind instrument in which a region-dividing member E is assembled inside a tube body P having a mouthpiece 1. The region-dividing member E has a first air-inlet region 4 and a second air-inlet region 5 extending axially from the mouthpiece 1 to both sides of the tube body P. Pressure sensors 8 and 9, which detect exhaled air blown into the mouthpiece 1, are provided in the first air-inlet region 4 and the second air-inlet region 5. Since the pressure sensors 8 and 9 are located at their axial ends in the first air-inlet region 4 and the second air-inlet region 5, saliva contained in the player's exhaled air can be prevented from directly adhering to the pressure sensors 8 and 9.

[0003] [Existing technical documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-262077 (e.g., paragraphs 0009 to 00013, Figures 1-3 ) Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, in the prior art, saliva contained in exhaled breath, or moisture generated by condensation of exhaled breath, can sometimes accumulate in the flow path between the mouthpiece 1 and pressure sensors 8 and 9. If such moisture accumulation occurs, in addition to the obstruction of exhaled breath flow in the flow path, the moisture accumulated in the flow path can sometimes flow due to the pressure of exhaled breath and adhere to pressure sensors 8 and 9. Therefore, there is a problem of reduced detection accuracy of exhaled breath by pressure sensors 8 and 9.

[0008] This invention was developed to address the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an electronic wind instrument and a method for installing a heating element that can improve the accuracy of exhalation detection.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the electronic wind instrument of the present invention includes: a frame; an exhalation inlet formed in the frame; a flow path extending from the inlet into the interior of the frame; a sensor located in the flow path for detecting exhalation; and a heating element that heats the flow path upstream of the sensor.

[0011] The heating element installation method of the present invention is a heating element installation method in an electronic wind instrument, the electronic wind instrument comprising: a frame; an exhalation inlet formed in the frame; a flow path extending from the inlet into the interior of the frame; and a sensor located in the flow path for detecting exhalation. In the heating element installation method, a heating element that heats the flow path upstream of the sensor is installed in the wall surrounding the flow path. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 (a) is a perspective view of the electronic wind instrument according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is a magnified stereoscopic view of an electronic wind instrument after the main body of the instrument has been disassembled.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the inlet unit.

[0014] Figure 3 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the lip plate taken from the inside. Figure 3 (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the inlet unit.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 (b) A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the blow-in unit at line IV-IV.

[0016] Figure 5 (a) is Figure 4 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the blow-in unit at the Va-Va line. Figure 5 (b) is Figure 4 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the blow-in unit at the Vb-Vb line.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 (b) Enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument at line VI-VI.

[0018] Figure 7 (a) is Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument along line VIIa-VIIa. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument at line VIIb-VIIb in (a).

[0019] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument according to the third embodiment. Figure 9 (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument according to the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers

[0022] 1, 201, 301, 401: Electronic wind instruments

[0023] 31: Lip plate

[0024] 310: Blow into the mouth (blow into the mouth)

[0025] 311: Downward blowing inlet (blowing inlet)

[0026] 313: Isolation Wall

[0027] 314a, 314b: First curved flow path (curved flow path, flow path)

[0028] 315a, 315b: Second curved flow path (curved flow path, flow path)

[0029] 316a, 316b: Throttle flow path (flow path)

[0030] 32: Blow into the side frame (frame)

[0031] 326: Throttle flow path (flow path)

[0032] 34: Substrate (mounting wall, part of the mounting wall)

[0033] 341: Heater (heating element)

[0034] 344: Conductor Pattern (Heat Transfer Material)

[0035] 345: Through hole

[0036] 360: Temperature sensor (sensor)

[0037] 363: Pressure sensor (sensor)

[0038] 43: Heat transfer fins (part of the mounting wall)

[0039] 44: Metal plate (heat transfer material, part of the mounting wall) Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to... Figure 1of (a) Figure 1 (b) and Figure 2 The overall structure of the electronic wind instrument 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 (a) is a perspective view of the electronic wind instrument 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is a partially enlarged stereoscopic view of the electronic wind instrument 1 after the instrument body 2 has been disassembled. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the inlet unit 3. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The diagram shows the O-ring 39 to be installed in the blow-in unit 3 (see reference). Figure 1 (b) The state after removal. In addition, in the following description, the direction orthogonal to the axis (long side direction) of the electronic wind instrument 1 will be described as radial, and the direction around the axis will be described as circumferential.

[0041] like Figure 1 of (a) Figure 1 As shown in (b), the electronic wind instrument 1 is an electronic instrument that simulates an acoustic wind instrument (in this embodiment, a flute). The electronic wind instrument 1 includes an instrument body 2 that simulates the main tube of a flute, and an inlet unit 3 that simulates a head tube is installed at the axial end of the instrument body 2.

[0042] The instrument body 2 includes a generally semi-cylindrical upper frame 21 (first frame) and a lower frame 22 (second frame). Multiple keys 20 are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21. A cylindrical protrusion 210 (bore) is integrally formed at the end of the upper frame 21 on the axial direction of the blowhole unit 3 side. The protrusion 210 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 toward the lower frame 22. A through hole 220 is formed in the lower frame 22 for a bolt B1 to pass through at a position corresponding to the front end of the protrusion 210.

[0043] An insertion hole 30 is formed at the end of the instrument body 2 on the axial side of the mouthpiece unit 3 for inserting a protrusion 210 of the upper frame 21. A bolt hole (fastening hole, not shown) is formed at the front end of the protrusion 210 of the upper frame 21. With the protrusion 210 of the upper frame 21 inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the mouthpiece unit 3, the bolt B1 passing through the through hole 220 is screwed into the protrusion 210, thereby mounting the mouthpiece unit 3 onto the instrument body 2.

[0044] With the mouthpiece unit 3 installed on the instrument body 2, the cylindrical end (second cylindrical portion) of the mouthpiece unit 3 is rotatably inserted into the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion) formed by overlapping the frames 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2. An O-ring 39 (sealing material) of rubber or elasticity is installed at the insertion portion of the mouthpiece unit 3 to suppress shaking during rotation of the mouthpiece unit 3.

[0045] A lip plate 31 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the air inlet unit 3. An upper air inlet 310 (first air inlet) and a lower air inlet 311 (second air inlet) are formed on the lip plate 31 along the circumferential direction. Each air inlet 310 and 311 is a rectangular opening that is formed laterally along the axial direction of the air inlet unit 3.

[0046] The performer plays the electronic wind instrument 1 by simultaneously operating the button 20 and switching the direction of exhalation (blowing separately) to each inlet 310, 311. During this performance, the orientation of each inlet 310, 311 (the relative position of the button 20 to the inlets 310, 311) can be adjusted by rotating the inlet unit 3 relative to the instrument body 2. Thus, the performer can change the relationship between the hand movement operating the button 20 and the position of each inlet 310, 311 according to their preference.

[0047] Electronic components such as the substrate 23 are housed in the internal space surrounded by the frames 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2. A central processing unit (CPU) is provided on the substrate 23, which generates musical sounds based on the operation state of the button 20 or the blowing state (blowing volume) of exhalation into each blowhole 310 and 311 through the musical sound generation processing performed by the CPU.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the inlet unit 3 includes a generally semi-cylindrical inlet side frame 32 (third frame) and an exhaust side frame 33 (fourth frame). Each frame 32 and 33 is a resin part including a large-diameter portion 320 and a large-diameter portion 330, and a small-diameter portion 321 and a small-diameter portion 331 formed on one axial end of the large-diameter portions 320 and 330, with a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter portions 320 and 330.

[0049] The large-diameter portion 320 and the small-diameter portion 321 of the inlet side frame 32 are integrally formed, and similarly, the large-diameter portion 330 and the small-diameter portion 331 of the exhaust side frame 33 are integrally formed. Semi-elliptical cutouts 321a and 331a are formed at both circumferential ends of the small-diameter portions 321 and 331 of each frame 32 and 33, respectively, and the frames 32 and 33 overlap each other, thereby creating the insertion hole 30 (see reference). Figure 1 (b) are formed as a pair in radially facing positions.

[0050] On the outer peripheral surfaces of the small diameter portions 321 and 331 of each frame 32 and 33, grooves 321b and 331b extending circumferentially to both ends are formed, respectively. Circular O-rings 39 are installed in these grooves 321b and 331b (see reference). Figure 1(b)

[0051] A mounting hole 322 for mounting a lip plate 31 is formed in the large-diameter portion 320 of the blow-in side frame 32, and a substrate 34 is sandwiched between the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 and the lip plate 31. Furthermore, an internal space S1 (see reference 3) is formed in the bottom surface 322a, corresponding to the internal space of the blow-in unit 3. Figure 5 of (a) Figure 5 (b) is connected to the opening (hole). The substrate 34 is a component for heating the lip plate 31 to remove moisture, and details of the heating structure will be described later.

[0052] A boss 332 for fixing a lip plate 31 is integrally formed on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 330 of the exhaust side frame 33. The boss 332 is a cylindrical protrusion that rises from the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 330 towards the blow-in side frame 32. An insertion hole 332a for inserting a bolt B2 is formed at the center of the boss 332, and a similar insertion hole 340 is also formed on the base plate 34 (the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322). The bolts B2, which are inserted into the insertion holes 332a and 340 of the boss 332 and the base plate 34, are screwed into the bolt holes 312 of the lip plate 31 (see reference). Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b)), the lip plate 31 is fixed in the mounting hole 322 (outer peripheral surface) of the blow-in side frame 32.

[0053] A frame-side flow path 323a and a frame-side flow path 323b are formed on the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 to allow exhaled air blown in from each of the inlet 310 and 311 to pass through. The frame-side flow paths 323a and 323b are flow paths extending radially along the inlet-side frame 32 (the direction of the performer's exhaled air towards the inlet 310 and inlet 311). The frame-side flow paths 323a and 323b are formed as a pair, spaced apart axially in the inlet-side frame 32 (inlet unit 3). A cutout 343 (through hole) is formed on the substrate 34 at a position corresponding to the frame-side flow paths 323a and 323b. The exhaled air passing through the pair of frame-side flow paths 323a and 323b is guided to a pair of sensor modules Sa and Sb.

[0054] A pair of sensor modules Sa and Sb are symmetrically arranged with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis of the inlet unit 3 (including the plane of each inlet 310, 311) as the plane of symmetry (hereinafter, the same symmetry will be simply referred to as "symmetry"). Sensor module Sa is a component for detecting exhaled air blown into the upper inlet 310, and sensor module Sb is a component for detecting exhaled air blown into the lower inlet 311. Sensor modules Sa and Sb are identical components, including a resin housing 35 and a substrate 36 mounted on the housing 35 by means of bonding, etc.

[0055] The housings 35 of sensor modules Sa and Sb each have a cylindrical section 350 through which exhaled air blown in from each inlet 310, 311 passes. The exhaled air passing through the cylindrical section 350 is controlled by a temperature sensor 360 (see reference 360) mounted on the substrate 36. Figure 4 The details of the breath test method will be described later.

[0056] On the inner circumferential surfaces of both ends of the exhaust side frame 33, bosses 333 for fixing a pair of sensor modules Sa and Sb are integrally formed. The bosses 333 are cylindrical protrusions that stand upright toward the blow-in side frame 32, and an insertion hole 333a for passing through a bolt B3 is formed at the center of the bosses 333.

[0057] The same insertion hole 361 is also formed at the end of the base plate 36 on the opposite side of the cylindrical portion 350 in the axial direction. On the inner peripheral surface of the blow-in side frame 32, a bolt hole 324 is formed at a position corresponding to the boss 333 (insertion hole 333a) (see reference). Figure 4 The sensor modules Sa and Sb are fixed inside the blow-in unit 3 by screwing the bolts B3, which are inserted into the insertion holes 333a and 361 of the boss 333 and the substrate 36, into the bolt holes 324 of the blow-in side frame 32.

[0058] In the fixed state, the cylindrical portions 350 of sensor modules Sa and Sb are connected to the first exhaust ports 334 of the exhaust-side frame 33. The first exhaust ports 334 are arranged in a pair, spaced apart axially (separated by bosses 332), and the exhaled air blown into each inlet 310, 311 is mainly discharged from the first exhaust ports 334. A pair of second exhaust ports 335 are formed on both sides of the pair of first exhaust ports 334 axially. Each exhaust port 334, 335 is a hole penetrating the large-diameter portion 330 of the exhaust-side frame 33; the first exhaust port 334 is circular, and the second exhaust port 335 is a rectangular shape that extends axially.

[0059] Each exhaust port 334, 335 is covered by a decorative body 37 (covering member) extending axially. The decorative body 37 includes a first covering portion 370 covering the first exhaust port 334, and a through hole 370a is formed in the first covering portion 370 at a position corresponding to the first exhaust port 334. A pair of second covering portions 371 covering a pair of second exhaust ports 335 are provided on both axial sides of the first covering portion 370, and a pair of third covering portions 372 are provided on both axial sides of the pair of second covering portions 371.

[0060] The third covering portion 372 covers the recess 333b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust side frame 33 through the boss 333 (see reference). Figure 4In the third cover portion 372, a through hole 372a is formed at a position corresponding to the recess 333b. A pair of fixed portions 373 are provided on both axial sides of the pair of third cover portions 372, and the pair of fixed portions 373 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust side frame 33 (large diameter portion 330) by bolts (not shown).

[0061] The various parts 370-373 constituting these decorative bodies 37 are integrally formed using resin material. The various parts 370-373 of the decorative bodies 37 are used to cover the vents 334, 335 or the recesses 333b (see reference). Figure 4 ), which can enhance the appearance of the electronic wind instrument 1.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) describes the flow path of exhalation from each inlet 310, 311 to a pair of frame side flow paths 323a, 323b. Figure 3 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the lip plate 31 as seen from the inside. Figure 3 (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the blowhole unit 3 (electronic wind instrument 1). Figure 3 In (b), a cross section is shown that is cut with a plane that is orthogonal to the direction of the exhalation of the performer into the inlet 310 and the inlet 311 (radial direction of the inlet side frame 32) and includes the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31.

[0063] also, Figure 3 (b) does not include each blow inlet 310, 311 or throttling wall 317a, throttling 317b (see reference). Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of (a) is shown, but... Figure 3 In (b), the positions of each inlet 310, 311 are shown in dashed lines. In the following description, the side of each inlet 310, 311 will be described as the upstream side of the exhalation flow path, and the opposite side will be described as the downstream side.

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 As shown in (b), a partition wall 313 dividing the exhalation flow path is integrally formed on the inner surface of the lip plate 31. The partition wall 313 is configured to be a wall-shaped structure rising from the inner surface of the lip plate 31, and the front end of the partition wall 313 ( Figure 3 The inner end of (b) in the vertical direction of the paper is in contact with the substrate 34. The space surrounded by the isolation wall 313 and the substrate 34 forms a first curved flow path 314a, a first curved flow path 314b, and a second curved flow path 315a and a second curved flow path 315b.

[0065] The first curved flow path 314a is on the axial side from the upper blowing inlet 310 to the side frame 32 ( Figure 3 (b) extends in a straight line to the left. The second curved flow path 315a extends from the downstream side of the first curved flow path 314a. Figure 3 The end of (b) on the left side is bent vertically (in the circumferential direction of the blow-in side frame 32), and the downstream portion of the second curved flow path 315a is connected to the frame side flow path 323a via the cut 343 of the substrate 34.

[0066] The first curved flow path 314b is the axial flow path from the lower blowing inlet 311 to the other side of the blowing side frame 32. Figure 3 The flow path extends in a straight line from the right side of (b). The second curved flow path 315b extends from the downstream side of the first curved flow path 314b. Figure 3 The right end of (b) is bent vertically (in the circumferential direction of the blow-in side frame 32 and in the same direction as the second curved flow path 315a), and the downstream portion of the second curved flow path 315b is connected to the frame side flow path 323b via the cut 343 of the substrate 34.

[0067] Additionally, a throttling flow path 316a is formed at the boundary between the first curved flow path 314a and the second curved flow path 315a (see reference). Figure 3 (a) A throttling flow path 316b is also formed at the boundary between the first curved flow path 314b and the second curved flow path 315b. These throttling flow paths 316a and 316b are formed by throttling walls 317a and 317b that connect the walls of the isolation wall 313 to each other.

[0068] Throttling walls 317a and 317b are walls that extend transversely to each of the curved flow paths 314a, 314b, 315a, and 315b. The height at which the throttling walls 317a and 317b rise from the inner surface of the lip plate 31 is lower than the height at which the partition wall 313 rises. By forming the throttling walls 317a and 317b, throttling flow paths 316a and 316b with a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than each of the curved flow paths 314a, 314b, 315a, and 315b are formed.

[0069] like Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3As shown by arrow A in (b), the exhaled air blown in from the upper inlet 310 passes through the first curved flow path 314a, the throttling flow path 316a, and the second curved flow path 315a (the cutout 343 of the substrate 34) and is guided into the frame-side flow path 323a. On the other hand, as shown by arrow B, the exhaled air blown in from the lower inlet 311 passes through the first curved flow path 314b, the throttling flow path 316b, and the second curved flow path 315b (the cutout 343 of the substrate 34) and is guided into the frame-side flow path 323b.

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) and Figure 4 The flow path of exhalation from the frame side flow path 323a and frame side flow path 323b to the first exhaust port 334 will be described. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the inhalation inlet unit 3 at line IV-IV. Furthermore, the flow path downstream of the frame-side flow path 323a and frame-side flow path 323b is symmetrically formed on the sensor module Sa side and sensor module Sb side. Therefore, in the following description, the exhalation flow path on the sensor module Sa side (refer to...) Figure 4 The description of the flow path on the Sb side of the sensor module is omitted.

[0071] like Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) and Figure 4 As shown, a cylindrical lower protrusion 325 is integrally formed on the inner circumferential surface of the blow-in side frame 32, opposite to the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 (see reference). Figure 4 A throttling flow path 326 connected to the frame side flow path 323a is formed on the inner circumference side of the lower protrusion 325, and a housing 35 for sensor modules Sa and Sb is installed on the lower protrusion 325.

[0072] The housing 35 includes the cylindrical portion 350 and an axial side extending from the cylindrical portion 350 toward the blow-in unit 3. Figure 4 The bottom wall portion 351 extending from the left side, and the side wall portion 352 and the end wall portion 353 standing from the bottom wall portion 351 are integrally formed. A fitting hole 354 for the lower protrusion 325 to be inserted and a shell side flow path 355 connected to the fitting hole 354 are formed on the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 350.

[0073] The fitting hole 354 and the shell-side flow path 355 are both formed in circular cross-section. By forming the inner diameter of the shell-side flow path 355 to be smaller than the inner diameter of the fitting hole 354, a step is formed on the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 350, and the lower protrusion 325 is embedded into the step portion.

[0074] With the lower protrusion 325 equipped with the cylindrical part 350, a flow path extending in a straight line in the radial direction (approximately parallel to the direction of exhalation blowing into each blow inlet 310, 311) is formed by the frame side flow path 323a, the throttling flow path 326 and the shell side flow path 355.

[0075] Blow into the top inlet 310 (refer to) Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) The exhalation passes through the aforementioned curved flow paths 314a and 315a (regarding the first curved flow path 314a, refer to...). Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) The air is discharged from the first exhaust port 334 through the frame side flow path 323a, the throttling flow path 326, and the shell side flow path 355. Hereinafter, these flow paths 314a, 315a, 323a, 326, and 355 will be described together as the "mainstream flow path" of exhalation.

[0076] The bottom wall portion 351 of the housing 35 is formed as a flat plate extending axially along the inlet unit 3, and the side wall portion 352 extends in the width direction of the bottom wall portion 351. Figure 4 The two ends of the paper (vertical direction) form a pair (refer to) Figure 5 (b)). The end wall portion 353 is formed as a wall that rises from the axial end of the bottom wall portion 351 (the end opposite to the cylindrical portion 350 side), and each of these wall portions 351 to 353 is formed as a box that is open on one side (the side of the blow-in side frame 32). The open portion is blocked by the substrate 36, and a branch flow path 356 surrounded by the substrate 36 and each of the wall portions 351 to 353 is formed in the housing 35.

[0077] The branch flow path 356 is a flow path extending axially along the inlet unit 3. In order to connect one end of it to the main flow path (shell-side flow path 355), an opening 356a (first opening) of the branch flow path 356 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the shell-side flow path 355. That is, the branch flow path 356 branches in a manner that intersects with the shell-side flow path 355. In addition, the other end of the branch flow path 356 passes through an opening 356b (second opening) formed in the end wall portion 353 and connects to the outside of the shell 35.

[0078] On the inner surface of the substrate 36 facing the branch flow path 356, a temperature sensor 360 and a heater 362 are arranged axially (in the direction of the long side of the branch flow path 356). The temperature sensor 360 can be a known temperature sensor made of thermistor or the like, and the heater 362 can be a known heating element such as a chip resistor, so detailed description is omitted.

[0079] Air within the branch flow path 356 is heated by heater 362, and the flow of the heated air (temperature change within the branch flow path 356) is detected by temperature sensor 360. In this embodiment, with the housing-side flow path 355 positioned upstream of the branch flow path 356, the temperature sensor 360 is located further upstream than the heater 362; however, it can also be located further downstream than the heater 362. Alternatively, it can be positioned along the long side of the branch flow path 356 (…). Figure 4 The width direction (orthogonal to the left and right directions) Figure 4 Temperature sensor 360 and heater 362 are arranged on the paper (vertically).

[0080] When the flow rate (velocity) of exhaled air in the main flow path (shell-side flow path 355) changes, the airflow generated in the branch flow path 356 (a secondary flow path branching from the main flow path) also changes. The change in airflow in the branch flow path 356 (temperature change caused by the flow of air heated by the heater 362) is detected by the temperature sensor 360. A musical tone signal based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 360 is generated by a sound source, and an electronic sound based on the musical tone signal is emitted from an amplifier or speaker (neither shown).

[0081] In order to accurately detect the flow rate of exhaled air in the main flow path using the temperature sensor 360 based on changes in airflow in this branch flow path 356, it is necessary to prevent the accumulation of saliva contained in the exhaled air, or moisture generated by condensation of moisture contained in the exhaled air, in the main flow path or branch flow path 356. In particular, it is difficult to accurately detect the performer's exhaled air when such moisture adheres to the temperature sensor 360. The following describes the structure that solves these problems.

[0082] The openings 356a of the housing-side flow path 355 and the branch flow path 356 are each formed with a circular cross-section, but the diameter of the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 is smaller than that of the housing-side flow path 355. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 (the housing-side flow path 355) connected to the main flow path is smaller than that of the branch flow path 356. As a result, it is possible to prevent moisture-containing exhaled air from flowing into the temperature sensor 360 side disposed in the branch flow path 356.

[0083] One of the main reasons is that, because the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 is relatively small, exhaled air passing through the shell-side flow path 355 does not easily flow into the branch flow path 356. Another main reason is that the exhaled air passing through the shell-side flow path 355 creates a negative pressure in the branch flow path 356, and due to this negative pressure, air in the branch flow path 356 is drawn from the opening 356a into the shell-side flow path 355.

[0084] By suppressing the inflow of humid exhaled air into the branch flow path 356, moisture generated by condensation or other factors can be prevented from adhering to the temperature sensor 360. Therefore, the flow rate (velocity) of exhaled air flowing in the main flow path can be accurately detected by the temperature sensor 360 based on changes in the airflow generated in the branch flow path 356.

[0085] Furthermore, a cylindrical protrusion 357 with a front end forming an opening 356a of a branch flow path 356 is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the shell-side flow path 355. It can be considered that by utilizing the protrusion 357 to make the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 protrude toward the inner peripheral side of the shell-side flow path 355, the effect of making it difficult for exhaled air containing moisture to flow into the branch flow path 356 side can be obtained, or the effect of easily generating negative pressure in the branch flow path 356 due to the exhaled air passing through the main flow path.

[0086] Furthermore, the front end of the protrusion 357 (the edge of the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356) is positioned on the extension line of the flow path of the throttling flow path 326. That is, when viewed in the direction of exhalation inflow from the throttling flow path 326 to the shell-side flow path 355 ( Figure 4 When viewed from above and below, the throttling flow path 326 and the front end of the protrusion 357 are positioned in an overlapping position. It can be assumed that this also allows for the generation of negative pressure in the branch flow path 356 due to the exhalation passing through the main flow path.

[0087] Thus, this embodiment is a structure that detects exhaled air flowing into the branch flow path 356 from the small cross-sectional area opening 356a using a temperature sensor 360, or a structure that detects the airflow in the branch flow path 356 caused by negative pressure generated in the branch flow path 356 due to exhaled air passing through the housing-side flow path 355 using a temperature sensor 360. In this structure, the change in airflow generated in the branch flow path 356 becomes relatively small. Here, as shown in this embodiment, if the structure detects the temperature change of the air in the branch flow path 356 heated by the heater 362 using a temperature sensor 360, then even the minute changes in airflow generated in the branch flow path 356 can be detected by the temperature sensor 360. Therefore, the flow rate of exhaled air flowing in the main flow path can be detected with good accuracy.

[0088] Furthermore, since sensor modules Sa and Sb are arranged axially with the cylindrical portion 350 facing each other (see reference...), Figure 2 The branch flow path 356 is formed along the axial direction (long side direction) of the inhalation unit 3, so the branch flow path 356 for sensing exhalation can be made long. As a result, while each tube 350 is close to the lip plate 31 and the appearance of a slender flute (head tube) is simulated by the inhalation unit 3, the changes in airflow within the branch flow path 356 can be detected with good accuracy by the temperature sensor 360.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, different sensor modules Sa and Sb are used to detect the exhaled air blown into the upper inlet 310 and the exhaled air blown into the lower inlet 311 (see reference). Figure 2 That is, since the two branch flow paths 356 are not formed in one housing 35, but rather the two housings 35 are formed individually as different parts (to miniaturize the housings 35), the shape of the branch flow paths 356 can be formed with good precision. Therefore, the airflow generated in the branch flow paths 356 can be detected with good precision by the temperature sensor 360.

[0090] Thus, in this embodiment, exhalation detection is performed based on the airflow generated in the branch flow path 356, and a conical surface 356c for stabilizing the airflow is formed in the branch flow path 356. The conical surface 356c is an inclined surface connected to one end (the end on the opening 356a side) of the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 351 or the side wall portion 352 of the housing 35 (regarding the connection between the conical surface 356c and the side wall portion 352, refer to...). Figure 5 (b) By forming this conical surface 356c, the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch flow path 356 can be formed to gradually decrease towards the opening 356a. As a result, irregular airflow (turbulence) can be suppressed within the branch flow path 356, and the flow rate of exhaled air flowing in the main flow path can be detected with good accuracy by the temperature sensor 360.

[0091] Furthermore, a vent 333c is formed on the side of the boss 333 facing the end wall portion 353 of the housing 35. The recess 333b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust side frame 33 by the boss 333 is connected to the opening 356b of the branch flow path 356 via the vent 333c. Thus, the airflow passing through the vent 333c and the opening 356b can be used to ventilate the interior of the branch flow path 356, thereby suppressing condensation in the temperature sensor 360.

[0092] Furthermore, by utilizing the bosses 333 (recesses 333b) for fixing the sensor modules Sa and Sb to perform ventilation of the branch flow path 356, it is not necessary to separately provide holes or recesses for ventilation in the exhaust side frame 33. Therefore, the number of holes or recesses formed in the exhaust side frame 33 can be reduced, thereby improving the appearance of the electronic wind instrument 1.

[0093] Here, for example, when a performer takes a breath during a performance, they sometimes blow air from the upper inlet 310 (see reference). Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) Air is drawn in. Additionally, for example, if the performer performs an action with the upper inlet 310 out of their mouth, external air may sometimes flow in through the upper inlet 310 due to the accompanying movement of the electronic wind instrument 1. When the temperature sensor 360 detects this airflow accompanying the drawing in or the inflow of external air, a problem arises where unwanted musical sounds are generated.

[0094] Furthermore, when the performer forcefully blows exhaled air into the inlet 310, the flow rate of the exhaled air sometimes exceeds the measurable range of the temperature sensor 360. Outside the measurable range of the temperature sensor 360, even changing the flow rate of the exhaled air does not alter the generated musical tone, thus creating a problem where the performer finds it difficult to produce the desired musical tone.

[0095] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, a first curved flow path 314a is formed on the lip plate 31 extending in a direction orthogonal to the blowing direction of the exhalation upward blowing inlet 310 (in this embodiment, the axial direction of the blowing inlet unit 3) (see reference). Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) Furthermore, the second curved flow path 315a, connected to the downstream side of the first curved flow path 314a, extends in a direction that bends further from the connecting portion (in this embodiment, a direction orthogonal to the exhalation blowing direction and the axial direction of the blowing inlet unit 3).

[0096] By forming such a curved flow path on the upstream side of the main flow path, for example, compared to the case where the upward blowing inlet 310 and the frame side flow path 323a are connected in a straight line, even if the player's inhalation or the inflow of external air occurs as described above, the airflow generated in the housing side flow path 355 can be suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, at the boundary portions of these curved flow paths 314a and 315a, throttling flow paths 316a with a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of each curved flow path 314a and 315a are formed (see reference). Figure 3(a) Furthermore, a throttling flow path 326 with a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than these flow paths 323a and 355 is also formed between the frame-side flow path 323a and the housing-side flow path 355. By providing a throttling section in the middle of the main flow path (more upstream than the connection portion of the branch flow path 356) to partially reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​this main flow path, the airflow generated in the housing-side flow path 355 accompanying the inhalation of the performer or the inflow of external air as described above can also be suppressed.

[0098] By suppressing the airflow generated in the housing-side flow path 355 that accompanies the performer's inhalation or the inflow of external air, the temperature sensor 360 can be prevented from falsely detecting the airflow. Therefore, the generation of unwanted musical sounds by the performer can be suppressed.

[0099] Furthermore, by adjusting the flow path lengths of each curved flow path 314a and 315a, or adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling flow path 316a and throttling flow path 326, it is possible to prevent the exhaled air forcefully blown into the upward blowing inlet 310 by the performer from exceeding the measurable range of the temperature sensor 360. Therefore, it is easier to generate the musical tone desired by the performer.

[0100] Thus, by incorporating curved or throttling sections into the main flow path, it is easy to generate the musical tone desired by the performer. On the other hand, if the main flow path is complexly constructed, saliva contained in the exhaled breath, or moisture generated due to condensation, can easily accumulate in the main flow path. When this moisture, for example, the opening 356a of the throttling flow path 326 or the branch flow path 356, becomes blocked, it becomes difficult to detect the exhaled breath blown in from each of the inlets 310, 311 using the temperature sensor 360.

[0101] Therefore, in this embodiment, a structure is adopted to dry moisture by heating the upstream portion of the main flow using the substrate 34. Furthermore, this structure also avoids condensation in the main flow. This avoidance of condensation is a different effect from drying moisture; it prevents the liquefaction of water vapor in the air. That is, the higher the temperature, the greater the saturated water vapor content (the mass of water vapor that can exist in a unit volume of air). Therefore, by heating the upstream portion of the main flow, not only can moisture be dried, but condensation can also be avoided. Regarding this structure, refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 of (a) Figure 5 (b) will be explained.

[0102] Figure 5 (a) is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the blow-in unit 3 at the Va-Va line. Figure 5 (b) is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the blow-in unit 3 at the Vb-Vb line.

[0103] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 of (a) Figure 5 As shown in (b), a heater 341 and a temperature sensor 342 are provided on the substrate 34 (both refer to...). Figure 5 (a)). In the following description, the side of substrate 34 facing each of the curved flow paths 314a, 315a ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 of (a) Figure 5 The surface of substrate 34 is described as the upper side of (b), and the side opposite to it is described as the back side of substrate 34.

[0104] The substrate 34 is a single-sided substrate on which electronic components such as a heater 341 or a temperature sensor 342, or a temperature control device (CPU) for controlling the temperature of these components, are mounted on the back side. An opening (hole) connected to the internal space S1 of the air inlet unit 3 is formed on the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 for mounting the substrate 34 and the lip plate 31. The heater 341 and the temperature sensor 342 are mounted on the back side of the substrate 34 exposed from the opening.

[0105] The heater 341 can use a known heating element such as a chip resistor, and the temperature sensor 342 can use a known temperature sensor made of a thermistor, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0106] The temperature of the substrate 34 heated by the heater 341 is detected by the temperature sensor 342, and the temperature is controlled by repeatedly turning the heater 341 on and off (or changing the temperature of the heater 341) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 342.

[0107] By heating the substrate 34 (the mounting wall for mounting the heater 341) on a portion (bottom surface) of the inner wall of each curved flow path 314a, 315a using the heater 341, the entire inner wall of each curved flow path 314a, 315a and the internal space of each curved flow path 314a, 315a are heated. Therefore, saliva adhering to each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be dried, and moisture caused by condensation in each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be suppressed. Thus, moisture accumulation in each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be suppressed, thereby preventing the flow of exhaled air from being blocked by the moisture, and suppressing moisture from flowing downstream (to the temperature sensor 360 side). Therefore, the temperature sensor 360 can accurately control the airflow into the inlet 310, inlet 311 (see reference 360). Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) The flow of exhaled air was detected.

[0108] The heater 341 can be mounted, for example, on the surface of the substrate 34 (the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a). However, in this embodiment, since the heater 341 is mounted on the back side of the substrate 34, the flow of exhaled air within each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be prevented from being obstructed by the heater 341. Therefore, exhaled air can easily flow from each curved flow path 314a, 315a towards the downstream side, and thus the exhaled air can be detected with good accuracy by the temperature sensor 360.

[0109] Since each curved flow path 314a, 315a is formed by the substrate 34 (mounting wall) and the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31 that abuts the surface of the substrate 34, curved flow paths such as each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be easily formed. On the other hand, in the structure in which the isolation wall 313 abuts the substrate 34, heat may escape from the gap between the substrate 34 and the isolation wall 313.

[0110] In contrast, in this embodiment, the mating portion of the isolation wall 313 relative to the substrate 34 is joined by an adhesive or sealant, thereby preventing air heated by the heater 341 (substrate 34) from escaping through the gap between the substrate 34 and the isolation wall 313. Therefore, the heater 341 can efficiently heat the interior of each curved flow path 314a, 315a, thus preventing moisture accumulation in each curved flow path 314a, 315a.

[0111] Furthermore, the partition wall 313 formed on the inner surface of the lip plate 31 abuts against the substrate 34, which is heated by the heater 341. Therefore, the upstream portion of the main flow path connected to the air inlets 310 and 311 of the lip plate 31 (e.g., the first curved flow path 314a located directly below the air inlet 310) can be heated efficiently. As a result, moisture accumulation in the upstream portion of the main flow path can be suppressed, thus preventing the moisture from flowing downstream of the main flow path.

[0112] Furthermore, the bottom surfaces of each of the curved flow paths 314a and 315a, which bend relative to the exhalation direction towards the inlet 310 and inlet 311, are formed of a substrate 34, which is heated by a heater 341. Therefore, the heater 341 can efficiently heat the inner walls of each of the curved flow paths 314a and 315a, where moisture easily accumulates. This helps to suppress moisture accumulation in the curved flow paths 314a and 315a.

[0113] Additionally, at the boundary portions (midway of the curved flow paths) of each curved flow path 314a and 315a, a throttling flow path 316a with a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of each curved flow path 314a and 315a is formed (see reference). Figure 5(a) The inner wall surface of the throttling flow path 316a is also formed by a substrate 34 on which a heater 341 is mounted. Thus, the inner wall surface of the throttling flow path 316a, where moisture tends to accumulate, can be heated efficiently by the heater 341, thereby suppressing the accumulation of moisture in the throttling flow path 316a.

[0114] As described above, since a cut 343 is formed on the substrate 34, the second curved flow path 315a and the frame-side flow path 323a are connected to each other through the cut 343. Therefore, the boundary portion of the second curved flow path 315a and the frame-side flow path 323a (the upstream end of the frame-side flow path 323a) is surrounded by the substrate 34 (cut 343).

[0115] By heating the substrate 34 using the heater 341, the frame-side flow path 323a connected to the second curved flow path 315a, or the throttling flow path 326 located downstream of the frame-side flow path 323a, can also be heated. Therefore, saliva adhering to the frame-side flow path 323a or the throttling flow path 326 can be dried, and moisture caused by condensation in the frame-side flow path 323a or the throttling flow path 326 can be suppressed.

[0116] Thus, the throttling flow path 326, or the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356, is obtained by partially reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path by suppressing the accumulation of moisture (see reference). Figure 4 In the main flow path further upstream (more upstream than temperature sensor 360), the flow of moisture along with exhaled air downstream of the main flow path can be suppressed. This prevents the opening 356a of the throttling flow path 326 or the branch flow path 356 from becoming blocked by moisture, thus allowing water to pass through the temperature sensor 360 (see reference 360). Figure 4 It can accurately detect the exhaled air flowing in the main flow path.

[0117] The temperature of heater 341 is controlled by a temperature control device (not shown) installed on substrate 34. This temperature control maintains the surface temperature of substrate 34 (the inner wall surfaces of each curved flow path 314a, 315a) at a range of 30°C or higher and 45°C or lower, encompassing the temperature range of human body temperature and exhaled breath. This prevents overheating of substrate 34 while simultaneously heating it to a level sufficient to dry the moisture in each curved flow path 314a, 315a, throttling flow path 316a, frame-side flow path 323a, and throttling flow path 326. By suppressing overheating of substrate 34, deterioration of surrounding components (e.g., resin-made components such as lip plate 31 or blow-in side frame 32) can be prevented.

[0118] Here, in this embodiment, the exhaled air flowing in the main flow path is mainly discharged from the first exhaust port 334, but a portion of the exhaled air passes through the leakage flow path 322b (see reference). Figure 5 (a) is imported into the internal space S1 of each frame 32, 33.

[0119] More specifically, the frame-side flow path 323a opens midway through the second curved flow path 315a, and a leakage flow path 322b is formed in the mounting hole 322 for mounting the lip plate 31, connecting the downstream end of the second curved flow path 315a to the internal space S1 side of each frame 32, 33 (see reference). Figure 5 (a)). The leakage flow path 322b is formed by the gap between the edge of the substrate 34 in the circumferential direction of the blow-in side frame 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the blow-in side frame 32.

[0120] By forming this leakage flow path 322b branching from the main flow path, a portion of the airflow generated in the second curved flow path 315a can be directed to the internal space S1 side of the inlet unit 3 (i.e., a portion of the airflow is discharged to the outside of the main flow path). This suppresses the airflow generated in the housing-side flow path 355 accompanying the player's inhalation or the inflow of external air as described above, thus suppressing the temperature sensor 360 (see reference). Figure 4 This prevents the false detection of the airflow. Therefore, it can suppress the generation of unwanted musical sounds by the performer.

[0121] Furthermore, by adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the leakage flow path 322b, it is possible to prevent the exhaled air forcefully blown into the upward blowing inlet 310 by the performer from exceeding the measurable range of the temperature sensor 360. Therefore, it is easier to generate the musical tone desired by the performer.

[0122] Exhaled air flowing from the leakage flow path 322b into the internal space S1 side of each frame 32, 33 exits through the second exhaust port 335 of the exhaust-side frame 33 (see reference). Figure 5 (b)) Exhaust. The second covering portion 371 of the decorative body 37 covering the second exhaust port 335 is formed in such a way that it is positioned between the first covering portion 370 and the third covering portion 372 (extending axially) (see reference). Figure 4 A cavity S2 is formed between the exhaust side frame 33 (second exhaust port 335) and the second cover portion 371 (see reference). Figure 5 (b)

[0123] Therefore, even when the electronic wind instrument 1 is placed on a table, the blockage of the second exhaust port 335 by the mounting surface can be prevented, thereby ensuring ventilation through the cavity S2 and the second exhaust port 335. Thus, even if a portion of the exhaled air passes through the leakage path 322b (see reference...) Figure 5 The structure that leaks into the internal space S1 of each frame 32, 33 (a) can also suppress the leakage of parts (e.g., in each frame 32, 33) into the internal space S1 of each frame 32, 33. Figure 5 Condensation occurs on substrate 36 shown in (b).

[0124] Additionally, a pair of circumferentially arranged inclined surfaces 371a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second cover portion 371 facing the second exhaust port 335 (see reference). Figure 5 (b)). A pair of inclined surfaces 371a are planes inclined from their circumferential central apex (intersecting edges) to their circumferentially outer ends away from the exhaust side frame 33 (second exhaust port 335). By forming this mountain-shaped inclined surface 371a, along the circumferential ( Figure 5 The air velocity passing through the cavity S2 in the left-right direction (b) is increased by the inclined surface 371a. As the air velocity increases, a negative pressure is generated in the internal space S1 of each frame 32, 33, and the air in the internal space S1 can be discharged to the outside through the second exhaust port 335 by the negative pressure.

[0125] Furthermore, since the circumferential opening size of the second exhaust port 335 gradually increases from the inner space S1 to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust side frame 33, the air in the inner space S1 can easily be discharged to the outside from the second exhaust port 335 using the airflow passing through the cavity S2 as described above. Therefore, even if a portion of the exhaled air passes through the leakage flow path 322b (see reference...) Figure 5 The structure that leaks into the internal space S1 of each frame 32, 33 (a) can also suppress condensation on the parts of each frame 32, 33.

[0126] Additionally, as described above, the first exhaust port 334 or the boss 333 (see reference) is covered. Figure 4 The decorative body 37 of the recess 333b (vent 333c) has through holes 370a and 372 formed in each of the covering portions 370 and 372 (regarding through hole 372a, refer to...). Figure 4 For example, recesses 370b are formed on both circumferential edges of the through hole 370a. Additionally, in Figure 4 The edge of the through hole 372a shown also has the same recess 372b.

[0127] By forming these recesses 370b and 372b in the through holes 370a and 372a, even when the electronic wind instrument 1 is placed on a table, the blockage of the first exhaust port 334 or the recess 333b (vent 333c) by the mounting surface can be prevented. Therefore, ventilation through the first exhaust port 334 or the recess 333b (vent 333c) can be ensured.

[0128] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 of (a) Figure 7 (b) provides details of the rotating structure of the inlet unit 3. Figure 6yes Figure 1 (b) Enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 at line VI-VI. Figure 7 (a) is Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 at line VIIa-VIIa. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 along line VIIb-VIIb in (a). Furthermore, in Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the instrument body 2 and the blowhole unit 3. Figure 7 The cross-section obtained by cutting along a plane containing the two axes of the electronic wind instrument 1 and the protrusion 210 in state (a). Additionally, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 of (a) Figure 7 In (b), only the main part of the cross-section of the electronic wind instrument 1 is shown, and the shape of multiple bundled wires 40 is schematically shown with double-dotted lines.

[0129] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 of (a) Figure 7 As shown in (b), the substrate 36 of the blow-in unit 3 (refer to) Figure 6 ) via wiring 40 to the substrate 23 inside the instrument body 2 (each frame 21, 22) (see reference) Figure 6 The wiring 40 connecting the substrates 23 and 36 is arranged to span the boundary (fitting portion) between the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3. In the substrate 23, a temperature sensor 360 based on the substrate 36 (see reference 360) is installed. Figure 4 The results of the exhalation test are processed to generate musical signals.

[0130] As described above, the inlet-side frame 32 and the exhaust-side frame 33 of the inlet unit 3 include a large-diameter portion 320, a large-diameter portion 330, and small-diameter portions 321 and 331. Isolation walls 321c and 331c are formed on the inner circumferential side of the small-diameter portions 321 and 331 of each frame 32 and 33. These isolation walls 321c and 331c are interconnected by the overlapping of each frame 32 and 33 (regarding the isolation wall 331c before the overlapping of each frame 32 and 33, refer to...). Figure 2 With the isolation walls 321c and 331c connected to each other, the internal space S1 of the air inlet unit 3 is divided (refer to...). Figure 6 or Figure 7 (b) and the internal space S3 of the instrument body 2 (refer to) Figure 6 or Figure 7 (b)

[0131] In isolation walls 321c and 331c, there are cuts 321d and 331d formed by cutting a portion of their mating surfaces (regarding the formation of cut 331d on the mating surface of isolation wall 331c, see [reference]). Figure 2 With the isolation walls 321c and 331c abutting each other, through holes are formed by cuts 321d and 331d to allow the wiring 40 to pass through. A cylindrical member 41 of rubber or elastic material is installed through the through holes formed by the cuts 321d and 331d.

[0132] The cylindrical member 41 is formed as a cylinder with a through hole 410 on its inner circumferential side, and a circular plate-shaped flange 411 extends outward from both ends of the cylindrical member 41 along its axial direction. When the wiring 40 is inserted into the through hole 410 of the cylindrical member 41, the flange 411 hooks onto the isolation wall 321c and the isolation wall 331c (the edges of the cuts 321d and 331d).

[0133] Thus, in this embodiment, slits 321d and 331d (through holes) are formed in the partition walls 321c and 331c that divide the internal space S1 of the mouthpiece unit 3 and the internal space S3 of the instrument body 2, and the wiring 40 passes through the slits 321d and 331d. Therefore, the substrates 23 and 36 (see reference 26) of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3 can be connected by the wiring 40. Figure 6 At the same time, the flow of exhaled air from the inlet unit 3 (internal space S1) toward the instrument body 2 (internal space S3) can be blocked by the isolation walls 321c and 331c. As a result, the moisture contained in the exhaled air can be prevented from adhering to the substrate 23 of the instrument body 2, thus preventing damage to the substrate 23.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the cylindrical member 41 (elastic body) for bundling multiple wires 40 is installed in the structure of the cuts 321d and 331d, the flow of exhaled air from the blow-in unit 3 toward the instrument body 2 can be effectively blocked by the cylindrical member 41. Therefore, the adhesion of moisture contained in the exhaled air to the substrate 23 of the instrument body 2 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0135] As described above, the protrusion 210 of the instrument body 2 (upper frame 21) is inserted into the insertion hole 30 formed in the blowhole unit 3 (small diameter portion 321, small diameter portion 331), and the wiring 40 passes through the space between the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 321 and the small diameter portion 331 of the blowhole unit 3 and the protrusion 210 (see reference). Figure 7 (b) Therefore, for example, if the blowhole unit 3 is a structure that can rotate freely relative to the instrument body 2, the wiring 40 is likely to get tangled in the protrusion 210.

[0136] When such entanglement of the wiring 40 occurs, the wiring 40 itself may break, or the wiring 40 may detach from the substrate 23 or substrate 36. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral protrusions 211 and 221 of the instrument body 2 (see reference) are used. Figure 7 (a) A structure that restricts the rotation of the blow-in unit 3 at a specified angle.

[0137] The inner circumferential protrusion 211 is a protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the upper frame 21 of the instrument body 2, and the inner circumferential protrusion 221 is a protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower frame 22. The outer circumferential protrusion 321e (see reference) Figure 7 (a) The outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 321 of the blow-in unit 3 (blow-in side frame 32) protrudes to the outer peripheral side, and the outer peripheral protrusion 321e is inserted between a pair of inner peripheral protrusions 211, 221 arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0138] When the mouthpiece unit 3 is rotated relative to the instrument body 2, the rotation of the mouthpiece unit 3 is restricted by the contact between the outer peripheral protrusion 321e and any one of the pair of inner peripheral protrusions 211, 221. In this embodiment, the state from which the outer peripheral protrusion 321e is in contact with one of the inner peripheral protrusions 211 ( Figure 7 The rotation angle (hereinafter referred to as "the movable area of ​​the blowing inlet unit 3") from the state of (a) until the outer peripheral protrusion 321e contacts another inner peripheral protrusion 221 is set to approximately 40°.

[0139] Thus, in this embodiment, the relative rotation of the frames 21, 22 (first cylindrical portions) of the instrument body 2 and the small-diameter portions 321, 331 (second cylindrical portions) of the frames 32, 33 of the mouthpiece unit 3 is limited by the contact of the inner peripheral protrusions 211, 221 and the outer peripheral protrusions 321e (first stop members) at a predetermined angle (within a range of 40°). Therefore, even when the base plates 23 and 36 (see reference) of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3 are in contact, the relative rotation is limited. Figure 6 When multiple wires 40 are connected to each other using wires 40, it can also prevent multiple wires 40 from getting tangled together or from getting tangled around the protrusion 210 when the blow-in unit 3 rotates. Therefore, damage to the wires 40 can be prevented.

[0140] When the blowhole unit 3 is rotated relative to the instrument body 2, the protrusion 210 slides along the circumferentially extending insertion hole 30. That is, the insertion hole 30 is an elongated hole whose circumferential dimension is larger than the diameter of the protrusion 210. On the other hand, axially ( Figure 6 left and right directions or Figure 7The width of the insertion hole 30 in the vertical direction (b) is formed to be approximately the same as (or slightly larger than) the diameter of the protrusion 210, and the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 30 and the protrusion 210 in the axial direction is very small (or in contact). Therefore, the axial displacement or detachment of the blowhole unit 3 relative to the instrument body 2 can be limited by the hooking of the insertion hole 30 and the protrusion 210 (second stop). Thus, the electronic wind instrument 1 can be played stably.

[0141] The protrusion 210 is secured with bolts B1 for fixing the various frames 21, 22 of the instrument body 2 (see reference). Figure 6 or Figure 7 (a) Therefore, the rigidity of the protrusion 210 can be increased by bolt B1. Thus, even if the load generated by the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3 acts on the protrusion 210, damage to the protrusion 210 can be suppressed.

[0142] Additionally, a rib-shaped protrusion 210a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 210 (see reference). Figure 7 (b) Although the illustration is omitted, the protrusion 210a extends along the long side of the cylindrical protrusion 210. Figure 7 (b) Extends at both ends (vertically in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface). A pair of protrusions 210a are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of both sides of the protrusion 210 (in the axial direction of the inlet unit 3), thus effectively increasing the rigidity of the protrusion 210 relative to the axial load of the inlet unit 3. Therefore, damage to the protrusion 210 caused by the load can be suppressed.

[0143] Therefore, in order to limit the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3 by means of the protrusion 210, it is preferable to minimize the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the axial insertion hole 30 and the protrusion 210. On the other hand, the narrower the gap, the easier it is for friction to occur between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 30 and the sliding portion of the protrusion 210 when the inlet unit 3 is rotated relative to the instrument body 2. If this friction increases, the inlet unit 3 cannot rotate smoothly relative to the instrument body 2.

[0144] Furthermore, when the performer rotates the mouthpiece unit 3, a force may sometimes be applied that tilts the axis of the mouthpiece unit 3 relative to the axis of the instrument body 2. When this force is applied, the friction between the insertion hole 30 and the sliding portion of the protrusion 210 increases, which can easily hinder the smooth rotation of the mouthpiece unit 3.

[0145] In contrast, this embodiment includes an annular O-ring 39 for sealing the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the instrument body 2 and the outer circumferential surface of the blowhole unit 3 (see reference). Figure 6 or Figure 7(b) The O-rings 39 are provided in pairs on both sides of the axial direction of the mouthpiece unit 3, separated by the protrusion 210. Thus, even when the mouthpiece unit 3 is rotated, the force acting as described above to tilt the axis of the mouthpiece unit 3 can be effectively limited by the pair of O-rings 39, thus restricting the offset of the axis of the mouthpiece unit 3 relative to the axis of the instrument body 2. By limiting this offset of the axis of the mouthpiece unit 3 on both sides of the protrusion 210 (axially), friction between the insertion hole 30 and the sliding portion of the protrusion 210 can be reduced, thereby allowing the mouthpiece unit 3 to rotate smoothly relative to the instrument body 2.

[0146] Furthermore, when viewed in cross-section including the shaft of the instrument body 2 (blow-in mouth unit 3), the O-ring 39 is formed as a semi-circle, and the grooves 321b and 331b of the O-ring 39 are installed (see reference). Figure 6 or Figure 7 The bottom surface of (b) is formed as a plane. This allows the grooves 321b and 331b to make planar contact with the bottom surface of the O-ring 39, thus suppressing the twisting of the O-ring 39 due to friction (friction between the inner circumferential surface of the instrument body 2 and the outer circumferential surface of the O-ring 39) during the rotation of the blowhole unit 3. By suppressing the twisting of the O-ring 39, it can reliably perform its function of preventing the axis of the blowhole unit 3 from shifting as described above, and it can also suppress damage to the O-ring 39.

[0147] Here, the rotation angle of the inlet unit 3 relative to the instrument body 2 can also be limited by the contact between the two ends of the circumferential insertion hole 30 and the protrusion 210. However, in this structure, based on the load accompanying the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3, the load in the rotational direction of the inlet unit 3 acts on the small diameter portion 321, the small diameter portion 331 (the circumferential end of the insertion hole 30) or the protrusion 210, so it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the small diameter portion 321, the small diameter portion 331 or the protrusion 210 accordingly.

[0148] To ensure the rigidity of the small-diameter portion 321, small-diameter portion 331, or protrusion 210, for example, a structure that shortens the circumferential dimension of the insertion hole 30 (reducing the opening area of ​​the insertion hole 30) or increases the diameter of the protrusion 210 could be considered. However, in such a structure, the circumferential movable range of the protrusion 210 would need to be shortened. Therefore, it is not possible to ensure a wide movable area of ​​the blow-inlet unit 3.

[0149] In addition, in order to ensure the rigidity of the small diameter portion 321, small diameter portion 331 or protrusion 210, it is also considered to increase the diameter of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3 itself. However, in this structure, it is not possible to simulate a slender instrument like a flute by using an electronic wind instrument 1.

[0150] In contrast, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral protrusion 211, the inner peripheral protrusion 221, and the outer peripheral protrusion 321e (see reference) Figure 7 (a) The structure that restricts the rotation of the inlet unit 3, in the state where the inner peripheral protrusion 211, the inner peripheral protrusion 221 and the outer peripheral protrusion 321e are in contact (the state where the rotation of the inlet unit 3 is restricted), forms a gap S4 between the circumferential end of the insertion hole 30 and the protrusion 210 (see reference). Figure 7 (a) or Figure 7 (b)). Thus, the load in the rotational direction of the blow-in unit 3 on the protrusion 210 can be suppressed.

[0151] In addition, Figure 7 Figure (a) illustrates a situation where a gap S4 is formed between the circumferential end of the insertion hole 30 and the protrusion 210 when the outer peripheral protrusion 321e is in contact with the inner peripheral protrusion 211. However, the same gap is also formed when the outer peripheral protrusion 321e is in contact with the inner peripheral protrusion 221. Thus, by setting the structure such that the load in the rotational direction of the blow-inlet unit 3 does not act on the protrusion 210, the required rigidity of the small diameter portion 321, the small diameter portion 331, or the protrusion 210 can be relatively small. Therefore, it is not necessary to shorten the circumferential dimension of the insertion hole 30 or increase the diameter of the protrusion 210 to ensure the rigidity, thus ensuring a wide movable area of ​​the blow-inlet unit 3.

[0152] Furthermore, there is no need to increase the diameter of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3 to improve the rigidity of the small diameter portion 321, the small diameter portion 331, or the protrusion 210. Therefore, the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3 can be formed to be slender, so that a slender instrument like a flute can be simulated by the electronic wind instrument 1.

[0153] Thus, the width of the movable area of ​​the mouthpiece unit 3 (the circumferential dimension of the insertion hole 30 or the diameter of the protrusion 210) affects the rigidity or diameter of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3. Therefore, for example, if the movable area of ​​the mouthpiece unit 3 exceeds 50°, it is difficult to reduce the diameter while maintaining the required rigidity of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3. On the other hand, if the movable area of ​​the mouthpiece unit 3 is less than 30°, it is impossible to adequately ensure the rigidity of the mouthpiece 310 and mouthpiece 311 (see reference 210). Figure 1 of (a) Figure 1 The range of adjustment for the orientation of (b)).

[0154] Therefore, the movable area of ​​the inlet unit 3 is preferably 30° or more and 50° or less (40° as described in this embodiment). By setting the movable area of ​​the inlet unit 3 to 50° or less, the diameters of the instrument body 2 and the inlet unit 3 can be reduced while maintaining the required rigidity for each frame. Furthermore, by setting the movable area of ​​the inlet unit 3 to 30° or more, the adjustment range of the orientation of the inlets 310 and 311 can be sufficiently ensured. However, the movable area of ​​the inlet unit 3 may be less than 30° or more than 50°.

[0155] Here, as Figure 6 As shown, the end faces 212 and 222 of each frame 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2 along the axial direction are joined with the end faces 327 and 336 of the large-diameter portions 320 and 330 of the blowhole units 3 (each frame 32 and 33) along the same direction, forming a boundary line L between the instrument body 2 and the blowhole units 3 at the joining points. The boundary line L is covered by a cylindrical covering material 42 installed on the outer peripheral surface of the instrument body 2 and the blowhole units 3, thus improving the appearance of the electronic wind instrument 1.

[0156] On the outer peripheral surfaces of each frame 21, 22 of the instrument body 2, steps 213 and 223 are formed in the region including their end faces 212 and 222. On the outer peripheral surfaces of the large diameter portions 320 and 330 of the mouthpiece unit 3, steps 328 and 337 are also formed in the region including their end faces 327 and 336. These steps 213, 223, 328, and 337 are circumferentially extending recesses covering the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surfaces of the instrument body 2 or the mouthpiece unit 3. The cover material 42 is installed on the steps 213, 223, 328, and 337.

[0157] The covering material 42 is formed using a stretchable fabric. When the covering material 42 is installed at steps 213, 223, 328, and 337, its inner diameter is expanded, and it passes through the inner circumference of the covering material 42 from the head side (the end opposite to the instrument body 2) of the mouthpiece unit 3, simultaneously moving the covering material 42 to the positions of steps 213, 223, 328, and 337. In the installed state, the axial movement of the covering material 42 is restricted by steps 213, 223, 328, and 337, thus preventing positional displacement of the covering material 42.

[0158] Because this type of fabric covering material 42 is absorbent, it can absorb water from the air inlets 310 and 311 (see reference). Figure 1 of (a) Figure 1(b) Saliva and other moisture are transferred along the outer peripheral surface to the side of the instrument body 2. This prevents moisture from flowing from the keys 20 of the instrument body 2 (see reference). Figure 1 of (a) Figure 1 The gaps in the mounting parts (b) are immersed into the interior of the instrument body 2, thus preventing moisture from adhering to the parts inside the instrument body 2 such as the substrate 23.

[0159] Furthermore, the covering material 42 can also be formed using a rigid material such as resin or metal instead of this type of elastic material. When using such a rigid material to form the covering material 42, the steps 213, 223, 328, and 337 formed in the mounting area of ​​the covering material 42 (including the boundary line L) are omitted, and the covering material 42 is configured to slide from the head side of the mouthpiece unit 3 to the mounting area, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the instrument body 2 or the mouthpiece unit 3 by bolts or the like. By fixing this rigid covering material 42 to the area including the boundary line L between the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3, the expansion of the boundary portion (mating surface) can be limited by the covering material 42.

[0160] Then, referring to Figure 8 The electronic wind instrument 201 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the case where the temperature change of the air in the branch flow path 356 heated by the heater 362 is detected by the temperature sensor 360 was described. However, in the second embodiment, the case where the change of airflow (air pressure) in the branch flow path 380 is detected by the pressure sensor 363 will be described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0161] like Figure 8 As shown, in the sensor module Sa of the electronic wind instrument 201 of the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 360 and heater 362 described in the first embodiment are replaced (see Figure 1). Figure 4 A pressure sensor 363 is provided to replace the walls 351-353 of the housing 35 (see reference). Figure 4 A cylindrical conduit 38 is provided. The pressure sensor 363 is a sensor that detects changes in air pressure, and a known structure can be used, so detailed description is omitted.

[0162] A pressure sensor 363 is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 36, and a cylindrical connection port 363a is formed on the pressure sensor 363. One end of a conduit 38 is connected to the connection port 363a, and the other end of the conduit 38 is connected to the cylindrical portion 350 of the housing 35. Furthermore, the conduit 38 may be integrally formed with the housing 35 (cylindrical portion 350), or it may be a separate tube (e.g., a flexible tube) from the housing 35.

[0163] The internal cavity of the conduit 38 is configured as a branch flow path 380, and the opening 380a of the branch flow path 380 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 350 (the secondary flow path 355). That is, in this embodiment, the branch flow path 380 also branches in a manner that intersects with the housing-side flow path 355. When the flow rate (velocity) of expiratory air flowing in the main flow path (the housing-side flow path 355) changes, the airflow generated in the branch flow path 380 (the secondary flow path branching from the main flow path) also changes, and the change in airflow (pressure) in the branch flow path 380 is detected by the pressure sensor 363.

[0164] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 380a of the branch flow path 380 is also smaller than that of the portion (housing-side flow path 355) connecting to the opening 380a of the branch flow path 380 in the main flow path. This results in the effect that exhaled air containing moisture is less likely to flow into the pressure sensor 363 side. As a factor in achieving this effect, the reduced flow of exhaled air through the housing-side flow path 355 into the branch flow path 380 side is considered, or the generation of negative pressure in the branch flow path 380 due to the exhaled air passing through the housing-side flow path 355, through which air in the branch flow path 380 is drawn from the opening 380a into the housing-side flow path 355.

[0165] Then, referring to Figure 9 of (a) Figure 9 Section (b) describes the electronic wind instrument 301 of the third embodiment and the electronic wind instrument 401 of the fourth embodiment. In each of the embodiments, the case where the substrate 34 on which the heater 341 is mounted is described as a single-sided substrate, but in the third and fourth embodiments, the case where the substrate 34 is a double-sided substrate having a conductor pattern 344 is described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the other embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0166] Figure 9 (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 301 according to the third embodiment. Figure 9 (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 401 according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 9 of (a) Figure 9 The diagram in (b) shows the relationship with Figure 5 The cross-section corresponding to (a). Additionally, in Figure 9 of (a) Figure 9 In (b), for ease of understanding, the conductor pattern 344 or through hole 345 of the substrate 34 is schematically illustrated.

[0167] like Figure 9As shown in (a), in the electronic wind instrument 301 of the third embodiment, a conductive conductor pattern 344 is formed on the surface of the substrate 34. The conductor pattern 344 is formed by electrically expanding a circuit (wiring) that electrically connects the heater 341, temperature sensor 342, temperature control device, and power supply, and is formed by etching a copper foil covering the substrate 34. A plurality of through holes 345 are formed on the substrate 34, and metal plating is performed on the inner peripheral surface of the through holes 345 to connect the conductor pattern 344 to the heater 341 and the temperature sensor 342. The through holes 345 are through holes that extend along the thickness direction of the substrate 34. By performing metal plating on the inner peripheral surface of the through holes 345, the conductor pattern 344 on the surface of the substrate 34 is electrically connected to the circuit (wiring) on ​​the back side, thereby transmitting heat.

[0168] Similar to the embodiments described above, curved flow paths 314a and 315a, surrounded by the substrate 34 and the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31, are formed on the surface side of the substrate 34. A conductor pattern 344 of the substrate 34 is formed facing these curved flow paths 314a and 315a. The thermal conductivity of the conductor pattern 344 is higher than that of the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31 or other parts of the substrate 34 (parts where the conductor pattern 344 is not formed). Therefore, by heating the substrate 34 on which this conductor pattern 344 (heat transfer material) is formed on its surface using the heater 341, the surface of the substrate 34 (the inner wall surfaces of each curved flow path 314a and 315a) can be heated efficiently. Thus, moisture accumulation within the curved flow paths 314a and 315a can be suppressed.

[0169] Thus, when the purpose is to form the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a with a material with high thermal conductivity (heat transfer material), for example as in the fourth embodiment described later, the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a can also be formed by a metal plate 44 superimposed on the surface side of the substrate 34 (so that the metal plate 44 functions as a heat transfer material).

[0170] In contrast, this embodiment features a structure where the bottom surfaces of each curved flow path 314a and 315a are formed on a substrate 34, and each curved flow path 314a and 315a are heated using a conductor pattern 344 formed on the surface of the substrate 34 (the conductor pattern 344 functions as a heat transfer material). This eliminates the need for a metal plate 44 as in the fourth embodiment, thus reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, a through-hole 345 is formed on the substrate 34 to electrically connect the heater 341 to the conductor pattern 344, allowing heat from the heater 341 to be easily transferred to the conductor pattern 344 via the through-hole 345. This allows for more efficient heating of the surface of the substrate 34, thus preventing moisture accumulation in the curved flow paths 314a and 315a.

[0171] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), the electronic wind instrument 401 of the fourth embodiment has the same structure as the electronic wind instrument 301 of the third embodiment, except that the heat transfer sheet 43 and the metal plate 44 are sequentially stacked on the surface of the substrate 34. The heat transfer sheet 43 is a heat dissipation material made of resin containing thermally conductive fillers such as ceramics or metals, and a known structure can be used, so detailed description is omitted.

[0172] The heat transfer plate 43 is formed as a sheet with adhesive properties on both its upper and lower surfaces, and the surface of the substrate 34 is bonded to the back of the metal plate 44 via the heat transfer plate 43. The metal plate 44 is formed into a plate shape using a metal such as aluminum, and both the heat transfer plate 43 and the metal plate 44 are formed with shapes corresponding to the cutouts 343 in the substrate 34 (for the shape of the cutouts 343, refer to...). Figure 2 ) cuts 430 and 440.

[0173] Although not shown in the figures, the surface of the substrate 34 is substantially covered by the heat transfer sheet 43 and the metal plate 44. In this embodiment, the walls (mounting walls on which the heater 341 is mounted) of each curved flow path 314a, 315a are formed by stacking the substrate 34, the heat transfer sheet 43, and the metal plate 44. The metal plate 44 stacked on the outermost side of the wall is mated to the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31, and the mating portion is joined by an adhesive or the like in the other embodiments.

[0174] The metal plate 44 (heat transfer material) forming the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a has a higher thermal conductivity than the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31 or the substrate 34 (the portion where the conductor pattern 344 is not formed). By heating the substrate 34 overlapping on the back side of the metal plate 44 using the heater 341, the inner wall surface (surface of the metal plate 44) of each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be heated efficiently. Therefore, the accumulation of moisture in each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be suppressed.

[0175] Furthermore, since the curved flow paths 314a and 315a are formed by connecting the isolation wall 313 to the metal plate 44, the entire curved flow paths 314a and 315a surrounded by the isolation wall 313 can be face-to-face with the metal plate 44. Therefore, compared to the case where the conductor pattern 344 formed on a portion of the surface of the substrate 34 is face-to-face with the curved flow paths 314a and 315a as described in the third embodiment, the inner wall surfaces of the curved flow paths 314a and 315a can be heated efficiently by the metal plate 44. Thus, moisture accumulation in the curved flow paths 314a and 315a can be suppressed.

[0176] Furthermore, a heater 341 is mounted on the back side of the metal plate 44 that forms the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a. Therefore, compared with the case where the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a is formed by the substrate 34 as in the third embodiment, the exposure of the substrate 34 to the curved flow path 314a, 315a side can be suppressed. As a result, contact between the substrate 34 and exhaled air containing moisture or moisture in each curved flow path 314a, 315a, can be suppressed, thus preventing damage to the substrate 34.

[0177] Furthermore, the substrate 34 includes a conductor pattern 344 formed on its surface and a through hole 345 connecting the conductor pattern 344 to the heater 341. Therefore, the heat from the heater 341 can be easily transferred to the metal plate 44 through the through hole 345 and the conductor pattern 344. As a result, the inner wall surfaces of each curved flow path 314a and 315a can be heated efficiently by the metal plate 44, thus preventing moisture accumulation in each curved flow path 314a and 315a.

[0178] Furthermore, the heat transfer sheet 43 sandwiched between the substrate 34 and the metal plate 44 is softer (lower hardness) than the substrate 34 and the metal plate 44, thus allowing the heat transfer sheet 43 to be in close contact with the surface of the substrate 34 and the back of the metal plate 44 without gaps. The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer sheet 43 is higher than that of the isolation wall 313 or the substrate 34 (the part where the conductor pattern 344 is not formed), so the heat from the heater 341 can be efficiently transferred to the metal plate 44 via the heat transfer sheet 43. As a result, the inner wall surfaces of each curved flow path 314a and 315a can be heated efficiently through the metal plate 44, thus preventing moisture accumulation in each curved flow path 314a and 315a.

[0179] Furthermore, the heat from the heater 341 is transferred to the heat transfer plate 43 via the conductor pattern 344 and the through-hole 345 of the substrate 34, thus the heat from the heater 341 is easily transferred to the metal plate 44 via the heat transfer plate 43. As a result, the inner wall surfaces of each curved flow path 314a and 315a can be heated efficiently by the metal plate 44, thereby preventing moisture from accumulating in each curved flow path 314a and 315a.

[0180] The above description is based on the embodiments described, but the present invention is not limited to any of the embodiments described, and it is easy to deduce that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0181] In the various embodiments described, the electronic wind instrument 1, electronic wind instrument 201, electronic wind instrument 301, and electronic wind instrument 401 are described as electronic instruments that imitate a flute, but they are not necessarily limited to this. For example, the electronic wind instrument 1, electronic wind instrument 201, electronic wind instrument 301, and electronic wind instrument 401 may imitate other wind instruments (saxophone, clarinet, recorder, hulusi, etc.).

[0182] As an example of such an electronic wind instrument that imitates other wind instruments, the instrument described in International Publication No. 2019 / 224996 or Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-039261 can be cited. In such an electronic wind instrument, it is preferable that the sensor for detecting exhalation inside the mouthpiece (tube) is connected to a substrate disposed inside the instrument body via wiring. In this case, the same rotation structure as the mouthpiece unit 3 (tube) described in the above embodiments is used to limit the rotation angle of the mouthpiece (tube) relative to the instrument body at a predetermined angle. As a result, damage to the wiring connecting the sensor and the substrate can be suppressed when the mouthpiece rotates.

[0183] In the various embodiments described, the main flow path includes a first curved flow path 314a, a second curved flow path 315a, a frame-side flow path 323a, a throttling flow path 326, and a housing-side flow path 355, but this is not a limitation. For example, additional flow paths may be added to some or all of the connecting portions of these flow paths 314a, 315a, 323a, 326, and 355, or a portion of each flow path 314a, 315a, 323a, 326, and 355 may be curved. That is, the present invention is applicable to electronic wind instruments where the shape of the main flow path connecting each blowhole 310, 311 to the first exhaust port 334 can be arbitrarily changed, and includes branch flow paths that branch in a manner intersecting with the main flow path.

[0184] In the various embodiments described, the case where the housing-side flow path 355, which is part of the main flow path, is formed by the housing 35 of the sensor modules Sa and Sb (sensor modules Sa and Sb include a part of the main flow path) has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, based on the housing-side flow path 355, the sensor modules Sa and Sb may also include part or all of the first curved flow path 314a, the second curved flow path 315a, the frame-side flow path 323a, and the throttling flow path 326. That is, the lip plate 31 forming the main flow path, a part of the blow-in side frame 32 (e.g., mounting hole 322 or lower protrusion 325), and a part or all of the substrate 34 may be set as constituent parts of the sensor modules Sa and Sb.

[0185] In the various embodiments described, the case where a first curved flow path 314a, a first curved flow path 314b, and second curved flow paths 315a and 315b are formed on the lip plate 31 has been described, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, any one of the first curved flow paths 314a, 314b, 315a, and 315b may be omitted, and each blow-in port 310, 311 may be connected to the frame-side flow path 323a and 323b via another curved flow path. Alternatively, both the first curved flow path 314a, 314b, 315a, and 315b may be omitted, and each blow-in port 310, 311 may be connected to the frame-side flow path 323a and 323b in a straight line.

[0186] In the various embodiments described, the cases in which throttling flow paths 316a and 326 are formed in the middle of each curved flow path 314a and 315a, or between the frame-side flow path 323a and the shell-side flow path 355 (i.e., the main flow path upstream of the branch flow path) have been described, but they are not necessarily limited to this. For example, either or both of the throttling flow path 316a and 326 may be omitted, and the throttling flow path may also be formed in the shell-side flow path 355 (i.e., in the shell 35).

[0187] In the various embodiments described, the case in which a leakage flow path 322b is formed in the second curved flow path 315a (the main flow path upstream of the branch flow path) is explained, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the structure that omits the leakage flow path 322b (which blocks the gap between the substrate 34 and the blow-in side frame 32) may be used, or a flow path equivalent to the leakage flow path 322b may be formed in other parts of the main flow path.

[0188] That is, the flow path of exhalation from each inlet 310, 311 to the temperature sensor 360 and pressure sensor 363 (first exhaust port 334) is not limited to the flow path described in the embodiments, and the shape (path) of the flow path can be formed arbitrarily.

[0189] In the various embodiments described, the case where a first exhaust port 334 and a second exhaust port 335 are formed in the exhaust-side frame 33 has been explained, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an exhaust port equivalent to the first exhaust port 334 (i.e., an exhaust port for exhausting the exhaled air of the main flow path) may be formed in the inlet-side frame 32, or the second exhaust port 335 may be omitted (or an exhaust port for exchanging air in the internal space S1 of each frame 32, 33 may be formed in the inlet-side frame 32 based on the second exhaust port).

[0190] In the various embodiments described, the circumferential opening size of the second exhaust port 335 is described as expanding toward the outer periphery, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the circumferential opening size of the second exhaust port 335 may be constant from the inner periphery to the outer periphery, or it may become narrower from the inner periphery to the outer periphery.

[0191] In the various embodiments described, the case in which each exhaust port 334, 335 or recess 333b is covered by a decorative body 37 having the first covering portion 370 to the third covering portion 372 integrally formed, is described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the first covering portion 370 to the third covering portion 372 may be formed separately, or part or all of the first covering portion 370 to the third covering portion 372 may be omitted.

[0192] In the various embodiments described, the second exhaust port 335 is covered by a second covering portion 371 extending axially, but this is not a limitation. For example, similar to the first covering portion 370 or the third covering portion 372, the second exhaust port 335 may be covered by a covering portion having a through hole extending radially, or the first exhaust port 334 or the recess 333b may be covered by a covering portion extending axially.

[0193] In the embodiments described above, a pair of inclined surfaces 371a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second covering portion 371 in a manner arranged with spacer ridges, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, a plane or a buckled surface may be formed at the boundary between the pair of inclined surfaces 371a, and the inner peripheral surface of the second covering portion 371 may also be a plane.

[0194] In each of the embodiments, bolts B1, B2, and B3 are used to fix the components constituting the electronic wind instrument 1, electronic wind instrument 201, electronic wind instrument 301, and electronic wind instrument 401 to each other, but other screw parts or fastening parts may also be used.

[0195] In the above embodiments, the case in which the frames 32 and 33 of the mouthpiece unit 3 are inserted into the inner periphery of the frames 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2 has been described, but the structure in which the frames 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2 are inserted into the inner periphery of the frames 32 and 33 of the mouthpiece unit 3 is also possible.

[0196] Furthermore, regarding the cylindrical portions (first and second cylindrical portions) of the instrument body 2 and the blowhole unit 3 of the inserted part, in the various embodiments described, the cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion) formed by the two frames 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2, and the cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion) formed by the two frames 32 and 33 (small diameter portion 321 and small diameter portion 331) of the blowhole unit 3, are described, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, one or both of the cylindrical portions (first and second cylindrical portions) of the instrument body 2 and the blowhole unit 3 may be constituted by a single frame.

[0197] In the various embodiments described, the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3 is limited by the protrusion 210, and the rotation of the inlet unit 3 is limited by the outer peripheral protrusion 321e (inner peripheral protrusion 211, inner peripheral protrusion 221), but this is not a limitation. For example, the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3 can be limited by the outer peripheral protrusion 321e, and the rotation of the inlet unit 3 can also be limited by the protrusion 210. Furthermore, the stop (second stop) that limits the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3 may be omitted.

[0198] Alternatively, the structure could be as follows: instead of using protrusions 210 for fastening the frames 21, 22 of the instrument body 2 to each other with bolts B1, a dedicated groove and protrusion for limiting the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3 could be provided. As an example of this structure, a recess is formed on one surface of the inner circumferential surface of the instrument body 2 (each frame 21, 22) and the outer circumferential surface of the inlet unit 3 (small diameter portion 321, small diameter portion 331), while a protrusion is formed on the other surface to fit into the recess. These grooves and protrusions limit the axial displacement of the inlet unit 3.

[0199] In the various embodiments described, the rotation of the blowhole unit 3 is restricted by forming two inner peripheral protrusions 211 and 221 in each frame 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2, and an outer peripheral protrusion 321e in the blowhole side frame 32 (small diameter portion 321) of the blowhole unit 3, but this is not a limitation. For example, two inner peripheral protrusions may be formed in any one of the frames 21 and 22 of the instrument body 2. Alternatively, the rotation of the blowhole unit 3 may be restricted by forming one inner peripheral protrusion on the instrument body 2 side and two outer peripheral protrusions on the blowhole unit 3 side.

[0200] In the various embodiments described, the protrusion 210 is formed in the form of a cylinder (circular cross-section) or has a rib-like protrusion 210a extending along both ends of the long side of the protrusion 210, but it is not limited to these. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 210 may be rectangular or other polygonal, and the protrusion 210a of the protrusion 210 may be omitted.

[0201] In the various embodiments described, the case in which a pair of O-rings 39 are arranged on both sides (axially in the mouthpiece unit 3) separated by the protrusion 210 has been described, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the pair of O-rings 39 may be arranged on one side further axially than the protrusion 210 (e.g., on the instrument body 2 side), or they may be arranged on the other side further axially than the protrusion 210.

[0202] In the embodiments described, the cross-sectional shape of the O-ring 39 is semi-circular and the cross-sectional shape of the bottom surface of the grooves 321b and 331b is planar, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the O-ring 39 may be formed with a circular cross-section, and the bottom surface of the grooves 321b and 331b may be formed with an arc shape.

[0203] In the various embodiments described, the boundary line L of the instrument body 2 and the mouthpiece unit 3 is covered by a water-absorbing covering material 42, but this is not a limitation. For example, the covering material 42 may be a non-water-absorbing material, or the covering material 42 may be omitted.

[0204] In the various embodiments described, the isolation walls 321c and 331c with cutouts 321d and 331d (through holes) are formed in the blowhole unit 3, and the cylindrical member 41 (elastic body) for bundling multiple wires 40 is installed in the cutouts 321d and 331d, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, a wall equivalent to the isolation walls 321c and 331c may be formed on the side of the instrument body 2 (each frame 21, 22), or the cylindrical member 41 may be omitted, allowing the wires 40 to directly pass through the cutouts 321d and 331d.

[0205] In the various embodiments described, the case where a substrate 34 is mounted on the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 of the blow-in side frame 32 has been described, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the substrate 34 (heater 341) may be mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the blow-in side frame 32, which is opposite to the bottom surface 322a, or the substrate 34 (heater 341) may be omitted. Alternatively, a substrate (heater) for heating the housing side flow path 355 or the branch flow path 380 may be provided separately.

[0206] In each embodiment, the heating of each curved flow path 314a, 315a, throttling flow path 316a, frame-side flow path 323a, and throttling flow path 326 using heater 341 has been described, but this is not a limitation. As described above, the shape (path) of the flow path from each blow-in port 310, 311 to the temperature sensor 360 and pressure sensor 363 is arbitrary, therefore the configuration of the heater 341 (heating element) that heats the inner wall surface of the flow path is also arbitrary. In addition, in each embodiment, the case where the heater 341 is mounted on the back side of the substrate 34 (the side opposite to the bottom surface of the flow path) has been described, but the heater 341 may also be mounted on the surface of the substrate 34 (the bottom surface of the flow path).

[0207] In the first to third embodiments, the substrate 34 (mounting wall) on which the heater 341 is mounted and the isolation wall 313 that abuts against the surface of the substrate 34 (bottom surface of the flow path) are separate, and the case where the isolation wall 313 is joined with the abutment portion of the substrate 34 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be a structure in which the mounting wall on which the heater 341 is mounted and the isolation wall that abuts against the mounting wall (bottom surface of the flow path) are fastened by fastening parts such as bolts (without joining the abutment portion of the isolation wall), or these mounting walls and isolation walls may be formed integrally.

[0208] In the first and second embodiments, the case where the isolation wall 313 of the lip plate 31 is mated with the surface of the substrate 34 (single-sided substrate) without the conductor pattern 344 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which the metal plate 44 of the fourth embodiment is sandwiched between the substrate 34 and the isolation wall 313 in the first and second embodiments is also possible. In the case of the structure described above, a heat transfer plate 43 may be provided between the substrate 34 and the metal plate 44, or the heat transfer plate 43 may be omitted.

[0209] Furthermore, when forming the curved flow paths 314a and 315a by mating the partition wall 313 with the metal plate 44, it is not necessarily necessary to overlap the substrate 34 on the back side of the metal plate 44. For example, the substrate 34 can be placed at other parts of the instrument body 2 or the blowhole unit 3 (each frame 21, 22, 32, 33), and the heater 341, which is electrically connected to the substrate 34, can be mounted on the back side of the metal plate 44. In this structure, the metal plate 44 also functions as a heat transfer material with higher thermal conductivity than the partition wall 313, so the inner wall surface (the surface of the metal plate 44) of each curved flow path 314a and 315a can be heated efficiently by the heater 341.

[0210] In the first embodiment, the case where a protrusion 357 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing-side flow path 355 (main flow path) has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the protrusion 357 may be omitted, and the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing-side flow path 355. Alternatively, in the second embodiment, a protrusion 357 connected to the conduit 38 (branch flow path 380) may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing-side flow path 355.

[0211] In the first embodiment, the case where a tapered surface 356c is formed in the branch flow path 356 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the tapered surface 356c may be omitted, the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch flow path 356 may be constant throughout both ends of the axial direction, or the same surface as the tapered surface 356c may be formed on the side of the opening 356b.

[0212] In the first embodiment, the case where a vent 333c is formed in the boss 333 (recess 333b) to connect the opening 356b of the branch flow path 356 to the outside has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the opening 356b of the branch flow path 356 may also be connected to the outside via a vent (exhaust port) provided in a different part from the boss 333 (recess 333b).

[0213] In the fourth embodiment, the case in which a heat transfer sheet 43 and a metal plate 44 are sandwiched between the isolation wall 313 and the substrate 34 is described, but the heat transfer sheet 43 or the metal plate 44 may also be omitted.

Claims

1. An electronic wind instrument, characterized in that... include: Frame; The exhaled air inlet is formed within the frame; The flow path extends from the inlet into the interior of the frame; A sensor, located in the flow path, detects exhaled breath; and a heating element, located upstream of the sensor, heats the flow path.

2. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is installed on the back side of the flow path, opposite to the inner wall surface.

3. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow path is formed by a mounting wall for mounting the heating element and an isolation wall that docks with the mounting wall.

4. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting wall forms at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the flow path and includes a heat transfer material with a higher thermal conductivity than the isolation wall.

5. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat transfer material is a metal plate that forms part of the inner wall surface of the flow path.

6. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting wall includes a substrate that overlaps with the back side of the metal plate, thereby mounting the heating element on the back side.

7. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 6, characterized in that, The substrate includes: a conductor pattern formed on the surface of the metal plate; and a through hole, with metal plating applied to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole, connecting the conductor pattern to the heating element.

8. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting wall includes heat transfer plates sandwiched between the metal plate and the substrate, and is more flexible than the metal plate and the substrate. The heat transfer plate has a higher thermal conductivity than the isolation wall.

9. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting wall includes a substrate, the substrate forming the inner wall surface of the flow path. The substrate includes: a conductor pattern formed on the surface of the flow path side, constituting the heat transfer material; and a through hole connecting the conductor pattern to the heating element.

10. A method for installing a heating element, specifically for an electronic wind instrument, the electronic wind instrument comprising: Frame; The exhalation inlet is located within the frame. The flow path extends from the inlet into the interior of the frame; The heating element is characterized by the following: A sensor is disposed in the flow path to detect exhalation. A heating element that heats the flow path upstream of the sensor is mounted on the wall surrounding the flow path.

Images