Electronic wind instrument and method of operating detection

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic wind instrument and an operation detection method, which can simplify the operation mechanism on the basis of simulating the operation of a wind instrument. The electronic wind instrument comprises: a cylindrical frame; a shaft installed on the outside of the frame and arranged on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the frame; a plurality of operation members rotatably supported on the frame with the shaft on the straight line as the center and rotated by a player; and a plurality of detection units for directly detecting the rotation of the plurality of operation members respectively and individually.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic wind instrument and an operation testing method, and more particularly to an electronic wind instrument and an operation testing method that simplifies the operation mechanism based on the operation of a wind instrument that simulates acoustic sounds. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic wind instrument that uses the same operating mechanism as acoustic wind instruments. Both the electronic and acoustic wind instruments include multiple buttons or levers that the player directly touches and rotates, and a linkage cover that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the operating components without the player's direct touch. Since some instruments have separate operating components from the linkage cover, it is necessary to configure multiple axes that transmit the rotational operation of the operating components to the linkage cover to bypass the axis that supports the operating components for rotation.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-219856 (for example, Figure 26) Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] However, the existing electronic wind instruments have the following problems: the operating mechanism of the simulated acoustic wind instruments, which transmits the rotational operation of the operating parts to multiple axes of the linkage cover, complicates the structure of the electronic wind instruments.

[0008] This invention was developed to address the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an electronic wind instrument and an operation detection method that simplifies the operating mechanism based on the operation of a wind instrument that simulates acoustic sounds.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the electronic wind instrument of the present invention includes: a cylindrical frame; an axle mounted on the outside of the frame and arranged on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the frame; a plurality of operating elements, each rotatably supported on the frame about the axle on the straight line and rotated by a player; and a plurality of detection units, each individually and directly detecting the rotation of the plurality of operating elements.

[0011] The operation detection method of the present invention is an operation detection method for an electronic wind instrument, the electronic wind instrument comprising: a cylindrical frame; an axle mounted on the outside of the frame and arranged on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the frame; a plurality of operating components, each rotatably supported on the frame with the axle on the straight line as the center and rotated by the player; and a plurality of detection units, each detecting the rotation of the plurality of operating components, wherein each of the plurality of detection units independently and directly detects the rotation of the plurality of operating components themselves. 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 as seen from the inner circumferential side. 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 This is a magnified three-dimensional view of an electronic wind instrument with its main body disassembled and operating parts removed.

[0018] Figure 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument including the position of the first cover actuation element in the non-pressed state. Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument including the position of the first cover operation member in the pressed state.

[0019] Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument including the position of the second cover operation member in the non-pressed state. Figure 8 (b) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument including the position of the first lever operation element in the non-pressed state.

[0020] Figure 9 (a) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument including the position of the second lever operation element in the non-pressed state. Figure 9 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the rotation range of each operating element and the movable range of the switch.

[0021] Figure 10 (a) is a magnified top view of an electronic wind instrument. Figure 10 (b) is Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument at line Xb-Xb in (a).

[0022] Figure 11 (a) is Figure 10 (a) Cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument at line XIa-XIa. Figure 11 (b) is Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument at line XIb-XIb in (a).

[0023] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 (a) is a partially enlarged top view of the electronic wind instrument according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 (b) is Figure 13 A partial enlarged cross-sectional view of an electronic wind instrument at line XIIIb-XIIIb in (a).

[0025] Figure 14 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument according to the fifth embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers

[0027] 1, 201, 301, 401, 501: Electronic wind instruments

[0028] 2: The main body of the instrument

[0029] 3: Inlet unit

[0030] 20: Operating components

[0031] 20a, 20f, 20h, 20j: First cover operating element (operating element, short operating element, cover operating element)

[0032] 20b: First cover operating element (operating element, short operating element, cover operating element, first operating element)

[0033] 20c: Second cover operating element (operating element, long operating element, cover operating element)

[0034] 20d: First lever operating element (operating element)

[0035] 20e, 20g, 20i, 20k: (Second lever operating element, operating element, short operating element)

[0036] 20m: First linkage control unit (second control unit, control unit)

[0037] 20n: Second linkage operation unit (third operation unit, operation unit)

[0038] 21: Upper frame (frame)

[0039] 22: Lower frame (frame)

[0040] 23, 24, 28, 34, 36: substrate

[0041] 24a, 213, 217, 217b, 217c, 220, 281, 292, 370a, 372a, 405, 502: Through holes

[0042] 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, 25f, 25g, 25h, 25i, 25j, 25k, 25n: Operating section

[0043] 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26f, 26h, 26j, 26k, 26n: Connecting parts

[0044] 26e, 26g, 26i: Connecting part (cylinder part)

[0045] 27a, 27f, 27g, 27h, 27i, 27j, 413, 426: Actuators

[0046] 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e: Actuator (return side stop)

[0047] 29: Support plate

[0048] 30, 332a, 333a, 340, 361: Insertion holes

[0049] 31: Lip plate

[0050] 32: Blow into the side frame (third frame, frame)

[0051] 33: Exhaust side frame (fourth frame, frame)

[0052] 35: Casing

[0053] 37: Decorative elements (covered components)

[0054] 38: Catheter

[0055] 41: First linkage cover

[0056] 42: Second linkage cover

[0057] 210: Protrusion (protrusion)

[0058] 211a, 211b, 332, 333: Bosses

[0059] 211c, 214, 293, 312, 324: Bolt holes

[0060] 212a, 212b, 212c, 302: Support section

[0061] 212d, 262: Step difference

[0062] 215, 215b, 219, 303: Shafts

[0063] 215a: Threaded section

[0064] 216a, 216f, 216h, 216j, 216m, 216n: Protrusions

[0065] 216b, 216c, 216d: Protrusions (press-side stops)

[0066] 217a: Wall

[0067] 218: Press the side stop.

[0068] 241: Switch (Detection Department, First Detection Department)

[0069] 241a: Switch (Second Detection Unit)

[0070] 241b: Switch (Third Detection Unit)

[0071] 242, 403: Main body

[0072] 242a: Edge section

[0073] 243, 404: Movable parts

[0074] 243a: Flange

[0075] 244, 244a, 244b: Elastomers

[0076] 251, 254, 271, 424, 425, 505: Buffer components

[0077] 252, 253, 370b, 372b: Depression

[0078] 261a, 261b, 261c, 261d, 261f, 261h, 261j, 261k, 261n, 350, 411, 422: Cylinder section

[0079] 291: Installation Department

[0080] 303a: Guiding surface

[0081] 304, 354: Fitting hole

[0082] 310: Upper inlet (first inlet, inlet)

[0083] 311: Lower air inlet (second air inlet, air inlet)

[0084] 313: Isolation Wall

[0085] 314a: First curved flow path (curved flow path, flow path)

[0086] 314b: First curved flow path (curved flow path)

[0087] Second curved flow path (curved flow path, flow path)

[0088] 315a: Second curved flow path (curved flow path, flow path)

[0089] 316a, 316b: Throttling flow paths

[0090] 317a, 317b: Throttling wall

[0091] 320, 330: Large diameter part

[0092] 321, 331: Small diameter portion

[0093] 321a, 331a: Incision

[0094] 322: Mounting hole

[0095] 322a: Bottom surface

[0096] 322b: Leakage Flow Path

[0097] 323: Frame side flow path (flow path)

[0098] 325: Lower protrusion

[0099] 326: Throttle flow path (flow path)

[0100] 333b, 407: concave part

[0101] 333c: Vent

[0102] 334: First exhaust port (exhaust port)

[0103] 335: Second exhaust port (exhaust port)

[0104] 341, 362: Heaters

[0105] 342: Sensor

[0106] 350: Tube section (part)

[0107] 351: Bottom wall (wall)

[0108] 352: Side wall portion (wall portion)

[0109] 353: End wall part (wall part)

[0110] 355: Flow path on the shell side

[0111] 356, 380: Branch Flow Paths

[0112] 356a: Opening (first opening)

[0113] 356b: Opening (Second Opening)

[0114] 356c: Conical surface

[0115] 357: Protrusion

[0116] 360: Temperature Sensor

[0117] 363: Pressure Sensor

[0118] 363a: Connector

[0119] 370: First Covering Part (Covering Part, Part)

[0120] 371: Second covered part (section)

[0121] 371a: Inclined surface

[0122] 372: Third Covered Part (Covered Part, Part)

[0123] 373: Fixed part (section)

[0124] 380a: Opening

[0125] 402: Switch (Detection Section)

[0126] 406, 504: Return side stop

[0127] 412: Connecting part

[0128] 414: Plate section

[0129] 423: Connecting shaft

[0130] A, B, D, F, L, R, U: Arrow

[0131] B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6: Bolts

[0132] CL1, CL2, CL3: Press-side restriction positions

[0133] CR1, CR2, CR3: Rotation range

[0134] CU1, CU2, CU3: Return-side restricted positions

[0135] L1, L2, L3, L5, L6: Length

[0136] S1: Interior space

[0137] S2: Cavity

[0138] Sa, Sb: Sensor modules

[0139] SL: Lower limit position

[0140] SR: Range of motion

[0141] ST: Threshold

[0142] SU: Upper limit position

[0143] TL: Injection volume Detailed Implementation

[0144] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to... Figure 1 of (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 blowhole unit 3. Furthermore, 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.

[0145] 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 body tube and foot tube of a flute, and an inlet unit 3 that simulates the head tube is installed at the axial end of the instrument body 2.

[0146] The instrument body 2 includes a generally semi-cylindrical upper frame 21 (first frame) and a lower frame 22 (second frame). Multiple operating components 20, operated by the player, are installed on the outer periphery of the upper frame 21. Specifically, the multiple operating components 20 include five first cover operating components 20a, 20b, 20f, 20h, and 20j, one second cover operating component 20c, one first lever operating component 20d, four second lever operating components 20e, 20g, 20i, and 20k, one first linkage operating component 20m, and one second linkage operating component 20n.

[0147] The electronic wind instrument 1 is configured such that when the multiple operating elements 20a to 20n are pushed towards the upper frame 21 by the player, it acquires an on state (pressed state) and an off state (not pressed state) when not pushed. Furthermore, the pitch based on the acquired on / off state is applied to the produced musical tone.

[0148] Furthermore, the number of operating components 20a to 20n is not limited to the stated 13; it may be 12 or fewer, or 14 or more. Additionally, some of the operating components 20a to 20n may be installed on the outer periphery of the lower frame 22. Also, refer to... Figures 6 to 11 (b) describes the more detailed structure of operating parts 20a to 20n.

[0149] A cylindrical protrusion 210 (bore) is integrally formed at the end of the upper frame 21 on the side of the air inlet unit 3 in the axial direction. The protrusion 210 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the upper frame 21 toward the lower frame 22, and a through hole 220 is formed in the lower frame 22 for the bolt B1 to pass through at a position corresponding to the tip of the protrusion 210.

[0150] 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 tip 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.

[0151] A lip plate 31 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the inlet unit 3. An upper inlet 310 (first inlet) and a lower inlet 311 (second inlet) are formed on the lip plate 31 along the circumference. Each inlet 310 and 311 is a rectangular opening that extends laterally along the axial direction of the inlet unit 3. The performer plays the electronic wind instrument 1 by switching the direction of exhalation (blowing separately) to each inlet 310 and 311 while operating the operating component 20.

[0152] 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 operating state of the operating unit 20 or the blowing state (blowing volume) of the exhaled air into each blowhole 310 and 311 through the musical sound generation processing performed by the CPU.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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 forming the insertion hole 30 (see reference). Figure 1 (b)

[0155] 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. A substrate 34 is sandwiched between the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 and the lip plate 31. The substrate 34 is a component for heating the lip plate 31 to remove moisture. Details of the heating structure will be described later.

[0156] 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.

[0157] A frame-side flow path 323 is formed on the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 for allowing exhaled air blown in from each blow-in port 310, 311 to pass through. The frame-side flow paths 323 are arranged in a pair, spaced apart axially in the blow-in side frame 32 (blow-in port unit 3). The exhaled air passing through the pair of frame-side flow paths 323 is guided to a pair of sensor modules Sa, Sb.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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 4 In 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).

[0165] 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.

[0166] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) describes the flow path of exhalation from each blow inlet 310, 311 to a pair of frame side flow paths 323. 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 3In (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.

[0167] also, Figure 3 (b) does not include each blow-in inlet 310, 311 or throttling wall 317a, throttling wall 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.

[0168] 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, the tip 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.

[0169] 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 (circumferentially toward the blow-in side frame 32), and the downstream portion of the second curved flow path 315a is connected to one of the pair of frame side flow paths 323.

[0170] 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 another frame side flow path 323.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] like Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 As 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 and is guided into one of the frame side flow paths 323. 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 and is guided into another frame side flow path 323.

[0174] Next, refer to Figure 3 of (a) Figure 3 (b) and Figure 4 The flow path of exhalation from the side flow path 323 of the frame to the first exhaust port 334 is 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, a flow path further downstream than the frame-side flow path 323 is symmetrically formed on the sensor module Sa side and the 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.

[0175] 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 4A throttling flow path 326 connected to the frame side flow path 323 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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 323, the throttling flow path 326 and the shell side flow path 355.

[0179] Blow into the upper 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 323, the throttling flow path 326, and the shell side flow path 355. Hereinafter, these flow paths 314a, 315a, 323, 326, and 355 will be described together as the "mainstream flow path" of exhalation.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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).

[0184] When the flow rate (velocity) of exhaled air in the main flow path (shell-side flow path 355) changes, the airflow in the branch flow path 356 (the secondary flow path branching from the main flow path) also changes. The temperature sensor 360 detects this change in airflow within the branch flow path 356 (the temperature change caused by the flow of air heated by the heater 362). 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).

[0185] 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 within 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 exhalation when such moisture adheres to the temperature sensor 360. The following describes the structure that solves these problems.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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 airflow within the branch flow path 356.

[0189] Furthermore, a cylindrical protrusion 357, with its tip forming an opening 356a of a branch flow path 356, is integrally formed on the inner circumferential surface of the shell-side flow path 355. It can be argued that by utilizing the protrusion 357 to make the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 protrude towards the inner circumferential side of the shell-side flow path 355, the effect of preventing moisture-laden exhaled air from flowing into the branch flow path 356, or the effect of easily generating negative pressure in the branch flow path 356 due to exhaled air passing through the main flow path, can be achieved.

[0190] Furthermore, the tip 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 tip of the throttling flow path 326 and 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.

[0191] Thus, this embodiment is a structure that detects exhaled air flowing into the branch flow path 356 from the opening 356a with a relatively small cross-sectional area 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 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 after being heated by the heater 362 using a temperature sensor 360, then even small changes in airflow 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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 as different parts (to miniaturize the housings 35) to form the branch flow paths 356 individually, the shape of the branch flow paths 356 can be formed with good precision. Therefore, the airflow within the branch flow paths 356 can be detected with good precision by the temperature sensor 360.

[0194] Thus, in this embodiment, exhalation is detected based on the airflow within 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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).

[0200] 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 323 are connected in a straight line, even if the player inhales or external air flows in as described above, the airflow generated in the housing side flow path 355 can be suppressed.

[0201] 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 323 and 355 is also formed between the frame-side flow path 323 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 part 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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 achieves the effect of preventing condensation in the main flow. The effect of preventing condensation refers to the fact that water vapor in the air does not liquefy, which is different from simply drying moisture. That is, the higher the temperature, the greater the saturated water vapor content (the mass of water vapor that can exist per unit volume of air). Therefore, by heating the upstream portion of the main flow, not only is moisture dried, but condensation is also prevented. Regarding this structure, refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 of (a) Figure 5 (b) will be explained.

[0206] 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.

[0207] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 of (a) Figure 5 As shown in (b), a heater 341 and a sensor 342 are provided on the substrate 34 (both refer to...). Figure 5 (a) The heater 341 can use a known heating element such as a chip resistor, and the sensor 342 can use a known temperature sensor made of a thermistor, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0208] The temperature of the substrate 34, which is heated by the heater 341, is detected by the sensor 342, and the heater 341 is controlled by repeatedly turning on and off (or changing the temperature of the heater 341) based on the detection results of the sensor 342. Through the control of the heater 341, the temperature of the substrate 34 is maintained at about 30°C to 35°C.

[0209] By heating the substrate 34 that forms the bottom surface of each curved flow path 314a, 315a using the heater 341, the saliva adhering to each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be dried, and the moisture caused by condensation in each curved flow path 314a, 315a can be suppressed.

[0210] Furthermore, by heating the substrate 34 using the heater 341, the frame-side flow path 323 connected to the second curved flow path 315a, or the throttling flow path 326 located downstream of the frame-side flow path 323, can also be heated. Therefore, saliva adhering to the frame-side flow path 323 or the throttling flow path 326 can be dried, and moisture caused by condensation in the frame-side flow path 323 or the throttling flow path 326 can be suppressed.

[0211] By suppressing the accumulation of moisture in the throttling flow path 326, or the opening 356a of the branch flow path 356 (see reference). Figure 4 In the upstream main flow path, the flow of moisture along with exhaled air can be suppressed to flow downstream. This prevents the opening 356a of the throttling flow path 326 or the branch flow path 356 from becoming blocked by moisture, thus allowing the temperature sensor 360 (see reference) to detect the flow. Figure 4 It can accurately detect the exhaled air flowing in the main flow path.

[0212] 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.

[0213] More specifically, the frame-side flow path 323 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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 4A 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)

[0217] 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).

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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 can also suppress condensation on the parts of each frame 32, 33.

[0220] 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 4The edge of the through hole 372a shown also has the same recess 372b.

[0221] 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.

[0222] Then, referring to Figure 6 The structure of the electronic wind instrument 1, in which the operating components 20a to 20j are installed, will be described. Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of an electronic wind instrument 1 showing the state in which the instrument body 2 is disassembled and the operating parts 20a to 20j are removed. Furthermore, Figure 6 The arrows UD, FB, and LR represent the up / down, front / back, and left / right (axial) directions of the electronic wind instrument 1, respectively. Figure 7 The same applies to (a) thereafter. Additionally, in Figure 6 The illustrations of the various parts of the instrument body 2 (such as the lower frame 22) located lower than the base plate 24 (towards arrow D) are omitted. Figure 7 (a) ~ Figure 9 of (a) Figure 10 (b) ~ Figure 11 of (b) Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) is the same.

[0223] The part of the instrument body 2 for mounting the operating parts 20a to 20j corresponds to the body tube of the flute. A base plate 24 is disposed on the inner circumference of the upper frame 21 in this part. Multiple (six in this embodiment) through holes 24a for the bolt B4 are formed in the base plate 24. Multiple bosses 211a (see reference 20a) protrude downwards from the inner circumference of the upper frame 21. Figure 7 The lower end of (a) has a bolt hole (not shown). The substrate 24 is fixed to the upper frame 21 by screwing a plurality of bolts B4 through the through hole 24a into the bolt hole.

[0224] Ten switches (detection units) 241 are provided on the substrate 24 to individually detect the operating status of ten operating components 20a to 20j. These ten switches 241 are all configured to be identical and are arranged in a straight line parallel to the axis of the upper frame 21, so as to be located directly below each operating component 20a to 20j.

[0225] Support portions 212a, 212b, and 212c rise upwards (in the direction of arrow U) from the front side (arrow F side) of the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21, and are arranged in a straight line parallel to the axial direction. Multiple (four in this embodiment) support portions 212b are arranged between the leftmost (arrow L side) support portion 212a and the rightmost (arrow R side) support portion 212c.

[0226] Through holes 213 extending axially are formed at the upper ends of support portions 212a and 212b, respectively. Bolt holes 214 opening toward the support portion 212b are formed at the upper end of support portion 212c. By inserting a shaft 215 from the support portion 212a side into the multiple through holes 213, and screwing the threaded portion 215a at one end of the shaft 215 into the bolt hole 214, a shaft 215 is mounted on the outer periphery of the upper frame 21 in a manner that it is supported by multiple support portions 212a to 212c. The shaft 215 thus mounted is arranged in a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the upper frame 21.

[0227] Operating components 20a to 20j are rotatably supported around an axis 215 arranged on the same straight line, and are arranged from left to right in sequence. In a flute, since the player also rotates multiple buttons and other operating components arranged along the axis, this rotatable support allows the operating feel of operating components 20a to 20j to be similar to that of a flute.

[0228] Operating components 20a to 20j each include: operating parts 25a to 25j, operated by direct touch by the performer; connecting parts 26a to 26j, connecting the operating parts 25a to 25j to the shaft 215; and actuators 27a to 27j, protruding downward from the operating parts 25a to 25j or the connecting parts 26a to 26j. Operating components 20a to 20j are integrally formed using resin material. Actuators 27a to 27j are plate-shaped portions that transmit rotational operation of each operating component 20a to 20j to the switch 241 directly below them by contacting the switch 241 through a through hole 217 provided on the upper frame 21. Furthermore, the through hole 217 connects a recess on the outer surface of the upper frame 21 facing the interior of the upper frame 21 with the interior of the upper frame 21.

[0229] The operating portions 25a, 25b, 25f, 25h, and 25j of the first cover operating components 20a, 20b, 20f, 20h, and 25j, and the operating portion 25c of the second cover operating component 20c, are each formed in a circular plate shape. The first cover operating components 20a, 20b, 20f, 20h, 20j, and 20c simulate the integrated buttons on the cover used to open / close the tone holes in a flute.

[0230] When viewed from above, the centers of operating parts 25a, 25b, 25f, 25h, and 25j are arranged in a straight line parallel to the axis of the upper frame 21. In contrast, the center of operating part 25c is offset circumferentially to the rear (arrow B side). This offset is the main difference between the first cover operating parts 20a, 20b, 20f, 20h, and 20j and the second cover operating part 20c, and is used to simulate the button configuration of an offset key type flute.

[0231] In contrast, the operating portion 25d of the first lever operating member 20d is not a circular plate like the operating portion 25a, but is formed as a rod extending axially along the upper frame 21. Similarly, the operating portions 25e, 25g, and 25i of the second lever operating members 20e, 20g, and 20i are formed as rods extending circumferentially. The first lever operating member 20d and the second lever operating members 20e, 20g, and 20i simulate levers used to open / close the cover in the separated position in a flute via a linkage mechanism.

[0232] First of all, besides Figure 6 In addition, refer to Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) will describe the first cover operation member 20a, the first cover operation member 20b, the first cover operation member 20f, the first cover operation member 20h, and the first cover operation member 20j. Figure 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 including the position of the first cover operation member 20b in the non-pressed state. Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1, including the position of the first cover operation member 20b in the pressed state. Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 In (b), a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane orthogonal to the axis of the electronic wind instrument 1 is shown, and a portion of the structure further inward than the cross-section is omitted from the illustration. Figure 8 of (a) Figure 8 (b) and Figure 9 The same applies to (a).

[0233] Operating parts 25b, 25f, 25h, and 25j are all formed as circular plates with the same outer diameter, while operating part 25a has a smaller outer diameter. Due to this difference in outer diameter, the length of the connecting part 26a between operating part 25a and shaft 215 is longer than the length L1 of the connecting parts 26b, 26f, 26h, and 26j connecting operating parts 25b, 25f, 25h, and 25j to shaft 215. Since the first cover operating member 20a, 20b, 20f, 20h, 20j, and their surrounding upper frame 21 are substantially the same in all other respects, the main focus will be on describing them. Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) shows the first cover operation 20b and its surroundings, with some other descriptions omitted.

[0234] The connecting portion 26b of the first cover operating member 20b is formed as an arm extending circumferentially (front-to-back direction) along the upper frame 21. The operating portion 25b is connected to the circumferential tip (rear end) of the connecting portion 26b. The circumferential base end (front end) of the connecting portion 26b is formed by a cylindrical portion 261b. By inserting a shaft 215 into the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 261b, the first cover operating member 20b can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21. The first cover operating members 20a, 20f, 20h, and 20j respectively include cylindrical portions 261a, 261f, 261h, and 261j that are substantially the same as the cylindrical portion 261b.

[0235] A roughly cylindrical protrusion 216b, simulating the tone hole of a flute, protrudes upward from the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 below the first cover operating member 20b toward the operating part 25b. The operating part 25b, which rotates downward (approaching the pushing direction of the upper frame 21) when pushed by the player, abuts against the upper end of the protrusion 216b, thereby restricting its downward rotation. That is, the protrusion 216b constitutes a pressing-side stop that restricts its downward rotation. As a component substantially identical to the protrusion 216b, protrusions 216a, 216f, 216h, and 216j protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 toward the operating parts 25a, 25f, 25h, and 25j, respectively.

[0236] Furthermore, a cushioning member 251, comprising an elastic component such as rubber or sponge, is attached to the lower surface of the resin portion of the operating part 25b at the position where the upper end of the protrusion 216b abuts. This cushioning member 251 can suppress knocking or vibration when the operating part 25b abuts against the upper end of the protrusion 216b.

[0237] Actuator 27b protrudes substantially vertically from the lower surface of the operating portion 25b, which is located further forward than the buffer member 251 (on the shaft 215 side), and passes through the through hole 217 of the upper frame 21. When the first cover operating member 20b, which is pushed downward by the player, is to be rotated in the return direction, i.e., upward away from the upper frame 21 (return direction), actuator 27b abuts against the wall 217a behind the through hole 217, thereby restricting the rotation of the first cover operating member 20b. Thus, actuator 27b also serves as a return-side stop that restricts upward rotation. Therefore, compared to the case where actuator 27b and return-side stop are provided separately (e.g.) Figure 14 Compared to the fifth embodiment of (b), their structure can be simplified or the number of parts can be reduced.

[0238] Here, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-243097 Figure 1 In the prior art described, a return-side stop is provided at the tip of an arm extending from the connecting portion of the operating member to the side opposite to the operating member. This return-side stop abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the frame, thereby restricting the upward rotation of the operating member. In this case, there are concerns that the return-side stop complicates the appearance of the electronic wind instrument or makes miniaturization of the electronic wind instrument difficult.

[0239] In contrast, in this embodiment, the return-side stop (actuator 27b) protrudes from the first cover operating member 20b toward the upper frame 21, inserts into the through hole 217 of the upper frame 21, and abuts against the wall surface 217a of the through hole 217. Thus, since the return-side stop restricts rotation by being located further inward than the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21, the appearance of the electronic wind instrument 1 can be simplified, or the electronic wind instrument 1 can be easily miniaturized.

[0240] Furthermore, a buffer 271 containing an elastic member is attached to the wall surface 217a side of the resin portion of the actuator 27b. Thus, the buffer 271 can be used to suppress knocking or vibration when the actuator 27b comes into contact with the wall surface 217a.

[0241] The through hole 217 directly below the first cover operating member 20b is a portion of the front side of the removed cylindrical protrusion 216b, and extends through the upper frame 21 at the removed position. Correspondingly, the actuator 27b protrudes from the front side of the operating part 25b. Therefore, since the actuator 27b is hidden by the protrusion 216b and becomes difficult to see, the appearance around the first cover operating member 20b can be made similar to that of a flute without a part corresponding to the actuator 27b.

[0242] The circular operating portion 25b, which connects to the actuator 27b, is a component that mimics a button integrated with the cover of a flute. Therefore, similar to the button, it is formed with partial recesses on either the upper or lower surface. Furthermore, the recess 252 on the upper surface bends along the player's fingers for easy operation of the operating portion 25b. Additionally, the recess 253 on the lower surface is used for... Figure 7 In the pressed state shown in (b), the upper side of the protrusion 216b is covered by the operation part 25b, which also serves as a weight reduction part of the operation part 25b.

[0243] In order to form the operating part 25b having the recesses 252 and 253 using a mold, it is necessary to part the mold along the thickness direction of the operating part 25b. Since the actuator 27b protrudes from the operating part 25b in the thickness direction, since the actuator 27b is provided and no undercut portion is formed, the operating part 25b and the actuator 27b can be integrally formed with resin using a mold.

[0244] The performer pushes the operating part 25b along the thickness direction of the plate, causing the first cover operating member 20b to rotate. In other words, the operating part 25b is a plate-shaped part that extends in all directions perpendicular to the direction of the push, so the performer's fingers can easily touch the operating part 25b when the push is made, and the first cover operating member 20b can be easily operated. Furthermore, since the actuator 27b protrudes from the operating part 25b in the thickness direction of the plate being pushed by the performer, the force of the performer's push can be easily transmitted from the actuator 27b to the switch 241.

[0245] The switch 241 includes: a main body 242 fixed to a substrate 24; a movable part 243 that moves in a vertical direction (the thickness direction of the substrate 24) and exits from the main body 242; and an elastic body 244 that compresses between them in a vertical direction. The main body 242 is formed as a box with a closed lower surface and an open upper surface, and the upper edge 242a of the opening extends inward.

[0246] The upper end of the movable part 243 protrudes upward from the main body 242 through an opening inside the edge 242a, and the tip (lower end) of the actuator 27b contacts the upper end of the movable part 243. A flange 243a, facing the edge 242a in the vertical direction, extends from the movable part 243 within the main body 242. The position where the flange 243a contacts the edge 242a is the upper limit position SU of the movable part 243's range of motion SR. On the other hand, the position where the movable part 243 contacts the bottom of the main body 242 is the lower limit position SL of the movable part 243's range of motion SR. The elastic body 244, for example a coil spring, generates a repulsive force to cause the movable part 243 to move towards the upper limit position SU.

[0247] When from Figure 7 The non-pressed state shown in (a) is as follows: Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the performer rotates the first cover operating member 20b downwards, a downward force is transmitted from the actuator 27b to the movable part 243, pressing the movable part 243 in a manner that overcomes the repulsive force of the elastic body 244. Regarding the switch 241, when the amount of pressing (movement) is above or above a threshold ST, the contacts (not shown) connect to each other to obtain a pressed state (on state) for the first cover operating member 20b, and when it is below the threshold, the contacts separate to obtain a non-pressed state (off state).

[0248] exist Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 The lower right of (b) schematically illustrates the heights of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the upper limit position SU and lower limit position SL of the movable range SR of the movable part 243, and at the return side restriction position CU1 and pressing side restriction position CL1 of the rotation range CR1 of the first cover operating member 20b, respectively, when the pressing amount reaches the threshold ST. This is in Figure 8 of (a) Figure 9 The same applies to (b).

[0249] also, Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7The return-side limiting position CU1 shown in the lower right of (b) is the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the position where the actuator (return-side stop) 27b abuts against the wall surface 217a. Similarly, the pressing-side limiting position CL1 is the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the position where the operating part 25b abuts against the upper end of the protrusion (pressing-side stop) 216b. The return-side limiting position CU1 and the pressing-side limiting position CL1 are determined according to the position of the first cover operating member 20b and the length (tip position) of the actuator 27b. In this embodiment, the return-side limiting position CU1 is set to 0 degrees, and the rotation range CR1 of the first cover operating member 20b up to the pressing-side limiting position CL1 is set to approximately 10 degrees. The rotation range CR1 can be less than 10 degrees or greater than 10 degrees.

[0250] The threshold ST for the amount of pressure applied is set higher than the pressure-side limit position CL1. This is to suppress the effect of rotating the first cover operating member 20b to... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the pressing side restriction position CL1, manufacturing errors of various parts, etc., cause the switch 241 to be unable to obtain the pressed state of the first cover operation member 20b.

[0251] Furthermore, in a flute, the pitch changes when the tone hole is closed by pressing a button (operator) that integrates the cover for opening / closing the tone hole. To simulate the timing of this change in the electronic wind instrument 1, it is preferable to make the threshold ST as close as possible to the pressing-side limiting position CL1. In this embodiment, the threshold ST for the amount of pressure is located at a position where the first cover operator 20b rotates approximately 9 degrees from the return-side limiting position CU1, and the pressing-side limiting position CL1 is located at approximately 10 degrees. The position of the threshold ST for the amount of pressure is not limited to approximately 9 degrees, but is preferably 7 to 9.5 degrees. Thus, the pitch can change at a position approximately the same as the pressing-side limiting position CL1. Therefore, the operating feel of the first cover operator 20b can be made similar to that of a flute.

[0252] Since the pressing-side limiting position CL1 is located higher than the lower limiting position SL, the pushing force of the player on the first cover operating member 20b can be prevented from being directly transmitted from the movable part 243 to the main body 242 or the base plate 24. As a result, the switch 241 or the base plate 24 can be protected from deformation or breakage due to the force.

[0253] When the player releases the pressure of the first cover operating member 20b, the repulsive force of the elastic body 244 causes the first cover operating member 20b to rotate upwards, returning to its original position. Figure 7(a) shows the non-pressed state and the return-side restricted position CU1. Since the return-side restricted position CU1 is located lower than the upper limit position SU, the repulsive force of the elastomer 244 is always applied to the actuator 27b in the return-side restricted position CU1, and the actuator 27b is pressed against the wall surface 217a of the through hole 217. As a result, the contact state can be maintained substantially from the first cover operating member 20b to the movable part 243, so it is not easy to produce a difference in pressing sensation (reaction force) caused by contact / non-contact across a part of them.

[0254] In a flute, since there is no need to use buttons or other operating components to push the switch, there is no difference in pressing feel due to contact / non-contact. As described above, by minimizing the difference in pressing feel, the operating feel of the first cover operating member 20b can be made similar to that of a flute. Furthermore, by maintaining contact from the first cover operating member 20b to the movable part 243, the wobbling of the first cover operating member 20b can be suppressed.

[0255] Then, referring to Figure 8 (a) describes the second cover operation piece 20c. Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 including the position of the second cover operation member 20c in the non-pressed state. Furthermore, since the second cover operation member 20c and its surroundings are substantially the same as the first cover operation member 20b and its surroundings, the same parts are described in a general manner, and some of the description is omitted.

[0256] Figure 8 The operating portion 25c of the second cover operating member 20c shown in (a) is formed with Figure 7 The operating portion 25b of the first cover operating member 20b shown in (a) is a circular plate with the same outer diameter as the operating portion 25b. An actuator 27c protrudes substantially vertically from the lower surface of the operating portion 25c, and a buffer 271 is provided on the wall surface 217a side of the actuator 27c. Similar to the protrusion 216b on the lower side of the first cover operating member 20b, the protrusion 216c constituting the pressing-side stop protrudes upward from the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 on the lower side of the second cover operating member 20c toward the operating portion 25c.

[0257] The connecting portion 26c of the second cover operating member 20c, like the connecting portion 26b of the first cover operating member 20b, is an arm-shaped portion whose tip is connected to the operating portion 25c and whose base is formed by a cylindrical portion 261c. By inserting a shaft 215 into the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 261c, the second cover operating member 20c can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21.

[0258] Similar to the first cover operating member 20b, the second cover operating member 20c has a rotation range CR1 between the return-side limiting position CU1 where the actuator (return-side stop) 27c abuts against the wall surface 217a of the through hole 217 and the pressing-side limiting position CL1 where the operating part 25c abuts against the upper end of the protrusion (press-side stop) 216c, and is operated by the player. The relationship between the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the return-side limiting position CU1 and the pressing-side limiting position CL1 of the second cover operating member 20c and the upper limit position SU, lower limit position SL, and pressing amount threshold ST of the movable range SR of the switch 241 is also the same as that described in the first cover operating member 20b.

[0259] Next, the differences between the second cover operating member 20c and the first cover operating member 20b will be explained. As described above, in order to simulate the button configuration of an offset button type flute, the center of the operating part 25c of the second cover operating member 20c is offset circumferentially to the rearward side relative to the center of the operating part 25b of the first cover operating member 20b.

[0260] The length L2 of the connecting portion 26c of the second cover operating member 20c is formed to be longer than the length L1 of the connecting portion 26b of the first cover operating member 20b and approximately the same amount as the circumferential offset between the center of the operating portion 25b and the center of the operating portion 25c. Furthermore, the lengths L1 and L2 are circumferential (more specifically, left-right) dimensions from the axis of shaft 215 to the operating portions 25b and 25c in the non-pressed state. Thus, by making the lengths L1 and L2 different, even if the operating portions 25b and 25c are offset circumferentially, the shaft 215 supporting the first cover operating member 20b and the second cover operating member 20c can be arranged in a straight line to allow rotation.

[0261] Here, the names of the various parts of the corresponding electronic wind instrument 1 are used to describe the offset-button type flute. In the flute, another shaft 215b is positioned such that, relative to the shaft 215 that supports the first cover operating member 20b to be rotatable, it is offset circumferentially by an amount approximately the same as the circumferential offset between the center of the operating part 25b and the center of the operating part 25c. The second cover operating member 20c is supported to be rotatable by this shaft 215b. Therefore, the length L2 of the connecting part 26c is set to be the same as the length L1 of the connecting part 26b.

[0262] This is to make the movement of the first cover operating member 20b or the second cover operating member 20c, which is an integral button with the cover, around the axes 215 and 215b common, so that the tone holes can be reliably closed without gaps using the cover, thereby stabilizing the pitch corresponding to their opening / closing. However, there is a problem that the structure of the flute is complicated by the multiple axes 215 and 215b provided for pitch stabilization. Furthermore, in the prior art described in, for example, Figure 26 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-219856, the same problem exists because the same operating mechanism as the flute is used in the electronic wind instrument simulating the flute.

[0263] In contrast, the electronic wind instrument 1 of this embodiment changes the pitch by pushing the switch 241 using the first cover operating member 20b or the second cover operating member 20c, thus eliminating the need for a cover to reliably close the tone hole without gaps. Therefore, in the electronic wind instrument 1, it is not necessary to make the movement methods common in the first cover operating member 20b and the second cover operating member 20c, and no problem arises even if the length L1 of the connecting part 26b differs from the length L2 of the connecting part 26c due to the mutual offset of the operating parts 25b and 25c. Therefore, shafts 215 supporting the first cover operating member 20b and the second cover operating member 20c as rotatable parts can be arranged in a straight line, simplifying the operating mechanism of the electronic wind instrument 1 compared to the prior art which has multiple shafts 215, 215b.

[0264] In the non-pressed state (return-side restricted position CU1), the operating portion 25c of the second cover operating member (long operating member) 20c, which has a long connecting portion 26c, tilts downwards away from the axis 215, relative to the operating portion 25b of the first cover operating member (short operating member) 20b with a short connecting portion 26b. Therefore, the operating portions 25b and 25c can be arranged circumferentially along the upper frame 21, thereby allowing access to the flute's button configuration.

[0265] Based on the lever principle, the closer the pushing position is to the shaft 215, the smaller the force applied to the movable part 243 of the switch 241 when pushing the operating parts 25b and 25c. Therefore, since the length L1 of the connecting part 26b is shorter than the length L2 of the connecting part 26c, the force applied from the first cover operating member 20b to the movable part 243 is smaller than the force applied from the second cover operating member 20c to the movable part 243.

[0266] Here, in the non-pressed state, the actuator 27b of the first cover operating member 20b is tilted relative to the movement direction (vertical direction) of the movable part 243 with its tip side away from the shaft 215. On the other hand, the actuator 27c of the second cover operating member 20c is tilted relative to the movement direction of the movable part 243 with its tip side close to the shaft 215. Therefore, near the pressed state (press-side restricted position CL1), the tilt angle between the movement direction of the movable part 243 and the actuator 27b becomes smaller (approximately 0 degrees in this embodiment), and the tilt angle between the movement direction of the movable part 243 and the actuator 27c becomes larger. As such, the proportion of the force pushing the movable part 243 in the force applied to the movable part 243 from the first cover operating member 20b becomes larger, and the proportion of the force pushing the movable part 243 in the force applied to the movable part 243 from the second cover operating member 20c becomes smaller.

[0267] Therefore, as described above, since the force applied to the movable part 243 from the first cover operating member 20b is smaller than the force applied to the movable part 243 from the second cover operating member 20c, the force pushing the movable part 243 is approximately the same in both the first cover operating member 20b and the second cover operating member 20c. This allows the reaction forces experienced by the player, corresponding to the pushing force and the repulsive force of the elastomer 244, to be approximately similar when pushing the first cover operating member 20b and when pushing the second cover operating member 20c, thereby suppressing the difference in their operational feel.

[0268] Furthermore, in the non-pressed state, when the actuators 27b and 27c protrude from approximately the same position of each operating part 25b, 25c parallel to the direction of movement of the movable part 243, since the connecting part 26c is longer than the connecting part 26b, the tip of the actuator 27c moves further away from the shaft 215 in the circumferential direction than the tip of the actuator 27b. In contrast, in this embodiment, by tilting the actuators 27b and 27c in the non-pressed state, the tips of the actuators 27b and 27c approach each other in the circumferential direction.

[0269] Then, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 8 (b) illustrates the structure of the first lever operating element 20d and its surroundings. Figure 8 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 including the position of the first lever operation member 20d in the non-pressed state. Description of the first lever operation member 20d and its surroundings, as well as parts identical to the first cover operation member 20b and its surroundings, is also omitted.

[0270] The connecting portion 26d of the first lever operating member 20d, like the connecting portion 26b of the first cover operating member 20b, is formed in an arm-like shape with the cylindrical portion 261d into which the shaft 215 is inserted as the base. By inserting the shaft 215 into the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 261d, the first lever operating member 20d can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21. Furthermore, in the first lever operating member 20d, the actuator 27d protrudes downward from the connecting portion 26d, and a buffer member 271 is provided on the wall surface 217a side of the actuator 27d.

[0271] A rod-shaped operating portion 25d extends axially to the left from the tip of the connecting portion 26d, and a weight-reducing recess 253 is formed on the lower surface of the operating portion 25d. Compared with the lengths L1 and L2 of the connecting portions 26b and 26c, the length L3 of the connecting portion 26d is made longer, so that the operating portion 25d is located circumferentially rearward relative to the operating portion 25c of the second cover operating member 20c.

[0272] The protrusion 216d, which serves as a pressing-side stop to restrict downward rotation of the first lever operating member 20d, protrudes upward from the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 below the first lever operating member 20d toward the connecting portion 26d. Furthermore, a buffer member 251 for cushioning is provided at the connecting portion 26d at the position where the protrusion 216d abuts.

[0273] In the non-pressed state, the actuator 27d of the first lever operating member 20d, like the actuator 27c of the second cover operating member 20c, is tilted relative to the direction of movement of the movable part 243 with its tip side approaching the shaft 215. Furthermore, in the second cover operating member 20c, the actuator 27c protrudes from the operating part 25c, while in the first lever operating member 20d, the actuator 27d protrudes from the connecting part 26d. This makes the configuration of the actuators 27c and 27d relative to the switch 241 substantially the same. As a result, the force exerted by the first lever operating member 20d on the movable part 243 is similar to the force exerted by the second cover operating member 20c on the movable part 243, thereby suppressing differences in the tactile feedback when pressing them.

[0274] Then, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 9 (a) describes the second lever actuation member 20e, the second lever actuation member 20g, the second lever actuation member 20i and the structure around them. Figure 9 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 including the position of the second lever operation member 20e in the non-pressed state. Description of the second lever operation member 20e and its surroundings, as well as parts identical to the first cover operation member 20b and its surroundings, is also omitted.

[0275] The operating portions 25e, 25g, and 25i of the second lever operating members 20e, 20g, and 20i are all formed as rods extending circumferentially along the upper frame 21. The circumferential length of the operating portion 25e is slightly smaller than the circumferential lengths of the operating portions 25g and 25i. Apart from this, the second lever operating members 20e, 20g, and 20i are constructed substantially the same, therefore, the main focus will be on their configuration. Figure 9 The second lever operating element 20e and its surroundings are shown in (a), with some other descriptions omitted.

[0276] A weight-reducing recess 253 is formed on the lower surface of the operating part 25e. The actuator 27e protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the recess 253 of the operating part 25e. A buffer member 271 is provided on the wall surface 217a side of the actuator 27e, which is located lower than the operating part 25e.

[0277] The connecting portion 26e of the second lever operating member 20e is formed solely by a cylindrical section into which the shaft 215 is inserted. By inserting the shaft 215 into the inner circumferential side of the connecting portion (cylindrical section) 26e, the second lever operating member 20e can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21. Furthermore, the length of the connecting portion 26e, which is formed solely by the cylindrical section, from the axis of the shaft 215 to the operating portion 25e is approximately zero.

[0278] The rod-shaped operating part 25e protrudes rearward and upward from the outer peripheral surface of the connecting part 26e when not pressed. The player operates the second lever operating member 20e by pushing the tip of the operating part 25e away from the connecting part 26e with their fingers. Therefore, the operating part 25e is offset forward in the circumferential direction relative to the operating part 25b, etc., so that the tip of the operating part 25e is at the same position in the circumferential direction as the center of the circular plate-shaped operating part 25b, etc., of the first cover operating member 20b.

[0279] A pressing-side stop 218 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 below the second lever operating member 20e to restrict downward rotation of the second lever operating member 20e. The pressing-side stop 218 is formed by partially recessing the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21. Furthermore, a buffer member 251 for cushioning is provided on the operating part 25e at the position where the pressing-side stop 218 abuts.

[0280] In the non-pressed state, the actuator 27e of the second lever operating member (short operating member) 20e, like the actuator 27b of the first cover operating member 20b, is tilted relative to the direction of movement of the movable part 243 with its tip side away from the axis 215. This allows the force exerted by the second lever operating member 20e on the movable part 243 to be close to the force exerted by the first cover operating member 20b and others on the movable part 243, thereby suppressing differences in the feel of operation when pressing them.

[0281] Furthermore, in the non-pressed state, the angle between the moving direction of the movable part 243 and the tilt angle between the actuator 27e and the moving direction of the movable part 243 and the tilt angle between the actuator 27b are greater. As a result, even if the connecting part 26e is shorter than the connecting part 26b, the tips of the actuator 27b and the actuator 27e can easily be brought closer together in the circumferential direction with each other facing each other.

[0282] Then, referring to Figure 9 (b) describes the rotation range CR2 of the first lever operating member 20d and the second lever operating member 20e (hereinafter referred to as "the first lever operating member 20d, etc."). Figure 9 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the rotation range CR2 of the first lever operating member 20d, the rotation range CR1 of the first cover operating member 20b and the second cover operating member 20c (hereinafter referred to as "the first cover operating member 20b, etc".) and the movable range SR of the movable part 243 of the switch 241. Figure 9 (b) schematically illustrates the heights of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the threshold ST, upper limit position SU, lower limit position SL, return side restriction position CU1, return side restriction position CU2, and press side restriction position CL1 and press side restriction position CL2, respectively.

[0283] Figure 9 In diagram (b), the return-side limiting position CU2 is the height at which the upper end of the movable part 243 abuts against the wall surface 217a of the through hole 217 at the position where the actuator (return-side stop) 27d or actuator (return-side stop) 27e of the first lever operating member 20d abuts against the first wall surface 217a of the through hole 217. The press-side limiting position CL2 is the height at which the upper end of the movable part 243 abuts against the protrusion (press-side stop) 216d or press-side stop 218 at the position where the connecting part 26d or operating part 25e of the first lever operating member 20d abuts against the first protrusion (press-side stop) 216d or press-side stop 218.

[0284] The return-side limiting position CU2 is located lower than the return-side limiting position CU1 and the upper limit position SU, and higher than the threshold ST. The press-side limiting position CL2 is located lower than the threshold ST and the press-side limiting position CL1, and higher than the lower limit position SL. Thus, the relationship between the return-side limiting position CU2 and the press-side limiting position CL2 and the upper limit position SU, lower limit position SL, and the threshold ST of the press amount on the switch 241 side is the same as the relationship between the return-side limiting position CU1 and the press-side limiting position CL1 and the switch 241 side.

[0285] Furthermore, since the rotation ranges CR1 and CR2 of all operating members 20a to 20j are limited to the movable range SR of the movable part 243 of the switch 241, it is not necessary to change the vertical position of each switch 241 for each operating member 20a to 20j. Therefore, all switches 241 directly below the operating members 20a to 20j can be arranged on the same base plate 24.

[0286] The return-side limiting position CU2 is located lower than the return-side limiting position CU1 and is close to the threshold ST. Therefore, when the first cover operating member 20b and the first lever operating member 20d rotate to the same degree from the return-side limiting position CU1 and the return-side limiting position CU2, the switch 241 of the first lever operating member 20d first switches to the pressed state. Then, the switch 241 of the first cover operating member 20b switches to the pressed state.

[0287] Here, when operating the flute's lever, the normally closed tone hole cover is opened by pushing the lever and utilizing a linkage mechanism. The pitch changes the instant the tone hole opens when the lever is opened, i.e., at the moment the lever is first pushed. Conversely, when operating the flute's key that integrates the tone hole cover, the pitch changes when the key is fully pressed and the cover is closed.

[0288] The first lever operation member 20d, etc., simulates the lever of a flute, and the first cover operation member 20b, etc., simulates the button of a flute. Therefore, by using the first lever operation member 20d, etc., to switch the switch 241 to the pressed state when it is close to the return-side limiting position CU2, and by using the first cover operation member 20b, etc., to move away from the return-side limiting position CU1, the pitch of the electronic wind instrument 1 can be changed when it is close to the flute.

[0289] Furthermore, since the pressing-side limiting position CL2 is located lower than the pressing-side limiting position CL1, even when the return-side limiting position CU2 is set below the return-side limiting position CU1, the rotation range CR2 can be made to be the same as the rotation range CR1. The flute's lever and buttons rotate the cover to open / close it, and the rotation range of each cover is set to the same degree. That is, the rotation range of the lever and buttons is also set to the same degree. Therefore, by making the rotation range CR2 and rotation range CR1 the same degree, the operability of the electronic wind instrument 1 can be made similar to that of a flute.

[0290] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the return-side limiting position CU2 is set to 0 degrees, and the rotation range CR2 up to the pressing-side limiting position CL2 is set to approximately 10 degrees, the same as the rotation range CR1. The rotation range CR2 can be less than or greater than 10 degrees, or it can be different from the rotation range CR1. Additionally, when the first lever operation member 20d, etc., rotates approximately 6 degrees from the return-side limiting position CU2, the corresponding switch 241 is switched to the pressed state. The switching position (threshold ST) can be less than or greater than 6 degrees, and is preferably set to approximately 2 to 4 degrees. If it is approximately 2 to 4 degrees, the pitch can change when the first lever operation member 20d, etc., is first pressed, thereby making the timing of the pitch change of the electronic wind instrument 1 closer to that of a flute.

[0291] Furthermore, the return-side limiting positions CU1 and CU2, relative to the movable range SR of switch 241, can be easily adjusted by changing the lengths of actuators 27b, 27c, 27d, and 27e. The press-side limiting positions CL1 and CL2 can be easily adjusted by changing the heights of protrusions 216b, 216c, and 216d, or the depth of the recess in the press-side stop 218. For example, by moving the tips of actuators 27b, 27c, 27d, and 27e in the pressed state parallel to each other in the front-back direction, the rotation ranges CR1 and CR2 can be adjusted without changing the return-side limiting positions CU1 and CU2. Using these methods, for example, the return-side limiting positions CU1 and CU2 can be made the same while simultaneously being different.

[0292] According to the above description of the electronic wind instrument 1, in the instrument body 2 corresponding to the body tube of the flute, the rotation of multiple operating parts 20a to 20j is directly detected by a separate switch 241, and the pressed or unpressed state is detected. Here, the flute contains multiple operating parts such as buttons or levers that the player directly touches and rotates (parts corresponding to operating parts 20a to 20j), and a linkage cover that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the operating parts without the player directly touching it. Since there are also parts that are separate from the linkage cover and such linked operating parts, it is necessary to configure multiple axes for transmitting the rotation operation of the operating parts to the linkage cover to bypass the axis that supports the operating parts so that they can rotate (parts corresponding to axis 215).

[0293] However, the flute's structure is complicated by the multiple axes used to transmit rotational operations. Furthermore, in the prior art described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-219856, for example, as shown in Figure 26, the same problem exists because the electronic wind instrument simulating a flute uses the same operating mechanism as a flute. Specifically, in the electronic wind instrument described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-219856, a sensor is used to detect whether the tone hole has been reliably opened / closed using a linkage cover, thus changing the pitch. It is presumably this is to directly detect the opening / closing of the linkage cover to approximate the reliable opening / closing feel of a flute.

[0294] In contrast, in the electronic wind instrument 1 of this embodiment, within the range corresponding to the torso tube, the rotation of the operating members 20a to 20j, which are directly touched and rotated by the player, is directly detected by a separate switch 241 without a linkage mechanism. Therefore, the linkage cover of the flute, or the sensor for directly detecting the opening / closing of the linkage cover as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-219856, can be eliminated. Therefore, in the electronic wind instrument 1, the shaft for the linkage cover does not need to be separately provided from the shaft 215 that supports the operating members 20a to 20j for rotation. As a result, regarding the rotation operation of the operating members 20a to 20j, the operation mechanism of the electronic wind instrument 1 can be simplified by preventing the complexity caused by multiple shafts arranged circumferentially other than the shaft 215, while simulating the operation of a flute.

[0295] Furthermore, the operating portions 25a-25j of each operating member 20a-20j are offset circumferentially, and the lengths L1-L3 of the connecting portions 26a-26j are different depending on the amount of offset. As a result, a shaft 215 can be arranged in a straight line to support all operating members 20a-20j within the range corresponding to the body tube as rotatable components. In this respect, the operating mechanism of the electronic wind instrument 1 can also be simplified.

[0296] Furthermore, each operating element 20a-20j includes an actuator 27a-27j for pressing the switch 241. Therefore, even if there is a circumferential offset in the operating parts 25a-25j, as described above, by setting the protruding position or length of the actuators 27a-27j, the orientation or angle of the actuators 27a-27j relative to the moving direction of the movable part 243, etc., the position of the tip of the actuators 27a-27j can be made close to the circumferential direction. As a result, the multiple switches 241 contacted by the tips of the actuators 27a-27j can be easily arranged in a straight line parallel to the axis 215. As a result, the substrate 24 on which the multiple switches 241 are arranged can be easily made smaller in the circumferential direction, thereby making it easy to miniaturize the electronic wind instrument 1 in which the substrate 24 is built.

[0297] Multiple switches 241, which are pushed by the various operating members 20a to 20j, are arranged within the upper frame 21 near the circumferential axis 215. Therefore, even if the operating members 20e, 20g, and 20i are short (connecting parts 26e, 26g, and 26i), the switches 241 can be pushed without forcibly extending the actuators 27e, 27g, and 27i circumferentially. Thus, since the circumferential positions of the multiple switches 241 do not need to be changed according to the lengths L1 to L3 of the connecting parts 26a to 26j, the multiple switches 241 can be easily arranged in a straight line. As a result, the electronic wind instrument 1 can be easily further miniaturized. In this embodiment, all the switches 241 corresponding to the range of the body tube are arranged in a straight line parallel to the axis 215, thus making it easier to miniaturize the electronic wind instrument 1.

[0298] like Figure 6 As shown, when installing the operating parts 20a to 20j onto the upper frame 21, firstly, cylindrical parts 261a to 261d, 261f, 261h, 261j, and connecting parts (cylinder parts) 26e, 26g, and 26i are arranged among the multiple support parts 212a to 212c. Then, by passing the shaft 215 through the inner circumference of these cylindrical parts 261a, etc., and through holes 213 in the support parts 212a and 212b, and screwing the threaded portion 215a of the shaft 215 into the bolt hole 214 of the support part 212c, the operating parts 20a to 20j can be easily installed onto the upper frame 21. In particular, since the shaft 215 arranged in a straight line is formed from a single continuous piece, its installation is made even easier.

[0299] Furthermore, a step 212d is formed on the left and right sides of the support portion 212b, causing the upper side to be recessed along the axial direction. A step 262 is formed on the end faces of the cylindrical portions 261b to 261d, 261f, 261h, and connecting portions (cylinder portions) 26e, 26g, and 26i, which face the left and right sides of the support portion 212b, causing the lower side to be recessed along the axial direction. By overlapping the step 262 on the step 212d before passing through the shaft 215, the cylindrical portions 261b, etc., can be roughly positioned relative to the support portions 212a to 212c. As a result, the installation of each operating member 20a to 20j onto the upper frame 21 can be further facilitated.

[0300] These steps 212d and 262 are formed in a position where they do not contact each other within the rotation ranges CR1 and CR2 of the respective operating parts 20a to 20j after installation. This is to prevent the rotation ranges CR1 and CR2 from becoming narrowed due to contact. Alternatively, steps 212d and 262 may be made to contact within the rotation ranges CR1 and CR2, and their contact may constitute at least one of the pressing side stop and the returning side stop.

[0301] Then, referring to Figure 10 (a) to Figure 11 (b) describes the structure of the electronic wind instrument 1 in which the second lever operation member 20k, the first linkage operation member 20m and the second linkage operation member 20n are installed. Figure 10 (a) is a partial enlarged top view of the electronic wind instrument 1, showing the position. Figure 10 (b) is Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 at the Xb-Xb line in (a). Figure 11 (a) is Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 at the XIA-XIA line in (a). Figure 11 (b) is Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 1 at the XIb-XIb line in (a).

[0302] like Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10As shown in (b), the part of the instrument body 2 where the operating parts 20k to 20n are installed corresponds to the foot tube of the flute. A base plate 28 and a support plate 29 are disposed on the inner periphery of the upper frame 21 in this part. The support plate 29 is formed to slope downwards towards the front, and through holes 292 are formed in a plurality of mounting portions 291 extending from the support plate 29 to the front and rear sides. The support plate 29 is fixed to the upper frame 21 by screwing a bolt B5 through the through hole 292 into the bolt holes 211c of a plurality of bosses 211b protruding downwards from the inner periphery of the upper frame 21. Furthermore, by overlapping the base plate 28 on the upper surface of the support plate 29, and screwing a bolt B6 through the through hole 281 of the base plate 28 into the bolt holes 293 provided in the support plate 29, the base plate 28 is fixed to the upper frame 21 via the support plate 29.

[0303] Support parts 212a, 212b, and 212c, corresponding to the parts of the torso tube, rise upwards from approximately the center in the front-rear direction on the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21. Support parts 212a, 212b, and 212c are arranged sequentially from right to left along a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the upper frame 21. A shaft 219 is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the upper frame 21, supported by these support parts 212a to 212c.

[0304] Operating components 20k to 20n are rotatably supported around the shaft 219 and are positioned on the front side of the shaft 219. Furthermore, the second lever operating component 20k is located on the far left, and the first linkage operating component 20m and the second linkage operating component 20n are arranged in a front-back direction to its right. The second linkage operating component 20n is located behind the first linkage operating component 20m. A first linkage cover 41, which is not directly operated by the performer, is provided to the right of the first linkage operating component 20m and the second linkage operating component 20n, and a second linkage cover 42, also not directly operated by the performer, is provided to its right.

[0305] The second lever operating component 20k and its surroundings Figure 9 The second lever actuation member 20e shown in (a) and its surrounding parts are constructed in a substantially similar manner, differing only in shape. The second lever actuation member 20k, like the second lever actuation member 20e, includes a plate-shaped actuation portion 25k, a connecting portion 26k containing a cylindrical portion 261k, and an actuator (not shown). The second lever actuation member 20k is rotatably supported on the upper frame 21 by passing the shaft 219 through the cylindrical portion 261k. A switch (not shown) is provided on the base plate 28 directly below the second lever actuation member 20k. The switch 241 directly detects the rotation of the second lever actuation member 20k by operating it.

[0306] The first linkage operating member 20m is a plate-shaped part that is rotatably supported about axis 219 via the first linkage cover 41. The first linkage operating member 20m includes an operating part that is operated by direct touch by the performer, and does not have a connecting part or actuator like the first cover operating member 20b.

[0307] Therefore, no detection unit such as switch 241 is provided directly below the first linkage operation member 20m. Furthermore, no actuator is provided on the second linkage operation member 20n, and no detection unit such as switch 241 is provided directly below it. This is because the second lever operation member 20k, the first linkage operation member 20m, and the second linkage operation member 20n, which are operated by the player's right little finger respectively, are densely arranged, making it difficult to install components other than the switch 241 used on the second lever operation member 20k.

[0308] The first linkage cover 41 is formed in the shape of a circular plate simulating a cover for opening / closing the tone holes in a flute. A cylindrical portion 411 extending tangentially is connected to the rear side of the outer periphery of the first linkage cover 41. The first linkage cover 41 can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21 by passing a shaft 219 through the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 411. A first linkage operating member 20m is connected to a connecting portion 412 extending to the left from the first linkage cover 41.

[0309] Therefore, when the first linkage operating member 20m is rotated, the first linkage cover 41 rotates in conjunction. A protrusion 216m, serving as a pressure-side stop that restricts the downward rotation of the first linkage operating member 20m and the first linkage cover 41, protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 on the lower side of the first linkage operating member 20m. Furthermore, a buffer member 251 is provided on the first linkage operating member 20m at the position where the protrusion 216m abuts.

[0310] like Figure 11 As shown in (a), a plate-shaped actuator 413 protrudes approximately vertically downward from the lower surface of the first linkage cover 41. The tip of the actuator 413 is inserted into a through hole 217b provided in the upper frame 21. A switch 241a is provided on the base plate 28 directly below the first linkage cover 41.

[0311] In addition to the built-in ratio, switch 241a Figure 7 Except for the small repulsive force of the elastic body 244a of the switch 241 shown in (a), it is constructed in a manner substantially the same as that of the switch 241. In this embodiment, the repulsive force (spring constant) of the elastic body 244a is set to approximately half of the repulsive force (spring constant) of the elastic body 244.

[0312] The switch 241a is configured such that the moving direction of the movable part 243 is in the thickness direction of the substrate 28. Furthermore, it is preferable that the main body 242 or the movable part 243 of the switches 241 and 241a have different shapes. These differences prevent the switches 241 and 241a from being incorrectly installed on the substrates 24 and 28 during the assembly of the electronic wind instrument 1.

[0313] The tip of the actuator 413, passing through the through hole 217b, contacts the upper end of the movable part 243 of the switch 241a. When the first linkage operation member 20m is rotated, the first linkage cover 41, connected by the connecting part 412, rotates in tandem, and the tip of the actuator 413 presses into the movable part 243, thereby the switch 241a detects the open / closed state of the first linkage cover 41. The closed state of the first linkage cover 41 near the upper frame 21 indicates that the first linkage operation member 20m is pressed. On the other hand, the open state of the first linkage cover 41 away from the upper frame 21 indicates that the first linkage operation member 20m is not pressed. That is, the switch 241a detects the rotation operation of the first linkage operation member 20m via the open / closed state of the first linkage cover 41.

[0314] exist Figure 11 The lower right of (a) schematically illustrates the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 of switch 241a at the return-side restricted position CU1, the press-side restricted position CL1, the upper limit position SU, the lower limit position SL, and the threshold value ST of the press amount. The return-side restricted position CU1 is the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the position where the upward rotation of the first linkage operation member 20m is restricted by the return-side stop (such as the connecting shaft 423 described later). The press-side restricted position CL1 is the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the position where the downward rotation of the first linkage operation member 20m is restricted by the press-side stop (protrusion 216m). These relationships are consistent with reference to... Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 The relationship described in (b) is the same as that described for the first cover operation 20b.

[0315] like Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 As shown in (b), the second linkage operation member 20n includes an operation part 25n operated by direct touch by the performer, and a connecting part 26n connecting the operation part 25n to the shaft 219. The operation part 25n is a rod-shaped portion extending in the left-right direction. The connecting part 26n is an arm-shaped portion extending circumferentially along the upper frame 21, with its tip connected to the operation part 25n and its base formed by a cylindrical portion 261n. By inserting the shaft 219 into the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 261n, the second linkage operation member 20n can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21.

[0316] The second linkage cover 42, like the first linkage cover 41, is shaped like a circular plate simulating a cover for opening / closing the tone holes in a flute. A cylindrical portion 422 extending tangentially is connected to the rear side of the outer periphery of the second linkage cover 42. By passing a shaft 219 through the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 422, the second linkage cover 42 can be rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21.

[0317] The cylindrical portion 422 of the second linkage cover 42 and the cylindrical portion 261n of the second linkage operating member 20n are connected by a connecting shaft 423 located on their rear sides, bypassing the shaft 219. Therefore, when the second linkage operating member 20n is rotated, the second linkage cover 42 rotates in conjunction. Furthermore, the plate portion 414 extends from the first linkage operating member 20m and extends below the operating portion 25n of the second linkage operating member 20n. The upper surface of the plate portion 414 abuts against a buffer member 254 attached to the lower surface of the operating portion 25n. Therefore, when the second linkage operating member 20n is rotated downwards, the plate portion 414 is pushed downwards, causing the first linkage operating member 20m and the first linkage cover 41 to rotate in conjunction.

[0318] On the other hand, when the first linkage operating member 20m is rotated, the second linkage operating member 20n rotates without linkage with the second linkage cover 42 because the plate portion 414 moves away from the operating portion 25n. Furthermore, after the plate portion 414 moves away from the operating portion 25n, the buffer 254 can suppress the knocking or vibration when they re-contact.

[0319] Furthermore, when the second linkage operating member 20n is to be rotated upwards, the connecting shaft 423 abuts against the upper frame 21, thus restricting its rotation. In this way, the connecting shaft 423 also serves as a return-side stop that restricts the upward rotation of the second linkage operating member 20n. Moreover, since a buffer member 424 is attached to the connecting shaft 423 at the position where it abuts against the upper frame 21, the buffer member 424 can suppress any knocking or vibration during contact.

[0320] When the first linkage operating member 20m, which is to rotate upward, comes into contact with the second linkage operating member 20n, whose rotation is restricted by the connecting shaft 423, its rotation is restricted. Therefore, the plate 414, the second linkage operating member 20n, and the connecting shaft 423 also serve as return-side stops that restrict the upward rotation of the first linkage operating member 20m.

[0321] like Figure 11 As shown in (b), a protrusion 216n, serving as a pressing-side stop that restricts the downward rotation of the second linkage operation member 20n and the second linkage cover 42, protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 on the lower side of the second linkage cover 42. Furthermore, a buffer member 425 for cushioning is provided on the second linkage cover 42 at the position where the protrusion 216n abuts.

[0322] A plate-shaped actuator 426 protrudes approximately vertically downward from the lower surface of the second linkage cover 42. The tip of the actuator 426 is inserted into a through hole 217c provided in the upper frame 21. A switch 241b is provided on the base plate 28 directly below the second linkage cover 42.

[0323] In addition to the built-in ratio, switch 241b Figure 7 Except for the small repulsive force of the elastic body 244b in switch 241 shown in (a), it is constructed in a manner substantially the same as switch 241. In this embodiment, the repulsive force (spring constant) of elastic body 244b is set to approximately half the repulsive force (spring constant) of elastic body 244. That is, switch 241b in this embodiment is constructed in the same manner as switch 241a directly below the first linkage cover 41.

[0324] The tip of the actuator 426, passing through the through hole 217c, contacts the upper end of the movable part 243 of the switch 241b. When the second linkage operating member 20n is rotated, the second linkage cover 42 rotates in conjunction, and the tip of the actuator 426 presses into the movable part 243, thereby the switch 241b detects the open / closed state of the second linkage cover 42. The closed state of the second linkage cover 42 near the upper frame 21 indicates that the second linkage operating member 20n is pressed. On the other hand, the open state of the second linkage cover 42 away from the upper frame 21 indicates that the second linkage operating member 20n is not pressed. That is, the switch 241b detects the rotation operation of the second linkage operating member 20n via the open / closed state of the second linkage cover 42.

[0325] Furthermore, when the second linkage operating member (third operating member) 20n is pressed, the first linkage operating member (second operating member) 20m is also pressed in conjunction, and both the first linkage cover 41 and the second linkage cover 42 switch from the open state to the closed state. At this time, the elastic body 244a of the switch (second detection unit) 241a and the elastic body 244b of the switch (third detection unit) 241b are compressed simultaneously. Therefore, the player receives both a second reaction force corresponding to the repulsive force of the elastic body 244a and a third reaction force corresponding to the repulsive force of the elastic body 244b from the second linkage operating member 20n. Since the repulsive forces of the elastic bodies 244a and 244b are approximately half the repulsive force of the elastic body 244 of the switch (first detection unit) 241, the reaction forces received by the player when pressing the second linkage operating member 20n and when pressing the first cover operating member (first operating member) 20b are made similar, thereby suppressing the difference in their operating feel.

[0326] Furthermore, these reaction forces are not only the repulsive forces of elastic bodies 244, 244a, and 244b, but also, based on the principle of levers, vary according to the positional relationship between the tips of shafts 215 and 219 as fulcrums, operating parts 25b and 25n as force points, and actuators 27b, 413, and 426 as points of application. In this embodiment, the positional relationships of the fulcrum, force point, and point of application are approximately the same in the first cover operating member 20b and the second linkage operating member 20n, so the difference in reaction forces can be generated only by the repulsive forces of elastic bodies 244, 244a, and 244b.

[0327] Not limited to this embodiment, it is preferable to adjust the positional relationship of these fulcrums, force points, and points of action, as well as the repulsive forces of elastic bodies 244, 244a, and 244b, so that the second and third reaction forces corresponding to the repulsive forces of elastic bodies 244a and 244b are smaller than the first reaction force corresponding to the repulsive force of elastic body 244. In this case, the sum of the second and third reaction forces when pressing the second linkage operating member 20n can also be made to be approximately close to the first reaction force when pressing the first cover operating member 20b, etc.

[0328] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the sum of the second and third reaction forces is 1.3 times or less of the first reaction force. This allows the sum of the second and third reaction forces when pressing the second linkage operating member 20n to be closer to the first reaction force when pressing the first cover operating member 20b, etc. Even more preferably, the sum of the second and third reaction forces is 0.7 times or more of the first reaction force. This ensures that the sum of the second and third reaction forces when pressing the second linkage operating member 20n is not too light compared to the first reaction force when pressing the first cover operating member 20b, etc., and that their reaction forces are approximately the same.

[0329] Furthermore, not limited to the case where the second and third reaction forces are the same, the repulsive force of the elastic body 244a can be made approximately twice the repulsive force of the elastic body 244b, such that the second reaction force on the side of elastic body 244a is greater than the third reaction force on the side of elastic body 244b. In this case, the sum of the second and third reaction forces when the second linkage operating member 20n is pressed can be made close to the second reaction force when only the first linkage operating member 20m is pressed, thereby suppressing the difference in their operating feel.

[0330] exist Figure 11The lower right corner of (b) schematically illustrates the heights of the upper end of the movable part 243 of switch 241b at the return-side restricted position CU3, the press-side restricted position CL3, and the threshold ST of the press amount. The return-side restricted position CU3 is the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the position where the upward rotation of the second linkage operation member 20n is restricted by the return-side stop (connecting shaft 423), located higher than the threshold ST. The press-side restricted position CL3 is the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the position where the downward rotation of the second linkage operation member 20n is restricted by the press-side stop (protrusion 216n), located lower than the threshold ST. Although not shown, the return-side restricted position CU3 and the press-side restricted position CL3 are limited to the movable range SR from the upper limit position SU to the lower limit position SL.

[0331] Furthermore, in Figure 11 The lower right corner of (b) schematically illustrates the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 of switch 241a at the return-side restriction position CU1 and the press-side restriction position CL1 of the first linkage operation member 20m. Furthermore, the height of the upper end of the movable part 243 at the threshold ST of the press amount is the same in both switch 241a and switch 241b.

[0332] In the return-side restricted positions CU1 and CU3, the first linkage cover 41 and the second linkage cover 42 open upwards by the same amount. However, since the length L6 of the actuator 426 is slightly longer than the length L5 of the actuator 413 (e.g., 0.1 mm), the return-side restricted position CU3 is located lower than the return-side restricted position CU1. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In (b), these differences are exaggerated.

[0333] Here, for example, we will study the case where the lengths L5 and L6 are the same, and the return-side limiting positions CU1 and CU3 are the same. In this case, when the second linkage operating member 20n is pushed to link the first linkage cover 41 and the second linkage cover 42, if their lengths L5, L6, etc., meet the design values, then switches 241a and 241b will simultaneously detect the closed state (pressed state).

[0334] However, due to dimensional errors in various parts or individual differences in switches 241a and 241b, there is a concern that when the second linkage operation member 20n is pressed, switch 241a will first detect the closed state of the first linkage cover 41, and then switch 241b will immediately detect the closed state of the second linkage cover 42. In this case, the tone when the first linkage operation member 20m is pressed will be emitted immediately after the tone when the second linkage operation member 20n is pressed.

[0335] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the return-side limiting position CU3 is located lower than the return-side limiting position CU1, even if the pressing amount of switch 241b is the same as the threshold ST, the pressing amount TL of switch 241a is located higher than the threshold ST. Therefore, when the second linkage operation member 20n is pressed, switch 241b first detects the closed state of the second linkage cover 42, and after further pressing, switch 241a detects the closed state of the first linkage cover 41. In other words, within the rotation range CR3 of the second linkage operation member 20n, there exists a range where switch 241b detects the closed state while switch 241a detects the open state (from the pressing amount TL to the threshold ST). As a result, even if there are dimensional errors in each part or individual differences in switches 241a and 241b, it is possible to suppress the immediate issuance of the pitch when the first linkage operation member 20m is in the pressed state followed by the pitch when the second linkage operation member 20n is in the pressed state.

[0336] Furthermore, even if switch 241a is not in the closed state, as long as switch 241b is in the closed state, the electronic wind instrument 1 is controlled to emit the pitch when the second linkage operation member 20n is in the pressed state. Thus, the pitch when the second linkage operation member 20n is in the pressed state can be emitted without waiting for both switches 241a and 241b to detect the closed state, thereby improving the responsiveness of the operation of the second linkage operation member 20n.

[0337] Furthermore, by the same amount as the difference between the return-side limiting position CU1 and the return-side limiting position CU3, the pressing-side limiting position CL3 is located further down than the pressing-side limiting position CL1. This allows the rotation range CR1 of the first linkage cover 41 to be the same as the rotation range CR3 of the second linkage cover 42. Moreover, when the second linkage operating member 20n is pressed, since the first linkage cover 41 and the second linkage cover 42 rotate in tandem, the rotation range of the second linkage operating member 20n becomes the narrower of the rotation ranges CR1 and CR3. On the other hand, when the first linkage operating member 20m is pressed, since only the first linkage cover 41 rotates, the rotation range of the first linkage operating member 20m becomes the rotation range CR1. Therefore, if the rotation range CR1 and the rotation range CR3 are the same, the rotation range of the second linkage operating member 20n becomes the rotation range CR1 (=CR3), which is the same as the rotation range of the first linkage operating member 20m. Therefore, when the first linkage operating member 20m is pressed and the second linkage operating member 20n is pressed, the difference in operating feel caused by their different rotation ranges can be suppressed.

[0338] In the electronic wind instrument 1, the shafts supporting the rotatable components 20a-20j and 20k-20n are limited to shafts 215 and 219. Here, since the shaft supporting the rotatable components 20m and 20n is also shaft 219, the connecting part 412 and the connecting shaft 423 are not included in the shaft supporting the rotatable components. Shafts 215 and 219 do not overlap in either the circumferential or axial direction of the electronic wind instrument 1. In other words, if shafts 215 and 219 do not overlap in the circumferential direction of the electronic wind instrument 1, then in any position on the outside of the frame of the electronic wind instrument 1, there is only one or fewer shafts supporting the rotatable components.

[0339] Then, referring to Figure 12 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.

[0340] like Figure 12 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.

[0341] 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.

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] Then, referring to Figure 13 (a) and Figure 13 (b) The electronic wind instrument 301 of the third embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the case in which the operating members 20a to 20j are rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21 via a single shaft 215 arranged in a straight line was described. In the third embodiment, the case in which the operating members 20a to 20j are rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21 via multiple shafts 303 arranged in a straight line will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0345] Figure 13 (a) is a partial enlarged top view of the electronic wind instrument 301 of the third embodiment. Figure 13 (b) is Figure 13 (a) A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 301 at line XIIIb-XIIIb. The support 302 of the electronic wind instrument 301 consists of two sets of plates arranged in such a way that they clamp the connecting parts 26a-26j from the left and right sides relative to the operating parts 20a-20j, respectively, and stand upright from the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21.

[0346] First, the mounting structure of the second cover operating member 20c on the support portion 302 will be described. Shafts 303 protrude from a set of support portions 302 facing each other, their tips facing each other in a left-right direction. Fitting holes 304, with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the shafts 303, are formed at the base end of the connecting portion 26c of the operating member 20c, opening on both the left and right sides. By elastically deforming the set of support portions 302 in a direction of separation while inserting the base end of the connecting portion 26c between the support portions 302, the shafts 303 are fitted into the fitting holes 304, and the second cover operating member 20c is rotatably mounted on the upper frame 21.

[0347] A guide surface 303a is formed on the upper side of the tip of the shaft 303, which is inclined such that the distance between the tips increases as they face upward. Therefore, when the second cover operating member 20c is installed on the upper frame 21, by pressing the base end of the connecting part 26c against the guide surface 303a downward, a set of support parts 302 can be easily elastically deformed in the direction of separation, thereby facilitating the installation operation.

[0348] The mounting structure of each operating component 20a, 20b, 20d to 20j on the support 302 is the same as the mounting structure of the second cover operating component 20c on the support 302. Each operating component 20a to 20j is supported by a rotatable shaft 303, which is arranged in multiple axially divided sections along a straight line parallel to the axis of the upper frame 21. Therefore, in the electronic wind instrument 301 of the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, in terms of the rotation operation of the operating components 20a to 20j, based on the operation of a flute, it is not necessary to have multiple shafts arranged circumferentially other than the shaft 303, thus simplifying the operating mechanism of the electronic wind instrument 301.

[0349] Then, referring to Figure 14 (a) describes the electronic wind instrument 401 according to the fourth embodiment. In the first embodiment, the case where the rotation operation of the first cover operating member 20b is transmitted to the switch 241 by means of the actuator 27b was described. In the fourth embodiment, the case where there is no actuator 27b in the first cover operating member 20b is described. In addition, the same symbols are used for the parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0350] Figure 14 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 401 including the position of the first cover operation member 20b in the non-pressed state. Figure 14In (a), the illustration shows a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane orthogonal to the axis of the electronic wind instrument 401, and the illustration of a part of the structure further inside the cross-section is omitted. In addition, the first cover operation member 20b and the switch 402 directly below it are described, but the other operation members 20a, operation members 20c to operation members 20k and the switch 402 directly below them can also be constructed in the same way.

[0351] The basic structure of the switch 402 of the electronic wind instrument 401 is the same as that of the switch 241 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, in the switch 402, a movable part 404 emerges from the upper surface of the main body 403 fixed to the substrate 24, compressing the elastic body 244 between the main body 403 and the movable part 404. The main body 403 includes a flange 242a, and the movable part 404 includes a flange 243a.

[0352] The movable part 404 of switch 402 differs from the movable part 243 of switch 241 in the first embodiment, which is housed inside the upper frame 21. It protrudes outward from the upper frame 21 through the through hole 405 provided in the upper frame 21. The operating part 25b of the first cover operating member 20b is mounted on the upper end of the movable part 404, which is located above the protrusion 216b of the upper frame 21, via the buffer member 251. Thus, when the first cover operating member 20b is rotated downward by the player, the movable part 404, which can move in the vertical direction, is pushed by the operating part 25b, and the movable part 404 is pressed in overcoming the repulsive force of the elastic body 244.

[0353] When the player releases pressure on the first cover operating member 20b, the repulsive force of the elastic body 244 causes the first cover operating member 20b to rotate upward, and the upward rotation is limited by the return-side stop member 406 provided on the first cover operating member 20b. The return-side stop member 406 is provided instead of the actuator 27b in the first embodiment.

[0354] The return-side stop 406 is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes substantially vertically from the lower surface of the operating part 25b. The tip (lower end) of the return-side stop 406 is inserted into a non-through recess 407 that recesses the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 towards the interior of the upper frame 21. The return-side stop 406 abuts against the rear wall surface 217a of the recess 407 via a buffer 271, thereby restricting upward rotation of the first cover operating member 20b. Thus, since the return-side stop 406 restricts rotation by being positioned further inward than the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21, the appearance of the electronic wind instrument 401 can be simplified, or the electronic wind instrument 401 can be easily miniaturized.

[0355] With the return-side stop 406 abutting against the wall surface 217a in the return-side restricted position CU1 (non-pressed state), in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the repulsive force of the elastic body 244 is always applied to the first cover operating member 20b, and the return-side stop 406 is pressed against the wall surface 217a. Therefore, since the contact state can be maintained substantially from the first cover operating member 20b to the movable part 404, it is not easy to produce a difference in pressing sensation due to contact / non-contact across a part of them.

[0356] Then, referring to Figure 14 Section (b) describes the electronic wind instrument 501 according to the fifth embodiment. In the first embodiment, the case where the actuator 27b also functions as a return-side stop was described. In the fifth embodiment, the case where the actuator 27b and the return-side stop 504 are provided separately is described. Furthermore, the same symbols are used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0357] Figure 14 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic wind instrument 501 including the position of the first cover operation member 20b in the non-pressed state. Figure 14 In (b), the illustration shows a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane orthogonal to the axis of the electronic wind instrument 501, and the illustration of a part of the structure further inside the cross-section is omitted. Furthermore, the actuator 27b of the first cover operating member 20b and the return-side stop member 504 are described, but the actuators 27a, 27c, 27j, and the return-side stop member 504 of other operating members 20a, 20c to 20j, etc., can also be configured similarly.

[0358] The first cover operating member 20b of the electronic wind instrument 501 includes an actuator 27b and a return-side stop 504. The actuator 27b protrudes downward from the operating part 25b, passes through a through hole 502 provided in the upper frame 21, and contacts the movable part 243 of the switch 241. The through hole 502 is formed large enough that the actuator 27b does not abut against the wall surface in the return-side restricted position CU1 (non-pressed state). That is, in the electronic wind instrument 501, the actuator 27b does not also serve as a return-side stop.

[0359] The return-side stop 504 is formed to extend from the cylindrical portion 261b of the first cover operating member 20b to the side opposite to the operating portion 25b. The return-side stop 504 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the upper frame 21 to restrict the upward rotation of the first cover operating member 20b. Furthermore, a buffer member 505 comprising an elastic member is attached to the portion of the return-side stop 504 that abuts against the upper frame 21. Thus, the buffer member 505 can suppress any knocking or vibration when the return-side stop 504 abuts against the upper frame 21.

[0360] In the fifth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the repulsive force of the elastic body 244 is always applied to the first cover operating member 20b when the return-side stop 504 abuts against the return-side restriction position CU1 of the upper frame 21, and the return-side stop 504 is pressed against the upper frame 21. Therefore, since the contact can be maintained substantially from the first cover operating member 20b to the movable part 243, it is less likely to produce a difference in pressing sensation due to contact / non-contact across a portion of them.

[0361] 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.

[0362] In the various embodiments described, the case where the electronic wind instrument 1 and the electronic wind instrument 201 are electronic instruments that simulate a flute has been described, but they are not necessarily limited to this. For example, the electronic wind instrument 1 and the electronic wind instrument 201 may be instruments that simulate other wind instruments (saxophone, clarinet, recorder, hulusi, piccolo, etc.).

[0363] In the various embodiments described, the structure of heating each curved flow path 314a, 315a using a heater 341, i.e., the structure of providing a substrate 34 on the bottom surface 322a of the mounting hole 322 of the lip plate 31, has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the substrate 34 (heater 341) may be provided 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 not be provided on the bottom surface 322a or the inner peripheral surface of the blow-in side frame 32. In addition, a substrate (heater) for heating the housing side flow path 355 may also be provided.

[0364] 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 323, 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, 323, 326, and 355, or a portion of each flow path 314a, 315a, 323, 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 at least branch flow paths that branch in a manner intersecting with the main flow path.

[0365] 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 323, 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.

[0366] 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 323 via another curved flow path. Alternatively, both 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 323 in a straight line.

[0367] 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 323 and the housing-side flow path 355 (i.e., the main flow path upstream of the branch flow path), have been described, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, either or both of the throttling flow paths 316a and 326 may not be provided, and the throttling flow path may also be formed in the housing-side flow path 355 (i.e., in the housing 35).

[0368] 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 limited to this. For example, a structure may be provided without the leakage flow path 322b (which blocks the gap between the substrate 34 and the blow-in side frame 32), or a flow path equivalent to the leakage flow path 322b may be formed in other parts of the main flow path.

[0369] 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 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 without providing a second exhaust port 335 (or based on the second exhaust port).

[0370] 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.

[0371] 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 not be provided.

[0372] 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.

[0373] 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.

[0374] In each of the embodiments, bolts are used to secure the components constituting the electronic wind instrument 1 to each other, but other screws or fasteners may also be used.

[0375] 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 limited to this. For example, the protrusion 357 may not be provided, 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.

[0376] 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 not be provided, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch flow path 356 may be constant throughout both ends of the axial direction. Alternatively, a surface similar to the tapered surface 356c may be formed on the side of the opening 356b.

[0377] 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).

[0378] In the various embodiments described, the detection unit for detecting the operating state (rotation operation) of the operating members 20a to 20n is described as switch 241, switch 241a, switch 241b, or switch 402, but it is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit may also be a contact sensor such as a pressure sensor, or a non-contact sensor such as a light sensor, or a rotary encoder. Furthermore, the specific structure of switch 241, switch 241a, switch 241b, and switch 402 is not limited to the described structure and may also be a known structure.

[0379] Furthermore, the case where the threshold ST of switches 241, 241a, 241b, and 402 are all the same has been explained, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the threshold ST can be made different for each of the multiple switches 241, or the threshold ST of switch 241a can be made different from the threshold ST of switch 241b, thereby appropriately changing the timing of switching the on / off state of switches 241, 241a, 241b, and 402.

[0380] Specifically, the threshold ST of the switch 241 directly below the first cover operation member 20b, etc., can be moved away from the return-side restriction position CU1, and the threshold ST of the switch 241 directly below the first lever operation member 20d, etc., can be moved closer to the return-side restriction position CU2. Therefore, even if the return-side restriction positions CU1 and CU2 are the same, the pitch can be changed when the first cover operation member 20b, etc., is fully pressed, or the pitch can be changed early in the process of pushing the first lever operation member 20d, etc., thereby allowing the timing of pitch changes in the electronic wind instrument 1, etc., to be similar to that of a flute.

[0381] Alternatively, the threshold ST of switch 241a can be moved away from the return-side limiting position CU1, and the threshold ST of switch 241b can be moved closer to the return-side limiting position CU3. Thus, even if the length L5 of actuator 413 and the length L6 of actuator 426 are the same, and the return-side limiting positions CU1 and CU3 are the same, when the second linkage operation member 20n is pressed, switch 241b can be switched to the ON state first, and then switch 241a can be switched to the ON state.

[0382] Furthermore, by replacing the different lengths of actuators 27a to 27j, actuator 413, and actuator 426, and attaching spacers to the upper ends of movable parts 243 and 404, the timing of switching the on / off states of switches 241, 241a, 241b, and 402 can be appropriately changed. Additionally, by making the heights of specific switches 241 and 402 different from the heights of other switches 241 and 402, or by making the height of switch 241a different from the height of switch 241b, the timing of switching the on / off states of switches 241, 241a, 241b, and 402 can be appropriately changed.

[0383] In the described embodiments, actuators 27a to 27c, 27e to 27j protrude from operating portions 25a to 25c, 25e to 25j, and actuator 27d protrudes from connecting portion 26d, but this is not a limitation. Actuators 27a to 27c, 27f, 27h, and 27j may also protrude from arm-shaped connecting portions 26a to 26c, 26f, 26h, and 26j, and actuator 27d may also protrude from operating portion 25d. Furthermore, the shapes of actuators 27a to 27j are not limited to those protruding straight towards the tip from operating portion 25a, etc., but may also bend towards the tip.

[0384] In the first embodiment, the case where the operating members 20a to 20j are mounted on the upper frame 21 using a single shaft 215 arranged in a straight line has been described, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the shaft 215 arranged in a straight line may be divided into multiple parts along its axial direction. Specifically, the operating members 20a to 20d may be mounted on the upper frame 21 using a single shaft 215, and the operating members 20e to 20j may be mounted on the upper frame 21 using another shaft 215.

Claims

1. An electronic wind instrument, characterized in that, include: A cylindrical frame; a shaft mounted on the outside of the frame and positioned on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the frame; Multiple operating components, centered on the axis on the straight line, are rotatably supported on the frame and can be rotated by the performer; And multiple detection units, each of which directly detects the rotation of the multiple operating components individually.

2. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating component includes: an operating part that the performer touches for rotational operation; and a connecting part that connects the operating part to the shaft. Among the plurality of operating members, there are operating members whose operating parts are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the frame, and the length of the connecting part from the axis to the operating part is different according to the amount of offset of the operating parts from each other in the circumferential direction.

3. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, The operating element includes an actuator that protrudes from the operating portion or the connecting portion and is inserted into a through hole in the frame. The detection unit is a switch disposed inside the frame, which includes a movable part that can move along a specific moving direction and an elastic body that generates a repulsive force that moves the movable part to one side of the moving direction. The tip of the actuator that contacts the movable part overcomes the repulsive force of the elastic body and pushes the movable part to the other side of the moving direction, thereby directly detecting the rotation of the operating member.

4. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, Among the plurality of operating members, there are short operating members and long operating members, the short operating member having a short connecting portion and the actuator protruding from the operating portion, and the long operating member having a long connecting portion and the actuator protruding from the operating portion. In the non-pressed state, when the movable part moves to one side of the movement direction due to the repulsive force of the elastic body, the actuator of the short operating member is tilted relative to the movement direction with the tip side away from the axis, and the actuator of the long operating member is tilted relative to the movement direction with the tip side close to the axis.

5. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, Among the plurality of operating elements, there is a cover operating element in which the operating portion is formed in the shape of a circular plate, and the actuator protrudes vertically from the operating portion.

6. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection unit is a switch that includes a movable part that can move along a specific direction of movement, and the rotation of the operating member is directly detected by directly pressing the movable part using the operating member. It is disposed inside the frame near the axis.

7. The electronic wind instrument according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The multiple switches are arranged parallel to the axis.

8. The electronic wind instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, Only one shaft is provided on the straight line. The operating element includes a cylindrical portion through which the shaft passes.

9. An operation detection method, which is an operation detection method for an electronic wind instrument, the electronic wind instrument comprising: cylindrical frame; A shaft is mounted on the outside of the frame and positioned on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the frame; Multiple operating components, centered on the axis on the straight line, are rotatably supported on the frame and can be rotated by the performer; The method includes multiple detection units that detect the rotation of the multiple operating components, and the operation detection method is characterized in that... Each of the plurality of detection units directly and independently detects the rotation of the plurality of operating components.

10. The operation detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operating component includes: an operating part that the performer touches for rotational operation; and a connecting part that connects the operating part to the shaft. Among the plurality of operating members, there are operating members whose operating parts are offset from each other circumferentially along the frame. The length of the connecting portion from the axis to the operating part is different depending on the amount of circumferential offset between the operating parts. The detection unit is a switch that includes a movable part that can move along a specific direction of movement, and the rotation of the operating member is directly detected by directly pressing the movable part using the operating member. It is disposed inside the frame near the axis.

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