Electronic keyboard

Abstract

The invention relates to a keyboard for an electronic musical instrument for detecting touch actions, comprising an electronic subassembly (20) including an electronic circuit board and an upper layer of sensors, for detecting the user's mechanical actions. Said keyboard comprises: a shell (10) made of a flexible material having a main surface (11) for covering the keyboard surface and a peripheral skirt (12) extending laterally from said main surface (11) so as to cover the lateral surface of the electronic subassembly (20); a rigid base plate (40) covering the lower surface of said electronic subassembly (20); said peripheral skirt (12) having an elastically deformable edge for reversible attachment to said base plate (40). Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electronic keyboard Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of human-machine interfaces using a touch sensor to control a sound generator, which may be based on sound synthesis, sampling (recording of real sounds), or a combination of both. This circuit produces sounds corresponding to the actions performed by the user on the human-machine interface, generally featuring keys arranged like the keys of a piano, as well as active areas with different configurations, for example, striking surfaces to simulate a percussion instrument, or tactile lines to simulate a stringed instrument, as well as adjustment and parameterization areas. State of the art

[0002] US patent 10496208B2 describes a user interface device that can be applied to an electronic keyboard. This device is characterized by its ability to detect varying input forces through a sensing layer. The device is composed of several layers: • Detection layer: It is responsible for detecting the forces applied by the user, and generates a signal corresponding to the intensity of that force. • Compressible input layer: This layer is designed to receive the user's input force (e.g., when a key is pressed) and transmit it to the sensing layer. • Intermediate layer: Placed between the detection layer and the input layer, this layer plays a key role in modulating and transmitting the user's force to the detection layer.

[0003] The patent states that the entire system, comprising the various layers (the detection layer, the compressible input layer, and the intermediate layer), is integrated into a housing or structure that protects the internal components and holds them in place. This housing not only protects the device from physical damage but also allows for its ergonomic integration into an electronic keyboard or other similar device. The housing plays a crucial role in providing a stable base for mounting the various layers and facilitating their interaction to detect and interpret the input forces.

[0004] Patent JP3163102U describes an electronic keyboard designed with specific features to improve the playability and portability of the instrument. It includes a The keyboard features a standard layout of keys, similar to a traditional piano, but with particular attention paid to reducing the instrument's overall size without compromising playability. This earlier-style keyboard is equipped with integrated electronic circuitry that manages sound production, effects, and various functions. It is housed in a casing that protects the internal electronics and contributes to the instrument's portability.

[0005] Prior art is also known US patent application 2006 / 256090 describing a mechanical accessory for a touch-sensing device comprising a base configured for placement on a touch surface and one or more mechanical actuators. The movement of the mechanical actuators is configured to trigger the touch surface of the touch-sensing device.

[0006] US patent application 2011 / 0248838 describes a solution for attaching a keyboard to a touchscreen. This is also a fixed solution, requiring the manufacture of a mechanically complex and non-modular accessory.

[0007]

[0008] European patent application EP1585295 also describes a solution consisting of attaching a keyboard to a touchscreen. This is also a fixed solution, requiring the manufacture of a mechanically complex and non-modular accessory.

[0009] Patent EP3510477 describes a human-machine interface system comprising a touch sensor, a driver for said touch sensor, an electronic pairing circuit connected to said driver, and at least one removable personalization accessory. This accessory consists of a three-dimensional part formed from an interchangeable flexible sheet with raised features. It is made of an elastically deformable material and has a lower surface with a thickness between 1 and 5 millimeters, complementary to at least a portion of the touch sensor, to transmit the forces exerted on the outer surface of the accessory to the touch sensor. Disadvantages of prior art

[0010] Electronic musical instrument interfaces are subject to significant stresses that can cause wear or even breakage. They have a dual function: a) transmitting the musician's actions to sensors and electronic components, and b) protecting the keyboard's internal circuits, a function that is only imperfectly fulfilled with prior art solutions.

[0011] Moreover, the instruments are subject to stresses and can break during the frequent travels of the musicians, and the solutions of the prior art lack robustness and do not allow for easy repair. Solution provided by the invention

[0012] In order to overcome these drawbacks, the present invention relates to a keyboard for an electronic musical instrument for detecting touch inputs, comprising an electronic subassembly including an electronic board and a top layer of sensors, for detecting the mechanical actions of the user

[0013] characterized in that it comprises: - an upper casing having a main surface to cover the front surface of the keyboard and a peripheral skirt, extending laterally said main surface so as to cover the lateral surface of the electronic subassembly, - a rigid base plate covering the lower surface of said electronic sub-assembly

[0014] said peripheral skirt having an elastically deformable edge for reversible attachment to said bottom plate. This bottom plate optionally provides locking of the hull via its peripheral edge.

[0015] Advantageously, said shell is formed by a flexible silicone piece with a rigid insert. This rigid insert is optionally transparent to form one or more light guides for LEDs present on said electronic board.

[0016] comprises a rigid material to present a main surface to cover the front surface of the keyboard and a peripheral skirt, extending laterally said main surface so as to cover the lateral surface of the electronic subassembly, said shell having openings positioned in correspondence with said sensors, said shell being overmolded with a flexible material.

[0017] Advantageously, the keyboard further comprises a plastic chassis interposed between said electronic subassembly and said base plate.

[0018] According to one variant, said printed circuit board (PCB) is configured with sensors arranged in a matrix of rows and columns.

[0019] According to one variant, said electronic subassembly comprises in an upper layer of flexible sensors.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, said electronic subassembly comprises - an upper conductive layer interfacing with the printed circuit board, said upper conductive layer being configured to form a connection between the electrodes of the sensor; - a plurality of spacing points arranged between the top conductive layer and the PCB to maintain a predetermined air gap; - where the top conductive layer and the PCB together form a force-sensing resistor (FSR) matrix.

[0021] Advantageously, said upper conductive layer is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with a carbon deposit. Preferably, this carbon layer is solid, without patterns as is generally the case.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, said spacing points are composed of a non-deformable material and have dimensions defined by:

[0023] - an average height of 10 pm ± 1 pm;

[0024] - a square with sides of 100 pm ±10 pm.

[0025] According to one variant, said electrodes are configured in the form of nested combs.

[0026] The invention also relates to an upper shell for the aforementioned keyboard, comprising an electronic sub-assembly and a base plate characterized in that it is made of a part molded in a rigid material having a main surface for covering the front surface of said keyboard and a peripheral skirt, extending laterally said first surface so as to cover the lateral surface of the electronic sub-assembly of said keyboard, said shell having openings positioned in correspondence with said sensors, said shell being overmolded with a flexible material,

[0027] said peripheral skirt having an elastically deformable border for reversible attachment with said base plate of said keyboard.

[0028] Detailed description of a non-limiting example of embodiment

[0029] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of an embodiment, illustrated by the accompanying drawings where:

[0030] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a keyboard according to the invention.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a keyboard according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the electronic subassembly of a keyboard according to the invention

[0033] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of the rigid frame and the flexible part. General principle of the invention

[0034] The general principle of the invention relates to the creation of a keyboard having a snap-fit ​​shell to enclose the electronic sub-assembly; this shell being formed by an envelope made of a flexible material, for example silicone, combined with a rigid structure pierced by openings. This shell provides both protection for the keyboard components and the human-machine interface.

[0035] This casing has a main surface surrounded by a skirt with reversible connecting means. Optionally, the keyboard further comprises a rigid base plate and a molded chassis inserted between the electronic subassembly and the base plate. Keyboard Structure

[0036] The keyboard is composed, in the example described by way of non-limiting example, of a shell (10), an electronic subassembly (20), a chassis (30) and a base plate (40). The shell (10) has a main surface (11) surrounded by a peripheral skirt (12) defining a volume in which the electronic subassembly (20), the chassis (30) and the base plate (40) are housed.

[0037] The shell (10) is flexible, for example made of silicone, and is associated with a rigid frame having openings, outside of interaction areas such as the keys (13) or control areas (14). This rigid frame (17) can also serve as a light guide for LEDs provided on the electronic subassembly.

[0038] This case (10) is made of flexible silicone with translucent plastic inserts. This case (10) has a surface (11) with which the user interacts directly, providing a pleasant tactile surface and some flexibility for the keyboard keys (13). It may include inserts (15) to stiffen the main surface (11).

[0039] The skirt (12) has a curved edge (16,19) configured to ensure the retention of the base plate (40).

[0040] The electronic subassembly (20) consists of a printed circuit board (PCB) onto which a flexible top layer (21) is applied, enabling the formation of touch sensors. This subassembly (20) contains most of the electronic components necessary for the keyboard to function.

[0041] The flexible layer (21) is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) with a carbon print. This flexible layer (21) acts as a sensor to detect touches based on the pressure exerted by the user.

[0042] A double-sided adhesive (23) is used to fix the flexible top layer (21) to the printed circuit board (22) to ensure a good physical and electrical connection between the two.

[0043] The housing (30) is made of injected plastic, which protects the internal components and gives rigidity to the whole keyboard.

[0044] The base plate (40) is made of steel, which adds weight and durability to the assembly, while protecting the internal components of the keyboard.

[0045] The keyboard uses a combination of electronic layers to detect the pressure exerted by the user on the keys. The operation is as follows:

[0046] When the user presses on a flexible area (13, 14) of the shell (10), the pressure is transmitted to the flexible PET layer (21). This flexible layer (21) has a carbon print that acts with the printed circuit board (22) as a sensor matrix that detects the pressure. This layer operates on the principle of a force-dependent resistance (FSR) where the electrical resistance changes as a function of the applied pressure.

[0047] Changes in resistance are detected by the printed circuit board (22), which processes these signals to determine which key was pressed and with what force.

[0048] The data is then sent to the keyboard processing unit or to external software to produce the corresponding sound or other musical actions.

[0049] The keyboard can provide tactile feedback to the user, in particular thanks to the flexibility of the silicone layer and the materials used, to simulate a pressure sensation like on a traditional acoustic keyboard.

[0050] The shell (10) has a configuration with several activatable elements for producing and modulating sounds, for example: - Keys (13): Like a traditional piano, the electronic keyboard has white and black keys. The number of keys can vary (generally between 25 and 88), and they can be velocity-sensitive (the force with which they are pressed) to faithfully reproduce the dynamics of playing. The flexibility of the casing (10) in the interaction areas allows for glissando and vibrato gestures that are not possible on a conventional keyboard. - Adjustment and control knobs and potentiometers (14) that control an electronic sound generator, which can be based on sound synthesis, sampling (recording of real sounds), or a combination of both. This circuit produces the sounds corresponding to the keys pressed. A digital processor in the electronic subassembly (20) processes the information from the keys and applies various sound effects and modifications before transmitting the signal to the speaker or audio output. - Bright display areas to show information such as selected sounds, modulation parameters, tempo, etc.

[0051] The keyboard includes connectivity elements (25), for example an audio output for connecting the keyboard to external speakers, an amplifier, or an audio interface for recording or MIDI / USB ports for connecting the keyboard to a computer or other electronic instruments for MIDI control or for digital recording.

[0052] It may also include inputs and outputs for pedals to add sustain pedals, volume pedals, or other controllers that modify the sound during playing. Alternative implementation

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment. The rigid inserts (17) are transparent or translucent and, in addition to their stiffening function, provide light guide function to transmit the light emitted from LEDs provided on the electronic sub-assembly (20) to the surface of the shell (10).

[0054] The peripheral edge (12) has a peripheral lip (18) which ensures the locking of the shell (10) by pinching between the bottom plate (40) and the chassis (30).

[0055] Flexible clips (18) ensure the anchoring of the shell (10) relative to the chassis (30).

Claims

Demands

1. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument for detecting touch actions, comprising an electronic subassembly (20) including an electronic board and a top layer of sensors, for detecting the mechanical actions of the user characterized in that it comprises: - a shell (10) made of a flexible material having a main surface (11) for covering the surface of the keyboard and a peripheral skirt (12), laterally extending said main surface (11) so as to cover the lateral surface of the electronic subassembly (20), - a rigid base plate (40) covering the lower surface of said electronic subassembly (20) said peripheral skirt (12) having an elastically deformable edge for reversible attachment with said base plate (40).

2. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a chassis (30) made of plastic material interposed between said electronic subassembly (20) and said base plate (40).

3. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a printed circuit board, said printed circuit board is configured with sensors arranged in a matrix of rows and columns.

4. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to claim 1 characterized in that said flexible shell (10) comprises one or more rigid inserts.

5. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to claim 1 characterized in that said electronic subassembly (20) comprises an upper layer of flexible sensors (21).

6. - Keyboard for an electronic musical instrument according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said electronic subassembly comprises a printed circuit board and in that - an upper conductive layer interfacing with said printed circuit board, said upper conductive layer being configured to form a connection between the electrodes of said sensors; - a plurality of spacing points arranged between the upper conductive layer and said printed circuit board to maintain a predetermined air gap; - wherein the upper conductive layer and said printed circuit board together form a force sensing resistance (FSR) matrix.

7. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to the preceding claim characterized in that said upper conductive layer is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with a carbon deposit.

8. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to claim 7 characterized in that said spacing points are composed of a non-deformable material and have dimensions defined by: - ​​an average height of 10 sqm ± 1 pm; - a square with a side of 100 pm ± 10 pm.

9. - Keyboard for electronic musical instrument according to claim 7 characterized in that said electrodes are configured in the form of interlocking combs.

10. - Upper shell for a keyboard according to claim 1, comprising an electronic subassembly and a base plate characterized in that it is made of a part molded in a rigid material having a main surface for covering the front surface of said keyboard and a peripheral skirt, extending laterally said first surface so as to cover the lateral surface of the electronic subassembly of said keyboard, said shell having openings positioned in correspondence with said sensors, said shell being overmolded with a flexible material, said peripheral skirt having an elastically deformable edge for reversible attachment with said base plate of said keyboard.