Musical instrument pedal unit and electronic keyboard device

Abstract

To bring operational feeling of a pedal of an acoustic piano closer to operational feeling of a pedal of a pedal unit.SOLUTION: A musical instrument pedal unit includes: a case; a first foot lever which is rotatably arranged relative to the case and extends in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis; a spring which is arranged in a compressed state between the case and the first fool lever and expands and contracts as the first foot lever rotates; a first support member for supporting a first end of the spring; and a second support member for supporting a second end of the spring. When the first foot lever moves in a direction in which the spring contracts from a state in which the spring extends the most in a rotational range of the first foot lever, a first angle becomes smaller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pedal unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Pedal units used in electronic musical instruments detect whether the pedal is depressed (end position) or not (rest position), and transmit the detection result to a sound generator device to control the sound signal generated by the sound generator device. Various technologies are applied to such pedal units to achieve the same feel as operating an acoustic piano pedal. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that imparts hysteresis to the reaction force caused by depressing the pedal. According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a frictional force is generated when the pedal rotates. The frictional force is applied in the opposite direction to the pedal movement, while an elastic force that returns the pedal to the rest position is applied in a fixed direction. This achieves the hysteresis characteristic of the reaction force. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-205495 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The hysteresis characteristics of the reaction force generated by the pedals of an acoustic piano are complex, making it extremely difficult to achieve. According to the above-mentioned technology, hysteresis characteristics are achieved by either maintaining a constant frictional force regardless of the pedal's depression position, or by gradually varying the magnitude of the frictional force. However, simply controlling the frictional force in stages is insufficient to achieve an operation feel equivalent to that of an acoustic piano pedal. Therefore, there is a need for a pedal unit that can approximate an operation feel equivalent to that of an acoustic piano pedal.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to make the feel of operating the pedals of the pedal unit closer to the feel of operating the pedals of an acoustic piano. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the pedal unit includes a first foot lever, a shaft that serves as a rotation center of the first foot lever, and a bearing that mates with the shaft. The shaft or the bearing includes a first member disposed on at least a portion of the surface where they contact each other, and a second member formed of a material different from the first member and supporting the first member from the opposite side of the surface. When the first foot lever is viewed perpendicularly to the shaft, the surface is included in an inner region of the width of the first foot lever. The first member and the second member are fixed in the direction in which the shaft and the bearing slide.

[0007] When a force for rotating the first foot lever is applied to the first foot lever, the force generated between the shaft and the bearing may increase.

[0008] The foot lever may further include a second foot lever. A first distance from the rotation center of the first foot lever to a position where the shaft and the bearing contact each other may be different from a second distance from the rotation center of the second foot lever to a position where the shaft and the bearing contact each other.

[0009] The foot lever may further include a third foot lever. When the first foot lever is viewed from the side that the first foot lever descends when rotated, the first foot lever, the second foot lever, and the third foot lever may be arranged in order from the right side. A third distance from the rotation center of the third foot lever to a position where the shaft and the bearing contact each other may be greater than both the first distance and the second distance.

[0010] The shaft and the bearing may be in contact with each other at least in a first region and a second region. The first region may be spaced apart from the second region. There may be a portion between the first region and the second region where the shaft and the bearing are spaced apart.

[0011] A first position between the first region and the second region and spaced apart from both the first region and the second region, a second position between the first position and the first region, and a third position between the first position and the second region are defined, and in this case, a first separation distance from the shaft to the bearing at the first position may be shorter than a second separation distance from the shaft to the bearing at the second position and a third separation distance from the shaft to the bearing at the third position.

[0012] When the first foot lever is viewed perpendicular to the shaft, the shaft may have a portion that interlocks with the shaft in an outer region of the width of the first foot lever. The bearing may include a third member that slides against the shaft in the outer region when the first foot lever rotates.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pedal unit includes a first foot lever, a shaft that is a rotation center of the first foot lever, and a bearing that mates with the shaft. When the first foot lever is viewed perpendicularly to the shaft, the shaft has a portion that interlocks with the shaft in an outer region of the width of the first foot lever. The bearing includes a third member that slides against the shaft in the outer region when the first foot lever rotates.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pedal unit includes a first foot lever, a shaft that serves as a rotation center of the first foot lever, and a bearing that pairs with the shaft, and a first distance from the rotation center to a position where the shaft and the bearing contact each other is 4 mm or more.

[0015] The bearing may include a first bearing and a second bearing. The shaft may be sandwiched between the first bearing and the second bearing in a state in which the first bearing and the second bearing are subjected to a force in a direction in which they approach each other.

[0016] The shaft may contact the first bearing at least in a first region and a second region. The first region may be disposed spaced apart from the second region. A portion where the shaft and the first bearing are separated may exist between the first region and the second region. The shaft may contact the second bearing at least in a third region and a fourth region. The third region may be disposed spaced apart from the fourth region. A portion where the shaft and the second bearing are separated may exist between the third region and the fourth region.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pedal unit includes a case, a first foot lever rotatably disposed relative to the case and extending in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis, a spring disposed in a compressed state between the case and the first foot lever and expanding and contracting as the first foot lever rotates, a first support member supporting a first end of the spring, and a second support member supporting a second end of the spring. A first cross section is defined that includes a radial direction of the spring at a position supported by the first support member. A first central position is defined that corresponds to a center of the spring in the first cross section. A first axial direction is defined that is perpendicular to the first cross section and points from the first central position toward the inside of the spring. A second cross section is defined that includes a radial direction of the spring at a position supported by the second support member. A second central position is defined that corresponds to the center of the spring in the second cross section. A center line connecting the first central position and the second central position is defined. A first angle is defined as an angle formed between the first axial direction and the center line. When the first foot lever moves in a direction in which the spring contracts from a state in which the spring is most extended within the rotation range of the first foot lever, the first angle decreases.

[0018] The first angle may be reduced over the entire rotation range of the first foot lever when the first foot lever moves in a direction in which the spring compresses.

[0019] The first angle may be 0 degrees at any position within the rotation range of the first foot lever.The first angle may be 10 degrees or less when the spring is in its most compressed state within the rotation range of the first foot lever.

[0020] An angle formed between a line connecting the rotation axis and the first center position and the first axis direction may be less than 90 degrees.

[0021] A second axis direction perpendicular to the second cross section and pointing from the second center position toward the inside of the spring is defined. The angle between the second axis direction and the center line is defined as a second angle. The first angle may be greater than the second angle when the spring is fully extended within the rotation range of the first foot lever.

[0022] The second angle may be 0 degrees at any position within the rotation range of the first foot lever.The second angle may be 10 degrees or less when the spring is in its most compressed state within the rotation range of the first foot lever.

[0023] The first angle may be 0 degrees at a first position in a rotation range of the first foot lever, and the second angle may be 0 degrees at a second position in a rotation range of the first foot lever that is different from the first position.

[0024] Both the first angle and the second angle may be greater than 0 degrees throughout the entire rotation range of the first foot lever.

[0025] An angle formed between a line connecting the rotation axis and the second center position and the second axis direction may be less than 90 degrees.

[0026] In one embodiment, the pedal unit includes a case, a first foot lever rotatably disposed relative to the case and extending in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis, a spring disposed in a compressed state between the case and the first foot lever and expanding and contracting as the first foot lever rotates, a first support member supporting a first end of the spring, and a second support member supporting a second end of the spring. The spring includes a first winding end portion located on the first end side and a second winding end portion located on the second end side. A side surface of the first winding end portion contacts a side surface of a first portion of a winding constituting the spring. A side surface of the second winding end portion contacts a side surface of a second portion of the winding. The first support member has a portion that contacts a winding at a position between the first winding end portion and the first portion from the inner or outer circumferential side of the spring, and is spaced apart from the winding of the first portion. The second support member has a portion that contacts the winding at any position between the second winding end and the second portion from the inner or outer side of the spring, and is spaced apart from the winding in the second portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the pedal unit includes a case, a first foot lever rotatably disposed relative to the case and extending in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis, a spring disposed in a compressed state between the case and the first foot lever and expanding and contracting as the first foot lever rotates, a first support member supporting a first end of the spring, and a second support member supporting a second end of the spring. The spring includes a first winding end portion located on the first end side and a second winding end portion located on the second end side. A side surface of the first winding end portion contacts a side surface of a first portion of a winding constituting the spring. A side surface of the second winding end portion contacts a side surface of a second portion of the winding. The first support member has a portion that contacts the first portion from the inside or outside of the spring in at least a portion of the rotation range of the first foot lever. The second support member has a portion that contacts the second portion from the inside or outside of the spring in at least a part of the rotation range of the first foot lever.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electronic keyboard device includes the pedal unit described above, a keyboard section having a plurality of keys, and a sound source section that generates sound signals in response to operations on the keys and operations on the first foot lever of the pedal unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, the operational feel of the pedals of the pedal unit can be made closer to the operational feel of the pedals of an acoustic piano. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an electronic keyboard device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic keyboard device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between a foot lever and a shaft. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the pedal unit when the foot lever is rotated to just before the half-pedal state. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing the pedal unit when the foot lever has been rotated to an end position. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit in a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a shaft and a bearing in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a shaft and a bearing in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a shaft and a bearing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a contact portion in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a contact portion in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a shaft and a bearing in a tenth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a shaft and a bearing in a tenth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit in an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 19] 19A to 19C are diagrams illustrating the movement of the pedal unit when the shaft is inserted in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the shape of a spring (at rest position) in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the shape (end position) of a spring in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the shape of a spring (at rest position) in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the shape (end position) of a spring in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a diagram showing the shape (rest position) of a spring in Comparative Example 1. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a diagram showing the shape (end position) of a spring in Comparative Example 1. FIG. [Figure 26] 10 is a diagram showing the shape (rest position) of a spring in Comparative Example 2. FIG. [Figure 27] 10 is a diagram showing the shape (end position) of a spring in Comparative Example 2. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a spring and a support member in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 29] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a spring and a support member in Comparative Example 3. FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a spring and a support member in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 31]10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a spring and a support member in Comparative Example 4. FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a spring and a support member in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a spring and a support member in the seventeenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated with the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of a number followed by A, B, etc.), and repeated explanations may be omitted. For clarity of explanation, the drawings may be illustrated schematically, with dimensional ratios different from actual ratios and parts of the configuration omitted from the drawings.

[0032] First Embodiment [1.Electronic keyboard device] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an electronic keyboard device according to one embodiment. The electronic keyboard device 1 includes a pedal unit 10, a keyboard body 91, a support plate 93 that supports the keyboard body 91 at a predetermined height, and a support column 95 for suspending and supporting the pedal unit 10 from the keyboard body 91. The pedal unit 10 may be separable from the keyboard body 91. In this case, the pedal unit 10 and the support column 95 may be separable, or the support column 95 and the keyboard body 91 may be separable.

[0033] The keyboard body 91 includes a keyboard section 88 consisting of an operation unit 83, a display unit 85, and a plurality of keys. The pedal unit 10 includes a case 190 and at least one foot lever 100 protruding from the case 190. In this example, the pedal unit 10 includes three foot levers 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 (first, second, and third foot levers). From a functional standpoint, the foot lever 100-1 corresponds to a damper pedal, the foot lever 100-2 corresponds to a sostenuto pedal, and the foot lever 100-3 corresponds to a shift pedal. In the following explanation, the three foot levers 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 will be referred to as foot levers 100 unless otherwise specified. The foot lever 100 can also be referred to as a pedal arm.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1 , the forward direction F, the depth direction D, the upward direction U, the downward direction B, the leftward direction L, and the rightward direction R are defined with respect to the user (player) playing the electronic keyboard device 1. In other words, the forward direction F and the depth direction D are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the keys. The longitudinal direction of the keys is sometimes referred to as the front-to-back direction. The leftward direction L and the rightward direction R are aligned along the direction in which the keys are arranged. The direction in which the keys are arranged is sometimes referred to as the left-to-right direction. The rightward direction R corresponds to the treble side of the keys. A plane including the front-to-back and left-to-right directions is sometimes referred to as the horizontal plane. The upward direction U and the downward direction B are aligned along the vertical direction. The vertical direction is sometimes referred to as the up-down direction. Regarding height, the horizontal plane is used as the reference. For example, when a first component is said to be higher than a second component, this includes not only the case in which the first component is located in the area above the second component in the upward direction U (the area directly above the second component) but also the case in which the first component is located in an area shifted left-to-right or forward-to-back from that area. Similar definitions will be used in the following explanations of the figures.

[0035] According to the pedal unit 10 of one embodiment, by adopting an internal structure different from conventional structures, it is possible to make the pedal operation feel closer to the pedal operation feel of an acoustic piano. Below, each component of the electronic keyboard device 1 will be explained, and the pedal unit 10 will be explained in particular in detail.

[0036] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic keyboard device according to one embodiment. The electronic keyboard device 1 includes a pedal unit 10, a control unit 81, a storage unit 82, an operation unit 83, a sound source unit 84, a display unit 85, a speaker 86, a keyboard unit 88, and a key depression detection unit 89.

[0037] The key depression detection unit 89 detects depression of a key included in the keyboard unit 88, and outputs a key signal KV corresponding to the detection result to the control unit 81. The key signal KV includes information corresponding to the key to be operated and the amount of operation of that key. The pedal unit 10 detects depression of the foot lever 100, and outputs a pedal signal PV corresponding to the detection result to the control unit 81. The pedal signal PV includes information corresponding to the pedal to be operated and the amount of operation of that pedal.

[0038] The operation unit 83 includes operation devices such as knobs, sliders, touch sensors, and buttons, and receives instructions from the user to the electronic keyboard device 1. The operation unit 83 outputs an operation signal CS to the control unit 81 in accordance with the received user instructions.

[0039] The storage unit 82 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, and has an area for storing a control program executed by the control unit 81. The control program may be provided from an external device. When the control program is executed by the control unit 81, various functions are realized in the electronic keyboard device 1.

[0040] The control unit 81 is an example of a computer that includes a processing circuit such as a CPU, and storage devices such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 81 executes a control program stored in the storage unit 82 using the CPU, and realizes various functions in the electronic keyboard device 1 according to the instructions written in the control program. The control unit 81 generates a sound source control signal Ct based on, for example, the key signal KV, the pedal signal PV, and the operation signal CS.

[0041] The sound source unit 84 includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The sound source unit 84 generates a sound signal based on a sound source control signal Ct supplied from the control unit 81. In other words, the sound source unit 84 generates a sound signal in response to operation of the keys of the keyboard unit 88 and operation of the foot lever 100 of the pedal unit 10. The sound source unit 84 may supply the generated sound signal to a speaker 86. The speaker 86 amplifies and outputs the sound signal supplied from the sound source unit 84, thereby generating a sound corresponding to the sound signal. The display unit 85 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various screens under the control of the control unit 81. A touch panel may be configured by combining the display unit 85 with a touch sensor.

[0042] [2. Pedal unit configuration] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the pedal unit 10. In the following description, attention will be focused on one foot lever 100.

[0043] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pedal unit in the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the foot lever 100 is not depressed, i.e., the foot lever 100 is in the rest position. The pedal unit 10 includes the foot lever 100 and a case 190 that houses a portion of the foot lever 100. In this example, the pedal unit 10 includes an auxiliary tool 195 on the underside of the bottom part 190b to help fix the position of the case 190 relative to the floor.

[0044] The case 190 is formed of, for example, FRP (fiber reinforced plastic), but may also be formed of other resins such as PBT resin, ABS resin, POM resin, PPS resin, or PEEK resin, or may be formed of metal. The case 190 includes a bottom 190b, a ceiling 190u, and side sections. The side sections are walls connecting the bottom 190b and the ceiling 190u. The ceiling 190u and the bottom 190b are configured to be separable and are fixed to each other via the side sections using screws or the like. In this example, the side sections and the ceiling 190u are integrally formed, but the side sections and the bottom 190b may also be integrally formed. FIG. 3 shows a front section 190f and a rear section 190r of the side sections. The portions of the side sections arranged in the left direction L and the right direction R are not shown. An opening exists between the front section 190f and the bottom 190b. The foot lever 100 is arranged so that a portion of the foot lever 100 is inside the case 190 and the remaining portion is outside the case 190. The foot lever 100 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the case 190 by a shaft 115 and a bearing 120, which will be described below. The center of rotation C is located inside the case 190. The opening is large enough not to interfere with the rotation range of the foot lever 100.

[0045] The foot lever 100 is made of metal and has a longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction. In the following description, the region of the foot lever 100 in the depth direction D relative to the rotation center C is referred to as the first region 100r, and the region in the front direction F relative to the rotation center C and outside the case 190 is referred to as the second region 100f. The surface of the foot lever 100 facing upward in the U direction is referred to as the upper surface 100s1, and the surface facing downward in the B direction is referred to as the lower surface 100s2. The upper surface 100s1 and the lower surface 100s2 do not include the portion of the tip of the second region 100f of the foot lever 100 that is bent downward in the B direction.

[0046] In this example, when the foot lever 100 is in the rest position, the upper surface 100s1 includes a horizontal plane. The upper surface 100s1 does not have to include a horizontal plane by tilting the second region 100f so that it is higher or lower relative to the first region 100r. For example, the upper surface 100s1 may include an approximately horizontal plane. In this example, the concept of an approximately horizontal plane includes an inclination of up to 5 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. If the foot lever 100 does not include a horizontal plane when in the rest position, the upper surface 100s1 may include a horizontal plane within the rotation range, or the upper surface 100s1 may not include a horizontal plane at any position within the rotation range.

[0047] A region located approximately in the center of the foot lever 100 in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the central region 100c) is connected to a shaft support portion 111 on the lower surface 100s2. A shaft 115 is connected to the tip of the shaft support portion 111. In other words, the shaft support portion 111 connects the shaft 115 to the foot lever 100 and supports the shaft 115 with respect to the foot lever 100.

[0048] The shaft 115 forms a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction and has an arc-shaped edge in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis. This arc-shaped edge corresponds to a portion of a circle centered at the rotation center C. The shaft 115 is formed of a resin different from that of the case 190. The shaft 115 is formed of, for example, POM resin, but may also be formed of other resins such as PBT resin, ABS resin, nylon resin, PTFE resin, UHPE resin, and PEEK resin. The bearing 120 paired with the shaft 115 includes a contact portion 125 (first member) and a bearing support portion 192. The shaft 115 is placed on the contact portion 125 and contacts a portion of the shaft 115 that corresponds to the arc-shaped portion. The surface where the contact portion 125 and the shaft 115 come into contact is referred to as the contact surface. Therefore, when the foot lever 100 rotates, the shaft 115 and the contact portion 125 slide against each other. The bearing support portion 192 supports the contact portion 125 from the side opposite to the contact surface. In this example, the bearing support portion 192 (second member) corresponds to a part of the case 190, but may be formed of a member separate from the case 190. Therefore, the contact portion 125 is sandwiched between the shaft 115 and the bearing support portion 192. The bearing support portion 192 can also be referred to as a surface that supports the contact portion 125 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a support surface). In this case, the contact surface and the support surface face each other at least in part.

[0049] In this example, the contact surface and the support surface are similar to each other, except for their different distances from the rotation center C. However, such a relationship is not necessary. The contact surface has a shape such that the distance from the rotation center C is the same at all positions. In the following description, this distance is sometimes referred to as the radius of curvature DD, which corresponds to the radius of the shaft 115. The radius of curvature DD may be set as appropriate, but is preferably 3.5 mm or greater, and more preferably 4.0 mm or greater. On the other hand, the support surface may have a shape such that the distance from the rotation center C varies depending on the position, as long as the contact portion 125 is supported by the bearing support portion 192. The positional relationship between the bearing support portion 192 and the contact portion 125 is fixed, but they only need to be fixed at least in the direction in which they slide relative to each other. In other words, it is only necessary that the contact portion 125 is fixed so as not to rotate relative to the bearing support portion 192 when the shaft 115 rotates relative to the bearing 120.

[0050] Contact portion 125 is formed of a resin different from that of shaft 115 and bearing support portion 192 (case 190). Contact portion 125 is formed of, for example, PBT resin, but may be formed of other resins such as POM resin, ABS resin, nylon resin, PTFE resin, UHPE resin, and PEEK resin. The relationship between the resin material of contact portion 125 and the resin material of shaft 115 is determined so that a desired frictional force is obtained between contact portion 125 and shaft 115 and wear is reduced.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the foot lever and the shaft. FIG. 4 corresponds to the state in which the foot lever 100 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center C (rotation axis) (here, downward direction B). According to this diagram, the width WP of the portion of the foot lever 100 located directly above the rotation axis is wider than the width WX of the area (contact surface) where the shaft 115 and the contact portion 125 face each other and come into contact. These widths are lengths in the left-right direction (lengths along the rotation axis). By arranging the shaft 115 inside the foot lever 100 in this way, the shaft 115 is not visible when the foot lever 100 is viewed from the top surface 100s1 side. In this example, the rotation center C is located inside the case 190.

[0052] In this example, as shown in Fig. 4, at least a portion of the contact surface overlaps with the second region 100f (the region shown by the mesh). Such an overlapping region does not have to exist. The rotation center C may be located outside the case 190, but it is preferable that it be located inside the case 190.

[0053] Continuing the explanation, returning to Figure 3, the elastic member 155, the reaction force adding member 165, the stroke sensor 171, the contact sensor 173, the lower stopper 181, and the upper stopper 183 are arranged in the internal space of the case 190.

[0054] In this example, the elastic member 155 is a metal spring, but it need not be made of metal and need not be spring-shaped. That is, the elastic member 155 may be any member that generates an elastic force by elastic deformation. The elastic member 155 is disposed in an upper space US formed in the internal space of the case 190 at a position higher than the first region 100r. The upper end of the elastic member 155 is supported by a support member 153 fixed to the ceiling portion 190u. The lower end of the elastic member 155 is supported by a support member 151 fixed to the upper surface 100s1 of the first region 100r. The axial direction of the spring forming the elastic member 155 preferably coincides with the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the portion of the foot lever 100 that is in contact with the first region 100r at any position within the rotation range of the foot lever 100 (for example, the end position, the rest position, or the position where the reaction force adding member 165 and the foot lever 100 contact each other (see FIG. 5)).

[0055] The elastic member 155 is supported by the support members 151, 153 in a state compressed from its natural length and applies a force to the first region 100r to hold the foot lever 100 in the rest position. The force applied to the first region 100r includes a downward component B. The elastic force of the elastic member 155 presses the first region 100r against the lower stopper 181 and presses the shaft 115 against the contact portion 125. The second region 100f, which is operated by the user, is relatively close to the rotation center C. Due to the leverage ratio, a large reaction force can be applied to the second region 100f even if the elastic force of the elastic member 155 is reduced. Therefore, the strength of the case 190 required to support the elastic member 155 can be reduced, improving the flexibility in the material and shape of the case 190.

[0056] The lower stopper 181 is disposed on the bottom 190b and contacts the lower surface 100s2 of the first region 100r of the foot lever 100. The lower stopper 181 contacts a portion of the first region 100r that is located further in the depth direction D than the elastic member 155 (in this example, the end of the foot lever 100 on the first region 100r side). In other words, the portion of the foot lever 100 to which force is applied by the elastic member 155 is located between the shaft 115 and the lower stopper 181. In this state, the rest position of the foot lever 100 is defined. The farther the position of the lower stopper 181 is from the center of rotation C, the higher the positioning accuracy can be. With this positional relationship, the elastic member 155 applies force to the first region 100r, thereby stably supporting the foot lever 100 on the pedal unit 10.

[0057] The upper stopper 183 is disposed on the ceiling portion 190u and contacts the upper surface 100s1 of the first region 100r of the foot lever 100. In this example, the upper stopper 183 contacts the end of the foot lever 100 on the side of the first region 100r. In this state, the end position of the foot lever 100 is determined (corresponding to FIG. 6). The farther the position of the upper stopper 183 is from the center of rotation C, the higher the positioning accuracy can be. In this way, the foot lever 100 can rotate between the rest position and the end position (i.e., within the rotation range).

[0058] The stroke sensor 171 is disposed on the ceiling portion 190u and is a sensor for detecting the behavior (e.g., the amount of rotation) of the foot lever 100. In this example, the stroke sensor 171 includes an optical sensor for measuring the position of the first region 100r (the amount of displacement from a reference position). The optical sensor in the stroke sensor 171 is a passive element that changes an electrical signal when the position of a detection target changes. In this example, the optical sensor serving as this passive element is disposed in the upward direction U of the first region 100r, but it may also be disposed offset in the left-right direction relative to the first region 100r. In other words, the optical sensor may be disposed at a position higher than the first region 100r rather than directly above the first region 100r. In other words, the optical sensor may be disposed in the upper space US. The stroke sensor 171 may be a sensor that detects the position of a first region 100r within the rotation range where the position of the foot lever 100 corresponds to the rest position and the end position, or a sensor that detects the position of the first region 100r within a predetermined range near the position where the first region 100r contacts the reaction force adding member 165. The detection result of the stroke sensor 171 makes it possible to calculate the rotation amount of the foot lever 100 (the amount the foot lever 100 is depressed). Information corresponding to the calculated rotation amount is included in the pedal signal PV described above.

[0059] The contact sensor 173 is disposed on the ceiling portion 190u and detects contact with a predetermined detection position. In this example, the reaction force adding member 165 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber and is a dome-shaped member that forms a space inside. The reaction force adding member 165 includes a protrusion 161 that protrudes toward the internal space. The reaction force adding member 165 is disposed in the upper space US so as to cover the detection position of the contact sensor 173 from below. The reaction force adding member 165 deforms when subjected to a force from below. When this deformation causes the protrusion 161 to come into contact with the detection position of the contact sensor 173, the contact sensor 173 outputs a predetermined detection signal. This detection signal is also included in the pedal signal PV. The reaction force adding member 165 may have a spring shape like the elastic member 155, as long as it is configured to undergo elastic deformation. The contact sensor 173 may detect the reaction force adding member 165 during its elastic deformation.

[0060] [3. Pedal unit operation] Next, the operation of rotating the foot lever 100 from the rest position to the end position will be described. When the foot lever 100 is depressed and rotated, the second region 100f, which is the portion that is depressed, descends and the first region 100r ascends. At this time, the elastic member 155 is gradually compressed, increasing its elastic force, and as a result, the force (reaction force) required to descend the second region 100f increases. At this time, frictional force is generated by the sliding between the shaft 115 and the contact portion 125. This frictional force and elastic force are perceived by the user as a reaction force when the foot lever 100 is depressed.

[0061] As the user increases the force with which he depresses the foot lever 100 to resist the increasing reaction force, the elastic member 155 acts as a fulcrum, increasing the force (normal force) applied from the shaft 115 to the contact portion 125. As a result, the frictional force generated between the shaft 115 and the contact portion 125 also increases, further increasing the reaction force.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the pedal unit when the foot lever has rotated to just before the half-pedal state. When the foot lever 100 is further depressed and rotated, the first region 100r comes into contact with the reaction force adding member 165 midway from the rest position to the end position, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, it is preferable that an upper surface 100s1 of the first region 100r and the reaction force adding member 165 come into surface contact.

[0063] When the second region 100f further descends from this state, the reaction force adding member 165 begins to deform due to the first region 100r. As a result, the degree of increase in the reaction force increases due to the elastic force of the reaction force adding member 165 in addition to the elastic force of the elastic member 155. By perceiving this change in reaction force, the user can perceive that further depressing the foot lever 100 has brought the pedal closer to the half-pedal state. When the second region 100f further descends, the contact sensor 173 detects that the protrusion 161 has come into contact with the detection position. For example, a pedal signal PV including a detection signal obtained in response to this detection is transmitted to the control unit 81, and the sound source unit 84 can be controlled to impart a half-pedal effect to the sound signal.

[0064] 6 is a diagram showing the pedal unit when the foot lever has been rotated to the end position. As the second region 100f further descends from the half-pedal state, the deformation of the reaction force adding member 165 becomes even greater, and the protrusion 161 also begins to deform. As shown in FIG. 6, the first region 100r comes into contact with the upper stopper 183, causing the foot lever 100 to reach the end position.

[0065] 3, 5, and 6, the central region 100c of the foot lever 100 is near the rotation center C, so even when the foot lever 100 rotates, the size of the separation portion SP between the central region 100c and the front portion 190f does not change much. This makes it possible to make the separation portion SP small, preventing fingers and other objects from getting caught and making it difficult to see the internal structure of the case 190 from the outside. It is more effective to make the thickness (length in the front-to-rear direction) of the front portion 190f thinner than the distance from the rotation center C to the contact surface (radius of curvature DD).

[0066] As shown in Fig. 3, in the rest position, the upper surface 100s1 of the foot lever 100 (at least the upper surface tip portion 100fe in the forward direction F of the upper surface 100s1) is located higher than a horizontal plane including the rotation center C (hereinafter referred to as the horizontal axis plane CF). On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, in the end position, at least a part of the upper surface 100s1 of the foot lever 100 is located lower than the horizontal axis plane CF. In this example, the upper surface tip portion 100fe of the upper surface 100s1 of the second region 100f is located lower than the horizontal axis plane CF.

[0067] In one embodiment, the foot lever 100 has a short distance from the rotation center C to the top surface tip portion 100fe. The shorter this distance, the greater the amount of forward / backward movement of the top surface tip portion 100fe when the foot lever 100 is depressed. By setting the positional relationship between the top surface tip portion 100fe and the horizontal axis plane CF as described above, the amount of forward / backward movement of the top surface tip portion 100fe caused by the rotation of the foot lever 100 can be reduced. The positional relationship between the top surface tip portion 100fe and the horizontal axis plane CF is not limited to this example. For example, the top surface tip portion 100fe may be located lower than the horizontal axis plane CF in the rest position, or may be located higher than the horizontal axis plane CF in the end position.

[0068] The pedal unit 10 used in the electronic keyboard device 1 has a first region 100r and a second region 100f arranged on either side of a rotation center C, and the foot lever 100 rotates in a seesaw pattern. This allows the upper space US on the upper surface 100s1 side of the first region 100r to be made larger, while the lower space LS on the lower surface 100s2 side of the first region 100r to be made smaller. The pedal unit 10 is placed in a portion close to the installation surface of the electronic keyboard device 1. Therefore, by making the region lower than the foot lever 100 (lower space LS) as small as possible, the degree of freedom in design is improved.

[0069] When the user operates the foot lever 100 to depress it to the end position, as described above, the elastic member 155 serves as a fulcrum, increasing the force (normal force) applied from the shaft 115 to the contact portion 125. As a result, the frictional force generated between the shaft 115 and the contact portion 125 also increases, further increasing the reaction force. At this time, the user perceives the sum of the elastic force of the elastic member 155 and the frictional force as a reaction force. The greater the depression amount of the foot lever 100, the greater the frictional force. Therefore, the greater the depression amount of the foot lever 100, the greater the reaction force perceived by the user.

[0070] On the other hand, when the user operates the foot lever 100 to return it to the rest position, a frictional force is generated in the opposite direction to the elastic force. Therefore, when returning the foot lever 100 to the rest position, the reaction force perceived by the user is smaller than when depressing it to the end position. As described above, the frictional force increases as the foot lever 100 approaches the end position. Therefore, when switching between depressing the end position and returning it to the rest position, the hysteresis characteristic exhibits a characteristic in which the reaction force changes more significantly with the change in the direction of the frictional force as the switch is performed at a position where the influence of the frictional force is greater (i.e., a position closer to the end position). For example, when depressing the foot lever 100 from the rest position and then returning it to the rest position, the decrease in reaction force is greater when the foot lever 100 is returned to a position after passing the half-pedal state than when it is returned to a position before reaching the half-pedal state. As such, the pedal unit 10 in one embodiment can achieve an operation feel similar to that of an acoustic piano pedal, depending on the circumstances in which the frictional force changes depending on the rotational position of the foot lever 100.

[0071] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the shaft 115 is fixed to the foot lever 100, and the bearing 120 is fixed to the case 190. The relationship between the shaft and the bearing may be reversed. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the relationship between the shaft and the bearing in the first embodiment is reversed.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit according to the second embodiment. In a pedal unit 10A according to the second embodiment, a bearing 120A is fixed to a foot lever 100A, and a shaft 115A is fixed to a case 190A. The shaft 115A is supported by a shaft support portion 191A that protrudes upward from a bottom portion 190bA. The bearing 120A includes a contact portion 125A and a bearing support portion 112A that supports the contact portion 125A from the opposite side of the contact surface. The bearing support portion 112A is connected to a central region 100cA. Descriptions of parts of the pedal unit 10A according to the second embodiment that are common to the pedal unit 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] Third Embodiment The pedal unit 10 in the first embodiment includes a foot lever 100 having a rotation center C between a first region 100r and a second region 100f. In other words, the foot lever 100 has a portion (first region 100r) to which force is applied by an elastic member 155 and a portion (second region 100f) operated by a user, with the rotation center C sandwiched between them. This configuration is similar to that of a grand piano pedal. The configuration of the foot lever 100 may also be similar to that of an upright piano pedal. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the portion operated by a user and the portion to which force is applied by an elastic member are located in the forward direction F from the rotation center C, as a configuration similar to that of an upright piano pedal.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit according to the third embodiment. The pedal unit 10B according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which a rotation center C is located near the end of the foot lever 100B in the depth direction D (closer to the rear portion 190rB) than the elastic member 155B. The rotation center C is formed by a shaft 115B and a bearing 120B on the upper surface 100s1 side of the foot lever 100B. The shaft 115B is supported by a shaft support portion 111B on the upper surface 100s1 side of the foot lever 100B. The bearing portion 120B includes a contact portion 125B and a bearing support portion 192B. The bearing support portion 192B is located on the ceiling portion 190uB.

[0075] The elastic member 155B is disposed in the lower space LS. The support member 151B is connected to the lower surface 100s2 of the foot lever 100B and supports the upper end of the elastic member 155B. The support member 153B is connected to the bottom 190bB and supports the lower end of the elastic member 155B. The elastic member 155B is supported by the support members 151B and 153B in a state compressed beyond its natural length, and applies a force to the foot lever 100B to hold the foot lever 100B at the rest position. The force applied to the foot lever 100B includes an upward component U.

[0076] The lower stopper 181B is disposed on the bottom portion 190bB and contacts the lower surface 100s2 of the foot lever 100B to determine the end position of the foot lever 100B. The upper stopper 183B is disposed on the front portion 190fB and contacts the upper surface 100s1 of the foot lever 100B to determine the rest position of the foot lever 100B.

[0077] The reaction force adding member 165B is disposed in the lower space LS. In this example, the reaction force adding member 165B is disposed between the lower stopper 181B and the elastic member 155B. Although no configuration equivalent to the contact sensor 173 exists, it may be present.

[0078] Even in this configuration, the further the foot lever 100B is depressed, the more the elastic member 155B is compressed, and the force (normal force) applied from the shaft 115B to the bearing 120B increases. Therefore, the hysteresis characteristic of the reaction force in the pedal unit 10B shows a tendency similar to that of the reaction force in the first embodiment.

[0079] <Fourth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the elastic member 155 is arranged in the upper space US. The location where the elastic member 155 that applies force in the downward direction B is arranged is not limited to the upper space US. In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the elastic member 155 is arranged in the lower space LS will be described.

[0080] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit according to the fourth embodiment. A pedal unit 10C according to the fourth embodiment includes an elastic member 155C disposed in the lower space LS. A support member 151C is connected to the lower surface 100s2 of the first region 100r, supports the upper end of the elastic member 155C, and fixes the upper end of the elastic member 155C so that it does not come off in the downward direction B. A support member 153C is connected to the bottom portion 190bC, supports the lower end of the elastic member 155C, and fixes the lower end of the elastic member 155C so that it does not come off in the upward direction U.

[0081] The elastic member 155C is supported by the support members 151C and 153C in a state stretched longer than its natural length, and applies a force to the first region 100r to hold the foot lever 100 in the rest position. The force applied to the first region 100r includes a component in the downward direction B. In other words, the direction of the force applied to the first region 100r is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0082] In this example, the stroke sensor 171C is also disposed in the lower space LS and measures the displacement of the lower surface 100s2 of the first region 100r. The stroke sensor 171C may be disposed in the upper space US. The case 190C has a structure that allows the elastic member 155C and the stroke sensor 171C to be disposed in the lower space LS. Description of parts of the pedal unit 10C in the fourth embodiment that are common to the pedal unit 10 in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0083] Fifth Embodiment The pedal unit 10 in the first embodiment may have a configuration that applies another force to the foot lever 100. In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which a configuration is provided that applies a force to the foot lever 100 in the vicinity of the rotation center C.

[0084] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit according to the fifth embodiment. A pedal unit 10D according to the fifth embodiment includes a force assisting member 141D. In this example, the force assisting member 141D is an elastic member such as a metal spring, and includes an upper end supported by the front portion 190fD and a lower end supported by the central region 100c, and is disposed between the front portion 190fD and the central region 100c.

[0085] The force assisting member 141D applies force to the foot lever 100 so as to press the shaft 115 against the contact portion 125. In this example, the force (in this example, the axial direction of the spring) that the force assisting member 141D applies to the foot lever 100 has at least a component along the radial direction relative to the rotation center C. It is more preferable that when the foot lever 100 is at any position within its rotation range, the rotation center C is located at a position where the axis of the spring is extended. Here, "any position within the rotation range" may be, for example, when the foot lever 100 is at the center position between the rest position and the end position.

[0086] Unlike the elastic member 155, most of the force applied to the foot lever 100 by the force assisting member 141D does not act in the direction of rotation of the foot lever 100, but rather corresponds to the force pressing the shaft 115 against the contact portion 125. Therefore, the force of the force assisting member 141D hardly changes the force (normal force) applied from the shaft 115 to the bearing 120 (contact portion 125) depending on the rotational position of the foot lever 100. This differs from the effect of the elastic member 155 on this normal force. In this way, by combining the normal force (force caused by the elastic member 155) that changes depending on the rotational position of the foot lever 100 and the normal force (force caused by the force assisting member 141D) that does not change depending on the rotational position, various reaction forces and hysteresis characteristics can be created. A description of the parts of the pedal unit 10D in the fifth embodiment that are common to the pedal unit 10 in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0087] Sixth Embodiment Instead of providing the contact portion 125 at the portion of the bearing 120 that contacts the shaft 115, the contact portion 125 may be provided at a portion of the shaft 115 that contacts the bearing. In the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which the contact portion is provided at a portion of the shaft.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shaft and the bearing in the sixth embodiment. The shaft 115E in the sixth embodiment includes a contact portion 125E and a shaft support portion 112E. The contact portion 125E contacts the bearing 120E formed on the bottom portion 190bE. The contact portion 125E does not necessarily have to cover the entire surface of the shaft support portion 112E as shown in FIG. 11, but may be disposed at least in a portion that contacts the bearing 120E. As in the first embodiment, the contact portion 125E may be configured to be supported by the shaft support portion 112E from the side opposite the contact surface. The contact portion 125E is formed of a resin different from that of the shaft support portion 112E and the bearing 120E (bottom portion 190bE). Similar to the first embodiment, the relationship between the resin material of the contact portion 125E and that of the bearing 120E (bottom portion 190bE) is determined so that a desired frictional force is obtained between the contact portion 125E and the bearing 120E and wear is reduced. The shaft support portion 112E is connected to the lower surface 100s2 of the central region 100c and supports the contact portion 125E.

[0089] The structure of the shaft 115E in the sixth embodiment may be combined with the structure of the bearing 120 in the first embodiment. That is, a structure corresponding to a contact portion may be provided on both the shaft and the bearing. In this case, the contact portion of the shaft (corresponding to contact portion 120E) and the contact portion of the bearing (corresponding to contact portion 120) are preferably made of different resin materials.

[0090] Seventh Embodiment The shaft 115 may be configured to come into contact with a part of the contact portion 125. In the seventh embodiment, an example will be described in which the shaft has a rectangular shape with two apex angles when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis, and comes into contact with the contact portion 125 at the two apex angles.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shaft and bearings in the seventh embodiment. The shaft 115F in the seventh embodiment is supported by a shaft support portion 111F connected to the lower surface 100s2 of the central region 100c. The shaft 115F has portions with two apex angles in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis. The two apex angle portions contact the contact portion 125. The distances (corresponding to the radius of curvature DD) from the rotation center C are the same at both of the two contacting portions, allowing the foot lever 100 to rotate. The two apex angle portions of the shaft 115F may have curved surfaces, and may form part of an arc with a radius of curvature DD centered at the rotation center C, or an arc with a radius smaller than the radius of curvature DD.

[0092] In this way, the foot lever 100 rotates with the shaft 115F in contact with a portion of the bearing 120, thereby stabilizing the normal force compared to the relationship between the shaft 115 and the bearing 120 in the first embodiment, and further stabilizing the orientation of the rotation axis, thereby preventing the top surface tip portion 100fe of the foot lever 100 from moving left and right.

[0093] Eighth Embodiment In the configuration in which the shaft 115 is in contact with a part of the contact portion 125, the bearing may have a configuration other than an arc shape when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis, contrary to the seventh embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, an example will be described in which the shape of the bearing in the shaft 115E in the sixth embodiment is different from that in the sixth embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shaft and the bearing in the eighth embodiment. The bearing 120G is formed on the bottom portion 190bG and includes a bottom surface 120G-1, a front inclined surface 120G-2, and a rear inclined surface 120G-3. The bottom surface 120G-1 forms a horizontal plane. The front inclined surface 120G-2 is a plane tilted in the forward direction F of the bottom surface 120G-1. The rear inclined surface 120G-3 is a plane tilted in the depth direction D of the bottom surface 120G-1. The front inclined surface 120G-2 contacts the contact portion 125E in an area SA1. The rear inclined surface 120G-3 contacts the contact portion 125E in an area SA2. The areas SA1 and SA2 are spaced apart. The areas SA1 and SA2 may be scraped along the surface shape (arc shape) of the contact portion 125E. In this case, the front inclined surface 120G-2 and the rear inclined surface 120G-3 have recesses formed in parts of their planes that conform to the surface shape of the contact portion 125E.

[0095] In this example, the distance between the bottom surface 120G-1 and the contact portion 125E is determined as follows: A first position is defined on the bottom surface 120G-1 between area SA1 and area SA2, a second position is defined on the bottom surface 120G-1 between the first position and area SA1, and a third position is defined on the bottom surface 120G-1 between the first position and area SA1, and a third position is defined on the bottom surface 120G-1 between the first position and area SA2. That is, the second position, the first position, and the third position are arranged in this order in the depth direction D. In this example, the first position is a portion directly below the rotation center C. As shown in FIG. 13 , the distance between the first position on the bottom surface 120G-1 and the contact portion 125E is referred to as a first separation distance DS1. The distance between the second position on the bottom surface 120G-1 and the contact portion 125E is referred to as a second separation distance DS2. The distance between the third position on the bottom surface 120G-1 and the contact portion 125E is referred to as a third separation distance DS3.

[0096] According to this definition, the first separation distance DS1 is shorter than the second separation distance DS2 and the third separation distance DS3. With this relationship, when the shaft 115E moves downward in the direction B due to the cutting of the areas SA1 and SA2, the lower end of the contact portion 125E comes into contact with the bottom surface 120G-1, thereby restricting further movement downward in the direction B. If the shaft 115E continues to move downward in the direction B, the shaft 115E may become jammed into the bearing 120G depending on the circumstances, which may result in a very large frictional force occurring between the shaft 115E and the bearing 120G when the foot lever 100 rotates. By restricting the movement of the shaft 115E downward in the direction B, the shaft 115E is prevented from becoming jammed into the bearing 120G.

[0097] The relationship that the first separation distance DS1 is shorter than the second separation distance DS2 and the third separation distance DS3 does not necessarily have to be satisfied when the bottom surface 120G-1 is a horizontal plane. For example, the bottom surface 120G-1 may have a surface that protrudes in the upward direction U at a portion corresponding to the first position.

[0098] Ninth Embodiment The contact portion 125 may have a configuration in which two or more different materials are exposed on the contact surface. In the ninth embodiment, an example will be described in which different materials are exposed on the contact surface at the center portion and both end portions in the left-right direction of the contact portion.

[0099] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a contact portion in the ninth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a contact portion in the ninth embodiment. Like Fig. 4, Fig. 14 shows the positional relationship between the shaft 115 and the bearing 120H when the foot lever 100 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center C (rotation axis) (here, downward direction B). Fig. 15 shows a cross section of the shaft 115 and the bearing 120H cut along a plane that includes the rotation axis and extends in the up-down direction.

[0100] In this example, the contact portion 125H of the bearing 120H includes a reinforcing portion 125H-1 and a high-friction portion 125H-2. The reinforcing portion 125H-1 contacts the shaft 115 in a first contact area CA1 and a third contact area CA3. The high-friction portion 125H-2 contacts the shaft 115 in a second contact area CA2. The first contact area CA1 and the third contact area CA3 are arranged with the second contact area CA2 sandwiched between them. In this example, the second contact area is arranged in the center in the left-right direction. The first contact area CA1 and the third contact area CA3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the second contact area CA2.

[0101] 15 , the high-friction portion 125H-2 is arranged so as to be exposed on the contact surface side (shaft 115 side) of the contact portion 125H, and is supported by the reinforcing portion 125H-1 on the bearing support portion 192 side. The high-friction portion 125H-2 may also be exposed on the bearing support portion 192 side so as to be in contact with the bearing support portion 192. The reinforcing portion 125H-1 may be formed integrally with the case 190.

[0102] In this example, the coefficient of friction of the high-friction portion 125H-2 with respect to the shaft 115 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the reinforcement portion 125H-1 with respect to the shaft 115. By selecting the material of the high-friction portion 125H-2 and setting the size of the second contact area CA2, it is possible to appropriately set the frictional force when the foot lever 100 rotates.

[0103] Here, when the coefficient of friction is large, the rigidity of the high-friction portion 125H-2 may be lower than the rigidity of the reinforcement portion 125H-1 depending on the materials selected for the reinforcement portion 125H-1 and the high-friction portion 125H-2. Even in this case, the reinforcement portion 125H-1 supports the shaft 115 at both ends of the contact portion 125H (the first contact area CA1 and the third contact area CA3), so that the bearing 120H (contact portion 125H) and the shaft 115 can maintain a stable contact state even if the rigidity in the central portion (the second contact area CA2) is low.

[0104] Tenth Embodiment The shaft 115 and bearing 120 that generate frictional force when the foot lever 100 rotates are arranged in an area (hereinafter referred to as the inner area) in the downward direction B of the foot lever 100. A portion that generates friction when the foot lever 100 rotates may also be formed in an area outside of that area (hereinafter referred to as the outer area). In the tenth embodiment, an example will be described in which the shaft in the inner area extends to the outer area, and a configuration equivalent to the shaft and bearing is provided in the outer area as well, thereby enabling frictional force to be generated.

[0105] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the shaft and bearing in the tenth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the shaft and bearing in the tenth embodiment. Like Fig. 4, Fig. 16 shows the positional relationship between shaft 115J and bearing 120J when foot lever 100 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to rotation center C (rotation axis) (here, downward direction B). Fig. 17 shows a cross section of shaft 115J and bearing 120J cut along a plane that includes the rotation axis and extends in the up-down direction.

[0106] The shaft 115J includes an inner shaft portion 115J-1, an outer shaft portion 115J-2, and a connecting portion 115J-3. The inner shaft portion 115J-1 is disposed in the inner region. The outer shaft portion 115J-2 is disposed in the outer region. The connecting portion 115J-3 connects the inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the outer shaft portion 115J-2. The connecting portion 115J-3 is disposed at a position offset from the rotation center C, but is interlocked with the inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the outer shaft portion 115J-2.

[0107] The bearing 120J includes a contact portion 125J and a bearing support portion 192J. The contact portion 125J includes an inner contact portion 125J-1 and an outer contact portion 125J-2 (third member). The bearing support portion 192J includes an inner bearing support portion 192J-1 and an outer bearing support portion 194J-2. The inner contact portion 125J-1 contacts the inner shaft portion 115J-1 in an inner region and is supported by the inner bearing support portion 192J-1. The outer contact portion 125J-2 contacts the outer shaft portion 115J-2 in an outer region and is supported by the outer bearing support portion 192J-2. The inner bearing support portion 192J-1 and the outer bearing support portion 192J-2 are formed on the bottom portion 190bJ.

[0108] The arc forming the contact surface between the inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the inner contact portion 125J-1 and the arc forming the contact surface between the outer inner shaft portion 115J-2 and the outer contact portion 125J-2 both have the same center (rotation center C). In other words, when each contact surface is viewed along the rotation axis, the two arcs corresponding to each contact surface are both equivalent to parts of concentric circles with the rotation center C as their common center.

[0109] When the foot lever 100 rotates, the inner shaft portion 115J-1 slides against the inner contact portion 125J-1, and the outer shaft portion 115J-2 slides against the outer contact portion 125J-2. That is, the inner shaft portion 115J-1, the outer shaft portion 115J-2, and the connecting portion 115J-3 rotate in unison. This generates frictional forces at the contact surfaces of both. As shown in FIG. 17, the distance from the rotation center C (rotation axis) to the contact surface where the inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the inner contact portion 125J-1 come into contact is called the radius of curvature DDa. The distance from the rotation center C (rotation axis) to the contact surface where the outer shaft portion 115J-2 and the outer contact portion 125J-2 come into contact is called the radius of curvature DDb. The contact area between the inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the inner contact portion 125J-1 and the contact area between the outer shaft portion 115J-2 and the outer contact portion 125J-2 may be set appropriately.

[0110] In this example, the radius of curvature DDb is larger than the radius of curvature DDa, but this is not limiting. That is, the radius of curvature DDa and the radius of curvature DDb may be the same, or the radius of curvature DDb may be smaller than the radius of curvature DDa. The inner contact portion 125J-1 and the outer contact portion 125J-2 may be formed of the same material, or may be formed of different materials so as to have different coefficients of friction with respect to the shaft 115J. Similarly, with respect to the shaft 115J, the inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the outer shaft portion 115J-2 may be formed of the same material, or may be formed of different materials. In this example, the outer shaft portion 115J-2 and the outer contact portion 125J-2 in the outer region are arranged in the right direction R with respect to the inner region, but they may also be arranged in the left direction L, or in both directions.

[0111] Since the foot lever 100 is not present in the outer region, there is a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the outer shaft portion 115J-2 and the outer contact portion 125J-2. Therefore, for example, the outer contact portion 125J-2 may be formed so as to surround the outer shaft portion 115J-2. The inner shaft portion 115J-1 and the outer shaft portion 115J-2 may be formed detachably. In this case, the connecting portion 115J-3 is configured to transmit at least the rotational force applied to the inner shaft portion 115J-1 to the outer shaft portion 115J-2. In this case, the bearing support portion 192J-2 supporting the outer contact portion 125J-2 may be formed detachably with respect to the bottom portion 190bJ (case). In this way, a mechanism for generating frictional force in the outer region can be attached to the foot lever 100 of the first embodiment.

[0112] Eleventh Embodiment The shaft 115 is not limited to being connected to the foot lever 100 or the case 190. In the eleventh embodiment, a pedal unit 10K having a detachable shaft 115K will be described.

[0113] 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pedal unit according to the eleventh embodiment. The pedal unit 10K according to the eleventh embodiment includes a first bearing 120K-1 fixed to the foot lever 100 and a second bearing 120K-2 fixed to the case 190. The first bearing 120K-1 includes a bearing support portion 112K and a contact portion 125K-1. The first bearing 120K-1 has a configuration corresponding to the bearing 120A according to the second embodiment. The second bearing 120K-2 includes a bearing support portion 192K and a contact portion 125K-2. The second bearing 120K-2 has a configuration corresponding to the bearing 120 according to the first embodiment.

[0114] The shaft 115K is sandwiched between a first bearing 120K-1 and a second bearing 120K-2. The first bearing 120K-1 and the second bearing 120K-2 are subjected to a force by an elastic member 155 to move them closer to each other. Therefore, the shaft 115K is rotatably held on the inner surface formed by the connecting portions 125K-1 and 125K-2.

[0115] The shaft 115K contacts at least two regions spaced apart from each other in the first bearing 120K-1 (connecting portion 125K-1) and is separated from the region between the two regions. The shaft 115K further contacts at least two regions spaced apart from each other in the second bearing 120K-2 (connecting portion 125K-2) and is separated from the region between the two regions. Therefore, the shape of the shaft 115K may be circular when viewed in the left-right direction, but is not limited to being circular, as shown in FIG. 18. In other words, it is sufficient that the shaft 115K has a structure in which it contacts two regions in each of the first bearing 120K-1 and the second bearing 120K-2, as described above.

[0116] When the foot lever 100 is depressed, the shaft 115K and the contact portion 125K-1 slide against each other, causing the foot lever 100 to rotate. At this time, the shaft 115K may or may not rotate, as long as the shaft 115K and the contact portion 125K-1 slide relative to each other. Therefore, the shaft 115K may be fixed to the case 190, or may be unfixed. If the shaft 115K is fixed to the case 190, the positional relationship between the shaft 115K and the case 190 may be fixed, for example, in at least one or both of the rotational direction and the left-right direction. Even in this case, the shaft 115K is configured to be detachable from the case 190. Therefore, the pedal unit 10K can be manufactured by finally inserting the shaft 115K, or the shaft 115K can be replaced by removing it.

[0117] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the movement of the pedal unit when inserting the shaft in the eleventh embodiment. When manufacturing the pedal unit 10K by finally inserting the shaft 115K, for example, as shown in Fig. 19, the second region 100f of the foot lever 100 is lifted in the upward direction U to contract the elastic member 155, thereby widening the gap formed between the first bearing 120K-1 and the second bearing 120K-2. In this state, the shaft 115K is inserted into the gap, and the foot lever 100 is returned to its original position, thereby realizing the configuration shown in Fig. 18.

[0118] <Twelfth and Thirteenth Embodiments> When the elastic member 155 is a coil spring (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a spring), particularly a closed-end type coil spring, mechanical noise may be generated when the spring expands or contracts, depending on the positional relationship between the support members 151, 153 and the elastic member 155. A closed-end type coil spring has a structure in which the ends of the spring's windings come into contact with adjacent windings. When the spring expands or contracts, the positional relationship between the ends of the windings and the adjacent windings may shift significantly depending on how the force is received, causing noise. Even if the spring is not a closed-end type, noise may similarly be generated if a structure is created in which the ends of the spring's windings come into contact with adjacent windings during the spring's contraction process. In the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, configurations for reducing such noise will be described.

[0119] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the shape of the spring (rest position) in the twelfth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the shape of the spring (end position) in the twelfth embodiment. In the following explanation, the parts corresponding to the elastic member 155 and the support members 151 and 153 will be extracted and explained.

[0120] The elastic member 155L is a coil-shaped spring with a winding connecting the first end 155La and the second end 155Lb. In FIGS. 20 and 21, the winding is shown in a cross section passing through the central axis of the spring and including the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. That is, the winding is connected in the order of the first end 155La, winding cross sections 155L1, 155L2, . . . 155L10, and second end 155Lb. In this example, the elastic member 155L is a closed-end type coil spring. Therefore, the side surface of the first end 155La contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155L2 adjacent to the first end 155La. The side surface of the second end 155Lb contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155L9 adjacent to the second end 155Lb.

[0121] The support member 151L includes a base portion 151L1 and a protruding portion 151L2. The support member 153L includes a base portion 153L1 and a protruding portion 153L2. The base portions 151L1 and 153L1 are arranged to limit the extension of the elastic member 155L. The protruding portion 151L2 protrudes from the base portion 151L1 so as to be positioned in the space inside the spring. The protruding portion 153L2 protrudes from the base portion 153L1 so as to be positioned in the space inside the spring. The protruding portions 151L2 and 153L2 contact the winding from the space inside the spring, thereby limiting lateral displacement of the spring.

[0122] The first cross section SSa is defined as a plane that passes through the center of the first end 155La and the center of the winding cross section 155L1 and includes the radial direction of the spring. The first center position CCa is defined as the center of the first cross section SSa. The first axial direction SAa is defined as a direction perpendicular to the first cross section SSa and extending from the first center position CCa toward the inside of the spring. The second cross section SSb is defined as a plane that passes through the center of the second end 155Lb and the center of the winding cross section 155L10 and includes the radial direction of the spring. The second center position CCb is defined as the center of the second cross section SSb. The second axial direction SAb is defined as a direction perpendicular to the second cross section SSb and extending from the second center position CCb toward the inside of the spring.

[0123] The center line CL is defined as a line connecting the first center position CCa and the second center position CCb. The center line CL can also be referred to as the central axis of the spring. The first angle DAa is defined as the angle between the center line CL and the first axial direction SAa. The second angle DAb is defined as the angle between the center line CL and the second axial direction SAb. The third angle RAa is defined as the angle between the first axial direction SAa and a line RLa connecting the rotation axis (rotation center C) and the first center position CCa. The fourth angle RAb is defined as the angle between the second axial direction SAb and a line RLb connecting the rotation axis (rotation center C) and the second center position CCb. The third angle RAa and the fourth angle RAb have constant values ​​regardless of the rotation of the foot lever 100. The line CA is the bisector of the angle formed by the line RLa and the line RLb. Figures 20 and 21 are shown based on the line CA. The above-described explanations and definitions of the configurations relating to FIGS. 20 and 21 also apply to the drawings described below, and explanations of configurations with similar reference numerals may be omitted.

[0124] The shape of the elastic member 155L changes within the rotation range of the foot lever 100, for example, between the positions shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. This is because, as the foot lever 100 rotates, the positional relationship and inclination of the support members 151L and 153L change around the rotation center C. This creates a situation in which the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb do not become 0 degrees. This situation indicates that the force acting on the spring includes not only a component in the expansion / contraction direction of the spring but also a component in the radial direction of the spring. The radial component of the force of the spring becomes larger the closer it is to the support members 151L and 153L.

[0125] Therefore, when adjacent windings are close to or in contact with each other, a strong force is generated in the radial direction of the spring when the spring compresses, which can cause a sudden displacement of the relative positions and generate noise. For example, the side surface of first end 155La contacts the side surface of winding cross section 155L2 adjacent to first end 155La. The winding portion of winding cross section 155L2 receives a force in the direction of the arrows shown in Figures 20 and 21. If this force becomes too large, the winding portion of winding cross section 155L2 may fall off in the direction of the force. This falling off generates mechanical noise.

[0126] As described above, the force Fa acting on the winding portion of winding cross section 155L2 increases as the first axis direction SAa deviates from the center line CL, i.e., as the first angle DAa increases.The force Fb acting on the winding portion of winding cross section 155L9 increases as the second axis direction SAb deviates from the center line CL, i.e., as the second angle DAb increases.

[0127] Therefore, the inventors have confirmed that in order to prevent such detachment from occurring, it is preferable to satisfy the following condition. This condition is that, when the foot lever 100 moves in the direction in which the spring compresses, at least one of the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb decreases within at least a part of the rotation range of the foot lever 100. "At least a part of the rotation range" includes the state in which the spring is most extended within the rotation range. In other words, when the foot lever 100 moves in the direction in which the spring compresses from the state in which the spring is most extended within the rotation range of the foot lever 100, at least one of the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb decreases.

[0128] In this way, when the spring is compressed, at least one of the forces Fa and Fb can be reduced.

[0129] In the state where the spring is most stretched within the rotation range of the foot lever 100 (in this example, when the foot lever 100 is in the rest position), it is preferable that the larger of the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb satisfies the above condition.

[0130] The above condition may be satisfied throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100. In this case, at least one of the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb may be greater than 0 degrees. If the above condition is satisfied only in part of the rotation range of the foot lever 100, the spring will compress and at least one of the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb will become 0 degrees at any position in the rotation range of the foot lever 100. In this case, as the spring continues to compress, the magnitude of the first angle DAa or the second angle DAb, which has become 0 degrees, will increase again. In this case, it is preferable that the angle be 10 degrees or less even when the foot lever 100 is at its end position.

[0131] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the third angle RAa and the fourth angle RAb is less than 90 degrees.

[0132] Below, some examples that satisfy the above conditions are shown in the 12th and 13th embodiments, and examples that do not satisfy the above conditions are shown as Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Examples that satisfy the above conditions include cases where at least some of the conditions that are preferably satisfied are not satisfied.

[0133] In the example of the support members 151L, 153L and the elastic member 155L shown in Figures 20 and 21, when the foot lever 100 moves from the rest position to the end position, the following situations occur: The first angle DAa decreases in a part of the rotation range of the foot lever 100 and eventually increases, but remains below 10 degrees. The second angle DAb decreases throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100. When the foot lever 100 is in the rest position, the second angle DAb is greater than the first angle DAa. The third angle RAa is greater than 90 degrees. The fourth angle RAb is less than 90 degrees.

[0134] The positional relationship between the support member 151L and the support member 153L may be interchanged with respect to the line CA. For example, the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb may be interchanged with each other. This positional relationship can be similarly applied to the examples described below.

[0135] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the shape of the spring (rest position) in the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the shape of the spring (end position) in the thirteenth embodiment. In the example of the support members 151M, 153M and the elastic member 155M shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, when the foot lever 100 moves from the rest position to the end position, the following situations occur: The first angle DAa decreases throughout the rotation range of the foot lever 100. The second angle DAb increases throughout the rotation range of the foot lever 100. When the foot lever 100 is in the rest position, the first angle DAa is greater than the second angle DAb. The third angle RAa is 90 degrees or greater. The fourth angle RAb is less than 90 degrees.

[0136] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the shape of the spring (rest position) in Comparative Example 1. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the shape of the spring (end position) in Comparative Example 1. In the example of the support members 151Z, 153Z and the elastic member 155Z shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, when the foot lever 100 moves from the rest position to the end position, the following situations occur: The first angle DAa increases throughout the rotation range of the foot lever 100. The second angle DAb increases throughout the rotation range of the foot lever 100. When the foot lever 100 is in the rest position, the second angle DAb is greater than the first angle DAa. The third angle RAa is less than 90 degrees. The fourth angle RAb is less than 90 degrees.

[0137] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the shape (rest position) of the spring in Comparative Example 2. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the shape (end position) of the spring in Comparative Example 2. In the example of the support members 151Y, 153Y and the elastic member 155Y shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, when the foot lever 100 moves from the rest position to the end position, the following situations occur: The first angle DAa increases throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100. The second angle DAb increases throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100. When the foot lever 100 is in the rest position, the second angle DAb is greater than the first angle DAa. The third angle RAa is less than 90 degrees. The fourth angle RAb is greater than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0138] In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, when the foot lever 100 moves from the rest position to the end position, the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb increase, and therefore the forces Fa and Fb also increase. As a result, the possibility of mechanical noise occurring increases. On the other hand, in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, when the foot lever 100 moves from the rest position to the end position, at least one of the first angle DAa and the second angle DAb decreases, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of mechanical noise.

[0139] <Fourteenth embodiment> The mechanical noise described in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments can also be improved by using a different configuration, which will be described as the fourteenth embodiment. The improved configuration described below may be applied to configurations that satisfy the conditions described in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, or may be applied to configurations that do not satisfy those conditions.

[0140] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the spring and the support member in the fourteenth embodiment. In Fig. 28, for ease of explanation, the positional relationship between the respective components is shown schematically by differing from the actual positional relationship.

[0141] The elastic member 155N is a coil-shaped spring having a winding connecting the first end 155Na and the second end 155Nb. In FIG. 28, the winding is shown in a cross section passing through the central axis of the spring and including the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. That is, the winding is connected in the order of the first end 155Na, the winding cross sections 155N1, 155N2, ..., 155N8, and the second end 155Nb. The elastic member 155N is a closed-end type spring. Therefore, the side surface of the first end 155Na contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155N2 adjacent to the first end 155Na. The side surface of the second end 155Nb contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155N7 adjacent to the second end 155Nb.

[0142] The support member 151N includes a base portion 151N1 and a protruding portion 151N2. The support member 153N includes a base portion 153N1 and a protruding portion 153N2. The base portions 151N1 and 153N1 are arranged to limit the extension of the elastic member 155N. The protruding portion 151N2 protrudes from the base portion 151N1 so as to be positioned in the space inside the spring. The protruding portion 153N2 protrudes from the base portion 153N1 so as to be positioned in the space inside the spring. The protruding portions 151N2 and 153N2 contact the winding from the space inside the spring, thereby limiting lateral displacement of the spring.

[0143] 28, in this example, the protruding portion 151N2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155N1 from the inner circumferential side of the spring. Meanwhile, the protruding portion 151N2 does not contact either the side surface of the first end portion 155Na or the side surface of the winding cross section 155N2. The side surface of the winding cross section 155N2 does not contact the base portion 151N1 either, so it can also be said that it does not contact the support member 151N.

[0144] In this example, the protruding portion 153N2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155N8 from the inner circumferential side of the spring. On the other hand, the protruding portion 153N2 does not contact either the side surface of the second end portion 155Nb or the side surface of the winding cross section 155N7. The side surface of the winding cross section 155N7 does not contact the base portion 153N1 either, so it can also be said that it does not contact the support member 153N.

[0145] This configuration results from the positional relationship between support member 151N and support member 153N. In the example shown in Fig. 28, support member 151N is located on the left side of the figure relative to support member 153N. As a result, in elastic member 155N, the side surface of winding cross section 155N1 receives a force pushing leftward from support member 151N, and the side surface of winding cross section 155N8 receives a force pushing rightward from support member 153N.

[0146] At this time, winding cross section 155N2 receives a force Fa pulling it to the right and tries to move to the right. Meanwhile, the side surface of winding cross section 155N1 is supported by support member 151N. Therefore, winding cross section 155N2 moves to the right, based on the distance (half a turn) from winding cross section 155N1 to winding cross section 155N2. Similarly, winding cross section 155N7 receives a force Fb pulling it to the left and moves to the left, based on the distance (half a turn) from winding cross section 155N8 to winding cross section 155N7.

[0147] 29 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the spring and the support member in Comparative Example 3. The elastic member 155X in Comparative Example 3 is rotated by half a turn relative to the elastic member 155N. As a result, the protrusion 151X2 contacts the side surface of the first end 155Xa from the inner circumferential side of the spring. The protrusion 153X2 contacts the side surface of the second end 155Xb from the inner circumferential side of the spring. Meanwhile, the protrusion 151X2 does not contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155X1, and the protrusion 153X2 does not contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155X8.

[0148] Therefore, winding cross section 155X2 receives a force Fa pulling it to the right and moves to the right, based on the distance (one turn) from first end 155Xa to winding cross section 155X2. Similarly, winding cross section 155X7 receives a force Fb pulling it to the left and moves to the left, based on the distance (one turn) from second end 155Xb to winding cross section 155X7.

[0149] The amount of movement of winding cross section 155X2 and winding cross section 155X7 is based on one turn, and is therefore greater than the amount of movement of winding cross section 155N2 and winding cross section 155N7 based on half a turn. In other words, as shown in the fourteenth embodiment, contact with protruding portion 151N2 at any position between first end 155Na and winding cross section 155N2 (in this example, winding cross section 155N1) can reduce the amount of movement of winding cross section 155N2 relative to a given force. As a result, according to the fourteenth embodiment, the generation of mechanical noise can be suppressed more than in comparative example 3.

[0150] <Fifteenth embodiment> In the fourteenth embodiment, the protrusions 151N2 and 153N2 are both arranged on the inside of the spring, but they may be arranged on the outside as long as they can prevent the spring from shifting laterally. In the fifteenth embodiment, an example will be described in which the protrusions are arranged on the outside of the spring.

[0151] Figure 30 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the spring and support member in the fifteenth embodiment. The elastic member 155P is similar to the elastic member 155N. The support member 151P includes a base portion 151P1 and a protruding portion 151P2. The support member 153P includes a base portion 153P1 and a protruding portion 153P2. The base portions 151P1 and 153P1 are arranged to limit the extension of the elastic member 155P. The protruding portion 151P2 protrudes from the base portion 151P1 so as to surround the outside of the spring. The protruding portion 153P2 protrudes from the base portion 153P1 so as to surround the outside of the spring. The protruding portions 151P2 and 153P2 contact the windings from the outside of the spring, limiting lateral displacement of the spring.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 30, in this example, the protruding portion 151P2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155P1 from the outer periphery of the spring. On the other hand, the protruding portion 151P2 does not contact either the side surface of the first end portion 155Pa or the side surface of the winding cross section 155P2. That is, the protruding portion 151P2 does not need to support the spring from the first end portion 155Pa side (the left side in FIG. 30) of the winding. Therefore, the protruding portion 151P2 may not be shaped to surround the outside of the spring, but may be shaped to be positioned so as to contact at least the side surface of the winding cross section 155P1 as described above. The side surface of the winding cross section 155P2 does not contact the base portion 151P1 either, and therefore it can also be said that it does not contact the support member 151P.

[0153] In this example, the protruding portion 153P2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155P8 from the outer periphery of the spring. On the other hand, the protruding portion 153P2 does not contact either the side surface of the second end 155Pb or the side surface of the winding cross section 155P7. That is, the protruding portion 153P2 does not need to support the spring from the first end 155Pb side of the winding (the right side in FIG. 30). Therefore, the protruding portion 153P2 may not be shaped to surround the outside of the spring, but may be shaped to be positioned so as to contact at least the side surface of the winding cross section 155P8 as described above. The side surface of the winding cross section 155P7 does not contact the base portion 153P1 either, so it can also be said that it does not contact the support member 153P.

[0154] This configuration is caused by the positional relationship between support member 151P and support member 153P. In the example shown in Fig. 30, support member 151P is located on the left side of the figure relative to support member 153P. As a result, in elastic member 155P, the side surface of winding cross section 155P1 receives a force pushing leftward from support member 151P, and the side surface of winding cross section 155P8 receives a force pushing rightward from support member 153P.

[0155] At this time, winding cross section 155P2 receives a force Fa pulling it to the right and tries to move to the right. Meanwhile, the side surface of winding cross section 155P1 is supported by support member 151P. Therefore, winding cross section 155P2 moves to the right, based on the distance (half a turn) from winding cross section 155P1 to winding cross section 155P2. Similarly, winding cross section 155P7 receives a force Fb pulling it to the left and moves to the left, based on the distance (half a turn) from winding cross section 155P8 to winding cross section 155P7.

[0156] 31 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the spring and the support member in Comparative Example 4. The elastic member 155W in Comparative Example 4 is rotated by half a turn relative to the elastic member 155P. As a result, the protruding portion 151W2 contacts the side surface of the first end 155Wa from the outer periphery of the spring. The protruding portion 153W2 contacts the side surface of the second end 155Wb from the outer periphery of the spring. Meanwhile, the protruding portion 151W2 does not contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155W1, and the protruding portion 153W2 does not contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155W8.

[0157] Therefore, winding cross section 155W2 shifts to the right based on the distance (one turn) from first end 155Wa to winding cross section 155W2. Similarly, winding cross section 155W7 shifts to the left based on the distance (one turn) from second end 155Wb to winding cross section 155W7.

[0158] The amount of movement of winding cross section 155W2 and winding cross section 155W7 is based on one turn, and is therefore greater than the amount of movement of winding cross section 155P2 and winding cross section 155P7 based on half a turn. In other words, as shown in the fifteenth embodiment, contact with protruding portion 151P2 at any position between first end 155Pa and winding cross section 155P2 (in this example, winding cross section 155P1) can reduce the amount of movement of winding cross section 155P2 relative to a given force. As a result, according to the fifteenth embodiment, the generation of mechanical noise can be suppressed more than in comparative example 4.

[0159] <16th embodiment> In the above-described Comparative Example 3, the generation of mechanical noise can also be suppressed by increasing the height of the protrusions. In the sixteenth embodiment, an example in which the heights of the protrusions 151X2 and 153X2 in the above-described Comparative Example 3 are increased will be described. The heights of the protrusions may also be increased in the same manner in the twelfth to fifteenth embodiments and Comparative Example 4, which will be described next.

[0160] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the spring and the support member in the sixteenth embodiment. The elastic member 155Q and the base portions 151Q1 and 153Q1 in the sixteenth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the third comparative example. The protruding portion 151Q2 contacts the side surface of the first end portion 155Qa from the inner circumferential side of the spring. The protruding portion 151Q2 also protrudes from the base portion 151Q1 to a height that allows it to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155Q2. In this example, the protruding portion 151Q2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155Q2 throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100, but it may not contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155Q2 in part of the rotation range.

[0161] The protruding portion 153Q2 contacts the side surface of the second end portion 155Qb from the inner circumferential side of the spring. In this example, the protruding portion 153Q2 also protrudes from the base portion 153Q1 to a height that allows it to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155Q7. In this example, the protruding portion 153Q2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155Q7 throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100, but it is not necessary for the protruding portion 153Q2 to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155Q7 in part of the rotation range.

[0162] In this way, even if winding cross section 155Q2 is subjected to force Fa pulling it to the right, protrusion 151Q2 prevents it from moving. Similarly, even if winding cross section 155Q7 is subjected to force Fb pulling it to the left, protrusion 153Q2 prevents it from moving. Therefore, according to the sixteenth embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of mechanical noise.

[0163] Seventeenth Embodiment In the above-described comparative example 4, the occurrence of mechanical noise can also be suppressed by increasing the height of the protrusions. In the seventeenth embodiment, an example will be described in which the heights of the protrusions 151W2 and 153W2 in the above-described comparative example 4 are increased.

[0164] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the spring and the support member in the seventeenth embodiment. The elastic member 155R and base portions 151R1 and 153R1 in the seventeenth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the fourth comparative example. The protruding portion 151R2 contacts the side surface of the first end portion 155Ra from the inner circumferential side of the spring. The protruding portion 151R2 also protrudes from the base portion 151R1 to a height that allows it to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155R2. In this example, the protruding portion 151R2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155R2 throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100, but it is not necessary for it to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155R2 in part of the rotation range.

[0165] The protruding portion 153R2 contacts the side surface of the second end portion 155Rb from the inner circumferential side of the spring. In this example, the protruding portion 153R2 also protrudes from the base portion 153R1 to a height that allows it to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155R7. In this example, the protruding portion 153R2 contacts the side surface of the winding cross section 155R7 throughout the entire rotation range of the foot lever 100, but it is not necessary for the protruding portion 153R2 to contact the side surface of the winding cross section 155R7 in part of the rotation range.

[0166] In this way, even if winding cross section 155R2 is subjected to a force Fa pulling it to the right, protrusion 151R2 prevents it from moving. Similarly, even if winding cross section 155R7 is subjected to a force Fb pulling it to the left, protrusion 153R2 prevents it from moving. Therefore, according to the seventeenth embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of mechanical noise.

[0167] In the twelfth to seventeenth embodiments described above, the positional relationship between the support members 151, 153 and the elastic member 155 has been described. This is not limited to the case where the configuration in each embodiment corresponding to the support member 151 is fixed to the foot lever 100 and the configuration in each embodiment corresponding to the support member 153 is fixed to the case 190, and the reverse relationship is also possible. In other words, the configuration in each embodiment corresponding to the support member 151 may be fixed to the case 190 and the configuration in each embodiment corresponding to the support member 153 may be fixed to the foot lever 100.

[0168] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various other modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Some of the configurations of the embodiments may be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations. The following description will be given as an example of a modification of the first embodiment, but it can also be applied as an example of a modification of other embodiments. The above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can also be applied in combination with each other, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0169] (1) The contact sensor 173 may not be provided. In this case, the protrusion 161 of the reaction force adding member 165 may not be present. Furthermore, the reaction force adding member 165 may not be provided.

[0170] (2) At least one of the lower stopper 181 and the upper stopper 183 may be disposed in the forward direction F from the rotation center C. In this case, the upper stopper 183 is disposed in the downward direction B of the foot lever 100, and the lower stopper 181 is disposed in the upward direction U of the foot lever 100.

[0171] (3) The stroke sensor 171 may be a volume sensor or other sensor instead of an optical sensor. The stroke sensor 171 is not limited to being disposed in the upper space US, but may also be disposed in the lower space LS or in the left-right direction of the foot lever 100. The stroke sensor 171 is not limited to detecting the position of the first region 100r, but may also detect the position of the second region 100f or the amount of rotation of the shaft 115.

[0172] (4) At least two of the foot levers 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 may have shapes that differ in at least one of the following respects. (a) Radius of axis 115 (radius of curvature DD) (b) The magnitude of the force applied by the elastic member 155 to the first region 100r (c) The magnitude of the reaction force due to the reaction force adding member 165 (d) Presence or absence of reaction force addition member 165

[0173] An example of the case (a) will be described. The radii of curvature DD of the foot levers 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 are defined as a first distance DD1, a second distance DD2, and a third distance DD3, respectively. The first distance DD1 may be different from at least one of the second distance DD2 and the third distance DD3. To emphasize the magnitude of the reaction force of the shift pedal, the third distance DD3 may be greater than both the first distance DD1 and the second distance DD2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1: Electronic keyboard device, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10K: Pedal unit, 91: Keyboard body, 93: Support plate, 95: Support column, 81: Control unit, 82: Memory unit, 83: Operation unit, 84: Sound source unit, 85: Display unit, 86: Spica, 88: Keyboard unit, 89: Key detection unit, 93: Support plate, 95: Support column, 100, 100A, 100B: Footrest, 100c, 100cA: Center area, 100r: First area, 100f: Second area, 100s1: Top surface, 100s2: Bottom surface, 100fe: Top end portion, 111, 111B, 111F: Shaft support unit, 112A ,112K: Shaft support part, 112E: Shaft support part, 115,115A,115B,115E,115F,115J,115K: Shaft, 115J-1: Inner shaft part, 115J-2: Outer shaft part, 115J-3: Connecting part, 120,120A,120B,120E,120G,120H,120J: Shaft, 120G-1: Bottom surface, 120G-2: Front inclined surface, 120G-3: Rear inclined surface, 120K-1: First shaft support, 120K-2: Second shaft support, 125,125A,125E,125H,125J,125K-1,125K-2: Contact part, 125H-1: Reinforcement part, 125H-2: High Friction part, 125J-1: inner contact part, 125J-2: outer contact part, 141D: force auxiliary member, 151, 151B, 151C, 151L, 151M, 151N, 151P, 151Q, 151R, 151W, 151X, 151Y, 151Z: support member, 151L1, 151M1, 151N1, 151P1, 151Q1, 151R1, 151W1, 151X1, 151Y1, 151Z1: base part, 151L2, 151M2, 151N2, 151P2, 151Q2, 151R2, 151W2, 151X2, 151Y2, 151Z2: protrusion, 153, 153B, 153C, 153L, 153M, 153N, 153P, 153Q, 153R, 153W, 153X, 153Y, 153Z: Supporting parts, 1 53L1,153M1,153N1,153P1,153Q1,153R1,153W1,153X1,153Y1,153Z1: Soil platform 、153L2,153M2,153N2,153P2,153Q2,153R2,153W2,153X2,153Y2,153Z2: protrusion、155,155B,155C,155L,155M,155N,155P,155Q,155R,155W,155X,155Y,155Z: Elastic member, 155La, 155Ma, 155Na, 155Pa, 155Qa, 155Ra, 155Wa, 155Xa, 155Ya, 155Za: First end, 161: Protrusion, 165, 165B: Reaction force adding member, 171, 171C: Stroke sensor, 173: Contact sensor, 181, 181B: Lower stopper, 183, 183B: Upper stopper, 190, 190A, 190 B, 190C, 190D: Case, 190b, 190bA, 190bB, 190bC, 190bE, 190bG: Bottom, 190u, 190uB: Ceiling, 190f, 190fB, 190fD :Front, 190r,190rB:Rear, 191A:Shaft support, 192,192B,192J:Bearing support, 192J-1:Inner bearing support, 192J-2:Outer bearing support, 195:Auxiliary tool,

Claims

1. Case and a first foot lever rotatably disposed relative to the case and extending in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis; a spring disposed in a compressed state between the case and the first foot lever, the spring expanding and contracting in response to rotation of the first foot lever; a first support member that supports a first end of the spring; a second support member that supports a second end of the spring; Equipped with the spring includes a first winding end portion located on the first end side and a second winding end portion located on the second end side, a side surface of the first winding end contacts a side surface of a first portion of the winding that constitutes the spring; a side surface of the second winding end portion contacts a side surface of a second portion of the winding; the first support member has a portion that contacts the winding at a position between the first winding end and the first portion from an inner peripheral side or an outer peripheral side of the spring, and is spaced apart from the winding in the first portion; the second support member has a portion that contacts the winding at a position between the second winding end and the second portion from an inner peripheral side or an outer peripheral side of the spring, and is spaced apart from the winding in the second portion. Pedal unit for musical instruments.

2. A case, a first foot lever rotatably disposed relative to the case and extending in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis; a spring disposed in a compressed state between the case and the first foot lever, the spring expanding and contracting in response to rotation of the first foot lever; a first support member that supports a first end of the spring; a second support member that supports a second end of the spring; Equipped with the spring includes a first winding end portion located on the first end side and a second winding end portion located on the second end side, a side surface of the first winding end contacts a side surface of a first portion of the winding that constitutes the spring; a side surface of the second winding end portion contacts a side surface of a second portion of the winding; the first support member has a portion that contacts the first portion from the inside or outside of the spring in at least a part of the rotation range of the first foot lever, the second support member has a portion that contacts the second portion from the inside or outside of the spring in at least a part of the rotation range of the first foot lever; Pedal unit for musical instruments.

3. A musical instrument pedal unit according to claim 1 or 2, a keyboard unit having a plurality of keys; a sound source unit that generates a sound signal in response to an operation on the key and an operation on the first foot lever of the pedal unit; An electronic keyboard device including:

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