Wind instruments and keys for wind instruments

Abstract

To provide a wind instrument that makes it easier to produce overtones. [Solution] The wind instrument 1 comprises a tube 2 having tone holes 21, a key 3 for the wind instrument 1 provided on the surface 2a of the tube 2, the key 3 having a pad 31 for covering the tone holes 21 and an operating part 32 for operating the pad 31 away from the tone holes 21, and an adjustment part 4 for adjusting the maximum distance the pad 31 moves away from the tone holes 21 as the operating part 32 is operated.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to wind instruments and keys for wind instruments.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a woodwind instrument provided with a register key. The register key is configured to separate a pad (tampo) from a predetermined sound hole (tone hole) of the tube body by being operated by a player of the woodwind instrument. The register key is provided to produce overtones from the woodwind instrument.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a key for a wind instrument, provided on the surface of a tube having a tone hole, comprising: a pad for covering the tone hole; an operating part for operating the pad so that it moves away from the tone hole; and an adjustment part for adjusting the maximum distance the pad moves away from the tone hole as a result of operating the operating part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this invention, it is possible to provide a wind instrument and a key for a wind instrument that can produce overtones more easily. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing a wind instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main body and register key of the wind instrument. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the adjustment lever provided on the operating section of the register key is positioned in the second position in a wind instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the adjustment lever provided on the operating section of the register key is positioned in the first position in a wind instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 7]This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the second position in a wind instrument according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the first position in a wind instrument according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the second position in a wind instrument according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the first position in a wind instrument according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 15] This is an enlarged plan view showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the second position in a wind instrument according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wind instrument according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the first position, as viewed from the axial direction of the tube. [Figure 18] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wind instrument according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the projection provided on the adjustment lever is positioned in the second position, as viewed from the axial direction of the tube. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wind instrument 1 of the first embodiment is a clarinet, and includes a tube body 2, a register key 3 (a key for a wind instrument), and an adjustment unit 4.

[0011] The tube body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A sound hole 21 penetrating from the surface 2a to the inside is formed in the tube body 2.

[0012] The register key 3 is provided on the surface 2a of the tube body 2. The register key 3 has a pad 31, an operation unit 32, and an arm 33 having a seesaw structure. The pad 31 covers the sound hole 21 of the tube body 2. The operation unit 32 is operated by a user (for example, a performer) of the wind instrument 1 so that the pad 31 moves away from the sound hole 21. The arm 33 is formed in a generally rod shape and is attached to the tube body 2 at a fulcrum 34 of the seesaw. The pad 31 is disposed at the first end of the arm 33. The operation unit 32 is disposed at the second end of the arm 33. The arm 33 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) so that the pad 31 approaches the sound hole 21 and the operation unit 32 moves away from the surface 2a of the tube body 2.

[0013] In this register key 3, when the user of the wind instrument 1 presses the operation unit 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube body 2 against the force of the biasing member, the pad 31 moves away from the sound hole 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a buffer material 35 is provided at a portion of the operation unit 32 facing the surface 2a of the tube body 2. The buffer material 35 is made of a material softer than the operation unit 32. The buffer material 35 may be made of, for example, cork. The buffer material 35 prevents the operation unit 32 from directly colliding with the tube body 2 when the user presses the operation unit 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube body 2.

[0014] The adjustment unit 4 adjusts the maximum value of the distance by which the pad 31 moves away from the sound hole 21 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 32 by the user. The adjustment unit 4 of the first embodiment has a protrusion 41, an adjustment lever 42, and a height adjustment unit 43.

[0015] The projection 41 protrudes from the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. The projection 41 should be positioned such that, when viewed from the direction in which the pipe body 2 and the operating part 32 overlap, it does not overlap with at least the operating part 32 and the cushioning material 35, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. In Figures 3 and 5, the projection 41 is located near the operating part 32 and the cushioning material 35, but it is not limited to this position.

[0016] The adjustment lever 42 is attached to the operating section 32 of the register key 3. The adjustment lever 42 is movable between a first position P11 shown in Figures 5 and 6 and a second position P12 shown in Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first position P11 of the adjustment lever 42 is the position where the adjustment lever 42 faces the projection 41 in the operating direction D1 of the operating section 32 (the direction in which the operating section 32 approaches the surface 2a of the pipe body 2). As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second position P12 of the adjustment lever 42 is the position where the adjustment lever 42 does not face the projection 41 in the operating direction D1 of the operating section 32. The adjustment lever 42 of the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the adjustment lever 42 is formed in a rod shape. The adjustment lever 42 is mainly located in the part of the operating section 32 that faces the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. The adjustment lever 42 is rotatably mounted to the operating section 32 with its first end 421 as its center. The axis of rotation 45 of the adjustment lever 42 extends generally in the operating direction D1 of the operating section 32 or in the radial direction of the pipe body 2.

[0018] The second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 is positioned so as not to be covered by the operating part 32 when viewed from the direction in which the tube body 2 and the operating part 32 overlap (the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32). In Figures 3 and 5, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 is located in a notch 321 formed on the side of the operating part 32 and is exposed without being covered by the operating part 32, but this is not the only option. The user of the wind instrument 1 can rotate the adjustment lever 42 by operating the exposed second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 moves in a direction that is inclined with respect to both the axial direction (up and down in Figures 3 and 5) and the circumferential direction (left and right in Figures 3 and 5) of the pipe body 2 as the adjustment lever 42 rotates relative to the operating section 32. The direction of movement of the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 as the adjustment lever 42 rotates may be, for example, the axial direction of the pipe body 2 or the circumferential direction of the pipe body 2.

[0020] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the adjustment lever 42 is in the first position P11, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 faces the projection 41 in the operating direction D1 of the operating unit 32. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the adjustment lever 42 is in the second position P12, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 does not face the projection 41 in the operating direction D1 of the operating unit 32.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the height adjustment unit 43 adjusts the protruding height of the projection 41 that protrudes from the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. Specifically, the height adjustment unit 43 has a male thread 431 formed on the projection 41 and a female threaded hole 432 formed on the pipe body 2 that engages with the male thread 431 of the projection 41. By appropriately rotating the projection 41 relative to the female threaded hole 432, the height of the projection 41 protruding from the pipe body 2 can be continuously adjusted.

[0022] In the first embodiment of the wind instrument 1 configured as described above, when the adjustment lever 42 is in the second position P12 as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 does not face the projection 41 in the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32. Therefore, the user can push the operating part 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube body 2 until the cushioning material 35 provided on the operating part 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube body 2. In other words, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 becomes relatively large.

[0023] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the adjustment lever 42 is in the first position P11, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 faces the projection 41 in the operating direction D1 of the operating unit 32. Therefore, when the user pushes the operating unit 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 contacts the projection 41 before the cushioning material 35 of the operating unit 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2. The user cannot move the operating unit 32 closer to the surface 2a of the tube 2 than the position where the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42 contacts the projection 41. In other words, compared to when the adjustment lever 42 is in the second position P12, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating unit 32 is smaller.

[0024] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the wind instrument 1, the maximum distance at which the pad 31 is separated from the tone hole 21 can be easily changed by the adjustment unit 4 in response to the user's operation of the register key 3's operating unit 32. This makes it easier to produce harmonics in the wind instrument 1.

[0025] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the wind instrument 1, the maximum distance the pad 31 is separated from the tone hole 21 can be easily changed simply by moving the adjustment lever 42 attached to the operating section 32 between the first position P11 and the second position P12.

[0026] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the wind instrument 1, the height of the projection 41 that protrudes from the surface 2a of the tube body 2 can be changed by the height adjustment part 43, thereby adjusting the maximum distance that the pad 31 is away from the tone hole 21 when the adjustment lever 42 is in the first position P11. In particular, the height adjustment section 43 of the first embodiment can continuously adjust the height of the projection 41 that protrudes from the tube body 2. Therefore, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 when the operating section 32 is operated can be finely adjusted.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the adjustment section 4 does not necessarily have to include, for example, a height adjustment section 43. That is, the projection 41 may be fixed to the pipe body 2, for example, so that the height of its protrusion from the surface 2a of the pipe body 2 does not change.

[0028] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the wind instrument 1C of the second embodiment is a clarinet similar to that of the first embodiment, and comprises a body 2, a register key 3, and an adjustment section 4C. The adjustment section 4C of the second embodiment has a projection 41C, an adjustment lever 42C, and a recess 46C. The projection 41C is positioned to be switchable between a first position P21 (see Figures 9 and 10) that obstructs the operation of the operating section 32 and a second position P22 (see Figures 7 and 8) that does not obstruct the operation of the operating section 32. The adjustment lever 42C is movably mounted relative to the operating section 32. The projection 41C is provided on the adjustment lever 42C. By moving the adjustment lever 42C relative to the operating section 32, the projection 41C is moved between the first position P21 and the second position P22. The recess 46C is formed by recessing from the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. The projection 41C positioned at the second position P22 in the operating direction D1 of the operating section 32 faces the recess 46C. The adjustment unit 4C of the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0030] The adjustment lever 42C of the second embodiment is the same as the adjustment lever 42 of the first embodiment. That is, the adjustment lever 42C is formed in a rod shape. The adjustment lever 42C is rotatably mounted to the operating part 32 with its first end 421 as its center. The axis of rotation 45 of the adjustment lever 42C extends generally in the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32 or in the radial direction of the pipe body 2. However, in the adjustment lever 42C of the second embodiment, a projection 41C is provided at its second end 422. The projection 41C protrudes from the adjustment lever 42C toward the surface 2a of the pipe body 2.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the second end portion 422 of the adjustment lever 42C moves in a direction that is inclined with respect to both the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the pipe body 2 as the adjustment lever 42C rotates relative to the operating portion 32, similar to the first embodiment. The direction of movement of the second end portion 422 of the adjustment lever 42C as the adjustment lever 42C rotates may be, for example, the axial direction of the pipe body 2 or the circumferential direction of the pipe body 2.

[0032] The depth of the recess 46C that is recessed from the surface 2a of the pipe body 2 should be at least greater than or equal to the protruding height of the projection 41C that protrudes from the adjustment lever 42C. The recess 46C shown in Figures 7 and 9 is formed in the region of the movement area of ​​the projection 41C from the first position P21 to the second position P22, as viewed from the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32, excluding the first position P21. The recess 46C should be formed in at least the region corresponding to the second position P22 of the projection 41C.

[0033] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the adjustment lever 42C of the second embodiment further includes a height adjustment section 43C. The height adjustment section 43C adjusts the protruding height of the projection 41C that protrudes from the adjustment lever 42C toward the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. Specifically, the height adjustment section 43C has a male thread 431C formed on the projection 41C and a female threaded hole 432C formed on the adjustment lever 42C that engages with the male thread 431C of the projection 41C. By appropriately rotating the projection 41C relative to the female threaded hole 432C, the height of the projection 41C protruding from the adjustment lever 42C can be continuously adjusted.

[0034] In the second embodiment of the wind instrument 1C configured as described above, when the projection 41C is in the second position P22 as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the projection 41C faces the recess 46C formed in the tube body 2 in the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32. Therefore, the user can push the operating part 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube body 2 until the cushioning material 35 provided on the operating part 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube body 2. In other words, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 becomes relatively large.

[0035] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the projection 41C is in the first position P21, the projection 41C does not face the recess 46C in the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32, but faces the surface 2a of the tube 2. Therefore, when the user pushes the operating part 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2, the projection 41C contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2 before the cushioning material 35 of the operating part 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2. The user cannot move the operating part 32 closer to the surface 2a of the tube 2 than the position where the projection 41C contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2. In other words, compared to the case where the projection 41C is in the second position P22, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 is smaller.

[0036] The wind instrument 1C of the second embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the wind instrument 1C of the second embodiment, the maximum distance that the pad 31 is separated from the tone hole 21 can be easily changed simply by switching the projection 41C provided on the operating section 32 of the register key 3 between the first position P21 and the second position P22.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the wind instrument 1C, when the projection 41C is positioned at the second position P22, even if the projection 41C faces the tube body 2 in the operating direction D1 of the operating unit 32, the projection 41C enters the recess 46C as the operating unit 32 is operated, and the projection 41C does not come into contact with the surface 2a of the tube body 2. Therefore, the projection 41C positioned at the second position P22 does not interfere with the operation of the operating unit 32. As a result, the rotation angle (or movement length) of the adjustment lever 42C that moves the projection 41C between the first position P21 and the second position P22 can be kept small. Consequently, the distance at which the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 as the key operating unit 32 is operated can be adjusted smoothly.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the adjustment section 4C may not include, for example, the height adjustment section 43C. That is, the projection 41C may be provided on the adjustment lever 42C, for example, so as not to change the height of the projection from the adjustment lever 42C.

[0039] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0040] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the wind instrument 1D of the third embodiment is a clarinet similar to that of the first embodiment, and comprises a body 2, a register key 3, and an adjustment section 4D. The adjustment section 4D of the third embodiment has a projection 41D and an adjustment lever 42D similar to that of the second embodiment, but does not have a recess 46C (see Figures 7 to 10).

[0041] In the third embodiment, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42D on which the projection 41D is located moves in the tangential direction D2 (left-right direction in Figures 12 and 14) of the surface 2a of the pipe body 2, which has a circular cross-section, when viewed from the axial direction of the pipe body 2, as shown in Figures 12 and 14. Also, the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42D moves mainly in a direction along the circumferential direction of the pipe body 2 (left-right direction in Figures 11 and 13), when viewed from the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32, as shown in Figures 11 and 13. In the third embodiment, it is preferable to increase the length of the adjustment lever 42D so that the travel length of the projection 41D from the first position P21 to the second position P22 is increased.

[0042] As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the projection 41D of the third embodiment is fixed to the second end 422 of the adjustment lever 42D so that the height of the projection from the adjustment lever 42D does not change. Alternatively, the projection 41D may be attached to the adjustment lever 42D in such a way that the height of the projection from the adjustment lever 42D changes, as in the second embodiment.

[0043] In the third embodiment of the wind instrument 1D configured as described above, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, when the projection 41D is in the first position P21, the projection 41D is located near the surface 2a of the tube 2 in the operating direction D1 of the operating unit 32. In Figure 14, in the operating direction D1 of the operating unit 32, the distance from the projection 41D located in the first position P21 to the surface 2a of the tube 2 is shorter than the distance from the cushioning material 35 to the surface 2a of the tube 2. Therefore, when the user pushes the operating unit 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2, the projection 41D contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2 before the cushioning material 35 of the operating unit 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2. In other words, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating unit 32 is relatively small.

[0044] Then, when the projection 41D is moved from the first position P21 shown in Figures 13 and 14 to the second position P22 shown in Figures 11 and 12, the projection 41D moves in the tangential direction D2 of the surface 2a of the pipe body 2, which has a circular cross-section, when viewed from the axial direction of the pipe body 2, as shown in Figures 12 and 14. Therefore, when the projection 41D is in the second position P22, it is located further away from the surface 2a of the pipe body 2 in the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32 compared to the first position P21. In Figure 12, the distance from the projection 41D at the second position P22 to the surface 2a of the pipe body 2 in the operating direction D1 of the operating part 32 is longer than the distance from the cushioning material 35 to the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. As a result, the user can push the operating part 32 toward the surface 2a of the pipe body 2 until the cushioning material 35 provided on the operating part 32 makes contact with the surface 2a of the pipe body 2. In other words, compared to the case where the projection 41D is located at the first position P21, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the control unit 32 is increased.

[0045] The wind instrument 1D of the third embodiment produces the same effects as the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the wind instrument 1D, a projection 41D and an adjustment lever 42D for moving the projection 41D between a first position P21 and a second position P22 are provided on the register key 3. Moreover, the tube body 2 of the third embodiment does not have the components of the adjustment part 4D (for example, the projection 41 in the first embodiment, the recess 46C in the second embodiment). As a result, the adjustment part 4D can be easily provided on the wind instrument 1D simply by attaching the register key 3, including the projection 41D and the adjustment lever 42D, to the tube body 2.

[0046] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the wind instrument 1E of the fourth embodiment is a clarinet similar to that of the first embodiment, and comprises a body 2, a register key 3, and an adjustment section 4E. The adjustment section 4E of the fourth embodiment has a projection 41E and an adjustment lever 42E similar to those of the second and third embodiments.

[0048] The adjustment lever 42E of the fourth embodiment is rotatably mounted to the operating section 32, similar to the second and third embodiments. However, in the fourth embodiment, the rotation axis 45 of the adjustment lever 42E extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the operating direction D1 of the operating section 32 or the radial direction of the pipe body 2. In Figure 15, the rotation axis 45 of the adjustment lever 42E extends in the axial direction of the pipe body 2 (the longitudinal direction of the arm portion 33). Therefore, the portion of the adjustment lever 42E that the user touches is movable in a direction along the circumferential direction of the pipe body 2. The rotation axis 45 of the adjustment lever 42E may, for example, extend in a direction along the circumferential direction of the pipe body 2. In this case, the portion of the adjustment lever 42E that the user touches becomes movable in the axial direction of the pipe body 2.

[0049] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the projection 41E of the fourth embodiment is provided on the adjustment lever 42E, similar to the second and third embodiments. However, in the fourth embodiment, the projection 41E changes in length from the part of the operating section 32 facing the surface 2a of the tube 2 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2, depending on the rotational position of the adjustment lever 42E. As shown in Figure 17, when the projection 41E is in the first position P21, the projection height of the projection 41E protruding from the operating section 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2 is the largest. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, when the projection 41E is in the second position P22, the projection height of the projection 41E protruding from the operating section 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2 is the smallest, or it does not protrude toward the surface 2a of the tube 2 from the operating section 32.

[0050] In the fourth embodiment of the wind instrument 1E configured as described above, as shown in Figure 16, when the projection 41E is in the second position P22, the projection height of the projection 41E protruding from the operating part 32 is small, or it does not protrude from the operating part 32. Therefore, the user can push the operating part 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube body 2 until the cushioning material 35 of the operating part 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube body 2. In other words, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 is relatively large.

[0051] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 17, when the projection 41E is in the first position P21, the projection height of the projection 41E protruding from the operating part 32 is greater compared to when the projection 41E is in the second position P22. Therefore, when the user pushes the operating part 32 toward the surface 2a of the tube 2, the projection 41E contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2 before the cushioning material 35 of the operating part 32 contacts the surface 2a of the tube 2. In other words, compared to when the projection 41E is in the second position P22, the maximum distance the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 is smaller.

[0052] The fourth embodiment of the wind instrument 1E provides the same effects as the second and third embodiments.

[0053] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 18. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in Figure 18, the wind instrument 1F of the fifth embodiment is a clarinet similar to that of the first embodiment, and comprises a body 2, a register key 3, and an adjustment section 4F. The adjustment section 4F of the fifth embodiment has a projection 41F and a ring 47F.

[0055] The ring portion 47F is rotatably mounted to the tube 2 with its axis in the axial direction of the tube 2. In Figure 18, the reference numeral D3 indicates the direction of rotation of the ring portion 47F. The ring portion 47F is inserted into an annular groove 22F formed on the surface 2a of the tube 2. This prevents or suppresses the ring portion 47F from protruding from the surface 2a of the tube 2. A portion of the circumferential direction of the ring portion 47F overlaps with the operating portion 32 in the operating direction D1 of the operating portion 32. A projection 41F is attached to a part of the circumferential direction of the ring portion 47F. The projection 41F attached to the ring portion 47F protrudes from the surface 2a of the tube body 2.

[0056] In the fifth embodiment, the adjustment section 4F rotates relative to the tube 2, allowing the projection 41F to move between a first position P21 that obstructs the operation of the operating section 32 and a second position P22 that does not obstruct the operation of the operating section 32. Specifically, the first position P21 is the position where the projection 41F is interposed between the surface 2a of the tube 2 and the operating section 32. The second position P22 is the position where the projection 41F is not interposed between the surface 2a of the tube 2 and the operating section 32.

[0057] In the fifth embodiment of the wind instrument 1F configured as described above, the projection 41F located at the first position P21 is interposed between the surface 2a of the tube body 2 and the operating part 32. As a result, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 is relatively small. On the other hand, the projection 41F located at the second position P22 is not interposed between the surface 2a of the tube body 2 and the operating part 32. As a result, compared to the case where the projection 41F is located at the first position P21, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the user's operation of the operating part 32 is larger.

[0058] The fifth embodiment of the wind instrument 1F produces the same effects as the second to fourth embodiments. Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment of the wind instrument 1F, the projection 41F can be moved between the first position P21 and the second position P22 without touching the operating part 32 of the register key 3.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] In this invention, the adjustment part is not limited to being provided on the second end side (operating part 32 side) of the arm part 33 as in the above embodiment, but may also be provided on the first end side (pad 31 side) of the arm part 33. In this case, the adjustment part may be composed of a restricting part attached to the tube body 2, for example. The restricting part is positioned such that the first end of the arm part 33 (pad 31) is located between it and the surface 2a of the tube body 2. The distance between the surface 2a of the tube body 2 and the restricting part may be adjustable. By increasing the distance from the surface 2a of the tube body 2 to the restricting part, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the operation of the operating part 32 can be increased. Conversely, by decreasing the distance from the surface 2a of the tube body 2 to the restricting part, the maximum distance that the pad 31 moves away from the tone hole 21 in response to the operation of the operating part 32 can be decreased.

[0061] This invention is not limited to clarinets equipped with register keys, but can also be applied to other wind instruments equipped with keys for producing harmonics, such as saxophones and bassoons equipped with octave keys. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1,1C,1D,1E,1F…wind instrument, 2…tube body, 2a…surface, 3…register key (key for wind instrument), 4,4C,4D,4E,4F…adjustment section, 21…tone hole, 31…pad, 32…operating section, 33…arm section, 34…pivot section, 41,41C,41D,41E,41F…projection, 42,42C,42D,42E…adjustment lever, 43,43C…height adjustment section, 46C…recess, 47F…ring section, D1…direction of operation, P11…first position of adjustment lever 42, P12…second position of adjustment lever 42, P21…first position of projection 41C,41D,41E,41F, P22…second position of projection 41C,41D,41E,41F

Claims

1. A tube body having tone holes, A key for a wind instrument provided on the surface of the tube, having a pad for covering the tone hole, and an operating part for operating the pad so that it moves away from the tone hole, An adjustment unit that adjusts the maximum distance the pad moves away from the tone hole in response to the operation of the control unit, A wind instrument equipped with the following features.

2. The key has an arm portion in the form of a seesaw structure, and is attached to the pipe body at the pivot point of the seesaw. The pad is positioned at the first end of the arm portion. The operating unit is located at the second end of the arm, The adjustment part has a projection, The aforementioned projection is positioned to be switchable between a first position and a second position. The aforementioned first position is a position that obstructs the operation of the operating unit, The wind instrument according to claim 1, wherein the second position is a position that does not interfere with the operation of the operating part.

3. The adjustment unit has an adjustment lever that is provided with the projection and is attached to the operating unit, The wind instrument according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment lever moves the projection between the first position and the second position.

4. The adjustment section has a recessed portion that is recessed from the surface of the pipe body, The wind instrument according to claim 3, wherein the projection positioned at the second position faces the recess in the operating direction of the operating part.

5. The adjustment part has a ring portion that is rotatably mounted to the tube body with the axial direction of the tube body as its axis, The aforementioned projection is attached to a part of the circumferential direction of the ring portion. The wind instrument according to claim 2, wherein the ring portion moves the projection between the first position and the second position by rotational movement relative to the tube body.

6. The key has an arm portion in the form of a seesaw structure, and is attached to the pipe body at the pivot point of the seesaw. The pad is positioned at the first end of the arm portion. The operating unit is located at the second end of the arm, The adjustment unit has a projection that protrudes from the surface of the tube and an adjustment lever attached to the operating unit. The adjustment lever is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is the position in the operating direction of the operating unit where the adjustment lever faces the projection. The wind instrument according to claim 1, wherein the second position is a position in which the adjustment lever does not face the projection in the operating direction.

7. The wind instrument according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment part has a height adjustment part for adjusting the protruding height of the projection that protrudes from the surface of the tube body.

8. A key for a wind instrument, provided on the surface of a tube having a tone hole, A pad for covering the aforementioned sound hole, An operating section for manipulating the pad so that it moves away from the tone hole, An adjustment unit that adjusts the maximum distance the pad moves away from the tone hole in response to the operation of the control unit, A key for a wind instrument equipped with this feature.

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