Keyboard device

Abstract

To provide a keyboard device with low manufacturing costs and low workload.SOLUTION: A keyboard device comprises: a frame; a first key; a second key; a first hammer assembly; and a second hammer assembly. The first hammer assembly comprises: a first fixed member fixed to the frame; a first movable member rotatably connected to the first fixed member around a first movable center; and a first weight member fixed to the first movable member. The second hammer assembly comprises: a second fixed member fixed to the frame; a second movable member rotatably connected to the second fixed member around a second movable center; and a second weight member fixed to the second movable member and having the same mass as the first weight member. A distance between the center of gravity of the first weight member and the first movable center is different from the distance between the center of gravity of the second weight member and the second movable center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a keyboard device, and more particularly to a keyboard device having a hammer assembly with different moments of inertia depending on the key. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional acoustic pianos, such as grand pianos and upright pianos, are composed of many parts. Conventional pianos are equipped with hammer assemblies with weights (hereinafter referred to as weight members) below the keys to provide sensations (hereinafter referred to as touch sensations) to the player's fingers through the keys (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, electronic keyboard devices have adopted a configuration in which hammer assemblies with different moments of inertia are used for keys belonging to different scales in order to achieve the same touch sensations as conventional pianos. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2917863 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the keyboard device shown in Patent Document 1, a long, thin rod-shaped weight member was used, which limited the downsizing of the keyboard device in the depth direction of the hammer assembly. When the keyboard device is downsized in the depth direction, the weight member needs to be made thicker to ensure its mass. Furthermore, when the keyboard device is downsized in the depth direction, the placement positions of components such as ribs and bosses on the frame are limited. As a result, the ribs and bosses need to be placed between adjacent hammer assemblies. Under these conditions, if the weight member is made thicker, there is a problem that the hammer assembly will interfere with the ribs and bosses.

[0005] One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device that is reduced in size in the depth direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame, a first member, a key, and a hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the key. The hammer assembly comprises a rotating member connected to the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and a weight member attached to the rotating member and having a first portion and a second portion. In a first direction in which the rotation axis extends, the second portion faces the first member, the thickness of the second portion is smaller than the thickness of the first portion in the first direction, and the length of the second portion is greater than the length of the first portion in the rotation direction of the weight member.

[0007] A keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame, a first member, a key, and a hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the key. The hammer assembly comprises a rotating member connected to the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and a weight member attached to the rotating member and having a first portion and a second portion. In a first direction in which the rotation axis extends, the second portion faces the first member, and the second portion has a shape in which the first portion is crushed in the first direction.

[0008] A plurality of the hammer assemblies may be provided, and the first member may be a part of the frame or a member fixed to the frame, and may be provided between adjacent hammer assemblies.

[0009] The first member may be a boss.

[0010] The first member may be a rib.

[0011] The first member may be a guide that restricts movement of the hammer assembly in the first direction.

[0012] The weight member may be rod-shaped, and the second portion may be an end of the rod.

[0013] The weight member may be rod-shaped, and the second portion may be covered by the rotating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a keyboard device that requires low manufacturing costs and low labor load. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sound source device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are side views showing examples of different grades of hammer assemblies in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are side views showing examples of different grades of hammer assemblies in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are side views showing examples of different grades of hammer assemblies in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the plane of rotation of the center lines of weight members with different masses within the rotation range of the hammer assembly in this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hammer assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hammer assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view of a configuration in which a hammer assembly is attached to a frame in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a weight member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a top view of a configuration in which a hammer assembly is attached to a frame in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top view of a configuration in which a hammer assembly is attached to a frame in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a top view of a configuration in which a hammer assembly is attached to a frame in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a weight member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing a process of resin-molding a weight support member onto a weight member in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical or similar symbols (symbols consisting of a number followed by an A, B, etc.) are used to designate identical or similar parts, and repeated explanations of such parts may be omitted. The dimensional ratios of the drawings (such as the ratio between components, the ratio of length, width, and height) may differ from the actual ratios for the sake of convenience, and some components may be omitted from the drawings. In the following description, the vertical directions in each drawing may be referred to as "top," "upper," "top end," "bottom," "lower," and "bottom end." However, these vertical directions merely describe relative directional relationships, and the vertical directions may be reversed. Configurations in which the moment of inertia of the hammer assembly differs depending on the key may be referred to as having different grades of hammer assemblies.

[0017] 1. First embodiment [1-1. Keyboard Device Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a keyboard device in the first embodiment. The keyboard device 1 is an electronic keyboard instrument, such as an electronic piano, that produces sounds in response to key presses by a user (player). The keyboard device 1 may also be a keyboard-type controller that outputs control data (e.g., MIDI) for controlling an external sound source device in response to key presses. In this case, the keyboard device 1 does not necessarily have to include a sound source device.

[0018] The keyboard device 1 includes a keyboard assembly 10. The keyboard assembly 10 includes white keys 100w and black keys 100b. When there is no need to distinguish between the white keys 100w and the black keys 100b, they are simply referred to as keys 100. A plurality of white keys 100w and black keys 100b are arranged side by side. There are N keys 100, and in this example, there are 88 keys. The direction in which these keys 100 are arranged is called the scale direction. In the following description, a configuration with a "w" after a symbol (number) indicates a configuration corresponding to a white key. A configuration with a "b" after a symbol (number) indicates a configuration corresponding to a black key.

[0019] A portion of the keyboard assembly 10 is located inside the housing 90. When the keyboard device 1 is viewed from above, the portion of the keyboard assembly 10 that is covered by the housing 90 is called the non-exterior portion NV, and the portion that is exposed from the housing 90 and visible to the user is called the exterior portion PV. In other words, the exterior portion PV is a portion of the key 100 and indicates the area where the user can perform musical operations. Hereinafter, the portion of the key 100 that is exposed by the exterior portion PV may be referred to as the key body portion.

[0020] A sound source device 70 and a speaker 80 are arranged inside the housing 90. The sound source device 70 generates a sound waveform signal when a key 100 is pressed. The speaker 80 outputs the sound waveform signal generated by the sound source device 70 to an external space. The keyboard device 1 may also include a slider for controlling the volume, a switch for switching the tone, a display for displaying various information, and the like.

[0021] In the explanations herein, directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back refer to directions when a player views the keyboard device 1. For example, the non-exterior portion NV can be expressed as being located further back than the exterior portion PV. Directions can also be expressed relative to the key 100, such as the front end side (front side of the key) and the rear end side (rear side of the key). In this case, the front end side of the key refers to the front side of the key 100 as seen from the player's perspective. The rear end side of the key refers to the rear side of the key 100 as seen from the player's perspective. According to this definition, it can be expressed that the portion of the black key 100b from the front end to the rear end of the key body of the black key 100b protrudes upward more than the white key 100w.

[0022] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sound source device according to the first embodiment. The sound source device 70 includes a signal conversion unit 710, a sound source unit 730, and an output unit 750. A sensor 300 is provided for each key 100, detects key operation, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected content. In this example, the sensor 300 outputs a signal corresponding to three levels of key depression amount. The key depression speed can be detected according to the interval between these signals.

[0023] The signal conversion unit 710 acquires output signals from the sensors 300 (sensors 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-88 corresponding to the 88 keys 100), and generates and outputs operation signals corresponding to the operation state of each key 100. In this example, the operation signals are MIDI format signals. In response to a key press operation, the signal conversion unit 710 outputs a note-on. At this time, a key number indicating which of the 88 keys 100 has been pressed and a velocity corresponding to the key pressing speed are output in association with the note-on. On the other hand, in response to a key release operation, the signal conversion unit 710 outputs a key number in association with a note-off. A signal corresponding to another operation such as a pedal may also be input to the signal conversion unit 710 and reflected in the operation signal.

[0024] The sound source unit 730 generates a sound waveform signal based on the operation signal output from the signal conversion unit 710. The output unit 750 outputs the sound waveform signal generated by the sound source unit 730. This sound waveform signal is output to, for example, the speaker 80 or a sound waveform signal output terminal.

[0025] [1-2. Keyboard Assembly Configuration] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the internal configuration of the housing of the first embodiment, as seen from the side. In the following description, the white key 100w will be used as an example. However, the hammer assembly 200 according to this embodiment can also be used for the black key 100b, and is not limited to the hammer assembly 200 used for the white key 100w. As shown in FIG. 3, the keyboard assembly 10 and the speaker 80 are disposed inside the housing 90. The speaker 80 is disposed at the rear side of the keyboard assembly 10. The speaker 80 is positioned so as to output sounds corresponding to key depressions toward the top and bottom of the housing 90. Sounds output downward travel from the underside of the housing 90 to the outside. On the other hand, sounds output upward travel from inside the housing 90 through the internal space of the keyboard assembly 10 and travel to the outside through the gaps between adjacent white keys 100w in the exterior portion PV or the gaps between the white keys 100w and the housing 90.

[0026] The configuration of the keyboard assembly 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In addition to the white key 100w and sensor 300 described above, the keyboard assembly 10 also includes a hammer assembly 200, a frame 500, a connection portion 800, and a mounting portion 900. Most of the components of the keyboard assembly 10 are made of resin, manufactured by injection molding or other methods. The frame 500 is fixed to the housing 90. The mounting portion 900 is fixed to the frame 500. The connection portion 800 is attached to the mounting portion 900 and connects the white key 100w to the frame 500 so that it can rotate. The white key 100w includes a key body 110w and a key support portion 120w. The key body 110w is connected to the connection portion 800 via the key support portion 120w. The key support portion 120w is a plate-shaped member. A portion of the key support portion 120w is thinner in the thickness direction than other portions, and is therefore flexible. This flexibility causes a portion of the key support portion 120w to bend, causing the white key 100w to rotate relative to the frame 500.

[0027] The white key 100w is equipped with a front key guide 150w. The front key guide 150w is in slidable contact with and covers the front frame guide 510 of the frame 500. The front key guide 150w is in contact with the front frame guide 510 on both its upper and lower sides in the scale direction. On the other hand, the black key 100b is not provided with a component equivalent to the front key guide 150w.

[0028] The hammer assembly 200 is rotatably attached to a shaft provided on the frame 500. As will be described in detail later, a bearing member 220 provided on the hammer assembly 200 is rotatably attached to the shaft. The shaft may be referred to as a fixed member fixed to the frame 500. The bearing member 220 may be referred to as a rotating member rotatably connected to the fixed member. The front end member 210 of the hammer assembly 200 comes into contact with the hammer support member 130w in the internal space of the hammer support member 130w of the white key 100w, and is slidable generally in the front-to-rear direction. This sliding portion, i.e., the portion where the front end member 210 and the hammer support member 130w come into contact, is located below the white key 100w in the exterior portion PV (forward of the rear end of the key body 110w).

[0029] The hammer assembly 200 is provided with a metal weight member 230 located further back than the pivot shaft of the hammer assembly 200. Normally (when no key is pressed), the weight member 230 rests on the lower stopper 410, and the front end member 210 of the hammer assembly 200 pushes the white key 100w upward. When the key is pressed, the weight member 230 moves upward and hits the upper stopper 430. In other words, the hammer assembly 200 rotates in response to the movement of the white key 100w. The weight member 230 causes the hammer assembly 200 to apply weight in response to the key being pressed. The lower stopper 410 and upper stopper 430 are made of cushioning material (nonwoven fabric, elastic body, etc.).

[0030] A sensor 300 is attached to the frame 500 below the key body 110w. When the sensor 300 is pressed by the underside of the key body 110w due to a key depression, the sensor 300 outputs a detection signal. As described above, the sensor 300 is provided for each key 100.

[0031] As described above, in this embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the bearing member 220 provided on the hammer assembly 200 is rotatably attached to an axle portion provided on the frame 500, but the hammer assembly 200 may be provided with a member equivalent to the axle portion, and the frame 500 may be provided with a member equivalent to the bearing member 220.

[0032] [1-3. Configuration of hammer assembly 200] FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of a different grade of hammer assembly in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the hammer assembly 200 includes a front end member 210, a bearing member 220, a weight member 230, a body member 240, a weight support member 250, and a marker member 260. FIG. 4 shows four types of hammer assemblies 200. Hammer assemblies 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4 are shown depending on the type of hammer assembly 200. In the following description, when distinguishing between the individual hammer assemblies 200, a suffix number such as "-1" is added after the reference numeral of the hammer assembly 200 and each component constituting the hammer assembly 200. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the individual hammer assemblies 200, the suffix number will be omitted and the hammer assembly 200 will simply be referred to as the hammer assembly 200.

[0033] The main body member 240 constitutes the main portion of the hammer assembly 200 excluding the weight member 230, and functions as a frame of the hammer assembly 200. The main body member 240 includes ribs 241 and recesses 242. The ribs 241 ensure the rigidity of the main body member 240, while the recesses 242 reduce the weight of the main body member 240. The presence of the recesses 242 improves the ease of resin molding of the main body member 240. The ribs 241 extend in a direction inclined relative to the extension direction of the weight member 230. However, the extension direction of the ribs 241 does not have to be inclined relative to the extension direction of the weight member 230.

[0034] As described above, the front end member 210 is slidably attached to the hammer support part 130w. The front end member 210 protrudes from the main body member 240 in a direction away from the bearing member 220. The front end member 210 has two protruding parts on the top and bottom, and the hammer support part 130w slides in the groove between the two protruding parts.

[0035] The bearing member 220 has a shape that allows it to be attached to the shaft portion. Specifically, the bearing member 220 is configured with an arc-shaped inner wall and is provided with an opening 243 for attachment to the shaft portion. When attaching the hammer assembly 200 to the shaft portion, the hammer assembly 200 moves so that the shaft portion passes through the opening 243 and reaches the bearing member 220. The bearing member 220 is attached to the shaft portion by a snap fit method. In other words, the width of the open end of the bearing member 220 is smaller than the diameter of the shaft portion.

[0036] The weight support member 250 is provided on the opposite side of the bearing member 220 from the front end member 210. In this embodiment, the weight support member 250 protrudes from the main body member 240 in the opposite direction from the front end member 210. The weight support member 250 fixes the weight member 230 while covering a portion of the weight member 230. The weight support member 250 is resin-molded with the weight member 230 disposed inside the weight support member 250. Since the positions of the weight members 230 relative to the weight support members 250 differ among the hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4, the weight support members 250-1 to 250-4 have different shapes. The weight support member 250 is provided with recesses 251. The recesses 251 are provided in two locations so as to sandwich the weight member 230 therebetween. During the resin molding, the resin molding is performed with the weight member 230 sandwiched between the recesses 251.

[0037] The weight member 230 is fixed to the weight support member 250 and extends in a direction away from the main body member 240. In other words, the weight member 230 is rod-shaped. The weight member 230 removed from the weight support member 250 is shown below the four hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 in FIG. 4. The weight member 230 includes a first portion 231 and a second portion 232. In this embodiment, the entire second portion 232 and a portion of the first portion 231 are covered by the weight support member 250. The detailed configuration of the weight member 230 will be described later, but the first portion 231 has a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the key 100. The cross-sectional shape of the first portion 231 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is circular. In other words, the first portion 231 is cylindrical. The second portion 232 is a flattened shape of the first portion 231.

[0038] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 231 is circular, but this is not limiting. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be rectangular, another polygonal shape, or an ellipse. The cross-sectional shape of the first portion 231 being rod-shaped means that the first portion 231 has a longitudinal axis and that the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 231 is circular, square, or rectangular with a [short side / long side] ratio of 3 / 4 or more and less than 1, or that the ratio of the first and second sides of a rectangle circumscribing the cross-sectional shape, [first side / second side], which are perpendicular to each other, is 3 / 4 or more and 4 / 3 or less. On the other hand, any other cross-sectional shape is referred to as plate-shaped. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second portion 232 being plate-shaped means that the cross-sectional shape of the second portion 232 is rectangular with a [short side / long side] ratio of less than 3 / 4, or that the ratio of the first and second sides of a rectangle circumscribing the cross-sectional shape, [first side / second side], is less than 3 / 4 or greater than 4 / 3.

[0039] Although details will be described later, except for the second portion 232, the cross-sectional shape of the weight member 230 at any plurality of points in the longitudinal direction (the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is the same. In other words, in a region of at least half the length of the entire length of the weight member 230 in the longitudinal direction, the cross-sectional shape of the weight member 230 is the same at any plurality of points in the longitudinal direction. In other words, in a region of the weight member 230 in the longitudinal direction excluding regions of 10% of the entire length of the weight member 230 from both ends of the weight member 230, the cross-sectional shape of the weight member 230 at any plurality of points in the longitudinal direction is the same. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the weight member 230 exposed from the weight support member 250-1 is approximately uniform in the longitudinal direction of the weight member 230-1. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the shape of the second portion 232 is the shape obtained by crushing the first portion 231, so the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area perpendicular to any plurality of points in the longitudinal direction) of the weight member 230 (including the first portion 231 and the second portion 232) is the same at any plurality of points in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the cross-sectional areas of the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 are the same.

[0040] When comparing the maximum length in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the weight member 230 (for example, the length of the diagonal if the cross section is rectangular) with the total length in the longitudinal direction of the weight member 230, if the ratio of the total length in the longitudinal direction to the maximum length in the cross section (i.e., total length / maximum length in cross section) is 2.5 or more, the weight member 230 may be said to be rod-shaped even if the [first side / second side] in the cross section is less than 3 / 4 or more than 4 / 3.

[0041] There is no difference in the shape of the weight member 230 among the hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4. In other words, the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 have the same shape. Similarly, the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 are made of the same material. As a result of the similar shapes and materials, the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 have the same mass. Therefore, for example, the weight member 230-1 can be used in the other hammer assemblies 200-2 to 200-4.

[0042] On the other hand, the positions at which the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 are attached to the weight support members 250-1 to 250-4 are different. As shown in FIG. 4, the positions corresponding to the ends of the second portion 232 (the positions of the right ends of the weight support member 250) are closer to the bearing member 220 in the order of hammer assemblies 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4. In other words, the right end of the weight member 230-2 is closer to the bearing member 220 than the right end of the weight member 230-1. The right end of the weight member 230-3 is closer to the bearing member 220 than the right end of the weight member 230-2. The right end of the weight member 230-4 is closer to the bearing member 220 than the right end of the weight member 230-3. In other words, the weight support members 250-1 to 250-4 have different shapes.

[0043] With the above configuration, the positions of the tips (left end portions) of the weight members 230 approach the rotation center 222 in the order of hammer assemblies 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4. In other words, the positions of the centers of gravity of the weight members 230 approach the bearing member 220 in the order of hammer assemblies 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4. Specifically, the distance between the center of gravity of weight member 230-1 and rotation center 222-1 is different from the distance between the center of gravity of weight member 230-2 and rotation center 222-2. As a result, the moments of inertia of the hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 are different. As described above, the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 have the same shape and mass, and therefore the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 themselves have the same center of gravity, but the moment of inertia of each of the hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 differs depending on the mounting positions of the weight members 230-1 to 230-4.

[0044] The first portion 231 has a cylindrical shape with its longitudinal axis as its axis. The second portion 232 has a flat plate shape with main surfaces facing in the scale direction. The vertical width of the second portion 232 is greater than the vertical width of the first portion 231. The second portion 232 has a shape in which the first portion 231 is crushed. The second portion 232 is covered by a weight support member 250. In addition, the weight support member 250 covers a boundary portion 233 between the second portion 232 and the first portion 231.

[0045] The weight member 230 has the flat plate-shaped second portion 232, which restricts rotation of the weight member 230 around an axis in the longitudinal direction of the weight member 230. In other words, the second portion 232 and the weight support member 250 covering it function as a stopper that restricts the above-mentioned rotation of the weight member 230. Furthermore, the weight support member 250 covers the boundary portion 233, which restricts movement of the weight member 230 in a direction away from the bearing member 220. In other words, the boundary portion 233 and the weight support member 250 covering it function as a stopper that restricts the above-mentioned movement of the weight member 230.

[0046] The hammer assembly 200 rotates around a rotation center 222. Hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 are used according to the scale of the white key 100w. Alternatively, hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 are used according to the scale of the black key 100b. In other words, different hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 are not used between the white key 100w and the black key 100b, but different hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 are used among the multiple white keys 100w or the multiple black keys 100b.

[0047] The marker member 260 is provided on the upper part of the main body member 240. The marker members 260-1 to 260-4 provided on the hammer assemblies 200-1 to 200-4 respectively have different shapes. Specifically, the marker member 260-1 has one protrusion, the marker member 260-2 has two protrusions, the marker member 260-3 has three protrusions, and the marker member 260-4 has four protrusions. The same marker member 260 is provided for hammer assemblies 200 having the same moment of inertia, and different marker members 260 are provided for hammer assemblies 200 having different moments of inertia. In other words, the operator can recognize the type of hammer assembly 200 based on the number of protrusions provided on the marker member 260.

[0048] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 have the same shape has been exemplified, but the shapes of some or all of the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 may be different. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 are made of the same material has been exemplified, but the materials of some or all of the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 may be different. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 are rod-shaped has been exemplified, but as an example will be described later, the weight members 230-1 to 230-4 may have a shape other than rod-shaped. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the weight support members 250-1 to 250-4 have different shapes has been exemplified, but the shapes of some or all of the weight support members 250-1 to 250-4 may be the same.

[0049] As described above, with the hammer assembly 200 according to this embodiment, multiple hammer assemblies 200 with different moments of inertia can be realized using the same weight member 230. As a result, it is not necessary to prepare a different weight member 230 for each hammer assembly 200, and a keyboard device with low manufacturing costs and low workload can be realized.

[0050] [1-4. Modifications] A modified example of the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of a hammer assembly of a different grade according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hammer assembly 200A shown in FIG. 5(A) is similar to hammer assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, but differs from hammer assembly 200 in that the shape of weight member 230A is different from the shape of weight member 230. In the following description, description of features similar to hammer assembly 200 in FIG. 4 will be omitted, and differences from hammer assembly 200 will be mainly described. Note that in the following description, when describing configurations similar to those of the first embodiment, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 4, and the alphabet "A" will be added after the reference numerals shown in these figures.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the weight member 230A is plate-shaped. The weight member 230A can be formed by sheet metal processing or the like. In the example of FIG. 5, the weight member 230A has a shape in which a trapezoidal 1-2 portion 280A is provided at the tip of a rectangular 1-1 portion 270A when viewed in the scale direction. A second portion 232A is provided on the opposite side of the 1-2 portion 280A from the 1-1 portion 270A. The second portion 232A has a shape in which a portion of the 1-1 portion 270A is crushed. Note that the example of FIG. 5 is merely one embodiment, and a plate-shaped member having a shape other than that shown in FIG. 5 can be used as the weight member 230A.

[0052] There is no difference in the shapes of the weight members 230A-1 to 230A-4 among the hammer assemblies 200A-1 to 200A-4. That is, the weight members 230A-1 to 230A-4 have the same shape. Similarly, the weight members 230A-1 to 230A-4 are made of the same material. As a result of the similar shapes and materials, the weight members 230A-1 to 230A-4 have the same mass. Therefore, for example, the weight member 230A-1 can be used for the other hammer assemblies 200A-2 to 200A-4. However, as in FIG. 4, the positions at which the weight members 230A-1 to 230A-4 are attached to the weight support members 250A-1 to 250A-4 are different. As a result, the moments of inertia of the hammer assemblies 200A-1 to 200A-4 are different.

[0053] As described above, according to the modified example of the first embodiment, it is possible to realize a plurality of hammer assemblies 200A with different moments of inertia using the same weight member 230A. As a result, it is not necessary to prepare a different weight member 230A for each hammer assembly 200A, and it is possible to realize a keyboard device with low manufacturing costs and low labor burden.

[0054] 2. Second embodiment [2-1. Configuration of Hammer Assembly 200B] A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a hammer assembly of a different grade according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hammer assembly 200B shown in FIG. 6 is similar to hammer assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, but the shapes of weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 of hammer assembly 200B are different from the shapes of weight members 230-1 to 230-4 of hammer assembly 200. In the following description, description of features similar to hammer assembly 200 in FIG. 4 will be omitted, and differences from hammer assembly 200 will be mainly described. Note that in the following description, when describing configurations similar to those of other embodiments, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 5, and the alphabet "B" will be added after the reference numerals shown in these figures.

[0055] The hammer assembly 200B rotates around a rotation center 222B. Hammer assemblies 200B-1 to 200B-4 are used according to the scale of the white key 100wB. Alternatively, hammer assemblies 200B-1 to 200B-4 are used according to the scale of the black key 100bB. In other words, different hammer assemblies 200B-1 to 200B-4 are not used between the white key 100wB and the black key 100bB, but different hammer assemblies 200B-1 to 200B-4 are used among multiple white keys 100wB or multiple black keys 100bB.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 are attached to the weight support members 250B-1 to 250B-4 at the same positions along the length of the key 100B. That is, the ends of the weight support members 250B-1 to 250B-4 are positioned at the same position along the length of the key 100B. Furthermore, the tips of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 are positioned at the same position along the length of the key 100B. However, the diameters (thicknesses) of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 are different. In other words, the cross-sectional areas of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 in cross sections perpendicular to their extension direction are different. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the weight member 230B-1 perpendicular to its extension direction is substantially uniform along the extension direction. Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the weight member 230B-4 perpendicular to the extension direction of the weight member 230B-4 is substantially uniform in the extension direction. Note that the extension direction means the direction perpendicular to the cross section in the direction in which the cross-sectional area at any position of the weight member 230B is smallest, as will be described later.

[0057] In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the weight member 230B-1 exposed from the weight support member 250B-1, perpendicular to the extension direction of the weight member 230B-1, is substantially uniform in the extension direction of the weight member 230B-1. Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the weight member 230B-4 exposed from the weight support member 250B-4, perpendicular to the extension direction of the weight member 230B-4, is substantially uniform in the extension direction of the weight member 230B-4.

[0058] Since the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 are made of the same material, the masses of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 differ depending on the diameter (thickness) and cross-sectional area. Note that the diameter (thickness) refers to the diameter of the weight member 230B when the cross-sectional shape is circular, and refers to the maximum width of the cross-sectional shape when the weight member 230B is not circular.

[0059] The weight members 230B in this embodiment have a configuration in which the cross-sectional area at any multiple points in the longitudinal direction of each of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 is uniform (i.e., the diameter at any multiple points in the longitudinal direction is constant).When forming each of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4, a predetermined length can be cut out from a single rod-shaped base body to obtain each weight member 230B.

[0060] In other words, the cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the weight member 230B can be said to be a cross section in a direction in which the cross-sectional area is smallest at a position other than the end in the longitudinal direction of the weight member. For example, when the weight member 230B is curved, the direction of the cross section for evaluating the cross-sectional area is not always a constant direction, but a cross section in a direction in which the cross-sectional area is smallest at that position. In other words, when the weight member 230B is curved, the direction of the cross section for evaluating the cross-sectional area varies depending on the position in the extension direction of the weight member 230B. In other words, the extension direction means a direction perpendicular to a cross section in a direction in which the cross-sectional area is smallest at any position of the weight member 230B.

[0061] Although weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 have different cross-sectional areas, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 is substantially uniform at any given point in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the center of gravity of each of weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 is located at substantially the same position in the longitudinal direction of key 100B. For example, the distance between the center of gravity of weight member 230B-1 and rotation center 222B-1 is the same as the distance between the center of gravity of weight member 230B-2 and rotation center 222B-2.

[0062] As described above, since the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 have different masses, the moment of inertia of each of the hammer assemblies 200B-1 to 200B-4 is different. The shapes of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 are the same as or similar to the shape of the weight member 230 shown in Fig. 4. That is, each of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 has a first portion 231B and a second portion 232, similar to the weight member 230 shown in Fig. 4.

[0063] In this embodiment, the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 have approximately the same center of gravity in the longitudinal direction of the key 100B, but the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 may have different centers of gravity. Combinations of weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 with different center of gravity positions may have the same mass. Some or all of the weight members 230B-1 to 230B-4 may be made of different materials.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the planes of rotation (or rotation loci) of the center lines of weight members 230B-1 and 230B-4, which have different masses, within the rotation range of the hammer assembly 200B in this embodiment. The center lines 239B-1 and 239B-4 of the weight members 230B-1 and 230B-4 are shown by dotted lines. When the hammer assembly 200B rotates, the planes of rotation 238B-1 and 238B-4 drawn by these center lines are shown by diagonal hatching. When the hammer assembly 200B is viewed in the scale direction, the planes of rotation 238B-1 and 238B-4 overlap, and the outer edges of the planes of rotation 238B-1 and 238B-4 are substantially identical in shape. In other words, the planes of rotation 238B-1 and 238B-4 have substantially the same shape.

[0065] When the hammer assembly 200B is viewed in the scale direction, the tip P1 of the center line 239B-1 and the tip P2 of the center line 239B-4 nearly overlap (match). The tips P1 and P2 are the tips of the weight members 230B-1 and 230B-4 that are farther from the rotation centers 222B-1 and 222B-4. As above, when the hammer assembly 200B is viewed in the scale direction, the tip P3 of the center line 239B-1 and the tip P4 of the center line 239B-4 nearly overlap (match). The tips P3 and P4 are the tips of the weight members 230B-1 and 230B-4 that are closer to the rotation center 222B-1.

[0066] 7 shows a graph with the longitudinal direction of key 100B as the x-axis and the linear density of weight members 230B-1 and 230B-4 as the y-axis. Graph 290B-1 shows the linear density of weight member 230B-1, and graph 290B-4 shows the linear density of weight member 230B-4. The function used to plot graph 290B-1 is a constant multiplied by the function used to plot graph 290B-4.

[0067] 7, the graphs 290B-1 and 290B-4 of the regions corresponding to the weight members 230B-1 and 230B-4 are linear, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, these graphs may be curved.

[0068] As described above, according to the hammer assembly 200B according to this embodiment, by preparing weight members 230B with different cross-sectional areas, it is possible to realize a plurality of hammer assemblies 200B with different moments of inertia.

[0069] Furthermore, when forming multiple hammer assemblies with different moments of inertia by adjusting the length of the weight members, it is necessary to shorten the weight members by cutting the tips or bases of the weight members. When shortening the tips of the weight members, the stoppers (stoppers corresponding to the lower stopper 410 and the upper stopper 430) provided on the frame must be positioned to match the shortest weight member. The stoppers are common to multiple hammer assemblies. Therefore, when the stoppers are positioned as described above, the tip of the longest weight member is located beyond the stopper. As a result, when the weight member collides with the stopper, the portion of the weight member from the point of collision with the stopper to the tip vibrates, causing the entire weight member to vibrate. On the other hand, when shortening the base of the weight member, the shape of the weight support member supporting the weight member must be designed to match the weight member, and a separate resin molding die is required to form such a weight support member.

[0070] By using the weight member 230B according to this embodiment, the above problems can be solved.

[0071] Furthermore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the balance of touch sensations between when the player strikes the key 100B softly and when the player strikes it hard can be made the same for different keys 100B. In other words, the ratio of touch sensations when the hammer assemblies 200B-1 and 200B-4 are struck softly with the same force is substantially the same as the ratio of touch sensations when the hammer assemblies 200B-1 and 200B-4 are struck hard with the same force. For example, when the ratio of the weight received by the player from the hammer assembly 200B-1 to the weight received by the hammer assembly 200B-4 when the player strikes the key softly with the same force is three times, the ratio of the weights received by the player from the hammer assembly 200B-1 when the player strikes the key hard with the same force is three times. More specifically, the above configuration makes it possible to make the relative ratio between the balance of the static moment of inertia (static touch feeling) and the reaction force (dynamic touch feeling) that occurs when the rotation of the hammer assembly 200B due to the moment of inertia accelerates approximately the same between the keys 100B belonging to each of the hammer assemblies 200B-1 and 200B-4.

[0072] 3. Third embodiment [3-1. Composition of Hammer Assembly 200D] A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hammer assembly in one embodiment of the present invention. A hammer assembly 200D shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the hammer assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, but differs from the hammer assembly 200 in that one hammer assembly 200D is provided with a plurality of weight members 230D. In the following description, a description of the same features as the hammer assembly 200 in FIG. 4 will be omitted, and differences from the hammer assembly 200 will be mainly described. Note that in the following description, when describing configurations similar to those of other embodiments, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 7, and the alphabet "D" will be added after the reference numerals shown in these figures.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the weight member 230D of the hammer assembly 200D has a first weight member 236D and a second weight member 237D. The hammer assembly 200D is rotatably attached to the shaft portion of the frame 500D by a bearing member 220D. The first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are provided on the opposite side of the pivot center 222D of the hammer assembly 200D from the portion (front end member 210D) where the key 100D acts on the hammer assembly 200D. Rotation of the hammer assembly 200D causes the weight member 230D to rotate in the rotation direction (R direction) of the weight member 230D. The rotation plane of the first weight member 236D formed by this rotation overlaps with the rotation plane of the second weight member 237D. In other words, the first weight member 236D is provided within the rotation plane 238D of the second weight member 237D. In other words, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D overlap in the vertical direction when the keyboard device 1D is being played. However, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D do not have to overlap in the vertical direction in this state.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are both rod-shaped (cylindrical) and have the same shape. The first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are fixed to the weight support member 250D. When a key is struck, with the first weight member 236D in contact with the upper stopper 430D (see FIG. 3), the direction in which the first weight member 236D presses the upper stopper 430D is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first weight member 236D. Similarly, when a key is released, with the second weight member 237D in contact with the lower stopper 410D (see FIG. 3), the direction in which the second weight member 237D presses the lower stopper 410D is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second weight member 237D.

[0075] Furthermore, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are arranged so that the distance between them decreases from the weight support member 250D toward the tips of these weight portions. This arrangement allows the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D to be firmly held by the weight support member 250D, while reducing the area occupied by these weight members near their tips. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the first weight member 236D and the longitudinal direction of the second weight member 237D, which are constructed based on the above-described concept, are not parallel to each other.

[0076] As described above, since the first weight member 236D is provided within the rotation plane 238D of the second weight member 237D, the weight support member 250D is provided on the side of the main body member 240D, with a portion of it protruding downward. A rib 244D is provided to connect the weight support member 250D and the main body member 240D.

[0077] Unlike the front end member 210 shown in FIG. 4, the front end member 210D has a connecting member 211D and a locking member 212D. The connecting member 211D connects the main body member 240D and the locking member 212D. The connecting member 211D is plate-shaped. The locking member 212D is provided at an end of the connecting member 211D. The locking member 212D protrudes in the scale direction from the plate-shaped connecting member 211D. The locking member 212D of the front end member 210D slides against the inner wall portion of the hammer support portion 130w (see FIG. 3), causing the hammer assembly 200D to rotate in response to the movement of the key 100D. When the hammer assembly 200D shown in FIG. 8 is used, the shape of the inner wall of the hammer support portion 130w is designed to match the shape of the front end member 210D.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are both cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as in the weight member 230 shown in FIG. 4, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D may each have a partially crushed shape in the area covered by the weight support member 250D. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, different hammer assemblies 200D may be configured such that one or both of the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are attached to the weight support member 250D at different positions, thereby resulting in different moments of inertia for the hammer assemblies 200D. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, different hammer assemblies 200D may be configured such that one or both of the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D have different maximum cross-sectional areas, thereby resulting in different moments of inertia for the hammer assemblies 200D.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are each rod-shaped, but this configuration is not limiting. As will be described later, the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D do not have to be rod-shaped. When the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D are rod-shaped, they may be parallel to each other. Furthermore, as described above, the shape of the first weight member 236D may differ from the shape of the second weight member.

[0080] As described above, with the hammer assembly 200D according to this embodiment, the length of the hammer assembly 200D in the longitudinal direction of the key 100D can be shortened, thereby realizing space savings in the depth direction of the keyboard device 1D. Furthermore, if the same weight member can be used for the first weight member 236D and the second weight member 237D, a keyboard device with low manufacturing costs and low labor load can be realized.

[0081] [3-2. Modifications] A modified example of the third embodiment will be described using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hammer assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hammer assembly 200E shown in FIG. 9 is similar to hammer assembly 200D shown in FIG. 8, but differs from hammer assembly 200D in that the first weight member 236D and second weight member 237D are not rod-shaped. In the following description, description of features similar to hammer assembly 200D in FIG. 8 will be omitted, and differences from hammer assembly 200D will be mainly described. Note that in the following description, when describing configurations similar to those of other embodiments, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 8, and the letter "E" will be added after the reference numerals shown in these figures.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, the weight member 230E of the hammer assembly 200E has a flat plate-shaped first weight member 236E and a second weight member 237E. As in Figure 8, the first weight member 236E is provided within a rotation surface 238E of the second weight member 237E. The first weight member 236E and the second weight member 237E can be provided in a recess 242E surrounded by a rib 241E, for example. Alternatively, an opening may be provided instead of the recess 242E, and the weight members may be provided in the opening.

[0083] As described above, according to the modification of the third embodiment, the length of the hammer assembly 200E in the longitudinal direction of the key 100E can be shortened, thereby realizing space saving in the depth direction of the keyboard device 1E.

[0084] 8 and 9 illustrate a configuration in which the first weight members 236D, 236E and the second weight members 237D, 237E are provided on the opposite side of the pivot center 222D, 222E of the hammer assemblies 200D, 200E from the portions (front end members 210D, 210E) at which the keys 100D, 100E act on the hammer assemblies 200D, 200E, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the first weight member 236D, the second weight member 237D, and the portions at which the key 100D acts on the hammer assembly 200D may be provided on the same side of the pivot center 222D. In other words, the key 100D may act on the hammer assembly 200D between the two weight members 236D, 237D and the pivot center 222D.

[0085] 4. Fourth embodiment [4-1. Composition of Hammer Assembly 200F] A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in one embodiment of the present invention in which a hammer assembly is attached to a frame, as viewed from above. Hammer assembly 200F shown in Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of hammer assembly 200-1 shown in Figure 4 attached to frame 500, as viewed from above. In the following description, description of features similar to those of hammer assembly 200 in Figure 4 will be omitted, and points not described in the first embodiment will be described. Note that in the following description, when describing configurations similar to those of other embodiments, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 9, and the alphabet "F" will be added after the reference numerals shown in these figures.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 10, the hammer assembly 200F is attached to a shaft portion 520F. The shaft portion 520F extends in the scale direction (sometimes referred to as the "first direction"). The multiple hammer assemblies 200F (weight portions 230F) are adjacent to each other in the scale direction. The multiple ribs 590F are adjacent to each other in the scale direction. A rib 590F and a boss 580F are provided between adjacent hammer assemblies 200F. The weight portion 230F provided in the hammer assembly 200F includes a first portion 231F and a second portion 232F. In the following description, at least one of the adjacent rib 590F and boss 580F may be referred to as the "first member."

[0087] In the scale direction, the width of the second portion 232F is smaller than the width of the first portion 231F. As will be described in detail later, the second portion 232F has a shape in which the first portion 231F is crushed in the scale direction. The first portion 231F does not face the first member (the rib 590F and the boss 580F), but the second portion 232F faces the first member. In other words, the first member is provided in an area sandwiched between adjacent second portions 232F in the scale direction. On the other hand, the first member is not provided in an area sandwiched between adjacent first portions 231F in the scale direction. In other words, as viewed in the scale direction, the second portion 232F and the first member overlap, but the first portion 231F and the first member do not overlap. Note that the above relationship does not need to be satisfied between all hammer assemblies 200F and the first members; it is sufficient that the above relationship is satisfied between at least some of the hammer assemblies 200F and the first members.

[0088] The rib 590F and the boss 580F (first member) may be formed as part of the frame 500F, i.e., integrally with the frame 500F, or may be members fixed to the frame 500F by adhesive or the like. In the example of FIG. 10, the boss 580F is provided at the tip of one of the two ribs 590F. However, the boss 580F may also be provided at the tips of both of the two ribs 590F. In the scale direction, the width of the boss 580F is greater than the width of the rib 590F. The weight support member 250F covers the entire second portion 232F and part of the first portion 231F.

[0089] In other words, the above configuration can be said to be such that a portion of the weight member 230F between adjacent ribs 590F (first member) has a shape that is crushed in the scale direction (first direction). In other words, the second portion 232F of the weight member 230F, which corresponds to the portion between adjacent ribs 590F, has a smaller thickness in the scale direction than the first portion 231F. With this configuration, the thickness of the weight support member 250F in the region corresponding to the second portion 232F in the scale direction is smaller than the thickness of the weight support member 250F in the region corresponding to the first portion 231F.

[0090] In a keyboard device 1F, a rib 590F to improve the strength of the frame 500F or a boss 580F used for connecting to other components may be provided adjacent to the key 100F. As the keyboard device 1F becomes smaller, the space for arranging the rib 590F and boss 580F becomes limited, and it may become necessary to arrange the rib 590F or boss 580F adjacent to the key 100F. Even in such cases, the above-mentioned configuration makes it possible to ensure the weight of the weight member 230F while avoiding interference with the key 100F.

[0091] In this embodiment, the rib 590F and the boss 580F adjacent to the weight member 230F in the scale direction correspond to the first member, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the first member may be a member that sandwiches the weight member 230F in the vertical direction. In other words, the weight member 230F may be provided between the first member and the second member in the vertical direction.

[0092] [4-2. Configuration of weight member 230F] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a weight member according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the weight member 230F has a first portion 231F and a second portion 232F. The first portion 231F is rod-shaped, specifically, cylindrical. The second portion 232F is flat. The second portion 232F is formed by crushing a portion of the first portion 231F from both sides. Therefore, in the D3 direction, the width of the second portion 232F is smaller than the width of the first portion 231F. In the D2 direction, the length of the second portion 232F is greater than the length of the first portion 231F. In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (D1 direction) of the weight member 230F, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 231F is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second portion 232F. In addition, the second portion 232F is continuous from the upper end to the lower end in the D2 direction. That is, the second portion 232F is different from a shape that has a recess or an opening only in a partial area in the D2 direction, such as an imprint or a fastening hole.

[0093] Similarly, in the D1 direction, the mass per unit length of the first portion 231F and the mass per unit length of the second portion 232F are approximately equal. As described above, the second portion 232F is formed by crushing a portion of the first portion 231F. Therefore, the main surface 2321F of the second portion 232F may bear crushing marks from the press used for compression. Meanwhile, the side surface 2322F of the second portion 232F is a portion that is stretched as a result of the main surface 2321F being crushed during compression. Therefore, the surface condition of the main surface 2321F differs from the surface condition of the side surface 2322F. As described above, the first portion 231F has a crushed shape, and the second portion 232F, which has a relatively small thickness, is provided at the end of the rod-shaped weight member 230F. As shown in FIG. 10, the second portion 232F is covered by the weight support member 250F.

[0094] As described above, when viewed from the direction (D3 direction) perpendicular to the main surface 2321F of the second portion 232F, the width of the second portion 232F is greater than the width of the first portion 231F in the D2 direction perpendicular to the D1 and D3 directions. When viewed from the D3 direction, the width of the boundary portion 233F in the D2 direction increases in a curved manner from the first portion 231F toward the second portion 232F. When viewed from the D3 direction, the tip 2323F of the second portion 232F is curved. The curved shape of the tip 2323F results from the formation of the second portion 232F by crushing the first portion 231F, which has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the D1 direction. The D3 direction corresponds to the scale direction in FIG. 10.

[0095] Although Fig. 11 illustrates a configuration in which the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 231F is circular, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 231F may be flat. Furthermore, Fig. 11 illustrates a configuration in which the second portion 232F has a shape in which a portion of the first portion 231F is crushed in the scale direction, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the end of the first portion 231F may have a shape crushed in the longitudinal direction of the weight member 230F (a shape resembling the head of a nail).

[0096] [4-3. Modifications] Modifications of the fourth embodiment will be described using Figures 12 to 14. Figures 12 to 14 are top views of a configuration in which a hammer assembly is attached to a frame in one embodiment of the present invention. Hammer assemblies 200G (Modification 1), 200H (Modification 2), and 200J (Modification 3) shown in Figures 12 to 14 are similar to hammer assembly 200F shown in Figure 10. In the following description of the modifications, description of features similar to hammer assembly 200F in Figure 10 will be omitted, and differences from hammer assembly 200F will be mainly described. Note that in the following description, when describing a configuration similar to the fourth embodiment, reference will be made to Figure 10 or other drawings, and the letters "G" (Modification 1), "H" (Modification 2), and "J" (Modification 3) will be added after the reference numerals shown in these figures.

[0097] [4-3-1. Variation 1] The modified example shown in FIG. 12 differs from the hammer assembly 200F in that a rib 590G is provided with a guide 591G that restricts the movement of the hammer assembly 200G. As shown in FIG. 12, the rib 590G is provided with a guide 591G that protrudes from the rib 590G toward the hammer assembly 200G. A guide 591G is provided on each adjacent rib 590G. The guide 591G contacts the weight support member 250G and slides relative to the weight support member 250G as the hammer assembly 200G rotates. In other words, the guide 591G restricts movement of the hammer assembly 200G in the scale direction. When viewed in the scale direction, the guide 591G overlaps with the second portion 232G. In the scale direction, the width of the weight support member 250G in the region corresponding to the second portion 232G is smaller than the width of the weight support member 250G in the region corresponding to the first portion 231G. The guide 591G is in contact with the weight supporting member 250G in an area where the width in the scale direction of the weight supporting member 250G is relatively small. Note that the guide 591G only needs to be able to slide relative to the weight supporting member 250G, and does not need to be in constant contact with the weight supporting member 250G.

[0098] [4-3-2. Variation 2] In Modification 2 shown in FIG. 13, the second portion 232H is provided near the center of the weight member 230H, and the first portion 231H is provided in an area including both ends of the weight member 230H. That is, in the weight member 230H, the second portion 232H is sandwiched between the first portions 231H. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the key 100H, the boss 580H is provided at a position away from the rib 590H. As viewed in the scale direction, the second portion 232H is provided at a position overlapping the boss 580H. The weight support member 250H is provided to cover the first portion 231H, and a portion of the second portion 232H is exposed from the weight support member 250H. The weight support member 250H is provided to cover the boundary portion 233H between the first portion 231H and the second portion 232H.

[0099] In the second modification, a configuration in which the boss 580H is provided at a position corresponding to the second portion 232H is exemplified, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the second portion 232H may be provided at a position that overlaps, as viewed in the scale direction, with a member other than the boss 580H that may interfere with the hammer assembly 200H. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 (described later), the weight support member 250H does not have to cover the boundary portion 233H. In other words, a portion of the first portion 231H may be exposed from the weight support member 250H.

[0100] [4-3-3. Variation 3] Modification 3 shown in FIG. 14 is similar to Modification 2 shown in FIG. 13, but differs from Modification 2 shown in FIG. 13 in that a guide 591J is provided instead of the boss 580H of FIG. 13. The guide 591J is fixed to the frame 500J. When viewed in the scale direction, the second portion 232J is provided at a position overlapping with the guide 591J. In the scale direction, the second portion 232J is provided between the two guides 591J. The guide 591J is in contact with the second portion 232J and slides relative to the second portion 232J as the hammer assembly 200J rotates. In other words, the guide 591J restricts movement of the hammer assembly 200J in the scale direction. Note that the guide 591J only needs to be slidable relative to the second portion 232J, and does not necessarily have to be in constant contact with the second portion 232J.

[0101] In Modification 3, a part of the first portion 231J is exposed from the weight support member 250J. That is, the boundary portion 233J is exposed from the weight support member 250J. However, similar to Modification 2, the boundary portion 233J may be covered by the weight support member 250J.

[0102] The keyboard devices 1G, 1H, and 1J according to the above-described first to third modifications can provide the same effects as the keyboard device 1F according to the fourth embodiment.

[0103] 5. Fifth embodiment [5-1. Composition of weight member 230K] The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a weight member in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15(A) is a top view of weight member 230K. Figure 15(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 15(A).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 15(A), a groove 910K and a marker portion 920K are provided in a first portion 231K of a weight member 230K. The groove 910K is recessed from both ends of the first portion 231K in the D2 direction toward the inside of the first portion 231K in a top view. In other words, the groove 910K includes a first groove 910-1K and a second groove 910-2K. The first groove 910-1K is provided on the opposite side of the weight member 230K from the second groove 910-2K. The groove 910K is provided in a part of the first portion 231K, but most of the first portion 231K, specifically 75% or more of the first portion 231K, is an area where the groove 910K and the marker portion 920K are not provided. In this area, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction of the first portion 231K is the same.

[0105] The area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 15(A) is a partially enlarged view of the area of ​​the first portion 231K where the groove 910K is provided. The depth of the groove 910K in the D2 direction is L1. The width of the groove 910K in the D1 direction is L2. The bottom 911K of the groove 910K is flat. However, the shape of the bottom 911K can be adjusted appropriately depending on the shape of the alignment member 990K described below. For example, if the alignment member 990K is cylindrical, the shape of the bottom 911K may be an arc shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylinder. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the groove 910K is provided at both ends of the first portion 231K has been illustrated, but the groove 910K may also be provided at only one end of the first portion 231K.

[0106] The groove 910K is used to align the weight member 230K when the weight support member is resin-molded. Specifically, the position of the mold used for resin molding and the position of the alignment member 990K are fixed, and when the weight member 230K is placed in the mold, the weight member 230K is placed so that the groove 910K is located at the position of the alignment member 990K. FIG. 15(A) shows a state in which the weight member 230K is positioned by the alignment member 990K. In this embodiment, the alignment member 990K has a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the cylindrical circle is L3. L3 is 3 mm or more, 5 mm or more, or 7 mm or more. Considering the strength of the alignment member 990K, it is preferable that L3 be 3 mm or more. However, the shape of the alignment member 990K is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and various other shapes can be used.

[0107] L1 is 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, or 0.5 mm or more. Considering variations in the depth L1 of the groove 910K, variations in the position of the alignment member 990K, variations in the diameter of the first portion 231K, and warpage of the first portion 231K, it is preferable that L1 be 0.2 mm or more. L2 is 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, or 5 mm or more. Considering that the diameter L3 of the alignment member 990K is 3 mm or more and the depth L1 of the groove 910K is 0.2 mm or more, it is preferable that L2 be 2 mm or more.

[0108] The marker portion 920K is provided at the end in the D2 direction. The marker portion 920K is formed along the surface of the first portion 231K. For example, the marker portion 920K may be formed by roughening the surface of the first portion 231K. As described above, the groove 910K and the marker portion 920K are clearly different in that the groove 910K provides a flat bottom 911K, while the marker portion 920K does not provide such a flat surface.

[0109] 15(B), the distance L4 between the opposing alignment members 990K is smaller than the diameter L5 of the circular cross-sectional portion of the first portion 231K and is larger than the distance L6 between the two bottom portions 911K provided at both ends of the first portion 231K in the direction D2. When the weight member 230K is positioned by the alignment member 990K, the bottom portions 911K are in contact with or face the side walls of the alignment member 990K. As shown in FIG. 15(A), by arranging the weight member 230K so that the groove 910K is located between the two alignment members 990K, the orientation of the second portion 232K can be positioned in a fixed direction.

[0110] FIG. 16 illustrates a process for resin-molding a weight support member onto a weight member according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16(A) illustrates a state in which the second portion 232K of the weight member 230K is sandwiched between a mold 290K for resin-molding the weight support member 250K, with the second portion 232K in the correct orientation. FIG. 16(B) illustrates a state in which the weight member 230K is sandwiched between the mold 290K with the second portion 232K in an inappropriate orientation. As shown in FIG. 16(B), if the weight member 230K is sandwiched between the mold 290K with the second portion 232K significantly tilted from its normal position (the position shown in FIG. 16(A)), the mold 290K may strike the second portion 232K, potentially damaging the mold 290K or the second portion 232K. However, as shown in FIG. 15(A), the alignment member 990K positions the weight member 230K, thereby avoiding the situation illustrated in FIG. 16(B).

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, an electronic piano is shown as an example of a keyboard device to which a hammer assembly is applied. Also, a configuration in which the hammer assembly is provided for a key is shown as an example. However, the hammer assembly of the above-described embodiment may be applied to devices other than an electronic piano or to components other than the keys of an electronic piano.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the embodiment according to the present invention may have the following configuration.

[0113] A keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame, a first key, a second key, a first hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the first key, and a second hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the second key. The first hammer assembly includes a first fixed member fixed to the frame, a first rotating member connected to the first fixed member so as to be rotatable about a first rotation center, and a first weight member fixed to the first rotating member. The second hammer assembly includes a second fixed member fixed to the frame, a second rotating member connected to the second fixed member so as to be rotatable about a second rotation center, and a second weight member fixed to the second rotating member and having the same mass as the first weight member. The distance between the center of gravity of the first weight member and the first rotation center is different from the distance between the center of gravity of the second weight member and the second rotation center.

[0114] The first weight member and the second weight member may have the same shape.

[0115] The first weight member and the second weight member may be made of the same material.

[0116] The first weight member and the second weight member may be rod-shaped.

[0117] Both the first key and the second key may be white keys or black keys.

[0118] The first fixed member may be a first shaft portion, the second fixed member may be a second shaft portion, the first rotating member may be a first bearing member, and the second rotating member may be a second bearing member.

[0119] The first bearing member may have a different shape than the second bearing member.

[0120] A keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame, a first key, a second key, a first hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the first key, and a second hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the second key. The first hammer assembly includes a first fixed member fixed to the frame, a first rotating member connected to the first fixed member so as to be rotatable about a first rotation center, and a rod-shaped first weight member fixed to the first rotating member. The second hammer assembly includes a second fixed member fixed to the frame, a second rotating member connected to the second fixed member so as to be rotatable about a second rotation center, and a rod-shaped second weight member fixed to the second rotating member. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first weight member perpendicular to the extension direction of the first weight member is approximately uniform in the extension direction of the first weight member, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second weight member perpendicular to the extension direction of the second weight member is approximately uniform in the extension direction of the second weight member, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first weight member is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second weight member.

[0121] The weight-supporting device may further include a first weight-supporting member that covers and supports one end of the first weight member, and a second weight-supporting member that covers and supports one end of the second weight member, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the first weight member exposed from the first weight-supporting member and perpendicular to the extension direction of the first weight member may be approximately uniform in the extension direction of the first weight member, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the second weight member exposed from the second weight-supporting member and perpendicular to the extension direction of the second weight member may be approximately uniform in the extension direction of the second weight member.

[0122] When the first weight member and the second weight member are viewed in a scale direction in which the first weight member and the second weight member are aligned, a first tip of a first center line of the first weight member farther from the first rotation center and a second tip of a second center line of the second weight member farther from the second rotation center may overlap, and a third tip of the first center line closer to the first rotation center and a fourth tip of the second center line closer to the second rotation center may overlap.

[0123] When the first weight member and the second weight member are viewed in a scale direction in which the first weight member and the second weight member are aligned, a first plane of rotation described by the first center line due to rotation of the first hammer assembly may coincide with a second plane of rotation described by the second center line due to rotation of the second hammer assembly.

[0124] In a graph in which the longitudinal direction of the first key and the second key is the x-axis and the line density of the first weight member and the second weight member is the y-axis, a first graph showing the line density of a region corresponding to the first weight member and a second graph showing the line density of a region corresponding to the second weight member may have a relationship in which one is multiplied by a constant.

[0125] The distance between the center of gravity of the first weight member and the first center of rotation may be the same as the distance between the center of gravity of the second weight member and the second center of rotation.

[0126] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first weight member may be the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section in a direction in which the cross-sectional area is smallest at a position other than the end in the longitudinal direction of the first weight member, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second weight member may be the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section in a direction in which the cross-sectional area is smallest at a position other than the end in the longitudinal direction of the second weight member.

[0127] The first weight member and the second weight member may have different masses.

[0128] The first weight member and the second weight member may be made of the same material.

[0129] Both the first key and the second key may be white keys or black keys.

[0130] The first fixed member may be a shaft portion, and the first rotating member may be a bearing member.

[0131] A keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame, a key, and a hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the key. The hammer assembly comprises a fixed member fixed to the frame, a rotating member connected to the fixed member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, a first weight member attached to the rotating member, and a second weight member attached to the rotating member. The first weight member is provided within the rotation plane of the second weight member, and both the first weight member and the second weight member are provided on the same side or opposite side of the rotation axis as the part of the key that acts on the hammer assembly.

[0132] The first weight member and the second weight member may each be rod-shaped.

[0133] The first weight member and the second weight member may be disposed non-parallel to each other.

[0134] The first weight member may have the same shape as the second weight member.

[0135] The fixed member may be a shaft portion, and the rotating member may be a bearing member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1: keyboard device, 10: keyboard assembly, 70: sound source device, 80: speaker, 90: housing, 100: keys, 100b: black keys, 100w: white keys, 110w: key bodies, 120w: key support parts, 130w: hammer support parts, 150w: front-end key guide, 200: hammer assembly, 210: front-end member, 211D: connecting member, 212D: locking member, 220: bearing member, 222: rotation center, 230: weight member, 231: first portion, 232: second portion, 233: boundary portion, 234C: third portion, 235C: fourth portion, 236D: first weight member, 237D: second weight member, 238D: rotation surface, 240: Main body member, 241: Rib, 242: Recess, 243: Opening, 244D: Rib, 250: Weight support member, 251: Recess, 260: Marker member, 270A: 1-1 portion, 280A: 1-2 portion, 300: Sensor, 410: Lower stopper, 430: Upper stopper, 500: Frame, 510: Front end frame guide, 520F: Shaft portion, 580F: Boss, 590F: Rib, 591G: Guide, 710: Signal conversion portion, 730: Sound source portion, 750: Output portion, 800: Connection portion, 900: Mounting portion, 2321F: Main surface, 2322F: Side surface, 2323F: Tip portion, NV: Non-external portion, PV: External portion

Claims

1. The frame and A first key; A second key; a first hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the first key; a second hammer assembly that rotates in response to movement of the second key, The first hammer assembly a first fixing member fixed to the frame; a first rotating member connected to the first fixed member so as to be rotatable about a first rotation center; a first weight member fixed to the first rotating member, The second hammer assembly a second fixing member fixed to the frame; a second rotating member connected to the second fixed member so as to be rotatable about a second rotation center; a second weight member fixed to the second rotating member and having the same mass as the first weight member, the first weight member and the second weight member have a longitudinal direction in a first direction, In the first direction, the first weight member has a first end portion closer to the first rotation center and a second end portion farther from the first rotation center, the second weight member has a third end portion closer to the second rotation center and a fourth end portion farther from the second rotation center, a position of the first end is different from a position of the third end; a position of the second end is different from a position of the fourth end; A keyboard device in which the distance between the center of gravity of the first weight member and the first center of rotation is different from the distance between the center of gravity of the second weight member and the second center of rotation.

2. 2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the first weight member and the second weight member have the same shape.

3. 3. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the first weight member and the second weight member are made of the same material.

4. 4. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the first weight member and the second weight member are rod-shaped.

5. 5. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein both the first key and the second key are white keys or black keys.

6. 6. A keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the first fixed member is a first shaft portion, the second fixed member is a second shaft portion, the first rotating member is a first bearing member, and the second rotating member is a second bearing member.

7. 7. The keyboard device according to claim 6, wherein the first bearing member has a different shape from the second bearing member.

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