musical instrument

Abstract

This musical instrument is provided with an exterior member 80 that is an isotropic fiberboard. The exterior member 80 includes a foundation surface F1 including a first region R1 and a second region R2. The surface roughness of the first region R1 and the surface roughness of the second region R2 are different. The reflectivity of the first region R1 and the reflectivity of the second region R2 are different.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to musical instruments.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for constructing the exterior of various musical instruments such as keyboard instruments have been proposed conventionally. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for constructing the left and right arms of a keyboard instrument by coating a core material formed of wood with a synthetic resin.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the exterior of the keyboard instrument tends to have a monotonous texture lacking in texture. In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to realize various designs rich in appearance changes for the exterior of musical instruments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a musical instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a musical instrument including an exterior member that is an isotropic fiberboard, the exterior member including an exterior surface including a first region and a second region, the surface roughness of the first region being different from the surface roughness of the second region, and the reflectance of the first region being different from the reflectance of the second region.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a musical instrument comprising an exterior member which is an isotropic fiberboard and a light-emitting element, wherein the exterior member includes an exterior surface and a back surface opposite to the exterior surface, the back surface includes a recess, the light-emitting element is installed inside the recess and emits illumination light that passes through the exterior member from inside the recess toward the exterior surface.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a musical instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a musical instrument comprising an exterior member which is an isotropic fiberboard, the method comprising the steps of roughening a first region of the exterior surface of the exterior member by irradiation with laser light, and applying paint to the exterior surface.

[0008] Furthermore, an instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an instrument comprising a first exterior member including a wood material, wherein the first exterior member includes a base surface constituting the exterior and a plurality of decorative parts composed of recesses recessed to the base surface or protrusions projecting from the base surface, the brightness of the side wall surface of each of the plurality of decorative parts being lower than the brightness of the base surface, and each of the plurality of decorative parts being formed in an elongated shape along a first direction within the base surface in a plan view with respect to the base surface.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a musical instrument comprising a first exterior member including a wood material, wherein the first exterior member includes a plate-like member including a base surface having an opening, and a design member fitted to the plate-like member, wherein the brightness of the design surface of the design member whose normal is along the normal of the base surface is lower than the brightness of the base surface, and the design surface has a plurality of protrusions arranged side by side across a pair of opposite sides of the design member.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a musical instrument comprising a first exterior member formed of an isotropic fiberboard including wood, wherein the first exterior member includes a base surface constituting the exterior, the base surface includes a plurality of decorative parts which are part of the base surface and a peripheral region other than the plurality of decorative parts, the plurality of decorative parts and the peripheral region differ in brightness, and each of the plurality of decorative parts is formed in an elongated shape along a first direction within the base surface in a plan view with respect to the base surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the keyboard instrument in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a keyboard instrument. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the exterior component in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the line IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the exterior component in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the exterior component in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of the exterior component in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the exterior component in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of the exterior member in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the XII-XII line in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of the exterior components in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a molded product manufactured through a molding process. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of the exterior member in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a plan view of the exterior member in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the exterior component in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17. [Figure 19]It is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the exterior member in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is an explanatory view of the roughening process. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart of the manufacturing process in a modification of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of the exterior member in a modification of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view of the exterior member in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] It is a perspective view of the exterior member in a modification of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 26] It is a cross-sectional view of the exterior member in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 27] It is a cross-sectional view of the exterior member in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a cross-sectional view of the exterior member in a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 29] It is a cross-sectional view of the exterior member in a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 30] It is a perspective view of the exterior member in a modification of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] It is a partial plan view of the exterior member in the modification.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] A: First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a keyboard instrument 100 according to the first embodiment. The keyboard instrument 100 is an electronic musical instrument that emits musical sounds in response to the performance by a performer. The keyboard instrument 100 of the first embodiment is an electronic piano including a keyboard 1 and a support 2.

[0013] Keyboard 1 includes a plurality of keys 10 corresponding to different pitches. The plurality of keys 10 includes a plurality of white keys and a plurality of black keys. Each key 10 is a performance control that accepts the operation of pressing and releasing the key by the performer. That is, the performer sequentially touches each key 10 to produce a musical note of the desired pitch. The plurality of keys 10 are arranged along the left-right direction of the performer.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the internal configuration of the keyboard instrument 100. As illustrated in Figure 2, the keyboard instrument 100 comprises a detection device 31, a sound source device 32, and a sound emission device 33. The detection device 31, the sound source device 32, and the sound emission device 33 are housed in the enclosure 20.

[0015] The detection device 31 is a sensor that detects operations on each of the multiple keys 10. Specifically, the detection device 31 detects the operation of a performer to play each key 10 (i.e., pressing the key) and the release of that operation (i.e., releasing the key). The detection device 31 is composed of, for example, sensors that optically, mechanically, or magnetically detect the displacement of each key 10.

[0016] The sound source device 32 generates an acoustic signal corresponding to the performance by the musician. The acoustic signal represents a musical tone of a pitch corresponding to the key 10 operated by the musician. The sound source device 32 may be either a software sound source implemented by a general-purpose processing unit or a hardware sound source implemented by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0017] The sound emission device 33 emits musical tones represented by the acoustic signal. For example, one or more speakers can be used as the sound emission device 33. Alternatively, headphones worn on the performer's head may be used as the sound emission device 33.

[0018] The support 2 in Figure 1 is a structure that houses and supports the keyboard 1. The support 2 of the first embodiment includes a housing 20, a right leg 23, a left leg 24, and a music stand 25. The housing 20 is a hollow structure that houses and supports the keyboard 1. The housing 20 of the first embodiment includes an upper member 21 and a lower member 22. The upper member 21 is a member that constitutes the upper surface of the housing 20. The lower member 22 is a member that constitutes the bottom surface of the housing 20.

[0019] The right leg 23 and the left leg 24 are flat structures that support the keyboard 1 and the housing 20 at a predetermined height. The housing 20 is supported between the right leg 23 and the left leg 24, and the keyboard 1 is housed in the housing 20. The music stand 25 is installed on the upper member 21 and supports the sheet music.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the exterior member 40 used in the keyboard instrument 100, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. The exterior member 40 is a plate-shaped member used as the right leg 23 and the left leg 24, respectively. That is, the keyboard instrument 100 is equipped with the exterior member 40. In the following description, we assume that the X, Y, and Z axes are mutually orthogonal.

[0021] The exterior member 40 is a long, plate-like member with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal direction. The exterior member 40 includes one main surface (hereinafter referred to as "foundation surface F1"), a main surface on the opposite side of foundation surface F1 (hereinafter referred to as "back surface F2"), and a side surface F3 connecting foundation surface F1 and back surface F2. Foundation surface F1 and back surface F2 are flat surfaces parallel to the XY plane.

[0022] The base surface F1 is the surface (exterior surface) that constitutes the exterior of the exterior member 40. For example, the exterior member 40 used as the right leg 23 is fixed to the housing 20 such that the normal of the base surface F1 points in the opposite direction to the left leg 24. On the other hand, the exterior member 40 used as the left leg 24 is fixed to the housing 20 such that the normal of the base surface F1 points in the opposite direction to the right leg 23. The direction of the Z axis corresponds to the thickness direction of the exterior member 40. Figure 4 shows the thickness T of the exterior member 40. The thickness T is the distance between the base surface F1 and the back surface F2 of the exterior member 40.

[0023] The exterior member 40 of the first embodiment is formed from isotropic fiberboard. Fiberboard is a plate-shaped member formed by heating and pressurizing the fibers of wood material into a predetermined shape. Specifically, fiberboard such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hard fiberboard, or insulation board can be used as the exterior member 40. As described above, the exterior member 40 includes wood material.

[0024] Wood-based materials are woody materials formed by the subdivision of timber cut from trees. Wood-based materials may consist solely of wood, such as wood powder, or they may consist of a mixture of wood and resin materials (such as synthetic resins). For example, wood-based materials from tree species such as spruce, Yezo spruce, agathis, maple, birch, mansonia, sapele, Australian blackwood, ebony, rosewood, Honduran rosewood, African padauk, grenadilla, paulosa, walnut, sonokeling, ash, ovangkol, olive, or eucalyptus are used in the manufacture of exterior components 40.

[0025] Multiple decorative parts 41 are formed on the base surface F1 of the exterior member 40. Each decorative part 41 is composed of a recess that is recessed relative to the base surface F1. Specifically, each decorative part 41 is composed of a stepped surface 411 and a side wall surface 412. The stepped surface 411 of the decorative part 41 is a bottom surface parallel to the XY plane at a position lower than the base surface F1. The side wall surface 412 of the decorative part 41 is an inner wall surface parallel to the Z axis in the recess, and connects the base surface F1 and the stepped surface 411. In other words, the decorative part 41 of the first embodiment is a bottomed hole formed in the base surface F1.

[0026] The step height H of each decorative section 41 is 1% or more of the plate thickness T of the exterior member 40 (H≧0.01T). Specifically, the step height H of each decorative section 41 is 5% or more of the plate thickness T (H≧0.05T), and more preferably 10% or more of the plate thickness T (H≧0.1T). Note that the step height H of each decorative section 41 refers to the depth of the recess constituting the decorative section 41 (the height difference between the base surface F1 and the step surface 411).

[0027] Each of the multiple decorative parts 41 is formed in an elongated shape along the Y-axis direction within the base surface F1 when viewed from a direction along the Z-axis (hereinafter referred to as "plan view"). Figure 3 illustrates the external dimensions Dx of the decorative part 41 in the X-axis direction and the external dimensions Dy of the decorative part 41 in the Y-axis direction. The aspect ratio Dy / Dx, which is the ratio of the external dimensions Dy to the external dimensions Dx, is 2 or greater. Specifically, the planar shape of each decorative part 41 is, for example, an elongated straight line in the Y-axis direction. As described above, the longitudinal directions of each of the multiple decorative parts 41 are parallel to each other. That is, the longitudinal directions of the multiple decorative parts 41 are aligned. Note that the Y-axis direction is an example of a "first direction", and the X-axis direction is an example of a "second direction".

[0028] The decorative parts 41 exemplified above are formed by removing a portion of the base surface F1 in the thickness direction. For example, the decorative parts 41 are formed by partially cutting the base surface F1 using a cutting tool such as a rotary blade. The surface roughness of the side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 is greater than the surface roughness of the stepped surface 411. That is, the side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 is rougher than the stepped surface 411. Also, the surface roughness of the stepped surface 411 of each decorative part 41 is greater than the surface roughness of the base surface F1. That is, the stepped surface 411 of each decorative part 41 is rougher than the base surface F1.

[0029] The fiberboard used as the exterior component 40 is manufactured by applying pressure to the accumulated wood fibers in the Z-axis direction. That is, the base surface F1 and back surface F2 are formed by pressing with a flat jig. Therefore, the surface roughness of the base surface F1 and back surface F2 is lower than the surface roughness of the side surface F3. In other words, the side surface F3 of the exterior component 40 is rougher than the base surface F1 and back surface F2.

[0030] The surface of the exterior member 40 is coated with paint. The paint on the exterior member 40 is, for example, an impregnating resin material such as wax or oil. The paint contains a colorant. The colorant is, for example, a black pigment or dye. The entire surface of the exterior member 40 is coated with paint. Specifically, in addition to the base surface F1, back surface F2, and side surface F3 of the exterior member 40, the stepped surface 411 and side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 are also coated with paint.

[0031] The rougher the surface to which the paint is applied, the easier it tends to penetrate that surface. Also, since paint contains colorants, the more paint penetrates the surface, the lower the brightness of the surface becomes. Brightness is defined, for example, as a Munsell value V in the Munsell color system, ranging from 0 (black) to 10 (white) according to the luminous reflectance.

[0032] As described above, the surface roughness of the side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 is greater than that of the stepped surface 411, so the brightness of the side wall surface 412 is lower than that of the stepped surface 411. In other words, the color tone of the side wall surface 412 is closer to black than that of the stepped surface 411. Also, the surface roughness of the stepped surface 411 of each decorative part 41 is greater than that of the base surface F1, so the brightness of the stepped surface 411 is lower than that of the base surface F1. In other words, the color tone of the stepped surface 411 is closer to black than that of the base surface F1. As described above, the brightness of the side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 is lower than that of the base surface F1. In other words, the color tone of the side wall surface 412 is closer to black than that of the base surface F1.

[0033] As mentioned above, since the exterior member 40 is formed of isotropic fiberboard, in a configuration in which, for example, no decorative part 41 is formed (hereinafter referred to as "proportional"), the appearance of the exterior member 40 will have a monotonous texture with little variation in design. In contrast to proportional, in the first embodiment, while maintaining a moderate sense of unity in appearance by aligning the longitudinal directions of the multiple decorative parts 41, a variety of designs with rich variations in appearance are realized by having different brightness levels on the side wall surfaces 412 of each decorative part 41 and the base surface F1. For example, a luxurious antique feel can be achieved.

[0034] In the first embodiment, in particular, since the side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 is sufficiently secured (H≧0.01T), a variety of designs can be realized that emphasize the difference in brightness between the side wall surface 412 of each decorative part 41 and the base surface F1. Also, in the first embodiment, multiple decorative parts 41 with an aspect ratio Dy / Dx of 2 or more are formed on the base surface F1 such that their longitudinal direction is aligned with the Y axis. Therefore, it is possible to emphasize the visual uniformity of the exterior member 40.

[0035] As described above, the surface roughness of the side surface F3 of the exterior member 40 is greater than the surface roughness of the areas of the base surface F1 other than the multiple decorative parts 41. Therefore, the average brightness of the side surface F3 of the exterior member 40 is lower than the average brightness of the areas of the base surface F1 other than the multiple decorative parts 41. In other words, the color tone of the side surface F3 of the exterior member 40 is closer to black than the color tone of the base surface F1. With this configuration, a wide variety of designs with rich visual variation can be realized compared to a configuration in which the average brightness between the side surface F3 of the exterior member 40 and the base surface F1 is the same.

[0036] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, each decorative part 41 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the exterior member 40. Therefore, a visual effect similar to wood grain along the longitudinal direction of a wooden board is achieved. Due to the visual effect exemplified above, for example, the observer perceives that the strength of the exterior member 40 in the longitudinal direction exceeds the strength in the short direction.

[0037] B: Second Embodiment A second embodiment will now be described. For elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment in each of the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the exterior member 40 in the second embodiment, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. The exterior member 40 in the second embodiment is a structure in which the decorative part 41 in the first embodiment is replaced by a decorative part 42. The configuration other than the decorative part 42 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0039] Multiple decorative parts 42 are formed on the base surface F1 of the exterior member 40. Each decorative part 42 is composed of a protrusion that extends from the base surface F1. Specifically, each decorative part 42 is composed of a stepped surface 421 and a side wall surface 422. The stepped surface 421 of the decorative part 42 is a top surface parallel to the XY plane at a position higher than the base surface F1. The side wall surface 422 of the decorative part 42 is an outer wall surface parallel to the Z axis at the protrusion, and connects the base surface F1 and the stepped surface 421.

[0040] Similar to the first embodiment, the step height H of each decorative part 42 is 1% or more of the plate thickness T of the exterior member 40 (H≧0.01T). Specifically, the step height H of each decorative part 42 is 5% or more of the plate thickness T (H≧0.05T), and more preferably 10% or more of the plate thickness T (H≧0.1T). In the second embodiment, the step height H of each decorative part 42 refers to the height of the protrusion constituting the decorative part 42 (the height difference between the base surface F1 and the step surface 421). Also, the aspect ratio Dy / Dx of the decorative part 42 is 2 or more.

[0041] The surface roughness of the stepped surface 421 and side wall surface 422 of each decorative part 42 is greater than that of the base surface F1. That is, the stepped surface 421 and side wall surface 422 of each decorative part 41 are rougher than the base surface F1. Similar to the first embodiment, the surface of the exterior member 40 is coated with paint containing a colorant. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the brightness of the stepped surface 421 and side wall surface 422 of each decorative part 42 is lower than that of the base surface F1. That is, the color tone of the stepped surface 421 and side wall surface 422 is closer to black than the color tone of the base surface F1.

[0042] As can be understood from the above explanation, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the second embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, each of the multiple decorative parts 42 is formed in an elongated shape along the Y-axis direction, and the brightness of the side wall surface 422 of each decorative part 42 is lower than the brightness of the base surface F1. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a moderate sense of uniformity in appearance is maintained by aligning the longitudinal directions of the multiple decorative parts 42, while a variety of designs with rich visual variation are realized by having different brightness levels for the side wall surface 422 of each decorative part 42 and the base surface F1.

[0043] C: Third Embodiment Figure 7 is a perspective view of the exterior member 50 used in the keyboard instrument 100 in the third embodiment, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. The exterior member 50 is a plate-shaped member used as the music stand 25 of the keyboard instrument 100. That is, the keyboard instrument 100 is equipped with the exterior member 50. The exterior member 50 is a long, plate-shaped member with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0044] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior member 50. The exterior member 50 is composed of a plate-like member 51 and a plurality of decorative members 52. The plate-like member 51 and each decorative member 52 are made of isotropic fiberboard, similar to the exterior member 40 of the first embodiment. The plate-like member 51 includes a base surface F1, a back surface F2, and a side surface F3. The base surface F1 and the back surface F2 are flat surfaces parallel to the XY plane.

[0045] Multiple openings 511 are formed in the base surface F1 of the plate-like member 51. Each opening 511 is a through-hole formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. For example, the openings 511 are formed by partially cutting the surface of the fiberboard using a cutting tool such as a rotary blade. Therefore, the surface roughness of the inner wall surface 512 of the openings 511 is greater than the surface roughness of the base surface F1. In other words, the inner wall surface 512 of the openings 511 is rougher than the base surface F1.

[0046] The plate-shaped member 51 is coated with a paint containing a colorant. Therefore, the brightness of the inner wall surface 512 of the opening 511 is lower than the brightness of the foundation surface F1. In other words, the color tone of the inner wall surface 512 of the opening 511 is closer to black than the color tone of the foundation surface F1. Also, the average brightness of the side surface F3 of the plate-shaped member 51 is lower than the average brightness of the foundation surface F1. In other words, the color tone of the side surface F3 of the plate-shaped member 51 is closer to black than the color tone of the foundation surface F1.

[0047] Each design member 52 is fitted into the opening 511 of the plate-shaped member 51. The external shape and dimensions of the design member 52 are the same as those of the opening 511. Therefore, the outer wall surface 521 of the design member 52 and the inner wall surface 512 of the opening 511 are in close contact without any gaps. The opening 511 of the base surface F1 may also be a bottomed hole. That is, the back surface of the design member 52 and the bottom surface of the opening 511 may be in close contact.

[0048] Multiple protrusions 523 are arranged side by side on one surface of the design member 52 (hereinafter referred to as the "design surface 522"). The design surface 522 is a main surface whose normal is aligned with the normal of the base surface F1. The multiple protrusions 523 are projections that extend linearly along the X-axis. That is, the multiple protrusions 523 extend across a pair of opposite sides of the design member 52 that are parallel to the Y-axis. As can be understood from the above description, the design surface 522 is a curved surface in which a wave shape is periodically repeated in the direction of the Y-axis. The top of each protrusion is located lower than the base surface F1. If the space between adjacent protrusions 523 in the direction of the Y-axis is considered a recess, then the design surface 522 can also be described as a wave shape in which multiple recesses extending along the X-axis are periodically repeated in the direction of the Y-axis. The multiple protrusions 523 may also extend in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0049] The multiple protrusions 523 of the design member 52 are formed by partially cutting the surface of the fiberboard using a cutting tool such as a rotary blade. Therefore, the surface roughness of the design surface 522 (the surface of each protrusion 523) is greater than that of the base surface F1. In other words, the design surface 522 is rougher than the base surface F1. In addition, paint is applied to the design surface 522 of the design member 52. Therefore, the brightness of the design surface 522 is lower than that of the base surface F1. In other words, the color tone of the design surface 522 is closer to black than the color tone of the base surface F1.

[0050] As described above, according to the third embodiment, a variety of designs can be realized in which multiple protrusions 523 are arranged side by side on a design surface 522 that has a lower brightness than the base surface F1. In addition, the design member 52 is fitted into the opening 511 of the base surface F1. Therefore, even if both the opening 511 of the base surface F1 and the multiple protrusions 523 of the design member 52 are formed by a rotary cutting tool, a shape can be created in which the inner wall surface 512 of the opening 511 of the base surface F1 and the design surface 522 of the design member 52 intersect at a predetermined angle. For example, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 7, a shape can be created in which the inner wall surface 512 of the opening 511 and the surface of the design surface 522 are precisely perpendicular to each other.

[0051] D: Fourth Embodiment Figure 10 is a perspective view of the exterior member 60 used in the keyboard instrument 100. The exterior member 60 is a plate-shaped member used as the right leg 23 and the left leg 24, respectively. That is, the keyboard instrument 100 of the third embodiment is equipped with the exterior member 60. The exterior member 60 is an elongated plate-shaped member with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0052] The exterior member 60 is formed of isotropic fiberboard, similar to the exterior member 40 of the first embodiment, and includes a base surface F1, a back surface F2, and side surfaces F3. The base surface F1 is the main surface constituting the exterior. The entire surface of the exterior member 60 is coated with a paint containing a colorant. Therefore, similar to the exterior member 40 of the first embodiment, the average brightness of the side surfaces F3 of the exterior member 60 is lower than the average brightness of the base surface F1. That is, the color tone of the side surfaces F3 of the exterior member 60 is closer to black than the color tone of the base surface F1.

[0053] The properties of the base surface F1 differ from region to region. For example, surface roughness or hygroscopicity differs from region to region of the base surface F1. Due to the differences in properties (i.e., uneven properties) exemplified above, the degree of paint penetration differs from region to region of the base surface F1. Specifically, the base surface F1 has multiple decorative parts 61 and a surrounding region 62. The multiple decorative parts 61 are a part of the base surface F1. The surrounding region 62 is the area of ​​the base surface F1 other than the multiple decorative parts 61.

[0054] Each decorative section 61 is an area of ​​the base surface F1 where the amount of paint absorbed is greater compared to the surrounding area 62. Therefore, the brightness of each decorative section 61 is lower than the brightness of the surrounding area 62. In other words, the color tone of each decorative section 61 is closer to black compared to the color tone of the surrounding area 62. As described above, the base surface F1 of the exterior member 60 in the fourth embodiment includes decorative sections 61 and surrounding areas 62 with different brightness levels.

[0055] Paint is applied to the base surface F1 in the direction of the Y axis. Specifically, paint is applied to the base surface F1 by moving a paint-filled brush in the direction of the Y axis. Due to the direction in which the paint is applied (direction of the Y axis) and the initial unevenness of the base surface F1, each of the multiple decorative parts 61 is formed in an elongated shape along the direction of the Y axis in a plan view. For example, if we consider the external dimensions Dy of the decorative part 61 in the direction of the Y axis and the external dimensions Dx of the decorative part 61 in the direction of the X axis, the aspect ratio Dy / Dx of the external dimensions Dy to the external dimensions Dx is 2 or more. As described above, the longitudinal directions of each of the multiple decorative parts 61 are parallel to each other. That is, the longitudinal directions of the multiple decorative parts 61 are aligned.

[0056] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, while maintaining a moderate sense of unity in appearance by aligning the longitudinal directions of the multiple decorative parts 61, a variety of designs with rich visual variation are realized by having different brightness levels for each decorative part 61 and the base surface F1. Furthermore, even though the exterior member 60 is formed from isotropic fiberboard, a visual effect as if it were made of anisotropic material can be achieved.

[0057] In the above description, an example was given in which the boundary between each decorative part 61 and the surrounding area 62 is clearly defined. However, the boundary between each decorative part 61 and the surrounding area 62 does not have to be clearly defined. For example, there may be areas between each decorative part 61 and the surrounding area 62 in which the brightness changes continuously.

[0058] In conventional keyboard instruments, the support 2 is made of a fiberboard whose surface is coated with a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride. It is possible to realize a desired design by forming various images on the plastic coating. However, since plastic is used for the coating of the fiberboard, there is a problem that the reduction of environmental impact is limited. According to the first to fourth embodiments, a variety of designs can be realized without using plastic, so the amount of plastic used is reduced compared to conventional keyboard instruments. Therefore, the environmental impact is reduced and it can contribute to achieving sustainable development.

[0059] E: Fifth Embodiment Figure 11 is a plan view of the exterior member 70 used in the keyboard instrument 100 in the fifth embodiment, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11. The exterior member 70 is a plate-shaped member used as the upper member 21 of the housing 20 in the keyboard instrument 100. That is, the keyboard instrument 100 is equipped with the exterior member 70. The exterior member 70 is an elongated plate-shaped member with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0060] The exterior member 70 includes a base surface F1 and a back surface F2 located on opposite sides of each other, and a side surface F3 connecting the base surface F1 and the back surface F2. The base surface F1 and the back surface F2 are flat surfaces parallel to the XY plane. The base surface F1 is the surface (exterior surface) that constitutes the exterior of the exterior member 70. For example, the exterior member 70 is installed as the upper member 21 of the housing 20 in a position where the normal to the base surface F1 points upward in the vertical direction.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 12, the exterior member 70 is an oriented strand board (OSB) comprising a plurality of plate-like members 71 and a bonding material 72. The bonding material 72 is an adhesive that joins the plurality of plate-like members 71 to each other. The plurality of plate-like members 71 are joined to each other in an aggregated state in the plate surface direction and the plate thickness direction of the exterior member 70. The plate surface direction is along the X or Y axis, and the plate thickness direction is along the Z axis.

[0062] The multiple plate-like members 71 are made of wood from various tree species. Specifically, the multiple plate-like members 71 include multiple woods from different tree species. For example, woods from tree species such as spruce, Yezo spruce, agathis, maple, birch, mansonia, sapele, Australian blackwood, ebony, rosewood, Honduran rosewood, African padauk, grenadilla, pao rosa, walnut, sonokeling, ash, ovangkol, olive, or eucalyptus can be used as plate-like members 71. According to the above configuration, an exterior member 70 with a texture unique to wood can be realized. In particular, in the fifth embodiment, since multiple tree species of wood are used for the exterior member 70, a variety of designs incorporating the unique texture of each of the multiple tree species can be realized.

[0063] Each plate-like member 71 is a thin piece of wood with an average thickness of less than 1 mm. More specifically, the average thickness of each plate-like member 71 is less than 0.5 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm or less. As described above, plate-like members 71 with sufficiently thin thickness are easily deformed. Therefore, an exterior member 70 can be realized that has an abundance of curves on its exterior surface corresponding to the curvature of each plate-like member 71.

[0064] Each of the multiple plate-like members 71 is joined by an irregular three-dimensional shape. For example, among the multiple plate-like members 71, there are plate-like members 71 that are joined to other plate-like members 71 while maintaining a flat shape, as well as plate-like members 71 that are joined to other plate-like members 71 while curved. As illustrated in Figure 12, the joining material 72 is filled into the space (hereinafter referred to as the "storage space 73") formed between the plate-like members 71 due to the curvature of the plate-like members 71. In addition, air bubbles 74 are present in the joining material 72 filled in the storage space 73.

[0065] The bonding material 72 is, for example, a light-transmitting adhesive. For example, various resin materials such as epoxy or acrylic can be used as the bonding material 72. The bonding material 72 also contains a colorant. For example, a black dye is included in the bonding material 72 as a colorant. As described above, the bonding material 72 is a colored transparent part with a black base. However, the bonding material 72 may also be a colorless transparent material that does not contain a colorant.

[0066] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process for the exterior member 70 in the fifth embodiment. First, in the immersion process P1, a plurality of plate-shaped members 71 are immersed in a liquid resin material. That is, each plate-shaped member 71 is impregnated with the resin material. The resin material is the material for the bonding material 72. Specifically, the resin material seeps into the small pores formed on the surface of each plate-shaped member 71. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the bonding material 72 is in contact only with the surface of each plate-shaped member 71, the plate-shaped members 71 can be firmly bonded in the exterior member 70.

[0067] In the filling step P2 following the immersion step P1, multiple plate-shaped members 71 impregnated with resin material are filled into the mold in an irregularly accumulated state. In the molding step P3 following the filling step P2, a flat plate-shaped molded body 78, as illustrated in Figure 14, is formed. In the molding step P3, the bonding material 72 hardens under pressure inside the mold, and the molded body 78 is formed by opening the mold after hardening. Due to the pressure in the molding step P3, the plate-shaped members 71 press against each other, causing some of the plate-shaped members 71 to curve into a curved shape.

[0068] In the cutting process P4 following the molding process P3, the exterior member 70 is manufactured by cutting the molded body 78. In the cutting process P4, for example, the side surface F3 of the exterior member 70 is formed by cutting the side surface of the molded body 78. Therefore, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 14, the side surface F3 of the exterior member 70 has the cross-sections of multiple plate-like members 71. Specifically, the side surface F3 of the exterior member 70 shows a state in which each plate-like member 71 is curved and stacked in multiple layers.

[0069] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 14, the base surface F1 of the exterior member 70 is formed by cutting the upper surface of the molded body 78, and the back surface F2 of the exterior member 70 is formed by cutting the lower surface of the molded body 78. Therefore, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the base surface F1 and back surface F2 of the exterior member 70 have the cross-sections of multiple plate-like members 71. Specifically, a large number of irregular curves or fold lines formed by the cross-sections of each plate-like member 71 are revealed on the base surface F1 and back surface F2 of the exterior member 70. As described above, the exterior surfaces (base surface F1, back surface F2, and side surface F3) of the exterior member 70 have the cross-sections of some of the multiple plate-like members 71 that constitute the exterior member 70.

[0070] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, at least some of the plate-shaped members 71 constituting the exterior member 70 are joined to other plate-shaped members 71 in a curved state. Therefore, compared to a form in which the multiple plate-shaped members 71 are laminated and joined while maintaining a flat shape (a form in which the cross-section of the exterior member 70 is a monotonous layered shape), a variety of designs in which straight lines and curves are randomly mixed in the cross-section of the exterior member 70 can be realized. In particular, in the first embodiment, the curved cross-section of the plate-shaped member 71 fixed in a curved state is present on the exterior surface of the exterior member 70. Therefore, a variety of designs in which straight lines and curves are randomly mixed on the exterior surface of the exterior member 70 can be realized.

[0071] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the bonding material 72 is filled into the storage space 73 formed between the plate-shaped member 71 and other plate-shaped members 71 due to the curvature of the plate-shaped member 71, so the cross-section of the bonding material 72 is exposed in the cross-section of the exterior member 70. In other words, exterior members 70 with a variety of cross-sections, including the cross-section of the bonding material 72 in addition to the straight and curved surfaces of the plate-shaped member 71, can be realized. Also, in the fifth embodiment, air bubbles 74 are mixed in the bonding material 72 within the storage space 73. Therefore, exterior members 70 with a variety of cross-sections, including the straight and curved surfaces of the plate-shaped member 71, the cross-section of the bonding material 72, and the air bubbles 74 within the storage space 73, can be realized.

[0072] In the fifth embodiment, since the bonding material 72 is light-transmitting, a design can be realized in which the accumulation of multiple plate-shaped members 71 is easily visible. Furthermore, by including a colorant in the bonding material 72, an exterior member 70 with a distinctive appearance can be realized in which the visibility of the bonding material 72 is also ensured.

[0073] F: Sixth Embodiment Figure 15 is a plan view of the exterior member 70 in the sixth embodiment. The exterior member 70 of the sixth embodiment includes decorative members 75 in addition to elements similar to those of the fifth embodiment (a plurality of plate-shaped members 71 and a joining member 72). The decorative member 75 is a flat plate-shaped member used intentionally for the decoration of the exterior member 70. Specifically, an artificial object of a predetermined shape made of, for example, plastic, is used as a decorative member. Alternatively, natural objects such as plant leaves or flowers may be used as decorative members 75. The decorative member 75 is joined to the plurality of plate-shaped members 71 by the joining member 72. Specifically, the decorative member 75 is sealed to the exterior member 70 so that the decorative member 75 is substantially parallel to the base surface F1.

[0074] The decorative member 75 is positioned inside the exterior member 70, close to the base surface F1. Also, similar to the fifth embodiment, the bonding material 72 is light-transmitting. Therefore, users of the keyboard instrument 100 can see the decorative member 75 inside the exterior member 70.

[0075] We focus on the relationship between the area A1 of the base surface F1 of the exterior member 70 and the projected area A2 when the decorative member 75 is projected onto the base surface F1 (XY plane). The ratio A2 / A1 of the projected area A2 of the decorative member 75 to the area A1 of the base surface F1 is 0.5 or less. More specifically, the ratio A2 / A1 is 0.3 or less, and more preferably 0.1 or less.

[0076] The configuration other than the decorative member 75 is the same as in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the fifth embodiment are achieved in the sixth embodiment. In addition, in the sixth embodiment, the exterior member 70 includes the decorative member 75 in addition to the multiple plate-shaped members 71 and the joining members 72. Therefore, a distinctive design is realized in which artificial or regular decorative members 75 are mixed in with a collection of randomly accumulated multiple plate-shaped members 71. Furthermore, since the ratio A2 / A1 of the projected area A2 of the decorative member 75 to the area A1 of the base surface F1 (main surface) of the exterior member 70 is 0.5 or less, an original design in which the decorative member 75 is particularly emphasized can be realized compared to a form in which an excessive number of decorative members 75 are arranged.

[0077] G: Seventh Embodiment Figure 16 is a plan view of the exterior member 70 in the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, a coating layer 76 is formed to cover the outermost base surface F1 of the exterior member 70. The coating layer 76 is a coating made of a light-transmitting resin material. For example, the coating layer 76 is formed from an epoxy or acrylic resin material. The coating layer 76 does not contain any colorants. That is, the coating layer 76 is made of a colorless and transparent material. For example, the coating layer 76 may be formed by curing a liquid resin material applied to the base surface F1, or a coating layer 76 molded into a sheet may be bonded to the base surface F1.

[0078] The configuration other than the coating layer 76 is the same as in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the fifth embodiment are achieved in the seventh embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, there is a possibility that irregularities reflecting the outer shape of the plate-shaped member 71 may be formed on the base surface F1. In the seventh embodiment, since the base surface F1 is covered by the coating layer 76, the irregularities on the base surface F1 of the plate-shaped member 71 can be flattened.

[0079] In the first to seventh embodiments, differences in "brightness" of a component are due to differences in reflectance on the surface of the component. Differences in reflectance may be rephrased as differences in color tone on the surface of the component. "Color tone" is defined by, for example, any of the three elements including brightness, saturation, and hue, or a combination of two or more of these three elements. Therefore, "differences in color tone" between components means that one or more of the elements of brightness, saturation, and hue differ, or that the reflectance related to color tone differs. As described above, each element defining color tone (brightness, saturation, or hue) and reflectance are mutually correlated; therefore, "color tone (e.g., brightness, saturation, or hue)" and "reflectance" in this disclosure are mutually interchangeable.

[0080] H: Eighth Embodiment Figure 17 is a perspective view of the exterior member 80 in the eighth embodiment, and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17. The exterior member 80 is a plate-shaped member that can be used as any element (housing 20, right leg 23, left leg 24, music stand 25) that constitutes the keyboard instrument 100. That is, the keyboard instrument 100 is equipped with the exterior member 80.

[0081] The exterior member 80 includes a base surface F1 and a back surface F2 located on opposite sides of each other, and a side surface F3 connecting the base surface F1 and the back surface F2. The base surface F1 and the back surface F2 are flat surfaces parallel to the XY plane. The base surface F1 is the surface (exterior surface) that constitutes the exterior of the exterior member 80. For example, the exterior member 80 is installed as the upper member 21 of the housing 20 in a position where the normal to the base surface F1 points upward in the vertical direction.

[0082] The exterior member 80 of the eighth embodiment is formed from isotropic fiberboard. Fiberboard is a plate-shaped member formed by heating and pressurizing the fibers of wood material into a predetermined shape. Specifically, fiberboard such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard, or insulation board can be used as the exterior member 80. As described above, the exterior member 40 includes wood material.

[0083] Wood-based materials are woody materials formed by the subdivision of timber cut from trees. Wood-based materials may consist solely of wood, such as wood powder, or they may consist of a mixture of wood and resin materials (such as synthetic resins). For example, wood-based materials from tree species such as spruce, Yezo spruce, agathis, maple, birch, mansonia, sapele, Australian blackwood, ebony, rosewood, Honduran rosewood, African padauk, grenadilla, paulosa, walnut, sonokeling, ash, ovangkol, olive, or eucalyptus are used in the manufacture of exterior components 80.

[0084] As illustrated in Figure 18, the exterior member 80 includes a first surface layer 81, a second surface layer 82, and an intermediate layer 83. The intermediate layer 83 is located between the first surface layer 81 and the second surface layer 82. The surface of the first surface layer 81 is the base surface F1, and the surface of the second surface layer 82 is the back surface F2.

[0085] The fiberboard used as the exterior component 80 is manufactured by applying pressure in the Z-axis direction to a mixture of accumulated wood fibers and resin material (e.g., synthetic resin). Specifically, the base surface F1 and back surface F2 are formed by applying pressure using a flat jig. The first surface layer 81 and the second surface layer 82 are parts in which the wood material is densely accumulated compared to the intermediate layer 83 due to the pressure applied during the manufacturing process of the exterior component 80. Because the wood material is densely accumulated, the first surface layer 81 and the second surface layer 82 are harder than the intermediate layer 83. In addition, the first surface layer 81 and the second surface layer 82 have lower hygroscopicity compared to the intermediate layer 83.

[0086] The base surface F1 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. The combination of the first region R1 and the second region R2 creates a pattern that simulates the grain of wood (e.g., flat grain or quarter grain). As illustrated in Figure 18, the area of ​​the first region R1 is smaller than the area of ​​the second region R2. However, the relative sizes of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are arbitrary. For example, a configuration in which the area of ​​the first region R1 is larger than the area of ​​the second region R2, or a configuration in which the areas of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are equal, is also conceivable.

[0087] The surface states of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are different. The surface states of the first region R1 and the second region R2 refer to the structural or optical properties of the surface. The differences in the surface states of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are described in detail below.

[0088] First, the surface roughness of the first region R1 differs from that of the second region R2. Surface roughness is an index of the roughness (i.e., the degree of unevenness) on the surface of the exterior member 80, and can be, for example, the arithmetic mean roughness Ra, the maximum height Ry, or the ten-point mean roughness Rz. The surface roughness of the first region R1 is the average surface roughness over the entire area of ​​the first region R1, and the surface roughness of the second region R2 is the average surface roughness over the entire area of ​​the second region R2.

[0089] Specifically, the surface roughness of the first region R1 is greater than that of the second region R2. For example, the first region R1 is a rough surface with fine protrusions and depressions formed on its surface, while the second region R2 is a flatter, smoother surface compared to the first region R1.

[0090] The depth of the recesses (or the height of the protrusions) in the first region R1 is less than the thickness of the first surface layer 81. That is, the protrusions and recesses in the first region R1 are formed on the surface of the first surface layer 81, and the bottom of the recesses does not reach the intermediate layer 83. As described above, the intermediate layer 83 is not exposed to the base surface F1. As previously stated, the intermediate layer 83 has a lower density and higher hygroscopicity compared to the first surface layer 81 and the second surface layer 82. Therefore, in the configuration in which the depth of the recesses in the first region R1 reaches the intermediate layer 83, moisture absorption is likely to occur in the portion of the intermediate layer 83 that is exposed to the base surface F1. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the intermediate layer 83 is not exposed to the base surface F1, as shown in Figure 18, excessive moisture absorption by the exterior member 80 (especially the intermediate layer 83) can be suppressed.

[0091] Furthermore, in the exterior member 80 of the eighth embodiment, the reflectance of the first region R1 and the reflectance of the second region R2 are different. For example, the reflectance of the first region R1 is lower than that of the second region R2. The reflectances of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are indicators of the brightness of the surface of the exterior member 80. For example, the ratio of the amount of reflected light to the amount of irradiated light on the surface of the exterior member 80 is exemplified as "reflectance". The reflectance of the first region R1 is the average reflectance over the entire area of ​​the first region R1, and the reflectance of the second region R2 is the average reflectance over the entire area of ​​the second region R2.

[0092] The difference between the reflectance of the first region R1 and the reflectance of the second region R2 is partly due to the difference in brightness between the first region R1 and the second region R2. For example, the brightness of the first region R1 is lower than that of the second region R2. That is, the color tone of the first region R1 is closer to black compared to the color tone of the second region R2. In the eighth embodiment, the difference in reflectance between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is due to the difference in surface roughness between the first region R1 and the second region R2. That is, the irradiated light is scattered by the rough surface of the first region R1, resulting in the reflectance of the first region R1 being lower than that of the second region R2.

[0093] Furthermore, paint is applied to the exterior member 80. Specifically, paint is applied to the base surface F1 of the exterior member 80. In addition to the base surface F1, paint may also be applied to the back surface F2 or the side surface F3. The paint applied to the exterior member 80 is, for example, an impregnating resin material such as wax or oil. The paint contains a colorant. The colorant is, for example, a black pigment or dye. In addition, the paint applied to the exterior member 80 may be a transparent paint that does not contain a colorant.

[0094] Furthermore, in the removal process after applying paint to the exterior member 80 (for example, the painting process Qb described later), any excess paint remaining on the base surface F1 may be removed. Tools such as a high-hardness spatula may be used in the removal process. As a result of the removal process, the surface of the first region R1 will be lower than the surface of the second region R2. Therefore, after the removal process, the amount of paint remaining in the first region R1 will be greater than the amount of paint remaining in the second region R2.

[0095] In other words, after the removal process is performed, paint is retained in the recesses that constitute the rough surface of the first region R1. Therefore, the amount of paint retained in the first region R1 is greater than the amount of paint retained in the smooth surface of the second region R2. Since the paint contains colorants, the more paint that is retained, the lower the surface reflectivity becomes. As explained above, the difference in reflectivity between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is due not only to the difference in surface roughness but also to the difference in the amount of paint retained. In other words, according to the eighth embodiment, it is easy to make the reflectivity of the first region R1 and the reflectivity of the second region R2 different by making the amount of paint retained different.

[0096] In the above explanation, the lightness of the first region R1 and the lightness of the second region R2 were made different depending on the amount of paint held. However, for example, the lightness of the first region R1 and the lightness of the second region R2 may be made different by making the hue of the paint different between the first region R1 and the second region R2. The hue is, for example, one of the three elements including lightness, saturation, and hue, or a combination of two or more of the three elements.

[0097] As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the surface roughness and reflectivity differ between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Therefore, a variety of designs with rich variations in appearance can be realized. In particular, in the eighth embodiment, since the area of ​​the first region R1 is smaller than the area of ​​the second region R2, a variety of designs with rich variations in appearance can be realized compared to, for example, a form in which the areas of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are equal.

[0098] In the above description, an example was given in which the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is clearly defined. However, the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2 does not necessarily have to be clear. For example, there may be a region between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in which the surface roughness and reflectance change continuously. Furthermore, in the above description, an example was given in which the difference in reflectance between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is due to a difference in surface roughness and a difference in the amount of paint retained. However, the methods and configurations for making the reflectance of the first region R1 and the reflectance of the second region R2 different are not limited to the above examples.

[0099] Figure 19 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process for the exterior member 80 of the eighth embodiment. First, in the roughening process Qa, the first region R1 of the base surface F1 of the exterior member 80 is roughened. Specifically, in the roughening process Qa, the first region R1 is roughened by irradiation with laser light. The second region R2 of the base surface F1 is not irradiated with laser light. Therefore, the second region R2 is maintained as a flat surface.

[0100] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of the surface roughening process Qa. The processing apparatus 85 shown in Figure 20 is used in the surface roughening process Qa. The processing apparatus 85 comprises a laser element 851 and a control device 852. The laser element 851 irradiates the base surface F1 of the exterior member 80 with laser light.

[0101] The control device 852 controls the irradiation of laser light by the laser element 851. The control device 852 receives a material image G as input. The material image G is an image to be drawn on the base surface F1 of the exterior member 80, and is, for example, a binary bitmap image representing wood grain. The control device 852 controls the laser element 851 so that the laser light is irradiated onto high-density (e.g., black) areas of the material image G, and not onto low-density (e.g., white) areas of the material image G. As a result of the removal of fine areas of the base surface F1 by laser irradiation, the first region R1 is roughened. In addition, the areas of the base surface F1 that are irradiated with laser light are charred by heating. That is, the first region R1 changes to a charred color caused by laser irradiation. The difference in brightness between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is also due to the charred color caused by laser irradiation.

[0102] As illustrated in Figure 19, in the painting process Qb following the roughening process Qa, paint is applied to the base surface F1. Specifically, paint is applied to both the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the base surface F1.

[0103] As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the surface roughness and reflectivity of the first region R1 and the second region R2 on the base surface F1 can be easily made different by irradiating the base surface F1 with laser light and applying paint. Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the reflectivity of the first region R1, which has a rougher surface than the second region R2, is lower than that of the second region R2. Therefore, the reflectivity of the first region R1 can be reduced by a simple process of roughening the surface of the first region R1.

[0104] In the eighth embodiment, a configuration in which the painting process Qb is performed after the roughening process Qa is demonstrated, but the order of the roughening process Qa and the painting process Qb may be reversed. That is, as illustrated in Figure 21, the roughening process Qa may be performed after the painting process Qb. In the roughening process Qa, the base surface F1 is irradiated with laser light, and in the painting process Qb, the paint applied to the base surface F1 is removed. Therefore, an exterior member 90 may be formed in which the reflectance of the second region R2 is lower than the reflectance of the first region R1.

[0105] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the wood grain (e.g., flat grain or straight grain) of the wood material is represented by the first region R1 and the second region R2, but the image formed on the base surface F1 is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in Figure 22, a pattern simulating the bark of the wood material may be represented by a combination of the first region R1 and the second region R2. As described above, an image relating to wood material is represented by a combination of the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0106] Furthermore, the image formed on the base surface F1 is not limited to images related to wood materials (e.g., wood grain or bark). For example, an image of a natural material other than wood may be formed on the base surface F1 by a combination of the first region R1 and the second region R2. For example, various patterns that mimic the appearance of natural materials may be formed on the base surface F1, such as patterns that mimic rocks like marble, patterns that mimic living organisms like seashells or feathers, or patterns that mimic plants like branches, leaves, or flowers.

[0107] I: Ninth Embodiment Figure 23 is a perspective view of the exterior member 90 in the ninth embodiment, and Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in Figure 23. The exterior member 90 is a plate-shaped member that can be used as any element (housing 20, right leg 23, left leg 24, music stand 25) that constitutes the keyboard instrument 100. That is, the keyboard instrument 100 is equipped with the exterior member 90.

[0108] The exterior member 90, like the exterior member 80 of the eighth embodiment, is formed of isotropic fiberboard and includes a base surface F1 and a back surface F2 located on opposite sides of each other, and a side surface F3 connecting the base surface F1 and the back surface F2. The base surface F1 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2, similar to the eighth embodiment. However, in Figures 23 and 24, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are omitted for convenience.

[0109] The back surface F2 of the exterior member 90 includes a recess 91. The recess 91 is a depression formed in the back surface F2. For example, the recess 91 can be formed by partially cutting or pressurizing the back surface F2 of a flat exterior member 90. Alternatively, during the molding process of the exterior member 90, it is possible to form a recess 91 corresponding to a cylindrical projection by pressing the back surface F2 with a processed surface on which a cylindrical projection is installed. In Figure 23, a circular shape is shown as an example of the planar shape of the recess 91, but the planar shape of the recess 91 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the planar shape of the recess 91 may be polygonal, elliptical, oblong, linear, or curved.

[0110] The recess 91 is a space defined by a cylindrical inner wall surface 911 and a planar bottom surface 912. The exterior member 90 includes a portion between the base surface F1 and the bottom surface 912 (hereinafter referred to as the "thin plate portion 92"). The thin plate portion 92 is a circular portion that corresponds to the recess 91 in a plan view. The thickness of the thin plate portion 92 of the exterior member 90 is less than the thickness of the portion other than the thin plate portion 92. In other words, the thin plate portion 92 is a portion of the exterior member 90 whose thickness is reduced by the depth of the recess 91.

[0111] Furthermore, the inner wall surface 911 and the bottom surface 912 are connected to each other via an arc-shaped (R-shaped) curved surface 913. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the inner wall surface 911 and the bottom surface 912 intersect at an angle, stress concentration at the periphery of the bottom surface 912 is suppressed. Therefore, there is an advantage in that it is easier to maintain the mechanical strength of the thin plate portion 92. However, the inner wall surface 911 and the bottom surface 912 may intersect at an angle. In other words, the curved surface 913 may be omitted.

[0112] As illustrated in Figure 24, the keyboard instrument 100 of the ninth embodiment comprises a light-emitting element 95 and a light-emitting control device 96. The light-emitting element 95 is a light source that emits illumination light L. For example, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode is used as the light-emitting element 95. The illumination light L is, for example, white light.

[0113] The light-emitting element 95 is positioned inside the recess 91 in a plan view. That is, the light-emitting element 95 is surrounded by the inner wall surface 911 of the recess 91 in a plan view. Also, in the Z-axis direction, the light-emitting element 95 is located between the base surface F1 and the back surface F2.

[0114] The illumination light L emitted from the light-emitting element 95 travels from the inside of the recess 91 toward the thin plate portion 92 and passes through the thin plate portion 92. That is, the illumination light L enters the thin plate portion 92 from the bottom surface 912 of the recess 91 and passes through the exterior member 90 toward the base surface F1. The illumination light L that has passed through the exterior member 90 is visible to the user of the keyboard instrument 100.

[0115] The thin plate portion 92 has wavelength selectivity due to the wood or resin material contained in the exterior member 90. Wavelength selectivity is the property of selectively transmitting only components of a specific wavelength range from the irradiated light. For example, the thin plate portion 92 selectively transmits the red light component of the illumination light L emitted as white light by the light emitter 95, while blocking other wavelength components. Therefore, red light is emitted from the base surface F1 of the exterior member 90.

[0116] The light emission control device 96 controls the emission of light from the light emitter 95. Specifically, the light emission control device 96 controls the illumination / extinction or light emission characteristics of the light emitter 95. The light emission characteristics of the light emitter 95 include, for example, the amount of light emitted, the color of light emitted, or the light emission pattern. The light emission pattern is a pattern corresponding to the duration of illumination or the blinking period of the light emitter 95.

[0117] The light emission control device 96 displays various information about the keyboard instrument 100 by controlling the illumination of the light emitter 95. For example, the on / off status of the keyboard instrument 100, or whether or not various controls on the keyboard instrument 100 have been operated, is indicated by the illumination of the light emitter 95. It is also conceivable that the light emitter 95 may include multiple light sources (e.g., 7-segment LEDs). The light emission control device 96 can display numerical values ​​or other symbols by selectively illuminating one or more of the multiple light sources. For example, the light emission control device 96 can display numerical values ​​of various parameters related to the keyboard instrument 100 by controlling the illumination of each light source.

[0118] As described above, in the ninth embodiment, the light-emitting element 95 is installed in a recess 91 on the back surface F2 of the exterior member 90, and the illumination light L from the light-emitting element 95 is transmitted through the exterior member 90 (thin plate portion 92). Therefore, while achieving a design with a variety of appearances on the base surface F1, various information related to the keyboard instrument 100 can be displayed by the illumination of the light-emitting element 95.

[0119] In the above description, an example was given of a configuration that includes the features of the eighth embodiment in which the base surface F1 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. However, in the configuration of the ninth embodiment in which illumination light L from the light emitter 95 is transmitted through the exterior member 90, the configuration of the eighth embodiment is not essential. That is, the base surface F1 in the ninth embodiment may be a simple flat surface that is not divided into a first region R1 and a second region R2.

[0120] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior member 90 in a modified example of the ninth embodiment. The keyboard instrument 100 illustrated in Figure 25 includes a light-transmitting member 98. The light-transmitting member 98 is a light-transmitting member installed inside the recess 91. The illumination light L emitted from the light-emitting body 95 passes through the light-transmitting member 98 and the exterior member 90 (thin plate portion 92) and is emitted from the base surface F1.

[0121] The material of the permeable member 98 is arbitrary, but examples include acrylic or epoxy resin materials. For example, the permeable member 98 is formed by filling the recess 91 with a liquid resin material and then curing it. Alternatively, for example, the permeable member 98 may be fitted into the recess 91 after being molded by injection molding.

[0122] As mentioned above, the thin plate portion 92 of the exterior member 90 has a smaller plate thickness compared to other parts, so there is a possibility that its mechanical strength will be insufficient. With the configuration shown in Figure 25, in which the permeable member 98 is installed inside the recess 91, it is easier to maintain the mechanical strength of the exterior member 90 (especially the thin plate portion 92).

[0123] In Figure 25, a transparent member 98 is shown as an example that extends across the entire recess 91, but the form of the transparent member 98 is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration in which the transparent member 98 is installed only in a portion of the recess 91 that is close to the bottom surface 912 is also conceivable.

[0124] J: Variant The following are examples of specific modifications that may be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above. Two or more embodiments may be arbitrarily selected from the following examples and merged as appropriate, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0125] (1) The decorative parts 41 in the first embodiment are not limited to the forms illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. For example, as illustrated in Figure 26, each decorative part 41 may be composed of a recess in which the stepped surface 411 and the side wall surface 412 are curvedly continuous. Also, as illustrated in Figure 27, the side wall surface 412 may be inclined with respect to the stepped surface 411 or the base surface F1.

[0126] Similarly, the decorative portion 42 of the second embodiment is not limited to the forms illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. For example, as illustrated in Figure 28, each decorative portion 42 may be composed of a convex portion in which the stepped surface 421 and the side wall surface 422 are curvedly continuous. Also, as illustrated in Figure 29, the side wall surface 422 may be inclined with respect to the stepped surface 421 or the base surface F1. Both the decorative portion 41 of the first embodiment and the decorative portion 42 of the second embodiment may be formed on the base surface F1.

[0127] (2) In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the brightness of each decorative part 61 is lower than the brightness of the surrounding area 62 was illustrated, but as illustrated in Figure 30, a configuration in which the brightness of the surrounding area 62 is lower than the brightness of each decorative part 61 is also conceivable. In the configuration of Figure 30, the color tone of the surrounding area 62 is closer to black compared to the color tone of each decorative part 61. As can be understood from the above examples, the exterior member 60 of the fourth embodiment is represented as a configuration in which the brightness of the decorative part 61 and the brightness of the surrounding area 62 are different.

[0128] (3) The exterior member 99 illustrated in Figure 31 may be used in various parts of the keyboard instrument 100 (for example, the housing 20, the right leg 23, the left leg 24, or the music stand 25). The exterior member 99 is a long, plate-like member with a base surface F1 as its main surface. Grooves 991 are formed in the base surface F1. The grooves 991 constitute a unit figure U. Multiple unit figures U are formed in the base surface F1 without any gaps.

[0129] The grooves 991 are formed on the base surface F1 using a cutting tool such as a rotary blade. The surface roughness of the inner wall surface of the grooves 991 is greater than that of the base surface F1. In other words, the inner wall surface of the grooves 991 is rougher than that of the base surface F1. In addition, the base surface F1 is coated with paint containing a colorant. Therefore, the brightness of the inner wall surface of each groove 991 is lower than that of the base surface F1. In other words, the color tone of the grooves 991 is closer to black compared to the color tone of the base surface F1.

[0130] According to the configuration shown in Figure 31, the arrangement of multiple unit figures U within a plane without gaps maintains a moderate sense of uniformity in appearance, while the configuration in which the brightness of each groove 991 differs from the brightness of the base surface F1 allows for a variety of designs with rich visual variations.

[0131] (4) The type of wood used for the fiberboard constituting the exterior components (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99) of the first to fourth embodiments is arbitrary. For example, one or more types of wood selected from various tree species such as spruce, Yezo spruce, agathis, maple, birch, mansonia, sapele, Australian blackwood, ebony, rosewood, Honduran rosewood, African padauk, grenadilla, paulosa, walnut, sonokeling, ash, ovangkol, olive, or eucalyptus may be used as the material for the exterior components.

[0132] (5) The form or state of the wood material used in the manufacture of the keyboard instrument 100 is arbitrary. For example, wood material in any form or state, such as wood powder, granules, or chips, may be used in the manufacture of the keyboard instrument 100 (e.g., exterior components).

[0133] (6) In each of the above embodiments, a resin material that will become the bonding material 72 after curing is impregnated into each plate-shaped member 71. However, the resin material impregnated into each plate-shaped member 71 in the immersion step P1 may be a different type of material from the bonding material 72. In other words, bonding function is not essential for the resin material. For example, any type of resin material such as polyacetal or silicone may be immersed into each plate-shaped member 71 in the immersion step P1.

[0134] (7) In the keyboard instrument 100, the parts to which the exterior members (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99) in each of the above-described embodiments are used are arbitrary. For example, the exterior member 40 of the first or second embodiment, and the exterior member 60 of the fourth embodiment may be used as the housing 20 or the music stand 25. The exterior member 50 of the third embodiment may be used as the right leg 23, the left leg 24, or the housing 20. The exterior members 70 of the fifth to seventh embodiments may be used as the right leg 23, the left leg 24, or the music stand 25. Furthermore, the exterior members (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99) in each of the above-described embodiments may be used as other elements of the keyboard instrument 100. For example, the exterior members described above in each form can be used as any element constituting the keyboard instrument 100, such as the lower member 22 (front plate) illustrated in Figure 1, the planar members (clappers) located on both sides of the keyboard 1, or the keyboard cover.

[0135] (8) In the above-described embodiments, electronic musical instruments equipped with a sound source device 32 were given as examples, but the above-described embodiments also apply to natural musical instruments equipped with a sound-producing mechanism that produces sound through mechanical action. The sound-producing mechanism is, for example, a string-striking mechanism in a natural keyboard instrument, or a resonance mechanism consisting of strings and a soundbox in a natural string instrument.

[0136] This disclosure also applies to instrument playing apparatuses that do not have a sound source device 32 or a sound generation mechanism. An instrument playing apparatus is, for example, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller that accepts input from a user. An instrument playing apparatus is encompassed within the concept of a musical instrument (and even a keyboard instrument) in this disclosure.

[0137] (9) The exterior components exemplified above (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99) are also applicable to instruments other than the keyboard instrument 100. For example, the exterior components exemplified in each of the above forms are applied to the exterior of any part that makes up an instrument, such as the fingerboard or soundboard of a string instrument, the body of a woodwind instrument, the body of an idiophone such as a xylophone, or the body of a percussion instrument such as a drum.

[0138] Furthermore, the applications of the exterior components (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99) are not limited to musical instruments. For example, the exterior components exemplified in each of the above forms may be applied as decorative panels to constitute a building.

[0139] K:Additional notes From the forms illustrated above, for example, the following configuration can be understood. Note that the embodiments of Appendix A (A1-A7), Appendix B (B1-B12), Appendix C (C1-C5), and Appendix D (D1-D2) illustrated below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0140] [Note A] Technologies for constructing the exterior of various musical instruments, such as keyboard instruments, have been proposed for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-5117) discloses a technology for constructing the left and right arms of a keyboard instrument by covering a core material made of wood with synthetic resin.

[0141] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the exterior of the keyboard instrument tends to have a monotonous texture lacking in quality. Taking these circumstances into consideration, one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A) aims to realize a variety of designs with rich visual variations for the exterior of the instrument.

[0142] A musical instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A1) is a musical instrument comprising an exterior member including a wood material, wherein the exterior member includes a base surface constituting the exterior and a plurality of decorative parts composed of recesses recessed to the base surface or protrusions projecting from the base surface, the brightness of the side wall surface of each of the plurality of decorative parts being lower than the brightness of the base surface, and each of the plurality of decorative parts being formed in an elongated shape along a first direction within the base surface in a plan view with respect to the base surface.

[0143] In the above embodiment, a moderate sense of unity in appearance is maintained by aligning the longitudinal directions of multiple decorative parts, while a variety of designs with rich visual variation are realized by having different brightness levels on the side walls and base surfaces of each decorative part.

[0144] The "base surface" is the surface (e.g., flat or curved) that makes up the exterior of the instrument. In other words, the surface of the instrument that is observed externally is the "base surface". The "side wall surface" is the inner circumferential surface between the bottom surface of a recess and the base surface when the decorative part is made up of a recess, or the outer circumferential surface between the top surface of a convex part and the base surface when the decorative part is made up of a convex part.

[0145] The difference in brightness between the side wall surface and the base surface may be due to differences in the surface roughness of each surface, or to differences in the color tone of the paint applied to each surface. Focusing on the surface roughness of each surface, in a configuration where the side wall surface is rougher than the base surface, even if the same type of paint is applied to both the side wall surface and the base surface, an appearance in which the brightness of the side wall surface is lower than that of the base surface will be achieved.

[0146] In the specific example of Appendix A1 (Appendix A2), the dimension of the step in each of the multiple decorative parts is 1% or more of the thickness of the exterior member. In the above embodiment, since the side wall surface of each decorative part is sufficiently secured, a variety of designs can be realized that emphasize the difference in brightness between the side wall surface of each decorative part and the base surface.

[0147] The "step" of each decorative part refers to the depth of the recess (the difference in height between the bottom surface of the recess and the base surface) if the decorative part is composed of a recess, and the height of the protrusion (the difference in height between the top surface of the protrusion and the base surface) if the decorative part is composed of a convex part.

[0148] In specific examples of Appendix A1 or Appendix A2 (Appendix A3), the aspect ratio of each of the multiple decorative parts, which is the ratio of the dimension in the first direction to the dimension in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, is 2 or greater. In the above embodiment, multiple decorative parts with an aspect ratio of 2 or greater are formed on the base surface such that their longitudinal direction aligns with the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to emphasize the visual uniformity of the exterior members.

[0149] A musical instrument according to another aspect of this disclosure (Appendix A4) is a musical instrument comprising an exterior member, the exterior member comprising a plate-like member including a base surface having an opening formed thereon, and a design member fitted to the plate-like member, wherein the brightness of the design surface of the design member whose normal is along the normal of the base surface is lower than the brightness of the base surface, and the design surface has a plurality of protrusions arranged side by side across a pair of opposite sides of the design member. The exterior member may also include wood material.

[0150] This method allows for the creation of diverse designs with multiple protrusions arranged in parallel on a design surface that has a lower brightness than the base surface. Furthermore, the design member is fitted into an opening in the base surface. Therefore, it is possible to create a shape in which the inner wall surface of the opening in the base surface and the surface of the design member intersect at a predetermined angle. The opening in the base surface may be either a through-hole penetrating the exterior member or a closed-end hole not penetrating the exterior member.

[0151] Another aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A5) is a musical instrument comprising an exterior member formed of isotropic fiberboard, wherein the exterior member includes a base surface constituting the exterior, the base surface includes a plurality of decorative parts which are part of the base surface and a peripheral region other than the plurality of decorative parts, the plurality of decorative parts and the peripheral region differ in brightness, and each of the plurality of decorative parts is formed in an elongated shape along a first direction within the base surface in a plan view with respect to the base surface. The exterior member may also include wood material.

[0152] In the above embodiment, while maintaining a moderate sense of unity in appearance by aligning the longitudinal directions of each decorative part, a variety of designs with rich visual variation are realized by having different brightness levels for each decorative part on the base surface and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, even though the exterior members are formed from isotropic fiberboard, a visual effect as if they were made of anisotropic material can be achieved.

[0153] "Isotropy" means that physical properties such as strength do not substantially depend on direction. "Fiberboard" is a board-like member made by shaping wood fibers into a predetermined form by heating and pressurizing. For example, fiberboards such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard, and insulation board are used as exterior components.

[0154] The brightness of each decorative element does not need to be the same throughout the entire area of ​​that element; the brightness may differ depending on the location of the decorative element. The "brightness" of each decorative element refers to the average brightness of the area of ​​the base surface corresponding to the decorative element.

[0155] In any specific example from Appendix A1 to Appendix A5 (Appendix A6), the average brightness of the side surface of the exterior member is lower than the average brightness of the area of ​​the base surface other than the multiple decorative parts. In this embodiment, a wide variety of designs with greater visual variation can be realized compared to a form in which the average brightness of the side surface of the exterior member is the same as the average brightness of the area of ​​the base surface other than the multiple decorative parts.

[0156] In any specific example from Appendix A1 to Appendix A6 (Appendix A7), the exterior member is a long, rectangular member with the first direction as its longitudinal direction. In the above embodiment, each decorative part is formed along the longitudinal direction of the exterior member. Therefore, a visual effect similar to wood grain along the longitudinal direction of a wooden board is achieved. Due to the visual effect exemplified above, for example, the observer perceives that the strength of the exterior member in the longitudinal direction exceeds the strength in the short direction.

[0157] [Note B] Technologies for constructing the exterior of various musical instruments, such as keyboard instruments, have been proposed for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-5117) discloses a technology for constructing the left and right arms of a keyboard instrument by covering a core material made of wood with synthetic resin.

[0158] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the exterior of the keyboard instrument tends to have a monotonous texture lacking in quality. Taking these circumstances into consideration, one aspect of this disclosure aims to realize a variety of designs with rich visual variations for the exterior of the instrument.

[0159] A musical instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix B1) is a musical instrument comprising an exterior member, the exterior member comprising a plurality of plate-like members accumulated in the direction of the plate surface and the thickness direction of the exterior member, and a joining material that joins the plurality of plate-like members to each other, wherein at least some of the plurality of plate-like members are joined to other plate-like members by the joining material in a curved state.

[0160] In the above embodiment, at least some of the plate-shaped members constituting the exterior member are joined to other plate-shaped members in a curved state. Therefore, compared to a form in which multiple plate-shaped members are laminated and joined while maintaining a flat shape (a form in which the cross-section of the exterior member is a monotonous layered shape), a variety of designs can be realized in which straight lines and curves are randomly mixed in the cross-section of the exterior member.

[0161] In the specific example of Appendix B1 (Appendix B2), the average thickness of the multiple plate-like members is less than 0.5 mm. Plate-like members with an average thickness of less than 0.5 mm are easily deformed. Therefore, an exterior member is realized that contains abundant curves on its exterior surface that reflect the curvature of each plate-like member.

[0162] In specific examples of Appendix B1 or Appendix B2 (Appendix B3), the exterior surface of the exterior member has a cross-section of the plate-like member. According to the above embodiment, the curved cross-section of the plate-like member fixed in a curved state is present on the exterior surface of the exterior member. Therefore, a variety of designs can be realized on the exterior surface of the exterior member in which straight lines and curves are randomly mixed.

[0163] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B3 (Appendix B4), the bonding material is filled into the storage space formed between the plate-shaped member and other plate-shaped members due to the curvature of the plate-shaped member. According to the above embodiment, since the bonding material is filled into the storage space formed between the plate-shaped member and other plate-shaped members due to the curvature of the plate-shaped member, the cross-section of the bonding material is exposed in the cross-section of the exterior member. In other words, exterior members with a variety of cross-sections, including the cross-section of the bonding material in addition to the straight and curved lines of the plate-shaped members, can be realized.

[0164] In the specific example of Appendix B4 (Appendix B5), air bubbles are present in the bonding material filled in the storage space. According to the above embodiment, air bubbles are mixed in the bonding material in the storage space. Therefore, exterior members with various cross-sections can be realized, which include not only the straight and curved lines of the plate-like member and the cross-section of the bonding material, but also air bubbles in the storage space.

[0165] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B5 (Appendix B6), the exterior member includes decorative members joined to the plurality of plate-shaped members by the joining material, and the ratio A2 / A1 of the area A1 of the main surface of the exterior member to the projected area A2 of the decorative member relative to the main surface is 0.5 or less. According to the above embodiment, the exterior member includes decorative members in addition to the plurality of plate-shaped members and the joining material. Therefore, a distinctive design is realized in which artificial decorative members are mixed in with a randomly assembled collection of a plurality of plate-shaped members. Furthermore, since the ratio of the projected area of ​​the decorative members to the area of ​​the main surface of the exterior member is less than 50%, an original design in which the decorative members are particularly emphasized can be realized compared to forms in which there are an excessive number of decorative members.

[0166] "Decorative components" are components intentionally used to decorate exterior components. For example, in addition to artificial objects of a predetermined shape formed from plastic or the like, natural materials such as plant leaves can also be used as decorative components.

[0167] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B6 (Appendix B7), the joining material is light-transmitting. According to the above embodiment, since the joining material is light-transmitting, a design can be realized in which the accumulation of multiple plate-like members is easily visible.

[0168] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B7 (Appendix B8), the bonding material contains a colorant. According to the above embodiment, an exterior component with a distinctive appearance that also ensures the visibility of the bonding material can be realized. "Colorant" is a material such as a pigment or dye used to impart a specific color tone to the bonding material.

[0169] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B8 (Appendix B9), the multiple plate-shaped members are impregnated with a resin material. According to the above embodiment, the appearance or properties of the plate-shaped members can be adjusted by the resin material. For example, in the form in which the resin material used as a bonding material is impregnated into multiple plate-shaped members, each plate-shaped member can be bonded more firmly compared to the form in which the bonding material is in contact only with the surface of the plate-shaped members. However, the function of bonding multiple plate-shaped members is not essential for the resin material. "Impregnation" means seeping liquid resin material into the fine pores on the surface of the plate-shaped member, and is distinct from filling the space formed by the curvature of the plate-shaped member with resin material.

[0170] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B9 (Appendix B10), the plurality of plate-like members are made of wood. According to the above embodiment, an exterior member with a texture characteristic of wood can be realized.

[0171] In the specific example of Appendix B10 (Appendix B11), the plurality of plate-like members include multiple wood materials of different tree species. According to the above embodiment, a variety of designs can be realized that include the unique texture of each of the multiple tree species.

[0172] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B11 (Appendix B12), the exterior member is provided with a light-transmitting coating layer that covers at least a portion of the surface. According to the above embodiment, since at least a portion of the surface of the exterior member is covered with the coating layer, the irregularities in the exterior member that reflect the outer shape of each plate-shaped member can be flattened.

[0173] [Note C] An instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix C1) is an instrument comprising an exterior member which is an isotropic fiberboard, wherein the exterior member includes an exterior surface which comprises a first region and a second region, the surface roughness of the first region and the surface roughness of the second region differ, and the reflectance of the first region and the reflectance of the second region differ. In the above embodiment, the surface roughness and reflectance differ between the first region and the second region. Therefore, a wide variety of designs with rich variations in appearance can be realized.

[0174] "Isotropy" means that physical properties, such as strength, do not substantially depend on direction. "Fiberboard" is a plate-like member formed by heating and pressurizing wood fibers into a predetermined shape. "Exterior surface" refers to the surface (e.g., flat or curved) that constitutes the exterior of a musical instrument. Specifically, the surface observed in the appearance of a musical instrument is the "exterior surface".

[0175] "Surface roughness" is an index of the roughness (i.e., the degree of unevenness) on the surface of a component, such as arithmetic mean roughness Ra, maximum height Ry, or ten-point mean roughness Rz. The surface roughness does not need to be uniform throughout the entire first region; it may differ depending on the location within the first region. "Surface roughness of the first region" means the average surface roughness within the first region. Similarly, the surface roughness does not need to be uniform throughout the entire second region; it may differ depending on the location within the second region. "Surface roughness of the second region" means the average surface roughness within the second region.

[0176] "Reflectance" is an index of the brightness of a material's surface. For example, the amount of reflected light when a predetermined amount of light is shone on the material is used as an example of "reflectance." The reflectance does not need to be the same throughout the entire first region; it may differ depending on the location within the first region. "Reflectance of the first region" means the average reflectance within the first region. Similarly, the reflectance does not need to be the same throughout the entire second region; it may differ depending on the location within the second region. "Reflectance of the second region" means the average reflectance within the second region.

[0177] The difference between the reflectance of the first region and the reflectance of the second region may be due to differences in the surface roughness of each region, or to differences in the color tone of the paint applied to each region. The color tone is defined by, for example, one of the three elements of lightness, saturation, and hue, or a combination of two or more of these three elements. For example, focusing on the surface roughness of each region, in a configuration where the surface roughness of the first region exceeds that of the second region (i.e., the first region is rougher than the second region), even if the same type of paint is applied to the first and second regions, the amount of paint retained can be made different, resulting in an appearance in which the reflectance of the first region is lower than that of the second region. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the surface roughness differs due to laser irradiation of either the first or second region, a difference in lightness between the first and second regions may occur due to burning or charring of the exterior surface caused by laser irradiation.

[0178] In a specific example of Embodiment C1 (Embodiment C2), the surface roughness of the first region exceeds that of the second region, and the reflectance of the first region is lower than that of the second region. In the above embodiment, the reflectance of the first region, which has a rougher surface than the second region, is lower than that of the second region. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reflectance of the first region by a simple process of roughening the surface of the first region.

[0179] In a specific example of embodiment C2 (embodiment C3), the area of ​​the first region is smaller than the area of ​​the second region. In the above embodiment, since the area of ​​the first region is smaller than the area of ​​the second region, a variety of designs with greater visual variation can be realized compared to, for example, a form in which the areas of the first region and the second region are equal.

[0180] In any specific example of embodiments C1 to C3 (embodiment C4), paint is applied to the exterior surface. In the above embodiments, the paint tends to be retained more easily in the first region, which has a rougher surface, than in the second region. As a result of the difference in the amount of paint retained, it is easy to make the reflectance of the first region and the reflectance of the second region different.

[0181] One aspect of this disclosure is a method for manufacturing a musical instrument according to the aforementioned aspects C(C1-C4). A manufacturing method according to one aspect (aspect C5) is a method for manufacturing a musical instrument comprising an exterior member which is an isotropic fiberboard, and includes the steps of roughening a first region of the exterior surface of the exterior member by irradiation with laser light, and applying paint to the exterior surface. According to the above aspects, by irradiating the exterior surface with laser light and applying paint, it is possible to easily make the surface roughness and reflectivity of the first region and the second region of the exterior surface different.

[0182] The order of the process of roughening the exterior surface with laser light and the process of applying paint to the exterior surface is arbitrary. That is, the paint may be applied to the exterior surface after roughening with laser light, or the exterior surface may be roughened with laser light after the paint has been applied.

[0183] [Note D] A musical instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix D1) comprises an exterior member which is an isotropic fiberboard and a light-emitting element, wherein the exterior member includes an exterior surface and a back surface opposite to the exterior surface, the back surface includes a recess, and the light-emitting element is installed inside the recess and emits illumination light that passes through the exterior member from inside the recess toward the exterior surface. In the above embodiment, the light-emitting element is installed in the recess on the back surface of the exterior member, and illumination light from the light-emitting element passes through the exterior member. Therefore, various information about the musical instrument can be displayed by the light emitted by the light-emitting element while realizing a variety of designs with rich visual variations for the exterior surface.

[0184] A "light-emitting element" is any element that emits light. For example, light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes are used as light-emitting elements. In addition to a single light source, combinations of multiple light sources (for example, a 7-segment LED) are also given as examples of "light-emitting elements."

[0185] For example, various information about musical instruments can be displayed by a light source. For instance, information can be displayed by the illumination / exiting or luminescence characteristics (e.g., amount of light or color of light) of the light source. The information displayed by the light source is arbitrary, but various types of information such as the on / off status of the power to an electronic instrument, whether or not it has been operated by the user, the numerical values ​​of various parameters related to the instrument, or the enabled / disabled (on / off) status of various settings related to the instrument can be displayed by controlling the light source.

[0186] In a specific example of embodiment D1 (embodiment D2), a light-transmitting member is further provided installed inside the recess, and the illumination light passes through the transmittance member and the exterior member. The portion of the exterior member in which the recess is formed has a smaller plate thickness compared to other areas, which may result in insufficient mechanical strength. With the configuration in which the transmittance member is installed inside the recess, it is easier to maintain the mechanical strength of the exterior member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0187] 100...Keyboard instrument, 1...Keyboard, 2...Support, 10...Key, 20...Housing, 21...Upper member, 22...Lower member, 23...Right leg, 24...Left leg, 25...Music stand, 31...Detection device, 32...Sound source device, 33...Sound emission device, 40...Exterior member, 41...Decorative part, 42...Decorative part, 50...Exterior member, 51...Plate-shaped member, 52...Design member, 60...Exterior member, 61...Decorative part, 62...Peripheral area, 70...Exterior member, 71...Plate-shaped member, 72...Jointing material, 73...Storage space, 74...Air bubble, 75...Decorative member, 76...Coating layer, 78...Composition Shape, 80... Exterior member, 81... First surface layer, 82... Second surface layer, 83... Intermediate layer, R1... First region, R2... Second region, 85... Processing device, 851... Laser element, 852... Control device, 90... Exterior member, 91... Recess, 911... Inner wall surface, 912... Bottom surface, 92... Thin plate portion, 95... Light emitter, 96... Light emission control device, 99... Exterior member, 991... Groove portion, 411... Stepped surface, 412... Side wall surface, 421... Stepped surface, 422... Side wall surface, 511... Opening, 512... Inner wall surface, 521... Outer wall surface, 522... Design surface, 523... Protrusion.

Claims

1. A musical instrument comprising an exterior component that is an isotropic fiberboard, The exterior member includes an exterior surface comprising a first region and a second region, The surface roughness of the first region and the surface roughness of the second region are different. The reflectance of the first region and the reflectance of the second region are different. musical instrument.

2. The surface roughness of the first region is greater than that of the second region. The reflectance of the first region is lower than the reflectance of the second region. The musical instrument according to claim 1.

3. The area of ​​the first region is smaller than the area of ​​the second region. The musical instrument according to claim 2.

4. The exterior surface is coated with paint. An instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. It further comprises a light-emitting element, The exterior member includes the back surface opposite to the exterior surface, The aforementioned back surface includes a recess, The light-emitting body is It is installed inside the recess, Illumination light is emitted from the inside of the recess toward the exterior surface, passing through the exterior member. The musical instrument according to claim 1.

6. The present invention further comprises a light-transmitting member installed inside the recess, The illumination light passes through the transmissive member and the exterior member. The musical instrument according to claim 5.

7. A musical instrument comprising a first exterior component including wood, The first exterior member is, The foundation surface that makes up the exterior, Multiple decorative parts, each consisting of a recessed portion or a protrusion extending from the base surface, Includes, The brightness of the side wall surface in each of the aforementioned multiple decorative parts is lower than that of the base surface. Each of the aforementioned multiple decorative parts is formed in a plan view with respect to the base surface in an elongated shape along the first direction within the base surface. musical instrument.

8. The dimension of the step in each of the aforementioned multiple decorative parts is 1% or more of the plate thickness of the first exterior member. The musical instrument according to claim 7.

9. In each of the aforementioned multiple decorative parts, the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the dimension in the first direction to the dimension in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, is 2 or greater. The musical instrument according to claim 7.

10. A musical instrument comprising a first exterior component, The first exterior member is, A plate-like member including a base surface in which an opening is formed, The design member fitted to the plate-shaped member and Includes, The brightness of the design surface whose normal vector aligns with the normal vector of the base surface is lower than the brightness of the base surface. The design surface has a plurality of protrusions arranged side by side across a pair of opposite sides of the design member. musical instrument.

11. A musical instrument comprising a first exterior member formed of isotropic fiberboard, The first exterior member constitutes the exterior and includes a base surface. The base surface includes a plurality of decorative parts that are part of the base surface, and a surrounding area other than the plurality of decorative parts. The brightness of the aforementioned multiple decorative parts and the surrounding area differs. Each of the aforementioned multiple decorative parts is formed in a plan view with respect to the base surface in an elongated shape along the first direction within the base surface. musical instrument.

12. The average brightness of the side surface of the first exterior member is lower than the average brightness of the area of ​​the base surface other than the multiple decorative parts. The musical instrument according to claim 7 or claim 11.

13. The first exterior member is an elongated member whose longitudinal direction is the first direction. An instrument according to any of claims 7 to 9 and claim 11.

14. Further comprising a second exterior component, The second exterior member is, Multiple plate-shaped members are accumulated in the plate surface direction and plate thickness direction of the second exterior member, The above includes a joining material that joins the plurality of plate-shaped members together, At least some of the plate-shaped members are joined to other plate-shaped members by the joining material in a curved state. The musical instrument according to claim 7.

15. The average thickness of the aforementioned plurality of plate-like members is less than 0.5 mm. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

16. The exterior surface of the second exterior member has a cut surface of the aforementioned plate-like member. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

17. The bonding material is filled into the storage space formed between the plate-shaped member and other plate-shaped members due to the curvature of the aforementioned plate-shaped member. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

18. Air bubbles are present in the bonding material filled in the aforementioned storage space. The musical instrument according to claim 17.

19. The second exterior member is, Includes decorative members joined to the plurality of plate-shaped members by the aforementioned joining material, The ratio A2 / A1 of the area A1 of the main surface of the second exterior member to the projected area A2 of the decorative member relative to the main surface is 0.5 or less. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

20. The bonding material is light-transmitting. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

21. The aforementioned bonding material contains a colorant. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

22. The plurality of plate-like members are impregnated with a resin material. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

23. The plurality of plate-like members are made of wood. The musical instrument according to claim 14.

24. The plurality of plate-like members include multiple wood materials of different tree species. The musical instrument according to claim 23.

25. A light-transmitting coating layer covering at least a portion of the surface of the second exterior member. The musical instrument according to claim 14, comprising the above.

Images