KEYBOARD DEVICE AND COOLING METHOD OF DRIVE DEVICE

A keyboard device includes keys, drive devices, a housing, and a fan. The keys are arranged side by side in a scale direction. The drive devices apply, to the keys, a driving force swinging the key. The housing includes a shelf plate supporting the drive devices. The fan is attached to an upper side of the shelf plate of the housing and exhausts air in the housing to outside. The shelf plate includes an air intake port for sucking in air outside the housing by the fan.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Japan application serial no. 2022-185679, filed on Nov. 21, 2022. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a keyboard device and a cooling method of a drive device, and more particularly, to a keyboard device and a cooling method of a drive device capable of cooling down a drive device of a key efficiently.

Related Art

A technique has been disclosed to cool down a drive device by a fan in a keyboard device including a function of automatic performance that swings a key by a driving force of the drive device. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. H05-015093; e.g., paragraphs 0010, 0011 and FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1) describes a technique of attaching a fan4to a shelf plate5that supports a key drive mechanism3(drive device). According to this technique, air sucked from above keys1and2by the fan4is exhausted to below the shelf plate5, so air warmed by the heat of the key drive mechanism3in the housing can be exhausted to outside while cooling down the key drive mechanism3by this airflow.

However, the air on the upper side of the keys may become hot due to lighting or sunlight. Thus, in a configuration in which air is sucked from the upper side of the keys as in the related art described above, it is likely that the drive device cannot be cooled down efficiently.

SUMMARY

A keyboard device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a plurality of keys, a plurality of drive devices, a housing, and a fan. The plurality of keys are arranged side by side in a scale direction. The plurality of drive devices apply, to the plurality of keys, a driving force swinging the key. The housing includes a shelf plate supporting the plurality of drive devices. The fan is attached to an upper side of the shelf plate of the housing and exhausts air in the housing to outside. The shelf plate includes an air intake port for sucking in air outside the housing by the fan.

A cooling method of a drive device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is a cooling method of a drive device in a keyboard device including: a plurality of keys arranged side by side in a scale direction; a plurality of drive devices that apply, to the plurality of keys, a driving force swinging the key; a housing that includes a shelf plate supporting the plurality of drive devices; and a fan that is attached to an upper side of the shelf plate of the housing and exhausts air in the housing to outside. The cooling method includes forming, at the shelf plate, an air intake port for sucking in air outside the housing, and cooling down the drive device with the air sucked from the air intake port by the fan.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a keyboard device and a cooling method of a drive device capable of cooling down a drive device of a key efficiently.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, referring toFIG.1andFIG.2, an overall configuration of a keyboard device1according to a first embodiment will be described.FIG.1is a rear perspective view of the keyboard device1according to the first embodiment, andFIG.2is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device1taken along line II-II inFIG.1. An U-D direction, a F-B direction, and an L-R direction of arrows inFIG.1andFIG.2respectively indicate an up-down direction, a front-rear direction, and a scale direction (a direction in which a plurality of keys5are arranged side by side) of the keyboard device1, and the same also applies toFIG.3Aand onward.

As shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, the keyboard device1is a keyboard musical instrument (electronic piano) modeled after an acoustic grand piano. The keyboard device1includes a housing3supported by a plurality (three in this embodiment) of legs2aand2bextending in the up-down direction.

Among the legs2aand2b, the leg2asupports a front end side (an end on the arrow F side) of the housing3, and the leg2bsupports a rear end side (an end on the arrow B side). Although not shown in the figures, two ends in the scale direction of the housing3are supported by a pair of legs2a.

A shelf plate30(seeFIG.2) of the housing3is fixed to upper ends of the legs2a, and the shelf plate30is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction). A plurality of keys5are supported on an upper surface of the shelf plate30via a chassis4made of resin. The keys5are composed of a plurality (52in this embodiment) of white keys5afor playing fundamental tones and a plurality (36in this embodiment) of black keys5bfor playing derivative tones, and the plurality of white keys5aand black keys5bare arranged side by side in the scale direction.

A rotation shaft50of the key5is provided on an upper surface of a rear end side (arrow B side) of the chassis4, and with the rotation shaft50, a rear end portion of each key5is rotatably (swingably) supported by the chassis4. A hammer6that operates in conjunction with the rotation of the key5is provided below the key5.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the white key5awill be described, and this configuration is substantially the same for the black key5b. At an approximately central portion of the chassis4in the front-rear direction, the hammer6is supported rotatably around a rotation shaft60that extends along the scale direction. The hammer6includes a mass part61(mass body) for providing a keystroke feeling when pressing the white key5a, and the mass part61is located on the rear side (arrow B side) of the rotation shaft60.

A portion of the hammer6on the front side (arrow F side) of the rotation shaft60is configured as a pressing part62for pushing a switch70of a substrate7when pressing the white key5a. A receiving part63that recesses downward is formed on an upper surface of the pressing part62, and a protruding part51of the white key5ais inserted into the receiving part63.

The protruding part51protrudes downward from an approximately central portion in the front-rear direction of the white key5a, and a bottom surface of the receiving part63is configured as a sliding surface on which a tip (lower end) of the protruding part51slides in the front-rear direction. When a performer presses the white key5a, the protruding part51of the white key5aslides along the bottom surface of the receiving part63, and the pressing part62is pushed downward by the protruding part51, so that the hammer6rotates around the rotation shaft60(counterclockwise inFIG.1).

Since the switch70is provided below the pressing part62, upon pressing of the white key5a, the switch70is pushed by the pressing part62. Keystroke information (note information) of the white key5ais detected according to ON/OFF of the switch70, and a musical tone signal based on this detection result is outputted to outside.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, a function is also provided to perform automatic performance by applying a driving force from a solenoid8to the white key5ainstead of rotating the white key5aby a performer's operation. A known configuration may be adopted as the configuration of the solenoid8(configuration for driving a plunger80, control method for driving according to a performance sound, etc.), so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and a known configuration is illustrated in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-184054.

An arm52in a rod shape is fixed to an upper surface of a rear end side (arrow B side) of the white key5a, and the arm52extends more rearward than the white key5a. The solenoid8is arranged below a rear end portion of the arm52, and upon extension of the plunger80of the solenoid8, the arm52is pushed upward. With the arm52pushed up, the white key5arotates around the rotation shaft50. Accordingly, automatic performance of the white key5acan be performed.

Upon repetition of such automatic performance or keystroke by a performer, the switch70tends to wear out. Thus, in this embodiment, a through hole30afor facilitating replacement of the substrate7is formed at the shelf plate30. The through hole30ais an elongated hole extending in the scale direction, and a lower end of the through hole30ais blocked by a lid30b.

The through hole30ais formed at a position facing the substrate7in the up-down direction, and the lid30bis detachably attached (e.g., screwed) to a lower surface of the shelf plate30. Thus, by removing the lid30bfrom the shelf plate30, it is possible to perform work of attaching and detaching the substrate7to and from the chassis4through the through hole30a, which facilitates maintenance and replacement of the substrate7(switch70).

Further, when automatic performance of the key5is performed, air in a space (hereinafter referred to as an “accommodating space S1”) in the housing3that accommodates the solenoid8is warmed by the heat generated by the solenoid8. Thus, in this embodiment, a fan9for exhausting the air in the accommodating space S1is attached to the housing3. Hereinafter, an attachment structure of the fan9will be described, and of the housing3, a plate that closes off a lateral side of the accommodating space S1will be described as a lateral plate31, a plate that closes off an upper side will be described as a top plate32, a plate that closes off a front side will be described as a front plate33, and a plate that closes off a rear side will be described as a rear plate34.

A pair of lateral plates31rise upward from two ends of the shelf plate30in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction), and the top plate32is fixed to upper end sides of the pair of lateral plates31. The top plate32is a part where a music stand (seeFIG.1) is fixed, but inFIG.2, illustration of the music stand is omitted to simplify the figure. The front plate33extends downward from a front end of the top plate32, and the rear plate34rises upward from a rear end part of the shelf plate30which extends more rearward than the top plate32.

An upper end of the rear plate34is located lower than the top plate32, and an opening portion of the accommodating space S1formed by the top plate32and the rear plate34is blocked by a blocking plate35having an L-shaped cross-section. Including the blocking plate35, each of the shelf plate30, the top plate32, the front plate33, and the rear plate34which surround the accommodating space S1connects the pair of lateral plates31facing each other in the scale direction.

Of the blocking plate35, a part that closes off the upper side of the accommodating space S1together with the top plate32will be described as a top plate part35a, and a part that closes off the rear side of the accommodating space S1together with the rear plate34will be described as a rear plate part35b.

The fan9is fixed to the rear plate part35b, and the fan9is a blower that generates an airflow (see arrow A) exhausting air in the accommodating space S1to outside the housing3. Since an air intake port30cthat connects the accommodating space S1to outside (penetrating the shelf plate30in the up-down direction) is formed at the shelf plate30, as the air in the accommodating space S1is exhausted by the fan9, relatively cold air below the shelf plate30is sucked into the accommodating space S1through the air intake port30c(see arrow B). Since the air intake port30cis formed in the vicinity of the solenoid8, the solenoid8can be cooled down efficiently by the relatively cold air sucked from the air intake port30c.

Further, since the fan9is arranged higher than the air intake port30c, the air in the accommodating space S1warmed by the solenoid8is efficiently exhausted to outside the housing3by an airflow generated by exhaustion of the fan9as well as a rising airflow due to natural convection (see arrow C). Thus, since it is possible to suppress accumulation of heat in the accommodating space S1, the solenoid8can be cooled down efficiently.

Further, since the fan9is attached to the rear plate part35bof the blocking plate35, an exhaust direction of the fan9can be oriented toward the rear side of the housing3. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent warm air in the housing3from being blown to a performer side.

To cool down the solenoid8efficiently, as described above, it is preferable to form the air intake port30cin the vicinity of the solenoid8, for example. However, it is more preferable that the air intake port30cis formed directly below the solenoid8(at a position at which the air intake port30cand the solenoid8overlap when viewed in the up-down direction), for example. Accordingly, since it becomes easy for the air sucked from the air intake port30cto hit the solenoid8, the solenoid8can be cooled down efficiently.

Further, in the case where the air intake port30cis formed in a region that is not directly below the solenoid8, the air intake port30cmay be formed in a region on an opposite side of the fan9with the solenoid8positioned in between. In other words, for example, as in this embodiment, in the case where the fan9is formed on the rear side of the solenoid8, the air intake port30cmay be formed on the front side of the solenoid8. With such a configuration, since it is possible to arrange the solenoid8on the path of the airflow directed from the air intake port30cto the fan9, it becomes easy for the air sucked from the air intake port30cto hit the solenoid8. Thus, the solenoid8can be cooled down efficiently.

The pair of lateral plates31(seeFIG.1) facing each other in the scale direction include protruding parts31athat protrude more rearward than the rear plate34(rear plate part35b), and the pair of protruding parts31aare connected by a back surface plate36(seeFIG.1). The back surface plate36is formed in a curved shape that bulges toward the rear side and is modeled after a grand piano.

Of the pair of protruding parts31a, a large roof37is pivotally supported by a hinge to the protruding part31alocated on a bass side (arrow L side) in the scale direction (hereinafter, a bass side and a treble side in the scale direction will be simply referred to as a “bass side” and a “treble side”).

A soundboard38is provided below the large roof37, and the soundboard38is fixed to an inner peripheral side of the protruding parts31aand the back surface plate36. The soundboard38is arranged at a position lower than upper ends of the protruding parts31a, the rear plate part35b, and the back surface plate36, and the rear plate part35bat which the fan9is attached is formed in a wall shape rising from a front end of the soundboard38. Thus, the exhaust from the fan9is discharged toward a space between the large roof37and the soundboard38.

For this reason, for example, if the fan9is arranged at the bass side of the rear plate part35b, warm air exhausted from the fan9is likely to accumulate between the large roof37and the soundboard38. This is because a region at a base end side of the large roof37(in the vicinity of a position at which the large roof37is pivotally supported) has a relatively narrow up-down spacing with respect to the soundboard38and ventilation is difficult.

In contrast, in this embodiment, since the fan9is arranged at an end on the treble side of the rear plate part35b, that is, on the treble side of a center of the rear plate part35bin the scale direction, air can be exhausted from the fan9toward a region where the large roof37opens widely. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent warm air exhausted from the fan9from accumulating between the large roof37and the soundboard38.

Further, since the lateral side and the rear side of the rear plate part35bare surrounded by the protruding parts31aand the back surface plate36, it is difficult to see the fan9attached to the rear plate part35bfrom outside. Thus, the appearance of the keyboard device1can be improved.

A lower plate39(seeFIG.2) is arranged below the soundboard38. The lower plate39closes off from below a space surrounded by the rear plate34, the protruding parts31a, the back surface plate36(seeFIG.1), and the soundboard38, and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of speakers10are attached in this space. A sound emission direction of the speakers10is directed upward (soundboard38side). A sound emission hole (not shown) is formed at the soundboard38at a position facing the speaker10in the up-down direction, and the sound emission hole is covered with a net11(speaker grill).

In other words, including the rear plate34, a part of each plate (protruding parts31aof lateral plates31, back surface plate36, and soundboard38) located on the rear side of the rear plate34also functions as a speaker box. Further, a plurality of speakers12arranged side by side in the scale direction are also attached to the top plate part35aof the blocking plate35, and a sound emission direction of the speakers12is also directed upward.

Herein, for example, even if a configuration is adopted in which the fan9is attached to the soundboard38and a ventilation port connecting the fan9and the accommodating space S1is formed at the rear plate34(or the rear plate34is omitted), the air in the accommodating space S1can be exhausted to outside the housing3. Further, even with a configuration in which the fan9is attached to the top plate part35a, the air in the accommodating space S1can be exhausted to outside the housing3. However, in the case of these configurations, there is a possibility that vibration or sound of the fan9may affect vibration or sound of the speakers10and12.

In contrast, in this embodiment, since the fan9is attached to the rear plate part35bof the blocking plate35, compared to the case where the fan9is attached to each plate (e.g., soundboard38) located on the rear side of the rear plate34or to the top plate part35aas described above, it is possible to suppress the influence of vibration of the fan9on vibration of the speakers10and12.

Next, referring toFIG.2,FIG.3A, andFIG.3B, the configuration of the keyboard device1will be further described.FIG.3Ais a front perspective view of the solenoid8and a solenoid chassis13, andFIG.3Bis a top view of the solenoid8and the solenoid chassis13viewed in an arrow IIIb direction inFIG.3A. InFIG.3B, to facilitate understanding, the outer shape of the solenoid8is schematically illustrated in a double-dot dashed line.

As shown inFIG.2,FIG.3A, andFIG.3B, the solenoids8are arranged side by side in a staggered pattern in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction), and the plurality of solenoids8are fixed to the shelf plate30via the solenoid chassis13.

The solenoid chassis13includes a bottom surface part130(seeFIG.3AandFIG.3B) that is fixed to the shelf plate30, and a front surface part131and a rear surface part132that rise from front and rear ends of the bottom surface part130, and these parts130to132are integrally formed by bending a metal plate.

Protruding pieces130aprotrude to front and rear sides from the bottom surface part130, and the protruding pieces130aare screwed to the shelf plate30. Among the solenoids8arranged side by side in a staggered pattern, each solenoid8in a front row (arranged side by side in the scale direction on the arrow F side) is screwed to the front surface part131, and each solenoid8in a rear row (arranged side by side in the scale direction on the arrow B side) is screwed to the rear surface part132.

A plurality of openings130b(seeFIG.3B) arranged side by side in a staggered pattern in the scale direction are formed at the bottom surface part130, and the openings130bare formed at positions connected to the air intake ports30c(seeFIG.2) of the shelf plate30. The plurality of air intake ports30cformed at the shelf plate30are also arranged side by side in a staggered pattern in the scale direction (seeFIG.3B).

Among the plurality of openings130b, since a part of the openings130bare formed at positions overlapping with the solenoids8in the up-down direction (directly below the solenoids8), it becomes easy for the air sucked from the air intake ports30cto hit the solenoids8through the openings130b. Thus, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

Since the solenoids8are fixed to the front surface part131and the rear surface part132of the solenoid chassis13, the heat of the solenoids8is transferred to the front surface part131and the rear surface part132. Since the front surface part131and the rear surface part132are metal plates rising from the shelf plate30, the heat of the front surface part131and the rear surface part132transferred from the solenoids8can be dissipated efficiently.

A plurality of openings131aarranged side by side in the scale direction are formed at the front surface part131, and the openings131aare formed at positions facing the solenoids8in the front-rear direction (arrow F-B direction). Accordingly, the warmed air around the solenoids8can escape from the openings131a, and with air passing through the openings131a, it becomes easy to cool down the front surface part131. Thus, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently. Although not shown in the figures, openings similar to the openings131aare also provided at the rear surface part132.

The plurality of solenoids8are arranged at intervals in the scale direction, and each opening131afaces a gap (space) between the solenoids8. Accordingly, since it becomes easy for the warmed air between the solenoids8to escape from the opening131a, also for this reason, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

Heat dissipation plates131bprotrude to the front side from a front surface of the front surface part131, and the plurality of heat dissipation plates131bare arranged side by side in the scale direction. Since the heat dissipation plate131bfunctions as a heat sink, it becomes easy to cool down the front surface part131. Further, since the heat dissipation plate131bis formed at an edge of the opening131a, it becomes easy to cool down the heat dissipation plate131bby the air passing through the opening131a. Accordingly, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

Further, the heat dissipation plate131bis formed in a plate shape extending in the up-down direction (i.e., the heat dissipation plates131bface each other in the scale direction), and the air intake port30cof the shelf plate30is formed below each of the heat dissipation plates131b. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress interference of the heat dissipation plate131bwith the airflow rising from the air intake port30c, and it becomes easy to cool down the heat dissipation plate131bby the air passing between the heat dissipation plates131b. Thus, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

The opening131aand the heat dissipation plate131bare parts formed by cutting and bending (pressing) a metal plate that serves as the material of the front surface part131. That is, although the heat dissipation plate131bis integrally formed with the front surface part131, the heat dissipation plate131bmay also be formed separately from the front surface part131.

A bent part132ais formed by bending the rear surface part132to the rear side at an upper end of the rear surface part132, and a rear end portion of a holder14(seeFIG.2) is screwed to the bent part132a. The holder14is formed using a metal plate and extends to the front side from an upper surface of the bent part132a. A protruding piece140protruding downward is formed at an approximately central portion of the holder14in the front-rear direction, and although not shown in the figure, the protruding piece140of the holder14is screwed to the chassis4.

A substrate16is fixed via a fixing bracket15to a front end of the holder14. The substrate16is formed in a plate shape extending in the scale direction, and electronic components17, such as a display device (not shown) formed of an LED or liquid crystal display and operators for adjusting volume or changing a mode, are provided on the substrate16. The electronic components17and the substrate16are covered from above with an operation panel18extending in the scale direction.

In other words, the operation panel18is supported by a front end portion of the holder14via the fixing bracket15, the substrate16, and the electronic components17. As described above, since the holder14is fixed to the bent part132aof the solenoid chassis13, it is possible to provide the solenoid chassis13with a function of fixing the holder14in addition to a function of supporting the solenoid8.

Herein, it is also possible to fix the holder14not to the solenoid chassis13but to the shelf plate30. In an example of such a configuration, a rear end portion of the holder14is extended more rearward than the solenoid chassis13, and a leg part extending downward (to the shelf plate30) from this extended portion is fixed to the shelf plate30. However, in such a configuration, as the holder14becomes larger, it is necessary to secure a space on the rear side of the solenoid chassis13for arranging the holder14(leg part described above).

In contrast, in this embodiment, the holder14is fixed to the solenoid chassis13(bent part132a). With such a configuration, compared to the case where the holder14extending more rearward than the solenoid chassis13is fixed to the shelf plate30as described above, the size of the holder14can be reduced, and the space on the rear side of the solenoid chassis13can be utilized efficiently.

The holder14extends from the solenoid chassis13to an upper surface side of the key5, and an upper surface (a part on the rear side of the surface pressed by the performer) of each key5is covered with the operation panel18supported by the holder14. A keyboard cover19for opening and closing the keys5and the operation panel18is provided at the housing3. A configuration for opening and closing the keyboard cover19will be described with reference toFIG.4.

FIG.4is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device1. InFIG.4, only a main part of the keyboard device1is shown, and the keys5and the keyboard cover19being opened and closed are shown in double-dot dashed lines.

As shown inFIG.4, the operation panel18is formed in a plate shape including a vertical part180that rises substantially vertically from an upper surface of the white key5a, a first inclined part181that is inclined upward to the rear side from an upper end of the vertical part180, and a second inclined part182that is inclined downward to the rear side from a rear end of the first inclined part181(see enlarged portion inFIG.4). The first inclined part181is a part at which the electronic components17(seeFIG.2) are provided.

A bracket20is fixed to an end of the keyboard cover19in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction). The bracket20is supported rotatably around a rotation shaft21provided at the housing3, and the keyboard cover19rotates around the rotation shaft21together with the bracket20. With the rotation of the keyboard cover19, the keyboard cover19is configured to be capable of forming a state in which the keyboard cover19covers the keys5and the operation panel18and a state in which the keyboard cover19opens the keys5and the operation panel18.

The keyboard cover19in the opened state is located on an upper-rear side of the rotation shaft21, and in such a state, the keyboard cover19is in a posture rising substantially vertically from an upper surface of the operation panel18(second inclined part182).

As shown in the double-dot dashed line inFIG.4, upon rotation of the keyboard cover19in the opened stated to the front side around the rotation shaft21, a base end portion (lower end portion of the keyboard cover19in the opened state shown in solid lines inFIG.4) of the keyboard cover19displaces away from the second inclined part182of the operation panel18to an upper-front side.

A rear cover22pivotally supported by the bracket20follows the rotation of the keyboard cover19. A sliding structure of the rear cover22may have a known configuration, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and as a known configuration, a sliding structure is illustrated in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. H05-030892. A closure plate23protrudes upward from a rear end of the rear cover22, and although not shown in the figure, in the closed state of the keyboard cover19, the closure plate23contacts the front plate33of the housing3.

Automatic performance of the keys5is mainly performed with the keyboard cover19opened. However, upon driving the fan9(seeFIG.2) with the keyboard cover19opened, air may be sucked into the housing3from a gap between the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19. If air is sucked from this gap, air suction through the air intake ports30c(seeFIG.2) of the shelf plate30weakens accordingly, so the solenoids8cannot be cooled down efficiently.

In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in the enlarged portion ofFIG.4, a panel-side protrusion183rises upward from a rear end portion of the second inclined part182of the operation panel18. An elastic body184such as rubber or felt is attached to a front surface of the panel-side protrusion183, and the panel-side protrusion183and the elastic body184are continuously formed across two ends of the operation panel18in the scale direction.

On the other hand, a cover-side protrusion190protruding toward the operation panel18is formed from a base end portion (lower end in the enlarged portion ofFIG.4) of the keyboard cover19, and the cover-side protrusion190is also continuously formed across two ends of the keyboard cover19in the scale direction.

In the opened state of the keyboard cover19, the panel-side protrusion183faces a rear surface of the cover-side protrusion190, and the elastic body184is in close contact with the rear surface of the cover-side protrusion190. Accordingly, since the gap between the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19can be blocked by the elastic body184, it is possible to suppress suction of air from this gap in the case of driving the fan9(seeFIG.2) in the opened state of the keyboard cover19. Thus, since it is possible to suppress weakening of air suction through the air intake ports30c(seeFIG.2) of the shelf plate30, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

In this embodiment, although the elastic body184is attached to the panel-side protrusion183, the elastic body184may also be attached to the cover-side protrusion190. That is, it is sufficient to attach the elastic body184to at least one (or both) of the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19.

Further, the elastic body184may be omitted. Even if the elastic body184is omitted, in the opened state of the keyboard cover19, since the panel-side protrusion183faces the rear surface of the cover-side protrusion190, it is possible to suppress suction of air from the gap between the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19compared to the case where the protrusions183and190are not present.

Further, it is also possible to omit the panel-side protrusion183and close off between an upper surface of the second inclined part182and a lower surface of the cover-side protrusion190with the elastic body184, or it is also possible to omit the cover-side protrusion190and close off between an upper surface of the panel-side protrusion183and a base end surface (lower surface of the keyboard cover19in the enlarged portion ofFIG.4) of the keyboard cover19with the elastic body184. In these configurations as well, it is sufficient to attach the elastic body184to either one (or both) of the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19.

Further, it is also possible to omit the panel-side protrusion183and the elastic body184and form the cover-side protrusion190itself with an elastic body, or it is also possible to omit the cover-side protrusion190and the elastic body184and form the panel-side protrusion183itself with an elastic body. In the case of these configurations, it is sufficient to form the panel-side protrusion183or the cover-side protrusion190in a length sufficient to block the gap between the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19.

In this manner, by providing a blocking part on at least one of the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19to block the gap between the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19, it is possible to suppress weakening of air suction through the air intake ports30c(refer toFIG.2) of the shelf plate30. Thus, the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

In the case where air is sucked from a gap between the keyboard cover19in the opened state and the front plate33or from a gap between the front plate33and the rear cover22, an elastic body that is in close contact with a rear surface of the keyboard cover19in the opened state may be attached to a front surface of the front plate33. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress suction of air from the gap between the keyboard cover19and the front plate33(or between the front plate33and the rear cover22).

Next, referring toFIG.5andFIG.6, the configuration of the keyboard device1will be further described. In the following description, configurations around a bass-side chassis13ashown inFIG.5(such as the solenoid8supported by the bass-side chassis13aand the key5to which a driving force is applied from the solenoid8) will be collectively described as a bass unit, and configurations around a treble-side chassis13bshown inFIG.6will be collectively described as a treble unit.

FIG.5is a top view of the bass unit, andFIG.6is a top view of the treble unit. InFIG.5andFIG.6, illustration of a part of a rear end side of the arm52of the key5is omitted, and a state in which the key5and the solenoid8are separated (spaced apart) in the front-rear direction (arrow F-B direction) is illustrated.

As shown inFIG.5andFIG.6, the solenoid chassis13supporting the solenoid8is composed of a bass-side chassis13a(seeFIG.5) and a treble-side chassis13b(seeFIG.6). Although the chassis13aand13bare given different names for convenience of description, each of the chassis13aand13bhas the same configuration.

A driving force is applied from the plurality of solenoids8supported by the bass-side chassis13ato the keys5(44 keys on the bass side) with note names A0, A #0, B0, C1, C #1, D1 . . . B3, C4, C #4, D4, D #4, and E4.

A driving force is applied from the plurality of solenoids8supported by the treble-side chassis13bto the keys5(44 keys on the treble side) with note names F4, F #4, G4, G #4, A4, A #4 . . . G7, G #7, A7, A #7, B7, and C8.

Among the keys5, the keys5(e.g., those with note names B3 to A #4) arranged in the vicinity of the center in the scale direction are used more frequently during performance than the keys5(e.g., those with note names A0 to D1 or G7 to C8) arranged on the bass side or the treble side in the scale direction. Thus, when performing automatic performance using the solenoids8, the frequency of driving the solenoids8(e.g., those that apply a driving force to the keys5with note names B3 to A #4) arranged in the vicinity of the center in the scale direction tends to be high. In other words, the solenoids8arranged on the treble side (arrow R side inFIG.5) in the bass-side chassis13aand the solenoids8arranged on the bass side (arrow L side inFIG.6) in the treble-side chassis13btend to deteriorate relatively easily.

In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the arrangements of the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13bare swapped with each other, each of these chassis13aand13bis capable of being fixed to the shelf plate30(seeFIG.2). By swapping the arrangements in this manner, since the degree of deterioration of each solenoid8supported by each chassis13aand13beasily becomes uniform, occurrence of premature malfunctioning (failure) of part of the solenoids8can be suppressed. Further, since the chassis13aand13bare common components (i.e., having the same configuration), the quantity of types of components of the keyboard device1can be reduced.

A plurality (four in this embodiment) of holders14arranged in the scale direction are fixed to the bent part132aof each chassis13aand13b. The holders14are common components, but in the following description, they will be described and labeled as holders14ato14din a sequence from the ones located on the bass side in the scale direction.

Screw holes132bto132hfor fixing the holders14ato14dare formed at the bent part132aof each chassis13aand13b. The screw holes132bto132hare arranged along the scale direction (in a sequence of screw holes132bto132h), and the screw hole located farthest on the bass side (arrow L side) of the bent part132ais the screw hole132b.

The interval between the screw holes132band132c, the interval between the screw holes132dand132e, and the interval between the three screw holes132fto132hare the same. The screw holes132band132cserve for fixing the holder14c(seeFIG.6), and the screw holes132dand132eserve for fixing the holder14a(seeFIG.5).

Among the three screw holes132fto132h, the screw holes132fand132gserve for fixing the holder14d(seeFIG.6), and the screw holes132gand132hserve for fixing the holder14b(seeFIG.5).

Thus, for example, in the case where the bass-side chassis13ashown inFIG.5is fixed to an arrangement region of the keys5of the treble unit shown inFIG.6, it is possible to screw the holder14cto the screw holes132band132cand screw the holder14dto the screw holes132fand132g. Similarly, in the case where the treble-side chassis13bshown inFIG.6is fixed to an arrangement region of the keys5of the bass unit shown inFIG.5, the holders14aand14bcan be fixed using the screw holes132d,132e,132g, and132h.

In other words, even if the arrangements of the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13bare swapped with each other from the states shown inFIG.5andFIG.6, it is possible to fix the holders14ato14dto each chassis13aand13bwithout changing the arrangement (fixed position with respect to the substrate16shown inFIG.2) of each holder14ato14din the scale direction or changing the holders14ato14dto different components. Accordingly, since the chassis13aand13band the holders14ato14dcan all be made common components before and after the swap of the arrangements of the chassis13aand13b, the quantity of types of components of the keyboard device1can be reduced.

Next, a pitch of each key5and solenoid8will be described. First, referring toFIG.5andFIG.6, the definition of a pitch of the key5and the solenoid8will be described.

As shown inFIG.5, the white key5aincludes a narrow width part at which the arm52is fixed, and a wide width part that is integrally connected to a front end of the narrow width part and has a larger dimension in the scale direction than the narrow width part. The arm52of each white key5ais fixed to a center of the narrow width part in the scale direction. Further, the arm52of each black key5bis similarly fixed to a center of the black key5b(a part on the rear side of the pressed surface) in the scale direction.

The pitch of the key5is a distance measured based on the center of the arm52(position of the arm52) in the scale direction. For example, among the keys5of the bass unit shown inFIG.5, in the case where the white key5awith a note name A0 located farthest on the bass side is taken as a reference key A0, a distance in the scale direction from the center of the arm52of the reference key A0 to the center of the arm52of the black key5bof A #0 is a pitch Lp1.

Hereinafter, taking the reference key A0 of the bass unit as a base point (taking the reference key A0 as the 0thkey5), the pitch of an xthkey5arranged from the bass side will be described as Lpx. InFIG.5, pitches Lp1to Lp5of the 1stto 5thkeys arranged from the bass side are shown.

Similarly for the treble unit shown inFIG.6, taking a reference key F4 as a base point, the pitch of an xthkey5arranged from the bass side will be described as Hpx. InFIG.6, pitches Hp1to Hp5of the 1stto 5thkeys arranged from the bass side are shown.

Further, the pitch of the solenoid8is a distance measured based on an axis of the plunger80(center of the solenoid8in the scale direction). For example, inFIG.5, in the case where the solenoid8located farthest on the bass side is taken as a reference solenoid8A, a distance in the scale direction from the center of the plunger80of the reference solenoid8A to the center of the plunger80of a solenoid8arranged next on the treble side is a pitch Sp1.

Hereinafter, taking the reference solenoid8A as a base point (taking the reference solenoid8A as the 0thsolenoid8), the pitch of an xthsolenoid8arranged from the bass side will be described as Spx. InFIG.5, pitches Sp1to Sp5of the 1stto 5thsolenoids8arranged from the bass side are shown.

Next, referring toFIG.5andFIG.7A, the pitch Lpx of each key5of the bass unit will be described.FIG.7Ais a table showing the pitch Lpx of the key5of the bass unit.

As shown inFIG.5andFIG.7A, the pitch Lp1from the reference key A0 to the black key5bof A #0 is 13.4 mm, and the pitch Lp2from the reference key A0 to the white key5aof B0 is 26.9 mm. Further, the pitches Lp3to Lp5from the reference key A0 to each of the keys5of C1, C #1, and D1 are respectively 41.1 mm, 55.1 mm, and 69.2 mm. The column “Pitch (mm) of key of bass unit” inFIG.7Aalso shows pitches Lp6to Lp10from the reference key A0 for the keys5arranged on the treble side of the white key5aof D1.

Next, referring toFIG.6andFIG.7B, the pitches Hp1to Hp10of the keys5of the treble unit will be described.FIG.7Bis a table showing the pitch Hpx of the key5of the treble unit.

As shown inFIG.6andFIG.7B, the pitch Hp1from the reference key F4 to the black key5bof F #4 is 13.5 mm, and the pitch Hp2from the reference key F4 to the white key5aof G4 is 26.9 mm. Further, the pitches Hp3to Hp5from the reference key F4 to each of the keys5of G #4, A4, and A #4 are respectively 40.3 mm, 53.7 mm, and 67.1 mm. The column “Pitch (mm) of key of treble unit” inFIG.7Balso shows the pitches Hp5to Hp10from the reference key F4 for the keys5arranged on the treble side of the black key5bof A #4.

As shown inFIG.7AandFIG.7B, among the pitches Lp1to Lp10and Hp1to Hp10of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit, the pitches Lp2and Hp2match at 26.9 mm, but all the other pitches have different values between the bass unit and the treble unit. This is because in the bass unit shown inFIG.5, the base point of the pitch Lpx is the white key5aof A0, while in the treble unit shown inFIG.6, the base point of the pitch Hpx is the white key5aof F4 (key5with a different note name from the bass unit).

In this case, for example, if the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is set to the same value as the pitch Lpx of the key5of the bass unit, an error (shift in the scale direction) will occur in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to each key5of the treble unit. This is because, as described above, the chassis13aand13bare common components, and the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is also the same in the chassis13aand13b.

In the case where the pitch Spx of the solenoid8and the pitch Lpx of the key5of the bass unit are set to the same value, the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the treble unit may be calculated according to “Lpx−Hpx”, but a maximum error of “Lp6−Hp6(83.3−80.6)=2.7 (mm)” occurs. This means that the solenoid8is arranged shifted by 2.7 mm on the treble side with respect to the 6th key5from the reference key F4 in the treble unit. With respect to the 11thkey5and onward from the reference key F4, a maximum error in the arrangement of the solenoid8is also 2.7 mm on the treble side. If such an error occurs in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5, it becomes difficult to appropriately transmit a driving force from the solenoid8(plunger80) to the arm52.

This problem also occurs in the case where the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is matched with the pitch Hpx of the key5of the treble unit. In that case, as the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5can also be calculated according to “Hpx−Lpx”, a maximum error of 2.7 mm occurs.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is set based on an average value of the pitch Lpx of the key5of the bass unit and the pitch Hpx of the key5of the treble unit. The pitch Spx of the solenoid8will be described with reference toFIG.7CandFIG.7D.FIG.7Cis a table showing an average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit, andFIG.7Dis a table showing the pitch Spx of the solenoid8.

As shown inFIG.7C, the average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit is calculated according to “(Lpx+Hpx)/2”. For example, an average value Av1of the pitch Lp1(13.4 mm) from the reference key A0 of the bass unit to the black key5bof A #0 and the pitch Hp1(13.5 mm) from the reference key F4 of the treble unit to the black key5bof F #4 is 13.45 mm. The average values Av1to Av10of the pitches of the keys5calculated in this manner are shown in “Average value (mm) of pitch of key” inFIG.7C.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.7D, the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is set to a value (average value Avx±0.05 mm) almost identical to the average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit. The case where the solenoid8set to such a pitch Spx is applied to the bass unit and the treble unit will be described. First, referring toFIG.7E, the bass unit will be described.

FIG.7Eis a table showing an error Lgx in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the bass unit. The column “Spx−Lpx (mm)” inFIG.7Eshows the error Lgx in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key A0 of the bass unit. Further, the column “Spx−Lpx+0.7 (mm)” inFIG.7Eshows the error Lgx in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is offset by 0.7 mm on the treble side with respect to the reference key A0.

As shown inFIG.7E, in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A and the arrangement of the reference key A0 of the bass unit are aligned in the scale direction, the error Lgx in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to each key5can be calculated according to “Spx−Lpx”.

As shown in the column “Spx−Lpx (mm)”, a maximum error Lgx is “Sp6−Lp6(81.9−83.3)=−1.4 (mm)”. This means that in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key A0 of the bass unit, the solenoid8is arranged shifted by 1.4 mm on the bass side with respect to the 6th key5from the reference key A0. Further, a maximum error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the 11th key5and onward from the reference key A0 is also 1.4 mm on the bass side.

As described above, for example, in the case where the pitch Spx of the solenoid8and the pitch Hpx of the key5of the treble unit are set to the same value, the maximum error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the bass unit is 2.7 mm. In contrast, by setting the pitch Spx of the solenoid8to ±0.5 mm of the average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit, it is possible to keep the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the bass unit to 1.4 mm or less. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5of the bass unit.

Herein, the values of Lgx in the column “Spx−Lpx (mm)” inFIG.7Eare all zero or negative values. That is, in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key A0 of the bass unit, there is no error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to each key5to the treble side, while the error to the bass side is large.

Thus, in this embodiment, instead of aligning the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A with the reference key A0 of the bass unit, the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A (attachment position of the bass-side chassis13aat the shelf plate30shown inFIG.2) is offset by 0.7 mm on the treble side with respect to the reference key A0. The error Lgx in the arrangement of the solenoid8after this offset is shown in “Spx−Lpx+0.7 (mm)” inFIG.7E. A maximum value of Lgx becomes 0.7 mm on the positive side and a maximum value of Lgx becomes 0.7 mm on the negative side.

That is, in this embodiment, the bass-side chassis13ais arranged at a position where the error in the arrangement of each solenoid8with respect to the key5of the bass unit is 0.7 mm or less with respect to each key5(all of the keys5). Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5of the bass unit.

Next, referring toFIG.7F, the treble unit will be described.FIG.7Fis a table showing an error Hgx in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the treble unit. The column “Spx−Hpx (mm)” inFIG.7Fshows the error Hgx in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key F4 of the treble unit. Further, the column “Spx−Hpx−0.6 (mm)” inFIG.7Fshows the value of the error Hgx in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is offset by 0.6 mm on the bass side with respect to the reference key F4.

As shown in the column “Spx−Hpx (mm)” inFIG.7F, in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key F4 of the treble unit, a maximum error Hgx in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to each key5is “Sp6−Hp6(81.9−80.6)=1.3 (mm)”. This means that in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key F4 of the treble unit, the solenoid8is arranged shifted by 1.3 mm on the treble side with respect to the 6th key5from the reference key F4. A maximum error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the 11thkey5and onward from the reference key F4 is also 1.3 mm on the treble side.

As described above, for example, in the case where the pitch Spx of the solenoid8and the pitch Lpx of the key5of the bass unit are set to the same value, a maximum error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the treble unit is 2.7 mm. In contrast, by setting the pitch Spx of the solenoid8to +0.05 mm of the average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit, it is possible to keep the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the treble unit to 1.3 mm or less. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5of the treble unit.

Herein, in the column “Spx−Hpx (mm)” inFIG.7F, a maximum value Hgx is 1.3 mm on the positive side and is 0.1 mm on the negative side. That is, in the case where the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A is aligned with the reference key F4 of the treble unit, the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to each key5is larger to the treble side and is smaller to the bass side.

Thus, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the reference solenoid8A (attachment position of the treble-side chassis13bat the shelf plate30shown inFIG.2) is offset by 0.6 mm on the treble side with respect to the reference key F4. This offset amount of 0.6 mm is obtained by averaging the minimum value (−0.1) and the maximum value (1.3) of “Spx−Hpx” (“(−0.1+1.3)/2=0.6”). The column “Spx−Hpx−0.6 (mm)” inFIG.7Fshows the error Hgx in the arrangement of the solenoid8after the offset, and a maximum value of Hgx is 0.7 mm on the positive side and is 0.7 mm on the negative side.

That is, the treble-side chassis13bis arranged at a position where the error in the arrangement of each solenoid8with respect to the key5of the treble unit also becomes 0.7 mm or less with respect to each key5(all of the keys5). Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5of the treble unit.

As described above, by setting the pitch Spx of the solenoid8(to Avx+0.05 mm) based on the average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit, it is possible to smooth out both the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the bass unit and the error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to the key5of the treble unit. Further, since the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13bare identical components, even in the case where the arrangements of the chassis13aand13bare swapped with each other, it is similarly possible to smooth out the error in the solenoid8with respect to the key5of each unit. Thus, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5of the bass unit and the treble unit while reducing the quantity of types of components of the keyboard device1.

In this embodiment, although the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is set to +0.05 mm of the average value Avx of the pitches of the keys5of the bass unit and the treble unit, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, if the pitch Spx of the solenoid8is within the range of +0.1 mm of the average value Avx, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5of the bass unit and the treble unit.

Further, in this embodiment, the solenoid8is offset by 0.7 mm on the treble side with respect to the key5of the bass unit, and is offset by 0.6 mm on the bass side with respect to the key5of the treble unit. However, the amount of this offset may also be zero, or may also be a value smaller or larger than 0.7 (0.6) mm. Nonetheless, in an exemplary embodiment, a maximum error in the arrangement of the solenoid8with respect to each key5is 1 mm or less. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately transmit a driving force of the solenoid8to each key5.

Further, in this embodiment, the keys5are divided into two regions including the bass unit and the treble unit, and each solenoid8is supported by the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13b, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, each key5may be divided into four units and each solenoid8may be supported by four common solenoid chassis13, or each key5may be divided into three or five or more units. In the case of any of these configurations, the pitch of the solenoid8may also be set based on the average value of the pitches of the keys5of each unit.

Next, referring toFIG.8, a keyboard device201according to a second embodiment will be described. While the case where the keyboard device1is an electronic musical instrument that is modeled after a grand piano has been described in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the case where the keyboard device201is an electronic musical instrument that is modeled after an upright piano will be described. Parts identical to those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same reference signs, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.FIG.8is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device201according to the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG.8, a housing203of the keyboard device201includes a main body part203ain a substantially cuboid shape and a keyboard table203bthat protrudes from (toward arrow F side) a front surface of the main body part203aand supports a plurality of keys5.

The main body part203aincludes a pair of lateral plates230athat are spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction), an upper front plate231aand a lower front plate232athat connect front ends (ends on arrow F side) of the pair of lateral plates230ain the scale direction, a rear plate233athat connects rear ends (ends on arrow B side) of the pair of lateral plates230ain the scale direction on the rear side of the upper front plate231aand the lower front plate232a, and a top plate234athat is connected to an upper end of the rear plate233ato close off a space (hereinafter referred to as an “accommodating space S1”) inside the main body part203a.

A shelf plate30that forms a bottom surface of the keyboard table203bextends to the rear plate233aof the main body part203a. Various components such as solenoids8and a solenoid chassis13similar to those in the first embodiment are supported on the shelf plate30.

A fan9is fixed to the lateral plate230aof the main body part203a, and an air intake port30cpenetrating the shelf plate30in the up-down direction is formed at the shelf plate30supporting the solenoid8. Thus, by driving the fan9, relatively cold air below the shelf plate30is sucked into the accommodating space S1. Since the air intake port30cis formed in the vicinity of the solenoid8, the solenoid8can be efficiently cooled down by the relatively cold air sucked from the air intake port30c.

Further, since the fan9is arranged higher than the air intake port30c, the air in the accommodating space S1warmed by the solenoid8is efficiently exhausted through the fan9by an airflow generated by the fan9as well as a rising airflow due to natural convection. Thus, since accumulation of hot air in the accommodating space S1can be suppressed, the solenoid8can be cooled down efficiently.

Since an upright-type keyboard device201is often installed with the rear plate233aarranged against a wall, for example, if the fan9is attached to the rear plate233a, heat would easily accumulate between the keyboard device201and the wall. In contrast, by attaching the fan9to the lateral plate230aas in this embodiment, the heat inside the housing203can be efficiently dissipated.

In the keyboard device201, various devices such as speakers may be arranged in a space S2between the lower front plate232aand the rear plate233a, and in such a case, air warmed by the various devices may be supplied to the solenoid8side through the air intake port30c. Thus, in the case where the solenoid8cannot be sufficiently cooled down with the air of the space S2, configurations as in the following examples may be adopted.

For example, as a first example, a gap S3is formed between an upper end of the lower front plate232aand the shelf plate30, and an upper part of the space S2is closed off by a shielding plate235a(a plate connecting the lower front plate232aand the rear plate233a) as shown in a broken line inFIG.8. With this configuration, relatively cold air below the keyboard table203bcan be supplied to the solenoid8side through the gap S3and the air intake port30c.

Further, as a second example, with the gap S3omitted (or with the gap S3added), a ventilation port penetrating the lower front plate232ais formed, and a shielding plate235ais arranged lower than the ventilation port (higher than the various devices in the space S2). With this configuration as well, relatively cold air below the keyboard table203bcan be supplied to the solenoid8side through the ventilation port of the lower front plate232aand the air intake port30cof the shelf plate30.

Next, referring toFIG.9andFIG.10, modification examples of chassis313and413will be described. Parts identical to those in the above embodiments will be labeled with the same reference signs, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.FIG.9is a front perspective view of a chassis313according to a first modification example, andFIG.10is a front perspective view of a chassis413according to a second modification example. InFIG.9andFIG.10, illustration of the solenoid8(seeFIG.3AandFIG.3B) supported by the chassis313and413is omitted.

As shown inFIG.9, a heat dissipation plate130cin a plate shape protrudes downward from the bottom surface part130of the chassis313of the first modification example. A plurality (four in this embodiment) of heat dissipation plates130cextending in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction) are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (arrow F-B direction), and if the plurality of heat dissipation plates130care taken as one set, a plurality of sets of heat dissipation plates130care arranged side by side in the scale direction. Since the heat dissipation plates130cfunction as heat sinks, it becomes easy to dissipate the heat of the bottom surface part130. Thus, the solenoid8(not shown) supported by the chassis313can be cooled down efficiently.

In this modification example of the chassis313, the opening130b(seeFIG.3B) of the bottom surface part130is omitted, but it is of course possible to form the opening130bin addition to the heat dissipation plate130c.

A plurality of openings131aarranged side by side in the scale direction are formed at a lower end side of the front surface part131. Since the openings131aare formed at positions facing the solenoids8(not shown) in the front-rear direction (arrow F-B direction), the solenoids8can be cooled down efficiently.

A protrusion131c(groove) extending in the scale direction is formed on the upper side of the openings131a. The protrusion131cprotrudes forward from the front surface of the front surface part131, and a plurality (six in this embodiment) of protrusions131care arranged side by side in the up-down direction. Since the protrusions131calso function as heat sinks, it becomes easy to dissipate the heat of the front surface part131.

Heat dissipation plates132iand132jin plate shapes protrude to the rear side from the rear surface of the rear surface part132. The heat dissipation plates132iand132jare each composed of two plates that extend in the scale direction (facing each other in the up-down direction), with the heat dissipation plate132ibeing formed on the lower side of an up-down center of the rear surface part132, and the heat dissipation plate132jbeing formed on the upper side of the up-down center of the rear surface part132.

A protrusion132k(groove) extending in the scale direction is formed on the upper side of the heat dissipation plate132j. The protrusion132kis a protrusion that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the rear surface part132, and a plurality (six in this embodiment) of protrusions132kare arranged side by side in the up-down direction.

A heat dissipation plate132lis formed on the upper side of the protrusion132k. The heat dissipation plate132lis formed in an L-shape that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the rear surface part132and bends upward.

Since the heat dissipation plates132i,132j, and132land the protrusion132kfunction as heat sinks, it becomes easy to dissipate the heat of the rear surface part132. Thus, the solenoid8(not shown) supported by the chassis313can be cooled down efficiently.

As shown inFIG.10, the chassis413of the second modification example includes a support part432mat an upper part of the rear surface part132to support a fan409. The support part432mis formed at a plurality of positions (e.g., eight positions) of the rear surface part132in the scale direction (arrow L-R direction). The support part432mincludes a pair of leg parts432m1that are spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the scale direction, and an attached part432m2at which the fan409is attached at upper parts of the pair of leg parts432m1. These parts432m1and432m2are integrally formed with the rear surface part132.

The leg part432m1extends upward from an upper end of the rear surface part132, and the attached part432m2is inclined upward to the front side (arrow F side) from upper ends of the leg parts432m1. The fan409is screwed to an upper surface (rear surface) of the attached part432m2in a plate shape, and a through hole432m3facing the fan409is formed at a center of the attached part432m2.

The fan409is a blower that generates an airflow directed downward (solenoid8(not shown) side) through the through hole432m3. By providing such a fan409at the chassis413, the solenoid8(not shown) supported by the chassis413can be cooled down efficiently.

The orientation of the fan409may also be changed to generate an airflow directed toward the fan9side (seeFIG.2) through the through hole432m3. With such a configuration, the air warmed by the solenoid8can be efficiently exhausted from the fan9.

Although descriptions have been made based on the above embodiments, it should be easily inferred that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the keyboard device1and201is an electronic musical instrument modeled after an acoustic grand piano or an upright piano, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the keyboard device1and201may also be an acoustic grand piano or an upright piano, or may also be an electronic organ.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that air is sucked from the air intake port30cformed at the shelf plate30, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, an air intake port may be formed at the lid30b, and in that case, the air intake port30cmay be omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, the solenoid8has been illustrated as an example of a drive device that applies a driving force to the key5, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, another known drive device such as an actuator may also be adopted as the means for applying a driving force to the key5.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the driving force of the solenoids8arranged side by side in a staggered pattern is applied to the key5via the arm52, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the driving force of the solenoid8may also be directly applied to the key5, or may also be indirectly applied to the key5via another member such as the hammer6. Further, the solenoids8may also be arranged side by side in one row along the scale direction.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that a plurality of openings130band131aare formed at the bottom surface part130and the front surface part131of the solenoid chassis13, but the openings130band131amay also be omitted, or other openings may also be formed in addition to the openings130band131a. Further, the openings130band131amay also be elongated holes extending in the scale direction.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the opening131aof the front surface part131is formed at a position facing the solenoid8, but the opening131amay also be formed at a position that does not face the solenoid8(e.g., higher than the solenoid8). Even in the case where the opening131adoes not face the solenoid8, since it becomes easy to dissipate the heat of the front surface part131by the air passing through the opening131a, the solenoid8can be cooled down efficiently.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the heat dissipation plate131bof the solenoid chassis13has a plate shape extending in the up-down direction (the heat dissipation plates131bface each other in the scale direction), but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the heat dissipation plate131bmay also be formed in a plate shape extending in the scale direction (the plurality of heat dissipation plates131bface each other in the up-down direction), or the heat dissipation plate131bmay also be omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the solenoid chassis13supporting the solenoids8is composed of the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13b, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the plurality of solenoids8may also be supported by one solenoid chassis13. Further, it has been described that the solenoid8is fixed to the front surface part131and the rear surface part132of the solenoid chassis13, but the solenoid8may also be supported by the bottom surface part130with the surface parts131and132omitted.

Further, as described above, in the case where the solenoids8are arranged in one row along the scale direction, the solenoid8may also be fixed to the rear surface part132(front surface part131) with the front surface part131(rear surface part132) omitted. Further, the solenoid8may also be directly fixed to the housing3with the solenoid chassis13omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13bare common components, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the bass-side chassis13aand the treble-side chassis13bmay also be different components, and in that case, it is of course possible to configure the arrangements of the chassis13aand13bto be capable of being swapped with each other.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the pitch of the solenoid8supported by the bass-side chassis13aand the pitch of the solenoid8supported by the treble-side chassis13bare the same, but these pitches may also be different (i.e., the solenoids8arranged at pitches matching the keys5of the bass unit are supported by the bass-side chassis13a, and the solenoids8arranged at pitches matching the keys5of the treble unit are supported by the treble-side chassis13b).

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the pitch of the solenoid8is set based on the average value of the pitch of the key5of the bass unit and the pitch of the key5of the treble unit, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the pitch of the key5of the bass unit (the key5of the treble unit) and the pitch of solenoid8may be matched.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the holder14is fixed to the solenoid chassis13(bent part132a), but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, a rear end portion of the holder14may be extended more rearward than the solenoid chassis13, and a leg part extending downward from this extended portion may be fixed to the shelf plate30. Further, the holder14may be fixed only to the chassis4, or in the case where there is no need to support the operation panel18(substrate16), the holder14may be omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the plurality of holders14ato14dare common components, and it is not required to change the arrangements of the holders14ato14dbefore and after swapping the arrangements of the chassis13aand13bon the bass side and the treble side, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the plurality of holders14ato14dmay also be configured as separate parts, and the arrangements (fixed positions with respect to the fixing bracket15and the substrate16) of the holders14ato14dmay also be changed according to the swap of the arrangements of the chassis13aand13b.

Further, it has been described that the plurality of screw holes132bto132hare formed as an example of the means for fixing the common holders14ato14dto each chassis13aand13bbefore and after the swap of the arrangements of the chassis13aand13b, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the screw holes132bto132hmay be a plurality of through holes (or elongated holes extending in the scale direction), and the holders14ato14dmay be fixed to these through holes (elongated holes) with bolts and nuts.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the gap between the operation panel18and the keyboard cover19is blocked by the panel-side protrusion183, the elastic body184, and the cover-side protrusion190, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the protrusions183and190and the elastic body184(blocking part) may also be omitted. Further, in the case where the keyboard cover19is configured to slide with respect to the housing3and203, the gap between the keyboard cover19in the opened state and the housing3and203may be blocked by an elastic body or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, it has been described that the panel-side protrusion183and the elastic body184are continuously formed across two ends in the scale direction of the operation panel18, and the cover-side protrusion190is continuously formed across two ends in the scale direction of the keyboard cover19, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. The protrusions183and190and the elastic body184may also be discontinuous in the scale direction.

In the first embodiment, it has been described that the fan9is attached to the rear plate part35b, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the fan9may be attached to the lateral plate31(protruding part31a), the top plate32, the front plate33, the rear plate34, the top plate part35aof the blocking plate35, the back surface plate36, the soundboard38, or the lower plate39. In the case where the fan9is attached to a plate located more rearward than the rear plate34, an airflow directed from the air intake port30cto the fan9may be generated by forming a ventilation port at the rear plate34or omitting the rear plate34.

That is, as long as the fan9is attached to the housing3at least on the upper side of the shelf plate30(air intake port30c), its attachment position may be set appropriately. Thus, the fan9is not necessarily attached to the wall of the housing3, and for example, the fan9may be supported inside the accommodating space S1and an exhaust port may be provided at the wall of the housing3to generate an airflow toward the exhaust port side by the fan9(in the case of such a configuration, an exhaust path connecting the fan9and the exhaust port may be provided). The same applies to the keyboard device201of the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment, it has been described that the fan9is attached on the treble side of the center in the scale direction of the rear plate part35b, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the fan9may also be attached to the center in the scale direction of the rear plate part35b, or may also be attached to the bass side of the center in the scale direction of the rear plate part35b.