Keyboard device

Abstract

The present invention provides a keyboard device capable of reducing the number of parts. The keyboard device of the present invention includes: a hammer (4) rotatably connected to a base plate (5); a key (2) rotatably connected to the hammer (4); guide pins (12, 22) provided on the key (2) and extending in the width direction of the key (2); and a guide groove (60) provided on the base plate (5) side for the guide pins (12, 22) to be inserted. The hammer (4) is guided to move downwardly by rotating relative to the base plate (5), and the guide pin (12) is guided to move downwardly by sliding relative to the guide groove (60). Therefore, a connecting rod for guiding the displacement of the rear end of the key (2) is not required, so the number of parts can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a keyboard device, and in particular to a keyboard device capable of reducing the number of parts. Background Art

[0002] The rotation center of an acoustic piano key is located relatively far from the front end (player's side) of the key. Therefore, when a key is pressed, the entire key (the area capable of keypressing) is displaced downward by a predetermined amount. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for rotatably connecting a front link 6 and a rear link 7, each rotatable relative to a base 2, to the front and rear ends of a key 3, respectively. This technique allows the front and rear ends of each key 3 (the entire key 3) to be displaced downward by the rotation of the front link 6 and rear link 7 when the key 3 is pressed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-056781 (e.g. Figure 2 ) Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has a structure in which the displacement of the rear end portion of the key is guided by the rotation of the connecting rod, so there is a problem in that the number of connecting rods, that is, the number of parts increases.

[0008] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device capable of reducing the number of parts.

[0009] Technical means to solve the problem

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the keyboard device of the present invention includes: a supporting member; a connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the supporting member; a key, which is rotatably connected to the other end of the connecting rod; a guide pin, which is provided at a portion on the rear end side of the key or at either the side of the supporting member, and extends along the width direction of the key; and a guide groove, which is provided at a portion on the rear end side of the key or at either the side of the supporting member, for the guide pin to be inserted into, and the displacement of the portion on the front end side of the key is guided by the rotation of the connecting rod relative to the supporting member, and the displacement of the portion on the rear end side of the key is guided by the sliding of the guide pin relative to the guide groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1( a ) is a top view of a keyboard device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1( b ) is a perspective view of the keyboard device.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the keyboard device taken along line II-II in FIG. 1( a ).

[0013] Figure 3 To express from Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a keyboard device showing a state where a white key is pressed starting from the state of .

[0014] Figure 4(a) shows the Figure 3 FIG4( b ) is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device after the IVa part is enlarged. Figure 2 FIG4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device after enlarging part IVb.

[0015] 5( a ) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device in the second embodiment, and FIG. 5( b ) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device showing a state after a white key is pressed from the state of FIG. 5( a ).

[0016] 6( a ) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device in the third embodiment, and FIG. 6( b ) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device showing a state after a white key is pressed from the state of FIG. 6( a ).

[0017] 7( a ) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 7( b ) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device showing a state after a white key is pressed from the state of FIG. 7( a ).

[0018] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0019] 1, 201, 301, 401: keyboard device

[0020] 2: Piano keys

[0021] 4: Hammer (connecting rod)

[0022] 40: Axis (first rotation axis)

[0023] 43: Axis (second rotation axis)

[0024] 5: Bottom plate (part of the supporting structure)

[0025] 50: Rear base (part of the supporting member)

[0026] 51: Central base (part of the supporting structure)

[0027] 6: Guide member (part of the supporting member)

[0028] 60: Boot slot

[0029] 60a: Open Section

[0030] 8: Buffer material

[0031] 10: White keys (piano keys)

[0032] 12: Guide pin

[0033] 314, 414: guide slots

[0034] 314a, 414a: Open section

[0035] 20: Black keys (piano keys)

[0036] 22: Guide pin

[0037] 361: Guide pin

[0038] C1: Imaginary circle (first imaginary circle)

[0039] C2: Imaginary circle (second imaginary circle)

[0040] G: Center of gravity of hammer (center of gravity of connecting rod)

[0041] P: Reference point DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1(a) to Figure 1(b) , the overall structure of the keyboard device 1 will be described. FIG1(a) is a top view of the keyboard device 1 in the first embodiment, and FIG1(b) is a perspective view of the keyboard device 1.

[0043] 1 (b) omits a portion of the keyboard device 1 (eg, a portion of the plurality of keys 2 and the panel 3). Figure 1(a) to Figure 1(b) The arrows UD (Up-Down), FB (Front-Back), and LR (Left-Right) respectively represent the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions of the keyboard device 1 , and the same applies to the following figures.

[0044] As shown in FIG1(a), a keyboard device 1 is configured as a keyboard musical instrument (electronic piano) including a plurality of (88 in this embodiment) keys 2 and a panel 3 surrounding the plurality of keys 2. The keys 2 include a plurality of (52 in this embodiment) white keys 10 for playing natural tones and a plurality of (36 in this embodiment) black keys 20 for playing altered tones. The plurality of white keys 10 and black keys 20 are arranged in a horizontal direction (in the direction of arrows LR).

[0045] The panel 3 includes a front panel 3a, a back panel 3b and a pair of end panels 3c. The back panel 3b is arranged opposite to the front panel 3a in the front-to-back direction (in the direction of arrow FB). The pair of end panels 3c connects the left and right ends of the front panel 3a and the back panel 3b to each other. The white keys 10 and the black keys 20 are surrounded by these front panels 3a, the back panel 3b and the pair of end panels 3c.

[0046] On the upper surface of the back panel 3b, for example, a display device, a plurality of operating members, etc. (all not shown) are provided. The display device is formed by a light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display, etc., for displaying various states, and the plurality of operating members are used to adjust the volume or change the mode, etc. In addition, on the back side of the back panel 3b, for example, a power switch, a plurality of jacks for inputting and outputting Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) signals or audio signals, etc. (all not shown) are provided.

[0047] As shown in FIG1(b), the keyboard device 1 includes a bottom plate 5 extending in the left-right direction (in the direction of arrows LR). The bottom plate 5 is a plate-shaped structure for supporting the keys 2, hammers 4, etc. Fixed to the upper surface (the side indicated by arrow U) of the bottom plate 5 are a rear base 50 for supporting the rear ends of the keys 2 (ends indicated by arrows B), a center base 51 for supporting the hammers 4, and a front base 52 for guiding the displacement of the front ends of the keys 2 (ends indicated by arrows F).

[0048] A guide member 6 is fixed to the upper surface of the rear base 50. The guide member 6 includes a guide groove 60 for sliding the rear end portion of the key 2. The guide groove 60 is formed to extend horizontally through the guide member 6. The white key 10 and the black key 20 include a pair of left and right support plates 11, 21 protruding rearward from their rear ends, and cylindrical guide pins 12, 22 extending horizontally between the pair of support plates 11, 21.

[0049] The guide grooves 60 have a groove width (the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the guide pins 12, 22) that is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide pins 12, 22. The guide pins 12, 22 are slidably inserted into the guide grooves 60. Therefore, the displacement of the rear ends of the white keys 10 and black keys 20 is guided by the sliding (slipping) of the guide pins 12, 22 along the guide grooves 60. Meanwhile, the displacement of the white keys 10 and black keys 20 that are closer to the front than the guide pins 12, 22 is guided by the rotation of the hammer 4.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the supporting member for supporting the keys 2 and the hammers 4 is formed by the bases (rear base 50, central base 51, front base 52) of the bottom plate 5 and the guide member 6, but the bases of the bottom plate 5 and part or all of the guide member 6 may be formed into one piece (set as one part) to form the supporting member.

[0051] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 4(a) 4( b ), the detailed structure of the keyboard device 1 will be described. Figure 2 1 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 1 at line II-II, Figure 3 To express from Figure 2 Figure 4 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 1 in the state after the white key 10 is pressed. Figure 3 FIG4(b) is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 1 after the IVa portion is enlarged. Figure 2 FIG4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 1 after enlarging part IVb.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to simplify the drawings, Figures 2 to 4(a) FIG4(b) omits part of the keyboard device 1 and omits hatching of a portion of the cross section. Furthermore, FIG4(a) illustrates the white key 10 in its initial state before key pressing (hereinafter referred to as the "initial state") with dashed lines, and illustrates the white key 10 in the middle of a key press with a dashed line.

[0053] In the following description, the structure of the white keys 10 will be mainly described. However, the structure for rotating the hammer 4 in conjunction with the pressing or releasing of the black keys 20, and the structure for guiding the displacement of the black keys 20 by the rotation of the hammer 4 and the sliding of the guide pins 22 (see FIG. 1( b )), are substantially the same as those of the white keys 10. Therefore, the functions and effects of the structure of the white keys 10 described below can also be achieved in the black keys 20.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the hammer 4 is connected to the central base 51 so as to be rotatable around an axis 40 extending in the left-right direction (arrow LR direction). The hammer 4 includes a mass portion 41 for imparting a tactile sensation when a white key 10 is pressed, and a pressing portion 42 for pressing a switch S when the white key 10 is pressed.

[0055] The hammer 4 has a mass portion 41 located on the rear side (arrow B side) relative to the shaft 40, and a pressing portion 42 located on the front side (arrow F side) relative to the shaft 40. The pressing portion 42 has a cylindrical shaft 43 extending in the left-right direction, and a connecting portion 13 protruding downward from the lower surface of the white key 10. The connecting portion 13 is rotatably connected to the shaft 43.

[0056] Therefore, when the white key 10 is pressed (refer to Figure 3 ), the connecting portion 13 of the white key 10 presses the shaft 43 downward, thereby rotating the hammer 4 about the shaft 40. The rotation of the hammer 4 causes the mass portion 41 to be displaced in a lifting manner. Since the mass portion 41 has a weight sufficient to impart a tactile sensation of pressing the key, the reaction force generated by the rotation of the hammer 4 imparts the tactile sensation of depressing the white key 10 to the player.

[0057] On the other hand, when a white key 10 is pressed, the pressing portion 42 displaces downward. Below the pressing portion 42, a base plate 7 having a switch S on its upper surface is disposed. Therefore, pressing the white key 10 causes the switch S to be pressed by the pressing portion 42. The on / off motion of the switch S detects the key press information (note information) of the white key 10, and a musical sound signal based on this detection result is output externally. Furthermore, the base plate 7 is fixedly mounted between the central base 51 and the front base 52, but a configuration in which the base plate 5 supports the base plate 7 is also possible.

[0058] The switch S is pressed by the pressing portion 42 ( Figure 3 The white key 10 is positioned at its final position for key pressing, and the displacement of the tip end side of the white key 10 (the front side of the white key 10 relative to the center in the front-back direction) up to the final position for key pressing is guided by the rotation of the connecting portion 13 about the shaft 40. Since the connecting portion 13 is rotatably connected to the shaft 43 located further forward (toward the arrow F) than the shaft 40 of the hammer 4, the tip end side of the white key 10 can be rotated along an arc-shaped displacement trajectory that is convex toward the front.

[0059] Furthermore, guide pins 12 extending left and right (along the width direction of the white keys 10) are formed at the rear ends of the white keys 10. These guide pins 12 are slidably inserted into guide grooves 60 extending vertically. Therefore, the guide pins 12 can slide downward along the guide grooves 60 to follow the downward displacement of the front ends of the white keys 10 (rotation of the hammers 4). Thus, the displacement of the rear ends of the white keys 10 can be guided by the sliding of the guide pins 12 within the guide grooves 60.

[0060] Thus, in this embodiment, the displacement of the front end side of the white key 10 is guided by the rotation of the hammer 4 relative to the bottom plate 5 (center base 51), and the displacement of the rear end side of the white key 10 is guided by the sliding of the guide pin 12 relative to the guide groove 60. Therefore, it is unnecessary to use a connecting rod for guiding the displacement of the rear end side of the white key 10, so the number of parts can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, the hammer 4 includes a mass portion 41 on the side opposite the shaft 43 across the shaft 40. Rotation of the hammer 4 guides the displacement of the tip end of the white key 10, allowing the hammer 4 to function both as a connecting rod that guides the displacement of the white key 10 and as a keypress feel. The distance from the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 to its center of gravity G is set larger than the distance from the shaft 40 to the shaft 43, thereby increasing the moment around the center of gravity G of the shaft 40. This allows the player to experience a keypress feel associated with the rotation of the hammer 4 while miniaturizing (lightening) the hammer 4.

[0062] Here, the rotation center of the acoustic piano key is arranged at a relatively distant position further back and below the upper surface of the key (key-pressing area), and in the following description, the rotation center is defined as a reference point P.

[0063] The so-called reference point P on the white key 10 (black key 20) is a point located further rearward and lower than the guide pin 12 when viewed from the side of the white key 10, and is a point in the following position: the distance from the front end of the upper surface of the white key 10 in the initial state is more than 200 mm and less than 500 mm rearward in the horizontal direction, and more than 0 mm and less than 100 mm downward in the vertical direction.

[0064] When an acoustic piano key rotates about a reference point P when a key is pressed, the displacement trajectory is as follows: the entire key displaces downward, while also sliding forward. Specifically, in the key-pressing state (hereinafter referred to as the "key-pressing state"), where the key is pressed to its final position, the entire key is positioned forward and downward relative to its initial state.

[0065] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the guide pin 12 is positioned relative to the guide groove 60 in the initial position (refer to Figure 2 ) in terms of the end position of the sliding of the guide pin 12 (refer to Figure 3 ) is positioned at the front lower side. Thus, when a key is pressed, the guide pin 12 slides along the guide groove 60, causing the rear end of the white key 10 to move toward the front lower side. This allows the entire white key 10 to be positioned at the front lower side compared to its initial position. Consequently, the posture (position) of the white key 10 when pressed can be made similar to that of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0066] In addition, when the keys of the acoustic piano rotate around the reference point P when the keys are pressed, the stroke of the rear end in the key-pressing area on the upper surface of the key (the amount of downward displacement from the initial state to the key-pressing state) is approximately half of the stroke of the front end of the key. Therefore, in this embodiment, the key-pressing area on the upper surface of the white key 10 ( Figure 1(a) to Figure 1(b)The guide grooves 60 are formed so that the stroke of the rear end (e.g., 5 mm) within the area exposed from the panel is 45% to 55% of the stroke of the front end (e.g., 10 mm) of the keyable area. This allows the stroke of the white keys 10 when pressed to approximate that of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0067] In this manner, the keys of an acoustic piano rotate as a whole about the reference point P. Therefore, in order to approximate the displacement trajectory of the keys as closely as possible, it is ideal to rotate the entire white key 10 about the reference point P.

[0068] Specifically, when the imaginary circle C1, which is centered on the reference point P and passes through the shaft 43 in the initial state, is described as a virtual circle when viewed from the side of the white key 10, it is preferable to rotate the shaft 43 along the imaginary circle C1. Furthermore, when the imaginary circle C2, which is centered on the reference point P and passes through the center (axis) of the guide pin 12 in the initial state, is described as a virtual circle when viewed from the side of the white key 10, it is preferable to slide the guide pin 12 along the imaginary circle C2 (forming the guide groove 60 along the imaginary circle C2). However, to rotate the shaft 43 along the imaginary circle C1, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 must be positioned at the reference point P, which results in an increase in the size of the hammer 4.

[0069] Therefore, in this embodiment, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 is positioned further forward (toward the arrow F) than the guide pin 12, thereby miniaturizing the hammer 4. However, in this case, the shaft 43 is displaced outward from the ideal imaginary circle C1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the guide groove 60 is formed into a curved shape that convexly extends away from the reference point P. Therefore, even when the hammer 4 is miniaturized, the stroke (downward displacement) of the entire white key 10 during keystroke can be made similar to that of an acoustic piano key.

[0070] Specifically, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 is positioned forward of the guide pin 12, and the rotation radius of the shaft 43 relative to the shaft 40 is set smaller than the curvature radius of the imaginary circle C1. This allows the hammer 4 to be miniaturized as described above. Meanwhile, the shaft 43 follows a displacement path that bypasses the outside (forward) side of the imaginary circle C1. However, as shown in FIG4( a ), the guide groove 60 is formed to be more sharply curved than the imaginary circle C2. Therefore, the guide pin 12 can also be displaced so as to bypass the outside of the imaginary circle C2.

[0071] That is, the displacement trajectory of the shaft 43 midway through a keystroke is offset outward from the imaginary circle C1. In response, the guide pin 12 can be displaced outward from the imaginary circle C2 to follow this offset. This makes it easier to maintain a constant ratio of the rear end stroke to the front end stroke of the white key 10 from the initial state to the keystroke state. Consequently, the overall stroke of the white key 10 midway through a keystroke (the posture of the white key 10) can be made similar to that of an acoustic piano key.

[0072] Furthermore, the position of the shaft 40 is set so that the center (axis) of the shaft 43 is located on the imaginary circle C1 in each of the initial state and the key state (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), the shape of the guide groove 60 is set so that the center (axis) of the guide pin 12 is located on the imaginary circle C2 in each state of the initial state and the key state (refer to Figure 4(a) to Figure 4(b) ). Thus, the postures of the white keys 10 in the initial state and the key-pressed state can be made similar to those of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0073] Thus, according to this embodiment, even when the hammer 4 is miniaturized, the stroke of the entire white key 10 during key pressing and the posture of the key in the key-pressing state can be made similar to those of the keys of an acoustic piano, thereby providing a playing feel close to that of an acoustic piano.

[0074] Furthermore, the term "a shape in which the guide groove 60 is more sharply curved than the imaginary circle C2" means, for example, that the radius of curvature of the guide groove 60 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the imaginary circle C2 when the guide groove 60 is formed using a single arc. In other words, the shape is such that the portion of the white key 10 (the axis of the guide pin 12) that is initially located on the imaginary circle C2 bypasses the imaginary circle C2 during keystroke and then returns to being located on the imaginary circle C2 when the key is pressed.

[0075] Here, for example, if the guide pin 12 were to contact the inner wall surface at the distal end of the guide groove 60 at the final position of its sliding movement, there is a risk of noise being generated due to this contact. Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide groove 60 is formed long enough to create a gap between the distal end (lower end) of the guide groove 60 and the guide pin 12 at the final position of its sliding movement. This can suppress noise generated by the contact between the inner wall surface at the distal end of the guide groove 60 and the guide pin 12.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the guide member 6 is provided with a cushioning material 8 at a position facing the lower surface of the white key 10. The cushioning material 8 is configured to contact the white key 10 at the end position of the guide pin 12's sliding. This allows the cushioning material 8 to limit downward displacement of the rear end of the white key 10 (excessive sliding of the guide pin 12) even if a gap forms between the distal end of the guide groove 60 and the guide pin 12 at the end position of the guide pin 12's sliding. The cushioning material 8 is made of a material such as felt or urethane foam, which is more flexible than the white key 10. This allows the cushioning material 8 to limit downward displacement of the rear end of the white key 10 while suppressing any noise generated by contact between the white key 10 and the cushioning material 8.

[0077] The guide groove 60 also includes an opening 60a that is open (open) on the rear surface side of the guide member 6. The guide pin 12 can be inserted and removed from the guide groove 60 (in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the guide pin 12) through this opening 60a. This allows the rear end of the white key 10 to be attached to and detached from the guide member 6, making maintenance of the white key 10 easy. Furthermore, the opening 60a formed on the sliding start side of the guide pin 12 can suppress noise generated by contact between the inner wall of the guide groove 60 and the guide pin 12 when the key is released.

[0078] Furthermore, the connecting portion 13 includes a shaft hole 13a into which the shaft 43 is rotatably inserted. The shaft hole 13a includes an opening 13b that is open (open) on the lower surface of the connecting portion 13. This allows the shaft 43 to be inserted and removed (in a direction perpendicular to the shaft 43) through the opening 13b, allowing the shaft 43 to be attached and detached from the front end of the white key 10. In other words, the entire white key 10 can be attached and detached from the guide groove 60 and the shaft 43, making maintenance of the white key 10 easier.

[0079] Thus, in this embodiment, the displacement of the white key 10 is guided by the rotation of the hammer 4 and the sliding of the guide pin 12 in the guide groove 60. However, due to, for example, variations in the dimensions of the various components (e.g., the total length of the white key 10) or assembly errors, the insertion position of the guide pin 12 relative to the guide groove 60 in the initial state may deviate from the desired position. Therefore, this embodiment has a structure that allows adjustment of the arrangement of the guide groove 60 in the front-rear direction.

[0080] Specifically, the base plate 5 is formed with a pair of vertically extending through-holes 5a, arranged in a front-to-rear arrangement. Bolts 5b are inserted into these through-holes 5a from the underside of the base plate 5 to secure the rear base 50. Furthermore, the through-holes 5a are elongated, with their longitudinal dimension longer than the axis of the bolts 5b. Consequently, by adjusting the insertion position of the bolts 5b relative to the through-holes 5a, the longitudinal arrangement of the rear base 50 and the guide member 6 relative to the base plate 5, i.e., the longitudinal arrangement of the guide groove 60, can be adjusted. Therefore, even if dimensional variations or assembly errors occur among the components, the guide pin 12 can be consistently positioned within the guide groove 60 to the desired position.

[0081] Here, the rotation center of the black key of an acoustic piano is located further rearward (toward the arrow B) than the rotation center (reference point P) of the white key. Therefore, the rear end stroke of the black key to the final position of the key press is greater than the rear end stroke of the white key. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG4(b), the guide groove 60 (indicated by the dotted line in FIG4(b)) that guides the displacement of the black key 20 has a more gradual curvature (closer to the imaginary circle C2) than the guide groove 60 (indicated by the solid line in FIG4(b)) that guides the displacement of the white key 10.

[0082] This allows the rear end of the black key 20 to have a greater stroke than the white key 10 when the guide pins 12 and 22 slide to their end positions, thereby imparting a playing feel similar to that of an acoustic piano. Furthermore, the term "gently curved shape (close to the imaginary circle C2)" refers to a large curvature radius of the guide groove 60, for example, when the guide groove 60 is formed using a single arc.

[0083] Next, referring to FIG. 5( a ), Figure 5(b) to Figure 7(a) 7(b), the second to fourth embodiments are described. In the second to fourth embodiments described below, the structure of the white keys 10, 310, 410 is mainly described, and the role and effect of such a structure are explained in the black key 20 (refer to Figure 1(a) to Figure 1(b) ) is also obtained in the same way.

[0084] First, refer to Figure 5(a) to Figure 5(b) , a keyboard device 201 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the guide groove 60 was described as being formed into a curved shape that convexly projects toward the upper front side of the key 2. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the guide groove 260 is described as being formed into a straight line. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0085] FIG5(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 201 in the second embodiment, and FIG5(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 201 showing the state after the white key 10 is pressed from the state of FIG5(a). In FIG5(b), the white key 10 in the initial state is shown by a dotted line. In addition, FIG5(a) and FIG5(b) show the state of the keyboard device 201 in the second embodiment. Figure 2 The cross section is obtained by cutting at the corresponding position, but the hatching is omitted to simplify the drawing. Figure 6(a) to Figure 6(b) 、 Figure 7(a) to Figure 7(b) The same is true in Chinese.

[0086] As shown in FIG5(a), the guide member 206 of the keyboard device 201 includes a linear guide groove 260 that is inclined downward toward the front side (the right side of FIG5(a)). The guide groove 260 is a groove formed in a manner that passes through the guide member 206 left and right (along the vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG5(a)). The groove width of the guide groove 260 is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide pin 12 of the white key 10, and the guide pin 12 can be slidably inserted into the guide groove 260. Therefore, the displacement of the rear end side of the white key 10 is guided by the sliding of the guide pin 12 along the guide groove 260. As a result, there is no need for a connecting rod for guiding the displacement of the rear end side of the white key 10, so the number of parts can be reduced.

[0087] 5 (b) of the white key 10 is pressed will be described, and the displacement of the front end side of the white key 10 is guided by the rotation of the hammer 4 as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0088] As shown in FIG5(b), the guide groove 260 is formed into a straight line that slopes downward toward the front. Therefore, the rear end of the white key 10 can be displaced toward the front and lower side by the sliding of the guide pin 12 when the key is pressed. Therefore, the entire white key 10 can be positioned toward the front and lower side compared to the initial state, so that the posture (position) of the white key 10 in the pressed state can be made similar to that of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0089] Furthermore, since the guide grooves 260 are formed in a straight line, the shape of the guide grooves 260 provided for each of the white keys 10 can be suppressed from varying, compared to the case where the guide grooves 60 are formed in a curved shape as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the stroke of the rear end side of each white key 10 can be made uniform.

[0090] The shape of the guide groove 260 is set so that the center of the guide pin 12 is located on the imaginary circle C2 in each of the initial state and the key-pressed state. Therefore, the posture of the white key 10 in the initial state and the key-pressed state can be made similar to that of an acoustic piano key.

[0091] In the key-pressing state, a gap is formed between the end (lower end) of the guide groove 260 and the guide pin 12, so that the noise generated by the contact between the inner wall surface of the guide groove 260 and the guide pin 12 can be suppressed. In addition, the guide member 206 is provided with a buffer material 8 (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), so even if a gap is formed between the end of the guide groove 260 and the guide pin 12 in the key state, the buffer material 8 can limit the downward displacement of the rear end side of the white key 10.

[0092] The guide groove 260 also includes an opening 260a on the rear surface of the guide member 206, allowing the guide pin 12 to be inserted and removed from the opening 260a. This facilitates maintenance of the white key 10. Furthermore, since the opening 260a is formed on the sliding start side of the guide pin 12, noise generated by contact between the inner wall of the guide groove 260 and the guide pin 12 during key release can be suppressed.

[0093] Next, refer to Figure 6(a) to Figure 6(b), a keyboard device 301 according to a third embodiment will be described. In the first and second embodiments, the guide pins 12 were formed on the white keys 10, and the guide grooves 60 and 260 were formed on the guide members 6 and 206. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the guide pins 361 are formed on the guide members 306, and the guide grooves 314 are formed on the white keys 310. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as in the first and second embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0094] FIG6(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 301 in the third embodiment, and FIG6(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 301 showing a state after a white key 310 is pressed from the state shown in FIG6(a). Furthermore, FIG6(b) shows the white key 310 in its initial state with a dotted line, and shows the white key 310 in the middle of being pressed with a dashed line.

[0095] As shown in FIG6(a), the guide member 306 of the keyboard device 301 includes an insertion portion 362 for inserting a cylindrical guide pin 361. The insertion portion 362 is a plate-like body extending vertically. A through-hole 363 extending horizontally (in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG6(a)) is formed in the insertion portion 362. Although not shown in the figure, the guide member 306 is formed with a pair of insertion portions 362 spaced a predetermined distance apart in the horizontal direction. The guide pin 361 is fixed by being inserted into the through-holes 363 of the pair of insertion portions 362.

[0096] The white key 310 includes a guide groove 314 extending upward from its lower surface. The guide groove 314 is formed to extend horizontally through the white key 310. The width of the guide groove 314 is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide pin 361, and the guide pin 361 is slidably inserted into the guide groove 314. Therefore, when the white key 310 is pressed, the guide groove 314 slides downward along the guide pin 361, thereby guiding the downward displacement of the rear end of the white key 310. This eliminates the need for a connecting rod to guide the displacement of the rear end of the white key 310, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0097] Although not shown, a single guide pin 361 is fixed across the multiple (in this embodiment, approximately one octave) guide members 306 arranged horizontally. Specifically, a common guide pin 361 is inserted into the guide grooves 314 of each of the multiple white keys 310 (black keys). Therefore, the single guide pin 361 can guide the displacement of the rear ends of the multiple white keys 310. This reduces the number of parts.

[0098] 6 (b) of the white key 310 is pressed will be described, and the displacement of the front end side of the white key 310 is guided by the rotation of the hammer 4 as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0099] As shown in FIG6( b ), the guide groove 314 is formed so that the end position of the guide pin 361's sliding movement relative to the guide groove 314 is located further up and behind the white key 310 than its initial position. This allows the rear end of the white key 310 to be displaced forward and downward by the guide pin 361 sliding along the guide groove 314 during key pressing. This allows the entire white key 310 to be positioned forward and downward compared to its initial position. Consequently, the posture (position) of the white key 310 in the pressed state can be made similar to that of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 is also arranged on the front side of the guide pin 361, so the shaft 43 is displaced outside the ideal imaginary circle C1 when the key is pressed (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ). In contrast, in this embodiment, the guide groove 314 is formed so as to be closer to the reference point P (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ) direction, so even if the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 is arranged on the front side relative to the guide pin 361, the overall stroke of the white key 310 in the middle of the key pressing can be made similar to that of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0101] Specifically, as in the first embodiment, the hammer 4 can be miniaturized by arranging the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 further forward than the guide pin 361. On the other hand, the displacement trajectory of the shaft 43 is such that it goes around the outside of the imaginary circle C1 (see FIG. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), but as shown in FIG6(b), the guide groove 314 is formed into a curved shape that bulges inwardly of the imaginary circle C2. This allows the portion 310a of the white key 310, which is initially located on the imaginary circle C2, to be displaced outwardly of the imaginary circle C2 during keystroke.

[0102] Specifically, the displacement trajectory of the shaft 43 mid-keystroke is offset outward relative to the imaginary circle C1. The rear end of the white key 310 can be displaced to follow this offset. This makes it easy to maintain a constant ratio of the rear end stroke to the front end stroke of the white key 310 from the initial state to the keystroke state. Consequently, the overall stroke of the white key 310 mid-keystroke can be made similar to that of an acoustic piano key.

[0103] Furthermore, the shape of the guide groove 314 is set so that the portion 310a of the white key 310 located on the imaginary circle C2 in the initial state also lies on the imaginary circle C2 when the key is pressed. This allows the posture of the white key 310 in both the initial state and the pressed state to resemble that of an acoustic piano key, thereby providing a playing feel close to that of an acoustic piano.

[0104] In the key-pressing state, a gap is formed between the end (upper end) of the guide groove 314 and the guide pin 361, so that the noise generated by the contact between the inner wall surface of the guide groove 314 and the guide pin 361 can be suppressed. In addition, a buffer material 8 is provided on the guide member 306 at a position facing the lower surface of the white key 310 (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), so even if a gap is formed between the end of the guide groove 314 and the guide pin 361 in the key state, the buffer material 8 can limit the downward displacement of the rear end side of the white key 310.

[0105] The guide groove 314 also includes an opening 314a on the lower surface of the white key 310, allowing the guide pin 361 to be inserted and removed through the opening 314a. This facilitates maintenance of the white key 310. Furthermore, since the opening 314a is formed on the sliding start side of the guide pin 361, noise generated by contact between the inner wall of the guide groove 314 and the guide pin 361 during key release can be suppressed.

[0106] Although not shown in the figure, as in the first embodiment, the guide grooves of the black keys are curved more gently than the guide grooves 314 of the white keys 310. Specifically, the strokes of the white and black keys 310 when the guide pins 361 slide to their end positions are set so that the black keys are larger than the white keys 310. This provides a playing feel similar to that of an acoustic piano.

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 7(a) to Figure 7(b) , a keyboard device 401 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the guide groove 314 was described as being formed into a curved shape that convexly projects toward the rear lower side of the key 2. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the guide groove 414 is described as being formed into a straight line. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as in the third embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0108] FIG7(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 401 according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG7(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 401 showing a state after a white key 410 is pressed from the state shown in FIG7(a). FIG7(b) shows the white key 410 in its initial state with a dotted line.

[0109] As shown in FIG7(a), the white key 410 of the keyboard device 401 includes a linear guide groove 414 that is inclined downward toward the front side (the right side of FIG7(a)). The guide groove 414 is a groove formed in a manner that passes through the white key 410 left and right (along the vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG7(a)). The groove width of the guide groove 414 is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide pin 361, and the guide pin 361 is slidably inserted into the guide groove 414. Therefore, the displacement of the rear end side of the white key 410 is guided by the sliding of the guide pin 361 along the guide groove 414. As a result, a connecting rod for guiding the displacement of the rear end side of the white key 410 is no longer required, so the number of parts can be reduced.

[0110] 7 (b) of the white key 410 is pressed will be described, and the displacement of the front end side of the white key 410 is guided by the rotation of the hammer 4 as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0111] As shown in FIG7( b ), the guide groove 414 is formed into a straight line that slopes downward toward the front. Therefore, the rear end of the white key 410 can be displaced downward and forward by the sliding of the guide pin 361 when the key is pressed. Therefore, the entire white key 410 can be positioned downward and forward compared to its initial state, making the posture (position) of the white key 410 in the pressed state similar to that of the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0112] Furthermore, since the guide groove 414 is formed in a straight line, it is possible to suppress variations in the shape of the guide groove 414 provided for each white key 410 compared to the case where the guide groove 314 is formed in a curved shape as in the third embodiment.

[0113] Furthermore, the shape of the guide groove 414 is set so that the portion 410a of the white key 410 located on the imaginary circle C2 in the initial state also lies on the imaginary circle C2 when the key is pressed. This allows the posture of the white key 410 in both the initial state and the pressed state to resemble that of an acoustic piano key, thereby providing a playing feel close to that of an acoustic piano.

[0114] In the key-pressing state, a gap is formed between the end (upper end) of the guide groove 414 and the guide pin 361, so that the noise generated by the contact between the inner wall surface of the guide groove 414 and the guide pin 361 can be suppressed. In addition, the guide member 306 is provided with a buffer material 8 (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), so even if a gap is formed between the end of the guide groove 414 and the guide pin 361 in the key state, the buffer material 8 can limit the downward displacement of the rear end side of the white key 410.

[0115] The guide groove 414 also includes an opening 414a on the lower surface of the white key 410, allowing the guide pin 361 to be inserted and removed through the opening 414a. This facilitates maintenance of the white key 410. Furthermore, since the opening 414a is formed on the sliding start side of the guide pin 361, noise generated by contact between the inner wall of the guide groove 414 and the guide pin 361 during key release can be suppressed.

[0116] Although the above description has been given based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment at all, and it can be easily assumed that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0117] In the above embodiments, the keyboard devices 1, 201, 301, and 401 are described as being configured as electronic pianos, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the technical concepts of the above embodiments can also be applied to other electronic musical instruments (e.g., electronic organs, synthesizers, accordions, etc.).

[0118] In the above embodiments, the displacement of the tip of the key 2 is guided by the hammer 4 for imparting a keypressing sensation (returning the key 2 to its initial position), but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a structure in which the displacement of the tip of the key 2 is guided by a connecting rod that does not have the function of imparting a keypressing sensation (returning the key 2 to its initial position) can also be employed. In this case, the key 2 can be returned to its initial position by an elastic member such as a spring.

[0119] In the above embodiments, a single hammer 4 is described as functioning as a connecting rod to guide the rotation of the key 2. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a configuration may also be employed in which a connecting rod is provided in addition to the hammer 4 to guide the rotation of the key 2. In other words, as long as the displacement of the rear end of the key 2 is guided by the guide groove and the guide pin, at least one connecting rod for guiding the displacement of the rear end of the key 2 can be omitted.

[0120] In the above embodiments, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 is described as being located rearward of the shaft 43 , but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 may be located forward of the shaft 43 .

[0121] In the above-described embodiments, the distance between the axis 40 of the hammer 4 and the center of gravity G is set to be longer than the distance between the axis 40 and the axis 43. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the distance between the axis 40 of the hammer 4 and the center of gravity G may be set to be the same as or shorter than the distance between the axis 40 and the axis 43.

[0122] In the above embodiments, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 is positioned forward of the guide pins 12, 22, and 361. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration. For example, the shaft 40 of the hammer 4 may be positioned rearward of the guide pins 12, 22, and 361. This allows the displacement trajectory of the tip of the key 2 to be more similar to that of an acoustic piano key.

[0123] In the above embodiments, the shaft 43 is described as being located on the imaginary circle C1 in the key-pressing state, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the shaft 43 of the hammer 4 may be located inside or outside the imaginary circle C1 in the key-pressing state.

[0124] In the above embodiments, the guide pins 12, 22, and 361 are described as being cylindrical (circular in cross section), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as long as the guide pins 12, 22, and 361 are slidable along the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414, the guide pins 12, 22, and 361 may be configured to have a polygonal cross section.

[0125] In the above embodiments, the guide pins 12, 22, and 361 are inserted into the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 extending horizontally, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 may be formed as depressions on the side surfaces of the guide member 6 or the key 2, and the guide pins may slide along the depressions.

[0126] In the above embodiments, the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 are described as being formed so that the rear end of the key 2 is displaced forward and downward when the key is pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 may be formed so that the rear end of the key 2 is displaced rearward and downward or downward.

[0127] In the above embodiments, the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 are described as having openings 60a, 314a, and 414a, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the openings 60a, 314a, and 414a may be omitted, and the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 may be closed at both the starting and ending sides. In this case, the guide pins 12, 22, and 361 may contact the inner wall surfaces of the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414 at both the starting and ending sides when a key is pressed and released.

[0128] In the above embodiments, the buffer material 8 is provided on the guide members 6, 206, and 306 to limit the downward displacement of the key 2. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, the buffer material 8 may be provided at the distal end of the guide grooves 60, 314, and 414. In other words, the placement of the buffer material 8 can be appropriately determined as long as the structure can limit the displacement of the key 2 at the end position of the key. However, it is preferred that the buffer material 8 be placed at the rear end of the key 2 (near the guide pin 12, 22, or 361) to the extent that the displacement of the rear end of the key 2 can be limited at the desired position.

[0129] In the above embodiments, the portion of the key 2 initially positioned on the imaginary circle C2 is arranged on the imaginary circle C2 when the key is pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the portion of the key 2 initially positioned on the imaginary circle C2 may be arranged further inward or further outward of the imaginary circle C2 when the key is pressed.

[0130] In the first and third embodiments, the guide grooves 60 and 314 are described as being curved so as to protrude inward or outward relative to the imaginary circle C2. However, this is not necessarily limited to this configuration. For example, the guide groove 60 may be formed as a curved shape that protrudes toward the reference point P, and the guide groove 314 may be formed as a curved shape that protrudes away from the reference point P. Furthermore, the guide grooves 60 and 314 may be formed as a curved shape that curves along the imaginary circle C2 (in an arc shape having the same radius of curvature as the imaginary circle C2).

[0131] In the first and third embodiments, the guide grooves 60 and 314 are gradually curved to allow the black keys 20 to have a greater stroke on the rear end than the white keys 10 and 310. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the guide grooves 60 and 314 may be formed in the same shape on both the white and black keys so that the strokes on the rear ends of the white keys 10 and 310 and the black keys 20 are the same.

[0132] In the third and fourth embodiments, a common guide pin 361 is inserted into the guide grooves 314 and 414 of each of the plurality of keys 2. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a structure in which a separate guide pin is provided for each key 2 (each guide member 306) may be employed, similarly to the first and second embodiments.

Claims

1. A keyboard device, characterized in that: include: Supporting member; A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the supporting member so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a key, which is connected to the other end of the connecting rod so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis; a guide pin, which is provided at a portion on the rear end side of the key or at a side of the supporting member and extends in a width direction of the key; and a guide groove, which is provided at a portion on the rear end side of the key or at a side of the supporting member and is for the guide pin to be inserted into. The rotation of the link relative to the support member guides the displacement of the front end portion of the key, and the sliding of the guide pin relative to the guide groove guides the displacement of the rear end portion of the key.

2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein When the key is pressed, the guide pin slides relative to the guide groove, causing the rear end portion of the key to be displaced forward and downward.

3. The keyboard device according to claim 2, wherein: The guide groove is formed in a straight line shape that is inclined downward toward the front side of the key.

4. The keyboard device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first rotation axis, which is a rotation axis of the link relative to the support member, is located rearward of the second rotation axis, which is a rotation axis of the key relative to the link.

5. The keyboard device according to claim 4, wherein: The guide pin is arranged on the key. The guide groove is formed in a curved shape that is convex in a direction away from a reference point located rearward and downward of the guide pin in a side view of the key.

6. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein: When an imaginary circle centered at the reference point is drawn in a side view of the key and is a first imaginary circle passing through the second rotation axis in an initial state before the key is pressed, The distance from the first rotation axis to the second rotation axis is set to be smaller than the curvature radius of the first imaginary circle. When an imaginary circle centered at the reference point is drawn in a side view of the key and a second imaginary circle passes through the guide pin in the initial state, The guide groove is formed in a shape having a greater curvature than the second imaginary circle.

7. The keyboard device according to claim 4, wherein: The guide groove is provided on the key. The guide groove is formed in a curved shape that is convex in a direction approaching a reference point located rearward and downward of the guide pin in a side view of the key.

8. The keyboard device according to claim 7, wherein: When an imaginary circle centered at the reference point is drawn in a side view of the key and is a first imaginary circle passing through the second rotation axis in an initial state before the key is pressed, The distance from the first rotation axis to the second rotation axis is set to be smaller than the curvature radius of the first imaginary circle.

9. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The keys include white keys and black keys. The downward displacement of the keys when the guide pins slide to the end positions is set so that the black keys are larger than the white keys.

10. The keyboard device according to claim 4, wherein The connecting rod has a center of gravity on the side opposite to the second rotation axis across the first rotation axis. A distance from the first rotation axis to the center of gravity of the link is set to be greater than a distance from the first rotation axis to the second rotation axis.

11. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The guide member includes a guide member configured to be variable in a front-rear direction relative to a fixed position of the support member and provided with the guide pin or the guide groove.

12. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The guide groove is provided on the key. The displacement of the rear end portions of the plurality of keys is guided by one guide pin.

13. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The guide groove includes an open portion that allows the guide pin to be inserted into and removed from the guide groove.

14. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A gap is formed between the end of the guide groove and the guide pin at a sliding end position of the guide pin.

15. The keyboard device according to claim 14, wherein: A buffer material is included, which limits the displacement of the guide pin to the end of the guide groove.

Images