Guide member for keyboard instrument and cover member for the guide member

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a rail member for a keyboard instrument. The rail member has an elongated and hollow structure, and is provided with at least one cover member that covers at least one of the two end portions of the rail member in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a guide rail component for keyboard musical instruments such as pianos, and a cover component for the guide rail component. Background Technology

[0002] As keyboard instruments such as pianos, upright keyboard instruments are known, for example, those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-283955 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this type of upright keyboard instrument, there are various mechanisms for producing the tone of a piano, including the action mechanism, which is used to produce sound by driving hammers to strike the strings through the keys.

[0004] As a component constituting part of the aforementioned mechanisms, there exists a guide rail component that is elongated and hollow in shape. Such guide rail components typically include the following types.

[0005] [Muffler Rail]

[0006] In upright keyboard instruments, this component is linked to the operation (action) of the mute lever (or mute pedal) used to mute or reduce volume, and transmits its operating force.

[0007] Hammer Rail

[0008] It is attached to the hammer assembly and is used to support the hammer.

[0009] Balance Lever Rail

[0010] It connects to the foot pedal and is linked to the operation (action) of the pedal, thereby transmitting its operating force.

[0011] During the manufacturing process, the aforementioned guide rail component is formed by cutting the base material constituting the guide rail component to the target length. Due to the characteristics of the manufacturing process, the two ends of the guide rail component typically have cut sections.

[0012] The ends (sections) of the guide rail components may still have burrs or other issues even after some finishing process, not only in a simple cut state. Furthermore, the cross-sections are not only visible during assembly, but may also be visually inspectable when specific parts of the piano (such as the top plate and side plates) are in an open state.

[0013] If burrs or other debris remain, they could pose a risk of injury during piano assembly or other processes. Furthermore, exposed sections could negatively impact the overall aesthetics.

[0014] Here, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-29503 (Patent Document 2) discloses a piano hammer guide, and in particular discloses a concept of sealing both ends of the piano hammer guide with end caps. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Patent Document 2 aims to prevent or suppress the resonance of the hammer guide, thereby effectively preventing resonance phenomena caused by excess resonant sounds generated by the hammer guide. Its technical concept does not consider potential problems such as burrs, nor does it address aesthetic considerations.

[0016] Therefore, as an independent research topic, there are safety hazards and aesthetic issues during the assembly process, and no solutions have been provided to address these problems.

[0017] This disclosure aims to provide a guide rail component for keyboard musical instruments such as pianos, and a cover component for the guide rail component, which can improve the safety during assembly while also taking into account aesthetics.

[0018] One aspect of this disclosure is a guide rail component for a keyboard musical instrument. The guide rail component has an elongated and hollow structure. The guide rail component includes at least one cover component that covers at least one of two ends of the guide rail component in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to the guide rail component disclosed herein, since it has a cover component that covers at least one of the two ends of the guide rail component in the longitudinal direction, the end covered by the cover component can be prevented from being exposed to burrs or the like that may be generated during the processing (cutting) of the guide rail component. Therefore, the risk of accidents such as injury caused by burrs can be eliminated or reduced.

[0020] By covering the machined surface (section) of the guide rail component with a cover component, the machined surface (section) can be hidden. In other words, the machined surface (section) can be made invisible to the naked eye. When the machined surface (section) is not finely machined, resulting in a rough appearance, it is not ideal from an aesthetic point of view; however, this problem can be avoided by using a cover component. In addition, if the cover component itself is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, the overall aesthetic effect can be easily improved.

[0021] In the guide rail components disclosed herein, the cover component may comprise a material made of ABS resin. ABS resin is easy to mold, offering advantages in terms of ease of manufacture and cost.

[0022] In the guide rail component disclosed herein, the cover component may have a plated surface. In this case, the aesthetics of the cover component can be significantly improved. In particular, when the plated surface matches the material of the guide rail component, a harmonious relationship with the guide rail component can be achieved, resulting in a greater advantage in terms of aesthetics.

[0023] In the guide rail component disclosed herein, the plating material used for plating treatment can be brass. In this case, depending on the type of guide rail component, the compatibility (aesthetics) with the guide rail component can be further improved. For example, the effect is particularly significant when the guide rail component is a hammer guide rail.

[0024] In the guide rail component disclosed herein, the cover component may have a polished surface. In this case, the aesthetics of the cover component can be further improved, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the guide rail component.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure is a cover member for a guide rail component of a keyboard musical instrument. The guide rail component has an elongated and hollow structure. The cover member is configured to cover at least one of the two ends of the guide rail component in the longitudinal direction. The aforementioned effects can also be achieved with the cover member described above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional drawing showing the appearance of an upright piano.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of an upright piano as seen from the back side.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the mounting section of the noise-reducing guide rail.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the noise-reducing guide rail and the cover component for the noise-reducing guide rail.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a sound-absorbing guide rail with a cover installed.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the cover component used for the hammer guide.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the hammer guide and the cover component for the hammer guide.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the hammer guide with the cover mounted.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the cover component used for the balance bar guide rail.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the cover component used for the balance bar guide rail.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the balance bar guide rail with the covered component installed. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] [1. Implementation Method]

[0039] [1-1. Overall Composition]

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the upright piano 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as piano 1) includes a left motherboard 11, a right motherboard 12, an upper front board 13, a lower front board 14, a back panel 15, a top panel 16, a keyboard cover 17, and pedals 18.

[0041] The keyboard and action mechanism of piano 1 are not directly related to the technical problems solved by this disclosure, therefore, the illustrations and descriptions of the keyboard and action mechanism are omitted.

[0042] In the following description, the piano 1 is viewed from the performer's perspective, near the front (refer to...). Figure 1 The terms "front" and "back" are used to describe the front, the far side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side.

[0043] The left mother plate 11 is the plate located on the left side of the piano 1. The right mother plate 12 is the plate located on the right side of the piano 1. The upper front plate 13 is the plate located on the upper part of the near-front side of the piano 1. The lower front plate 14 is the plate located on the lower part of the near-front side of the piano 1. The back plate 15 is the plate located on the far side (in other words, the rear side) of the piano 1.

[0044] The upper front panel 13, the lower front panel 14, and the rear panel 15 are all designed to be detachable (openable).

[0045] The top plate 16 is a sheet material disposed above the left mother plate 11, the right mother plate 12, the upper front plate 13, and the back panel 15. Although not shown in the figure, the top plate 16 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by at least one hinge (not shown).

[0046] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the piano 1 as seen from the rear (back side), showing in particular the state where the back panel 15 has been removed (or not installed).

[0047] The piano 1 has a damping rail 2, a hammer rail 4, and a balance bar rail 6 as guide rail components. The damping rail 2, hammer rail 4, and balance bar rail 6 are all elongated in shape and have a hollow structure. These will be described in detail below.

[0048] [1-2. Noise-absorbing guide rail]

[0049] Figures 3 to 5The noise-absorbing guide rail 2 and the cover component 3 for the noise-absorbing guide rail 2 are shown.

[0050] The muffler rail 2 is a rail that is linked to and transmits the operating force of a muffler rod (or muffler pedal) used for muffler or volume reduction. Specifically, a felt curtain (not shown) is provided on the muffler rail 2, which is attached to the muffler rail 2 in a manner that hangs down from the muffler rail 2 along its entire longitudinal direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the mute guide 2 is configured such that when the mute lever (or mute pedal) is operated, the mute guide 2 rotates, thereby placing the felt curtain between the strings and hammers of the piano 1. This achieves muteness or reduces the volume.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the mounting portion at the first end of the mounting section at both ends of the noise-reducing guide rail 2. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the first end of the noise-absorbing guide rail 2 is mounted on the right mother plate 12 via a metal bracket 29. Although not shown, the second end of the noise-absorbing guide rail 2 is mounted on the left mother plate 11 by the same or similar configuration. The bracket 29 is capable of rotating about a rotation axis (not shown) supported by a rotary bearing 28. Thus, the noise-absorbing guide rail 2 can also rotate integrally with the bracket 29.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The silencing guide rail 2 and the cover component 3 used for the silencing guide rail 2 will be further explained.

[0054] The noise-absorbing guide rail 2 is made of metal, preferably aluminum. The noise-absorbing guide rail 2 has an elongated shape (structure). The noise-absorbing guide rail 2 is hollow and has a hollow portion 21.

[0055] The required length of the noise-absorbing guide rail 2 is formed by cutting a component of a certain length, which serves as the base material, to the target length. Cross-sections 22 are formed at both ends of the noise-absorbing guide rail 2 through cutting.

[0056] The noise-reducing guide rail 2 includes an arc-shaped portion 20 that is generally arc-shaped in cross-section, and a side plate portion 25 that can be considered as plate-shaped or rectangular. A wing screw 26 is provided on the side plate portion 25 (see reference). Figure 5 The screw hole 27 is used to fix the silencing guide rail 2 and the cover part 3 together to the bracket 29.

[0057] Cover components 3 are installed at both ends of the silencing guide rail 2 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 4 Only the first end of the silencing guide 2 in the longitudinal direction is shown. The second end of the other end has the same configuration. The illustration and description of the second end are omitted here.

[0058] The cover component 3 can be understood as a separate component independent of the silencing guide rail 2, or it can be understood as a component in which the silencing guide rail 2 and the cover component 3 are integrated (in other words, the silencing guide rail 2 includes the cover component 3).

[0059] Because the silencing guide 2 needs to be fitted with the cover component 3, it is cut (processed) to shorten its length to correspond to the cover component 3 compared to a normal silencing guide (in other words, compared to a silencing guide without the cover component 3).

[0060] The cover component 3 has a cover portion 30 and a rectangular portion 35. The cover portion 30 substantially covers the opening and section 22 of the first end of the silencing guide rail 2. The cover portion 30 has a cover surface 32, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the section 22 when the cover component 3 is assembled to the silencing guide rail 2. The section 22 is covered by the cover surface 32 abutting against it. The cover portion 30 includes: an arcuate plate portion 33 having a shape substantially the same as the arcuate portion 20 corresponding to the arcuate portion 20 of the silencing guide rail 2, and a rectangular plate portion 34.

[0061] Regarding the cover portion 30, its cover surface 32 can be in a form that is tightly fitted to the cross section 22, or it can be in a form that is close to it without abutting. From an aesthetic point of view, a gapless state is preferred, therefore, a form in which the cover surface 32 is tightly fitted to the cross section 22 without gaps is preferred.

[0062] The rectangular portion 35 is integrally formed with the cover portion 30 and is substantially continuous with the rectangular plate portion 34. The rectangular portion 35 is configured to slide into the side plate portion 25 by abutting or approaching the inner surface, and is entirely housed inside the sound-absorbing guide rail 2.

[0063] The rectangular portion 35 has a screw hole portion 37 through which the wing screw 26 passes. When the cover component 3 is assembled on the muffler guide rail 2, the screw hole portion 27 and the screw hole portion 37 are continuous. Moreover, the muffler guide rail 2 and the cover component 3 are integrally connected to the bracket 29 via the wing screw 26.

[0064] Figure 5 The diagram shows the cover component 3 mounted on the noise-reducing guide rail 2. (As shown) Figure 5 As shown, with the cover component 3 installed on the silencing guide rail 2, the rectangular portion 35 of the cover component 3 is housed inside the silencing guide rail 2, and the cover portion 30 tightly covers the cross section 22 of the silencing guide rail 2 so that the cross section 22 is not exposed. On the other hand, the cover portion 30 is exposed in a state that can be visually confirmed.

[0065] The cover component 3 is formed of ABS resin. However, the material for the cover component 3 is not limited to ABS resin; other resins can also be used. Alternatively, metal can be used. If metal is used, it is preferably the same material as the sound-absorbing guide rail 2.

[0066] A plating treatment can be applied to the cover component 3. The plating material used for the plating treatment can be brass.

[0067] Polishing can be applied to the cover component 3. In this case, polishing can be performed either in the resin state or after applying a plating treatment.

[0068] Since the cover component 3 covers the cross section 22 of the noise-absorbing guide rail 2, even if there are residual burrs or the like in the cross section 22, the risk of injury caused by burrs or the like can be avoided.

[0069] By avoiding the impact of section 22 on aesthetics, the aesthetics of the cover component 3 are improved, and more specifically, the aesthetics of the cover 30 are improved, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the muffler guide 2, and thus improving the aesthetics of the piano 1.

[0070] [1-3. Hammer Guide]

[0071] Figures 6 to 8 The hammer guide 4 and the cover component 5 for the hammer guide 4 are shown.

[0072] The hammer guide 4 is attached to the hammer assembly (not shown) used to strike the strings and is a guide for supporting the hammer.

[0073] The hammer guide 4 is made of metal, preferably aluminum. The hammer guide 4 has an elongated shape (structure). The hammer guide 4 is hollow and has a hollow portion 49.

[0074] The hammer guide 4 of the required length is formed by cutting a component of a certain length, which serves as the base material, to the target length. Sections 42 (see reference) are formed at both ends of the hammer guide 4 through cutting. Figure 7 ).

[0075] Figure 7 The first end of the hammer guide 4 along its longitudinal direction is shown. The other end is omitted from the diagram, but both have the same configuration.

[0076] The hammer guide 4 includes an arc-shaped portion 40 that is roughly fan-shaped in cross-section, and a trapezoidal portion 41 that can be considered as roughly trapezoidal overall. The hammer guide 4 is formed by the above-mentioned portions forming a wall, and its overall structure is hollow inside.

[0077] The trapezoidal portion 41 includes approximately flat portions 41A, 41B, and 41C that are generally flat (with approximately straight sides in the cross section).

[0078] The generally flat plate portion 41A is generally flat. A convex guide rail portion 43B protruding inward is formed on the generally flat plate portion 41B. A convex guide rail portion 43C protruding inward is formed on the generally flat plate portion 41C.

[0079] The cover component 5 has a cover portion 57 and a main body portion 59. The cover portion 57 and the main body portion 59 are integrally formed.

[0080] The cover portion 57 has a flat, plate-like shape (structure). The cover portion 57 is formed as a flange relative to the main body portion 59 and has a flange surface 52. The shape of the cover portion 57 is basically consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the hammer guide 4.

[0081] The main body 59 is hollow and has a hollow portion 56. The shape of the main body 59 is formed to be basically consistent with the shape of the hollow portion 49 of the hammer guide 4 (in other words, the shape formed by the inner circumferential surface of the hammer guide 4).

[0082] The main body 59 includes: an arc-shaped portion 50 with a cross-section of arcuate shape (generally fan-shaped) corresponding to the arcuate portion 40 of the hammer guide 4, and a trapezoidal portion 51 that can be considered as generally trapezoidal in shape. The main body 59 has a recessed portion 53B that fits into the guide portion 43B of the hammer guide 4, and a cutout portion 53C for avoiding the guide portion 43C. At a position continuous with the cutout portion 53C, a recessed portion 53D that fits into a part of the guide portion 43C is also provided.

[0083] Figure 8 The diagram shows the state in which the cover component 5 is assembled onto the hammer guide 4. As previously described, assembly (fixation) is achieved by the main body 59 of the cover component 5 being inserted into the hollow portion 49 of the hammer guide 4 and housed inside the hammer guide 4. More specifically, fixation is achieved by the contact resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the main body 59 and the inner peripheral surface of the hammer guide 4.

[0084] In this configuration, the hammer guide 4 and the cover member 5 can be configured such that the guide portion 43B engages with the recessed portion 53B to more effectively maintain contact resistance. Similarly, the hammer guide 4 and the cover member 5 can also be configured such that the guide portion 43C engages with the recessed portion 53D to more effectively maintain contact resistance.

[0085] The shape of the cover 57 is basically the same as the cross-sectional shape of the hammer guide 4. Therefore, the cover part 5 (cover 57) and the hammer guide 4 form an integral and continuous structure, thereby creating a sense of unity when assembled.

[0086] The cover component 5 is formed of ABS resin. However, the material of the cover component 5 is not limited to ABS resin; other resins can also be used. Alternatively, metal can be used. If metal is used, it is preferably the same material as the hammer guide 4.

[0087] A plating treatment can be applied to the cover component 5. The plating material used for the plating treatment can be brass.

[0088] Polishing can be applied to the cover component 5. In this case, polishing can be performed either in the resin state or after applying a plating treatment.

[0089] Since the cover component 5 covers the cross section 42 of the hammer guide 4, even if there are burrs or the like remaining on the cross section 42, the risk of injury caused by burrs or the like can be avoided.

[0090] By avoiding the negative impact of section 42 on aesthetics, the aesthetics of the cover component 5 are improved, and more specifically, the aesthetics of the cover 57 are improved, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the hammer guide 4 and, consequently, the aesthetics of the piano 1.

[0091] [1-4. Balance bar guide rail]

[0092] Figures 9 to 11 The stabilizer bar guide rail 6 and the cover component 7 for the stabilizer bar guide rail 6 are shown.

[0093] The stabilizer bar guide rail 6 is a guide rail connected to the foot pedal and is linked to the operation (action) of the pedal, thereby transmitting its operating force.

[0094] The stabilizer bar guide 6 is made of metal, preferably aluminum. The stabilizer bar guide 6 has an elongated shape (structure) and is hollow. More specifically, the stabilizer bar guide 6 has a generally cuboid shape with a generally square cross-section.

[0095] The required length of the balance bar guide rail 6 is formed by cutting a component of a certain length, which serves as the base material, to the target length. Cross sections are formed at both ends of the balance bar guide rail 6 through cutting.

[0096] The cover component 7 has a cover portion 72 and a main body portion 76.

[0097] The cover 72 has a generally quadrilateral shape, forming an umbrella-like structure with a centrally located top portion 73. The cover 72 has four surfaces 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D. In addition, the cover 72 has a flange surface 75. The flange surface 75 abuts against and covers the cross-section of the balance bar guide rail 6 (not shown).

[0098] The main body 76 and the cover 72 are integrally formed and have a generally rectangular shape. The outer shape of the main body 76 is basically consistent with the inner shape of the balance bar guide 6. In other words, it is configured such that the main body 76 is fitted into the balance bar guide 6 and housed inside the balance bar guide 6. The main body 76 contacts the hollow surface (inner surface) of the balance bar guide 6, and the contact resistance maintains the fixed state of the cover member 7 relative to the balance bar guide 6.

[0099] Furthermore, when the cover part 7 is assembled to the balance bar guide rail 6, the main body part 76 is housed inside the balance bar guide rail 6, while the cover part 72 is exposed.

[0100] The cover component 7 is formed of ABS resin. The material of the cover component 7 is not limited to ABS resin; other resins can also be used. Alternatively, metal can be used. If metal is used, it is preferably the same material as the stabilizer bar guide rail 6.

[0101] A plating treatment can be applied to the cover component 7. The plating material used for the plating treatment can be brass.

[0102] Polishing can be applied to the cover component 7. In this case, polishing can be performed either in the resin state or after applying a plating treatment.

[0103] Since the cover component 7 covers the cross section of the balance bar guide rail 6, even if there are residual burrs on the cross section, the risk of injury caused by burrs can be avoided.

[0104] By avoiding cross-sections that affect aesthetics, the aesthetics of the cover component 7 are improved, and more specifically, the aesthetics of the cover 72 are improved, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the balance bar guide rail 6, and consequently improving the aesthetics of the piano 1.

[0105] [1-5. Other effects]

[0106] Cover components 3, 5, and 7 are made of ABS resin and possess excellent productivity, durability, heat resistance, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance. ABS resin combines the advantages of resin materials and is easy to coat, thus offering significant advantages in processability.

[0107] By using ABS resin, weight can be controlled. This reduces transportation costs and lightens the workload for operators.

[0108] By applying a coating to ABS resin, not only can the aesthetics of cover components 3, 5, and 7 be improved, but their durability can also be enhanced. Compared to metal cover components, using ABS resin offers advantages in terms of ease of manufacturing and equipment simplicity, and it also effectively controls manufacturing costs.

[0109] When brass is used as the plating material, an antique aesthetic can be created.

[0110] [1-6. Scenarios where this can be effective]

[0111] Both the upper front panel 13 and the lower front panel 14 of piano 1 are removable. Besides maintenance needs, this can also be done to achieve optimal sound quality.

[0112] The top plate 16 is rotatable and can be raised (opened) by rotation. The top plate 16 can also be raised and opened for optimal sound effects.

[0113] In this situation, the internal structure of piano 1, including the guide rail components, may be in a state that can be visually verified by the user and other third parties. Therefore, the internal structure cannot be ruled out as affecting the aesthetics.

[0114] In this situation, the aesthetics can be avoided by using cover components 3, 5, and 7. Furthermore, by improving the aesthetics of cover components 3, 5, and 7, the internal aesthetics of piano 1 can be enhanced in the above scenario, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of piano 1.

[0115] [2. Other Implementation Methods]

[0116] Cover components 3, 5, and 7 can be manufactured by injection molding. In this case, the mold used for injection molding can be polished, and no further polishing is required on the finished components after molding.

[0117] Cover components 3, 5, and 7 can be disposed at at least one end of the guide rail component. Preferably, they are disposed at both ends of the guide rail component.

[0118] The cover components 3, 5, and 7 are made of ABS resin, but are not limited to this. For example, the use of metal materials is naturally not excluded, and they can also be made of wood, stone, or other types of resin.

[0119] Brass was used as an example of a coating material for plating treatment, but it is not limited to brass. Other coating materials can be selected according to the material of the guide rail.

[0120] Multiple components can achieve the multiple functions of one component in the above embodiments, or multiple components can achieve the single function of one component. Furthermore, one component can achieve multiple functions of multiple components, or one component can achieve a single function achieved by multiple components. Additionally, a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be omitted. At least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be added to the configuration of other embodiments, or at least a portion of the configuration of the above embodiments can be substituted for the configuration of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A guide rail component for a keyboard musical instrument, characterized in that, The guide rail component has a slender and hollow structure. It also has at least one cover component that covers at least one of the two ends of the guide rail component in the longitudinal direction.

2. The guide rail component for a keyboard musical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover component comprises a material made of ABS resin.

3. The guide rail component for a keyboard musical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover component has a plated surface.

4. The guide rail component for a keyboard musical instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plating material used for the plating treatment is brass.

5. The guide rail component for a keyboard musical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cover component has a polished surface.

6. A cover component for a guide rail assembly of a keyboard musical instrument, characterized in that, The guide rail component has a slender and hollow structure. The cover component is configured to cover at least one of the two ends of the guide rail component in the longitudinal direction.

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