Piano auxiliary pedal device

Abstract

This invention provides an auxiliary pedal device for pianos that facilitates the attachment and removal of the playing pedal. [Solution] A post member 20 and a pedal fixing part 40 are attached to the base plate 10 to support the performance pedal set 30. The performance pedal set 30 has a pedal part 31, a latch member 33 having an engaging cylindrical part 32 provided on the pedal part 31 and an engaging projection provided on the leg part, and a release lever 35 that is swingably attached to the engaging cylindrical part 32. The leg part of the latch member 33 of the performance pedal set 30 is inserted into the support hole of the post member 20 while bending inward, the release lever 35 comes into contact with the post member 20 and swings downward to move to the fixed position, fixing the performance pedal set 30 to the post member 20, and by swinging the release lever 35 upward, the performance pedal set 30 is pushed upward and the engagement of the engaging projection of the latch member 33 is released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary pedal device for a piano, and particularly to an auxiliary pedal device for a piano used when the feet of a player sitting on a chair facing the piano cannot reach the pedals of the piano. Background Art

[0002] A right pedal, a middle pedal and a left pedal are provided at the lower part of a piano body. In a grand piano, the right pedal is a damper pedal for sustaining piano sound; when the pedal is depressed, the dampers are separated from the strings, allowing the strings to vibrate for a long time even after the player releases their fingers from the keys. The middle pedal is a sostenuto pedal that only lifts the damper of the depressed key away from the string to leave resonance only for that note, and the left pedal is a shift pedal that subtly changes the timbre by shifting the striking position of the strings in addition to adjusting the volume.

[0003] In an upright piano, the right pedal is a damper pedal, the middle pedal is a muffler pedal that inserts a thin felt between the hammers and the strings to reduce the volume, and the left pedal is a soft pedal that moves the entire set of hammers closer to the strings to soften the tone.

[0004] When a player depresses one of these pedals during performance, a corresponding pedal effect is obtained.

[0005] Incidentally, the pedals provided on the aforementioned piano have a fixed height, which is normally determined with consideration for operation when played by an adult. For this reason, when a child plays the piano, their feet cannot reach the pedals, leading to the problem that the pedals cannot be operated.

[0006] Therefore, it is known that, conventionally, an auxiliary piano pedal device is used to raise the piano pedals and enable pedal operation. One such auxiliary piano pedal device is the one proposed in Patent Document 1. The auxiliary piano pedal device 100 of Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 29.

[0007] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the auxiliary pedal device 100 for pianos described in Patent Document 1 has a base plate 110 to which a post member 120 that supports the playing pedal 130 at a predetermined height and a pedal fixing part 140 that fixes the piano pedal.

[0008] The base plate 110 has a pedal support portion 111 to which a pedal fixing portion 140 that houses and supports the piano pedals is attached, and a mounting portion 112 to which a post member 120 is attached, on the other end.

[0009] The pedal fixing section 140 consists of a fixing frame 141 and a pedal retaining plate (not shown) attached to a fixing bolt 160. By rotating the knob 162 of the fixing bolt 160, which is attached to the boss 145 of the fixing frame 141, the pedal retaining plate moves up and down. By rotating the knob 162 of the fixing bolt 160, the pedal retaining plate and the recess 113 of the base plate 110 are used to clamp and fix the piano pedal.

[0010] The post member 120 is provided with an engaging projection 124 that engages with an engaging recess 132 provided on the pedal portion 131 of the playing pedal 130.

[0011] The playing pedal 130 is provided with a fixing lever 135 that moves in a direction to bring the engaging recess 132 and the engaging projection 124, which are engaged with the engaging projection 124 provided on the post member 120, into close contact with each other. The fixing lever 135 is biased toward the engaging projection 124 by a torsion coil spring 137.

[0012] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, by rotating the fixing lever 135, a locked state is selected, which maintains the tight contact between the engaging projection 124 and the engaging recess 132, and a released state is selected, which releases the tight contact between the engaging projection 124 and the engaging recess 132. Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the fixing lever 135 is released, releasing the tight contact between the engaging projection 124 and the engaging recess 132. When the fixing lever 135 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in Figure 28, it moves by d (see Figure 29) towards the engaging projection 124, resulting in the state shown in Figure 29, which is the locked state that maintains the tight contact between the engaging projection 124 and the engaging recess 132. When the fixing lever 135 is rotated in the direction of arrow B in Figure 29, the released state shown in Figure 28 is achieved.

[0013] As shown in Figure 30, to raise the height of the playing pedal 130, a spacer member 180 is attached to the post member 120 and fixed with a ring nut 170 to the male threaded portion 123a (see Figure 27) provided on the post member 120. The spacer member 180 is provided with a spacer engagement projection (not shown) that has the same shape as the engagement projection 124 provided on the post member 120. The engagement recess 132 (see Figure 27) provided on the pedal portion 131 of the playing pedal 130 is engaged with the spacer engagement projection, and the playing pedal 130 is attached by rotating the fixing lever 135 to lock it in place.

[0014] In the auxiliary pedal device 100 for pianos described in Patent Document 1, the playing pedal 130 can be set from the position of the screw cylindrical portion 123 to which the ring nut 170 of the post member 120 is attached to the position where the spacer member 180 is attached. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7344552 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] As described above, the auxiliary pedal device 100 for piano disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows for easy attachment and detachment of the playing pedal 130 and the post member 120 simply by rotating the fixing lever 135.

[0017] However, the auxiliary pedal device 100 for piano disclosed in Patent Document 1 selects between a locked state and an unlocked state by rotating a fixing lever 135. Therefore, it is necessary to rotate and hold the fixing lever 135 to a predetermined position, requiring careful handling during the rotation of the fixing lever 135. Furthermore, if the fixing lever 135 remains in the locked position, the playing pedal 130 cannot be attached to the engaging projection 124 of the post member 120, requiring the fixing lever 135 to be in the unlocked position. For this reason, it is necessary to check the position of the fixing lever 135 of the playing pedal 130 in advance.

[0018] The inventors have investigated an auxiliary pedal device for pianos that makes it easier to attach and detach the playing pedal. The object of this invention is to provide an auxiliary pedal device for pianos that makes it easier to attach and detach the playing pedal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] An auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to one embodiment of this invention has a base plate to which a support member for supporting a performance pedal set at a predetermined height and a pedal fixing part for fixing the piano pedal are attached. The performance pedal set has a pedal part, an engaging cylindrical part attached to the pedal part, a storage hole provided on the inner circumference side of the engaging cylindrical part, a latch member having a leg that bends inward and an engaging projection provided on the leg, and a release lever that is pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical part. The latch member is inserted into the storage hole of the engaging cylindrical part and the engaging projection of the latch member is exposed so as to extend downward from the lower end of the engaging cylindrical part toward the outer circumference, thereby fixing the latch member to the pedal part. The support member is attached to the performance pedal The support member has a support cylindrical portion into which an engaging cylindrical portion provided on the pedal portion of the pedal set is inserted, the engaging cylindrical portion of the playing pedal set is inserted into the support hole of the support member, the legs of the latch member are inserted into the support hole of the support member while bending inward, the release lever contacts the upper surface of the support cylindrical portion and swings downward, and when the engaging cylindrical portion advances within the support hole to the fixed position of the pedal set, the engaging projection engages with the end of the support cylindrical portion, and the playing pedal set is fixed to the support member. The release lever comprises a pair of arms that sandwich the outer circumference of the engaging cylindrical portion and a connecting portion that connects the arms. The arms are pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical portion by screws, and the tips of the arms are formed in an arc shape that extends downward. When the tips contact the upper surface of the supporting cylindrical portion, the release lever pivots around the screws, and when the tips of the release lever are pressed against the upper surface of the supporting cylindrical portion, the release lever pivots around the screws, causing the engaging cylindrical portion to move upward. The legs of the latch member are bent inward, and the engaging projection and the aforementioned support cylindrical portion Disengage the engagement.

[0020] Furthermore, the support member is a post member fixed to the base plate, and the post member comprises a cylindrical portion that fits into a mounting hole provided in the base plate and a screw-type cylindrical portion with a male threaded portion on its outer circumference, and the support cylindrical portion can be configured to be provided concentrically with the center of the screw-type cylindrical portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the support member has a spacer member that is fixed to the post member by a ring nut, and the spacer member has a mounting portion in which an engagement hole is formed for fitting a projection provided on the post member, a body portion, and is formed in the same shape as the support cylindrical portion of the post member. Tasu It can be configured to include a support cylinder for the pacer.

[0022] Further, the support hole of the support member has a first support hole that decreases in diameter from the upper surface toward the lower surface of the support member, and a second support hole formed as a round hole connected to the first support hole, and the cylindrical portion of the performance pedal set may be configured to have a tapered portion formed in a shape that fits and closely adheres to the first support hole, and a distal cylindrical portion connected to the tapered portion and engaged with the second support hole.

[0023] Further, the release lever may be swingably attached to the engagement cylindrical portion using a screw, a bush attached to the screw may be provided between the engagement cylindrical portion and the release lever, and an engagement portion into which the bush is fitted may be provided on the support cylindrical portion. Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, when a performance pedal set is fitted into a support hole of a support member and pushed downward, the leg portion bends toward the inner peripheral side, passes through the support hole of the support member, and is engaged by the engagement projection of the latch member, whereby the performance pedal set is fixed to the support member. When removing the performance pedal set, pulling the release lever up toward the pedal side releases the engagement of the latch member, allowing the performance pedal set to be pulled upward. As described above, the piano auxiliary pedal device of the present invention enables easy attachment and detachment of the performance pedal. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a left side view of the auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a top view of the auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a bottom view of the auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the state in which the post member of the auxiliary pedal device for pianos according to Embodiment 1 of this invention is attached. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the state in which the pedal top of the auxiliary pedal device for pianos according to Embodiment 1 of this invention is attached. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the main parts of the auxiliary pedal device for piano according to Embodiment 1 of this invention, showing the playing pedal set and post section, and illustrating the state before the playing pedal set is locked. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the main parts of an auxiliary pedal device for piano according to Embodiment 1 of this invention, showing the playing pedal set and post section, and indicating that the playing pedal set is in a locked state. [Figure 9] This is a front view showing the state in which a spacer member is attached to the auxiliary pedal device for piano according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 10] This is a front view showing the state in which a spacer member is attached to a piano auxiliary pedal device according to Embodiment 2 of this invention using a ring nut. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing the state in which a pedal top is attached to the auxiliary pedal device for piano according to Embodiment 2 of this invention, to which a spacer member has been attached. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing the state in which a pedal top is inserted into the auxiliary pedal device for piano according to an embodiment of this invention, with a spacer member attached. [Figure 13] This is a front view showing the state in which a pedal top is attached to the auxiliary pedal device for piano according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with a spacer member attached. [Figure 14] This is a side view showing a performance pedal set used in an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 15] This is an exploded front view showing a performance pedal set used in an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 16] The pedal section used in this embodiment of the invention is shown, with (a) being a front view, (b) a top view, and (c) a bottom view. [Figure 17]The diagram shows an engaging cylindrical part that is attached to a performance pedal set used in an embodiment of this invention, with (a) being a front view and (b) being a top view. [Figure 18] The image shows a latch member attached to a performance pedal set used in an embodiment of this invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view. [Figure 19] The image shows a release lever attached to a performance pedal set used in an embodiment of this invention, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 20] The ring nut used in this embodiment of the invention is shown, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a front view showing the internal structure. [Figure 21] This is a front view showing the first spacer member used in Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 22] This is a front view showing a second spacer member used in Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 23] This is a front view showing a third spacer member used in Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 24] This is a front view showing the auxiliary pedal device for pianos according to Embodiment 1 of this invention attached to the pedals of a piano. [Figure 25] This is a front view showing the auxiliary pedal device for piano according to Embodiment 1 of this invention attached to the pedals of a piano. [Figure 26] This is a front view showing a conventional auxiliary pedal device for pianos. [Figure 27] This is a front view showing a conventional auxiliary pedal device for pianos, with the pedal top attached. [Figure 28] This is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional auxiliary pedal device for pianos, with the locking lever in the released position. [Figure 29] This is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional auxiliary pedal device for pianos, with the locking lever in the locked position. [Figure 30] This is a front view showing a conventional auxiliary pedal device for pianos, with a spacer member attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated to avoid duplication of explanation.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the auxiliary pedal device 1 for piano according to this embodiment 1 has a base plate 10 to which a post member 20, which serves as a support member for supporting the performance pedal set 30 at a predetermined height, and a pedal fixing part 40 for fixing the piano pedals are attached.

[0028] The base plate 10 has a pedal support portion 11 to which a pedal fixing portion 40 that houses and supports the piano pedals is attached, and a mounting portion 12 to which a post member 20 is attached, on the other end.

[0029] The base plate 10 is configured to taper from the pedal support portion 11 towards the arc-shaped tip of the mounting portion 12. This base plate 10 is made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and in this embodiment, it is made of duralumin, and a post member 20 is attached to the mounting portion 12 at one end with four screws 10a (see Figure 4).

[0030] A pedal fixing part 40 made of stainless steel is attached to the pedal support part 11 on the other end of the base plate 10. The fixing frame 41 of the pedal fixing part 40 is formed in a lip groove shape, and both bent pieces 42 at the bottom wrap around to the underside of the base plate 10 and are fixed to the base plate 10 with two screws 43 each. A stepped portion 15 is provided on the back surface of the base plate 10 into which the bent pieces 42 of the fixing frame 41 fit (see Figure 4).

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the bottom surface of the mounting portion 12 is tapered so that its thickness decreases towards the tip, preventing the base plate 10 from contacting the floor when the performance pedal set 30 is pressed down.

[0032] As will be described later, the mounting portion 12 is provided with a mounting hole 12a into which the cylindrical portion 21 of the post member 20 is fitted, and a collar portion 12b connected to the mounting hole 12a and provided on the upper surface side into which a stepped portion 22 with a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 21 is fitted (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0033] The pedal support section 11 is provided with a recess 13. The wall 13a at the tip of this recess 13 is used for positioning when inserting the piano pedal. With the piano pedal in contact with this wall 13a, the pedal is clamped and fixed between the pedal retaining plate 46 and the recess 13 (see Figures 2 and 25).

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pedal fixing part 40 is provided with a fixing bolt 60 to which a pedal retaining plate 46 is attached. Therefore, the fixing frame 41 of the pedal fixing part 40 is fitted with a boss part 45 having a female threaded portion into which the male threaded portion 61 of the fixing bolt 60 is screwed.

[0035] A pedal retaining plate 46 is fixed to the tip of the fixing bolt 60.

[0036] The pedal fixing section 40 consists of a fixing frame 41 and a pedal retaining plate 46 attached to a fixing bolt 60. By turning the knob 62 of the fixing bolt 60, which is attached to the boss portion 45 of the fixing frame 41, the pedal retaining plate 46 moves up and down. To raise the pedal retaining plate 46, i.e., to loosen it, turn the knob 62 to the left. To lower the pedal retaining plate 46, i.e., to tighten it, turn the knob 62 to the right. By turning the knob 62 of this fixing bolt 60, the pedal retaining plate 46 and the recess 13 of the base plate 10 are clamped and fixed in place.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the post member 20 as a support member according to this embodiment 1 will be described. The post member 20 has a cylindrical portion 21 that is fitted into a mounting hole 12a provided in the base plate 10, a stepped portion 22 formed to be larger in diameter than the cylindrical portion 21, a screw cylindrical portion 23 formed to be larger in diameter than the stepped portion 22 and connected to the stepped portion 22, and a support cylindrical portion 25 provided concentrically with the center of the screw cylindrical portion 23.

[0038] At the tip of the support cylindrical portion 25, there is a pair of semicircularly cut-out engaging portions 26 that serve to position and prevent rotation of the performance pedal set 30, into which the bushing 35e, which will be described later, is fitted. These engaging portions 26 are positioned opposite the center of the support cylindrical portion 25.

[0039] The upper surface of the cylindrical screw portion 23 is provided with a pair of protrusions 24 that fit into the engagement holes 80e of the spacer member 80, which will be described later. The outer circumference of the cylindrical screw portion 23 is formed with a male threaded portion 23a that connects to the female thread of the ring nut 70, which will be described later.

[0040] A first support hole 27, consisting of a round hole that tapers in diameter from the support cylindrical portion 25 towards the screw cylindrical portion 23, is provided on the inner surface of the support cylindrical portion 25 and the screw cylindrical portion 23. This first support hole 27 extends from the support cylindrical portion 25 to a position that reaches a part of the screw cylindrical portion 23. A second support hole 28, also consisting of a round hole, is provided on the inner surface of the screw cylindrical portion 23, the stepped portion 22, and the cylindrical portion 21, connected to the first support hole 27. The first support hole 27 and the second support hole 28 form a through hole in the inner circumference of the post member 20. A semicircularly cut-out engagement portion 26 is formed on the upper surface of the support cylindrical portion 25.

[0041] This post member 20 is made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and in this embodiment, it is made of duralumin.

[0042] As described later, the engagement hole 80e of the spacer member 80 is fitted into the projection 24 provided on the upper surface of the cylindrical screw portion 23, and the height-adjusting spacer member 80 is fixed to the post member 20 using the ring nut 70 (see Figures 9 to 12). In this case, the post member 20 and the spacer member 80 become support members.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the mounting portion 12 of the base plate 10 is provided with a collar portion 12b into which a stepped portion 22 fits, connected to the mounting hole 12a. The post member 20 is inserted in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the stepped portion 22 of the post member 20 is fitted into the collar portion 12b. The space between the collar portion 12b and the mounting hole 12a and the lower surface of the stepped portion 22 come into contact, and the post member 20 is supported by the base plate 10. Then, the cylindrical portion 21 is inserted into the mounting hole 12a, and the post member 20 is fixed to the base plate 10 by a screw 10a.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the post member 20 is fixed to the base plate 10 such that the projections 24, 24 of the post member 20 are located in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10, and the engaging portion 26 is located in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the engagement portion 26 formed on the upper surface of the support cylindrical portion 25 serves as a guide for the direction in which the performance pedal set 30, which will be described later, is attached. By engaging the bush 35e of the performance pedal set 30 with this engagement portion 26 and attaching the performance pedal set 30, the performance pedal set 30 is attached in the predetermined position.

[0046] Next, the performance pedal set 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 19.

[0047] The performance pedal set 30 includes a pedal section 31, an engaging cylindrical section 32 provided on the pedal section 31, a latch member 33, and a release lever 35 that is pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical section 32.

[0048] The pedal section 31 of the performance pedal set 30 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16(a) is a front view, Figure 16(b) is a top view, and Figure 16(c) is a bottom view.

[0049] As shown in the plan view of Figure 16(b), the pedal section 31 is formed in an oval shape to facilitate pressing. In this embodiment, a treble clef pattern is applied to the surface.

[0050] As shown in Figure 16(c), a square-shaped frame 31a is provided on the underside of the pedal portion 31. The four corners of this frame 31a are edged in an arc shape. A cylindrical base 31d is formed at the base of the frame 31a. The pedal portion 31 is provided with a recess 31b to reduce weight.

[0051] The frame 31a and base 31d are provided with screw holes 31c in the center for attaching the engaging cylindrical portion 32 and the latch member 33 to the pedal portion 31.

[0052] The frame 31a of the pedal section 31 engages with the engagement recess 32d provided in the engagement cylindrical section 32, and by tightening a bolt (not shown) into the screw hole 31c, the engagement cylindrical section 32 and the latch member 33 are fixed to the pedal section 31, thereby forming the performance pedal set 30.

[0053] Next, the engaging cylindrical portion 32 will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 shows the engaging cylindrical portion 32 attached to the performance pedal set 30 used in this embodiment of the invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view.

[0054] As shown in Figure 17(a), the engaging cylindrical portion 32 comprises a base cylindrical portion 32a, a frustoconical tapered portion 32b connected to the base cylindrical portion 32a that tapers toward the tip, and a tip cylindrical portion 32c connected to the tip. The tapered portion 32b is sized to fit into the first support hole 27 of the post member 20, and the tip cylindrical portion 32c is sized to fit into the second support hole 28 of the post member 20.

[0055] As will be described later, when the performance pedal set 30 is fitted onto the post member 20, the tapered portion 32b is guided into the first support hole 27, the tip cylindrical portion 32c fits into the second support hole 28, and the tapered portion 32b and the first support hole 27 are in close contact.

[0056] A pair of screw holes 32g are provided on the circumferential surface of the base cylindrical portion 32a, facing each other from the center of the base cylindrical portion 32a. The release lever 35 is pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical portion 32 using a screw 35f in these screw holes 32g.

[0057] An engagement recess 32d is provided on the upper surface of the base cylindrical portion 32a. This engagement recess 32d is formed in a square shape with its four corners edged in an arc shape, similar to the frame 31a of the pedal portion 31, so that the frame 31a of the pedal portion 31 fits into it. Since the frame 31a of the pedal portion 31 and the engagement recess 32d are formed in a similar square shape, when they are fitted together and assembled, they are held in place without rotating, and the rotation of the pedal portion 31 is suppressed.

[0058] A storage hole 32f is provided on the inner circumference side of the tapered portion 32b from the tip cylindrical portion 32c into which a latch member 33, described later, is inserted, and a hole 32e is provided that extends from this storage hole 32f to the engagement recess 32d. The pedal set 30 for playing is formed by inserting the latch member 33 into the inner circumference of the engagement cylindrical portion 32, fitting the frame 31a of the pedal portion 31 into the engagement recess 32d of the engagement cylindrical portion 32, and fixing it with bolts (not shown).

[0059] Next, the latch member 33 will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 shows a latch member 33 attached to a performance pedal set 30 used in an embodiment of this invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view.

[0060] As shown in Figures 18(a) and 18(b), the latch member 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape from resin and has a plurality of slots 33a in the vertical direction. The slots 33a form a plurality of legs 33b. The latch member 33 is configured such that the legs 33b can bend inward due to the slots 33a.

[0061] A through hole 33e is provided on the upper end side of the latch member 33. The latch member 33 is inserted into the inner circumference of the engaging cylindrical portion 32, and a bolt is passed through this through hole 33e. The pedal portion 31, engaging cylindrical portion 32, and latch member 33 are then attached by the bolt through the hole 32e of the engaging cylindrical portion 32 to the screw hole 31c of the pedal portion 31.

[0062] The tip of the leg portion 33b is provided with an engaging projection 33c that protrudes outward. As will be described later, when the performance pedal set 30 is fitted onto the post member 20 and the performance pedal set 30 is pushed downward, the leg portion 33b bends inward, passing through the second support hole 28 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the post member 20. After passing the lower part of the cylindrical portion 21, the leg portion 33b returns outward, and the engaging projection 33c and the edge of the second support hole 28 of the cylindrical portion 21 come into contact and engage, thereby fixing the performance pedal set 30 to the post member 20.

[0063] The engaging projection 33c is tapered from its tip to the rear so that it can easily bend inward when it comes into contact with the entrance portion of the second support hole 28, allowing it to move smoothly into the second support hole 28.

[0064] When removing the performance pedal set 30, as described later, by pulling the release lever 35 towards the pedal section 31, the leg section 33b bends inward, releasing the engagement between the engaging projection 33c and the edge of the second support hole 28 of the cylindrical section 21, and the performance pedal set 30 can be pulled upward.

[0065] Next, the release lever 35 will be described with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 shows a release lever 35 attached to a performance pedal set 30 used in an embodiment of this invention, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a front view.

[0066] As shown in the top view of Figure 19(a), the release lever 35 has a U-shape when viewed from above, and has an arm portion 35b with a tip portion 35d and a connecting portion 35c that connects the arm portion 35b. The connecting portion 35c is the part that is grasped by hand when swinging the release lever 35.

[0067] As shown in Figures 19(a) and (b), the arm portion 35b of the release lever 35 is provided with a mounting hole 35a at a position opposite to the screw hole 32g of the engaging cylindrical portion 32. The arm portion 35b of the release lever 35 sandwiches the engaging cylindrical portion 32, a screw 35f is passed through the mounting hole 35a, and the screw 35f is screwed into the screw hole 32g, thereby swingably attaching the release lever 35 to the engaging cylindrical portion 32.

[0068] As shown in Figure 19(b), the tip 35d of the arm 35b extends downward and is formed in an arc shape, and the tip portion from the mounting hole 35a is configured to release the engagement of the latch member 33 by the principle of leverage. As will be described later, when the tip 35d comes into contact with the upper surface of the screw cylindrical portion 23 of the post member 20 or the upper surface of the spacer member 80, the release lever 35 swings clockwise in the figure around the screw 35f, and the connecting portion 35c of the release lever 35 moves toward the base plate 10.

[0069] Next, the performance pedal set 30 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the performance pedal set 30 comprises a pedal section 31, an engaging cylindrical section 32, a latch member 33, and a release lever 35.

[0070] A latch member 33 is fitted onto the inner circumference of the engaging cylindrical portion 32, engaging the frame 31a of the pedal portion 31 with the engaging recess 32d of the engaging cylindrical portion 32. Then, the pedal portion 31, the engaging cylindrical portion 32, and the latch member 33 are integrated using a bolt (not shown).

[0071] As shown in Figure 14, when the pedal portion 31, the engaging cylindrical portion 32, and the latch member 33 are integrated, the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 protrudes outward from below the lower end of the tip cylindrical portion 32c of the engaging cylindrical portion 32, and the leg portion 33b is exposed.

[0072] The release lever 35 is attached to the screw hole 32g on the circumferential surface of the base cylindrical portion 32a by screw 35f. A bush 35e, inserted through screw 35f, is located between the arm portion 35b of the release lever 35 and the base cylindrical portion 32a.

[0073] When the performance pedal set 30 is attached to the post member 20, the bush 35e and the engaging portion 26 on the upper surface of the support cylindrical portion 25 engage.

[0074] Next, the case of attaching the performance pedal set 30 to the post member 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figures 7 and 8 show the performance pedal set 30 and the post member 20 separately in order to facilitate understanding of the engagement state between the performance pedal set 30 and the post member 20.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, the performance pedal set 30 is moved from above the post member 20 attached to the base plate 10 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the engaging cylindrical portion 32 of the performance pedal set 30 is inserted into the first support hole 27 of the post member 20. At this time, the connecting portion 35c of the release lever 35 of the performance pedal set 30 is positioned to face the tip side of the base plate 10. Also, the engaging portion 26 of the post member 20 and the bush portion 35e of the performance pedal set 30 are positioned to face each other.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, when the engaging cylindrical portion 32 of the performance pedal set 30 is fitted into the first support hole 27 of the post member 20, the tapered portion 32b is guided into the first support hole 27, and the tip cylindrical portion 32c fits into the second support hole 28. Then, when the performance pedal set 30 is pushed downward, the leg portion 33b bends inward, passing through the second support hole 28 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the post member 20, and the tip portion 35d of the release lever 35 comes into contact with the screw cylindrical portion 23 of the post member 20. In the state shown in Figure 7, the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 is in contact with the inner surface of the second support hole 28 of the post member 20, and the post member 20 and the performance pedal set 30 are not fixed together.

[0077] When the performance pedal set 30 is pushed towards the post member 20 from the state shown in Figure 7, the tip 35d of the release lever 35 comes into contact with the upper surface of the cylindrical screw portion 23. The release lever 35 then swings downward around the screw 35f, that is, it swings clockwise in the figure, and the connecting portion 35c of the release lever 35 moves toward the base plate 10. As shown in Figure 8, the bush 35e of the performance pedal set 30 enters the engaging portion 26, and the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 moves below the cylindrical portion 21 of the post member 20, so that the edge of the cylindrical portion 21 and the engaging projection 33c engage, and the performance pedal set 30 is fixed to the post member 20.

[0078] When the performance pedal set 30 is fitted onto the post member 20, the tapered portion 32b of the engaging cylindrical portion 32 makes close contact with the tapered portion of the first support hole 27, thereby fixing the performance pedal set 30 to the post member 20 without any rattling. Furthermore, since the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 engages with the edge of the cylindrical portion 21, the performance pedal set 30 will not come off the post member 20. In addition, since the bush 35e of the performance pedal set 30 engages with the engaging portion 26 of the post member 20, the performance pedal set 30 will not rotate relative to the post member 20, making it suitable for playing.

[0079] Next, when removing the performance pedal set 30 from the post member 20, the release lever 35 is swung upward towards the pedal section 31, that is, in the direction of arrow A in Figure 8, so that the tip 35d of the release lever 35 is pressed against the upper surface of the screw cylindrical section 23 of the post member 20. Due to the lever action of the release lever 35, the release lever 35 presses against the upper surface of the screw cylindrical section 23, causing the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 to bend inward and disengage from the cylindrical section 21. Then, by swinging the release lever 35, the performance pedal set 30 is positioned as shown in Figure 7, and the performance pedal set 30 can be removed.

[0080] To raise the height of the performance pedal set 30, a spacer member 80 is attached to the post member 20 and secured with a ring nut 70, as shown in Figures 9 to 13. The spacer member 80 is provided with a first support hole 27 and a second support hole 28, both tapered round holes, which are provided on the inner surface of the post member 20. The configuration of this spacer member 80 will be described in detail in Embodiment 2.

[0081] In this embodiment 1, the performance pedal set 30 can be set up to the position of the cylindrical screw portion 23 to which the ring nut 70 of the post member 20 is attached. Fixing the performance pedal set 30 to the post member 20 is done simply by pushing the performance pedal set 30 in, making installation easy. When removing the performance pedal set 30, it can be easily done by swinging the release lever 35 toward the pedal portion 31.

[0082] Figures 1 to 8 show the pedal set 30 adjusted to its lowest position.

[0083] Next, a method for attaching the auxiliary piano pedal device 1 of this embodiment to the piano pedals will be described with reference to Figures 24 and 25. The mounting height of the performance pedal set 30 is set by either attaching it directly to the post member 20, or by attaching it to a spacer member 80 that has been fixed and set to a predetermined height, as shown in Embodiment 2 described later. In Figures 24 and 25, the performance pedal set 30 is shown attached directly to the post member 20.

[0084] Turn the fixing bolt 60 to the left to raise the pedal retainer plate 46 all the way up. Then, insert the piano pedal 2 between the pedal retainer plate 46 and the recess 13 of the pedal support part 11, and lightly tighten the fixing bolt 60. At this time, the mounting position can be determined by bringing the piano pedal 2 into contact with the wall 13a of the recess 13 of the pedal support part 11. This prevents the auxiliary piano pedal device 1 from falling off the pedal 2 due to being installed too shallowly.

[0085] Next, the auxiliary piano pedal device 1 is gently moved from side to side to adjust the playing pedal set 30 to the desired orientation and make fine adjustments. Then, the fixing bolt 60 is tightened to securely fix the pedal 2 between the pedal retaining plate 46 and the base rubber 14 of the pedal support part 11. The fixing bolt 60 has a large circular knob 62 with a textured surface, allowing the auxiliary piano pedal device 1 to be installed quickly.

[0086] When the auxiliary pedal device 1 for pianos of this embodiment is attached to the piano pedal 2, as shown in Figure 25, the playing pedal set 30 is positioned further back and above the end of the piano pedal 2. Due to the lever action, the piano pedal 2 can be easily pressed with little force.

[0087] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13, 20, and 21 to 23. In Embodiment 1, the performance pedal set 30 is directly fixed to the post member 20. In contrast, in Embodiment 2, a spacer member 80 is attached to the post member 20 to increase the height of the performance pedal set 30. Except for the spacer member 80 and the ring nut 70 that fixes the spacer member 80 to the post member 20, the configuration is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanation is omitted here.

[0088] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in Embodiment 2, a spacer member 80 for adjusting the height of the performance pedal set 30 is engaged with the post member 20. The ring nut 70 is screwed onto the threaded cylindrical portion 23 of the post member 20, thereby fixing the height-adjusting spacer member 80 to the post member 20.

[0089] As shown in Figure 9, the post member 20 is fixed to the mounting portion 12 of the base plate 10. The spacer member 80 engages with the projection 24 of the post member 20. The spacer member 80 is provided with an engagement hole 80e that has the same shape as the projection 24 of the post member 20.

[0090] The spacer member 80 will be described with reference to Figures 24, 27, and 28. The height of the spacer member 80 can be varied by changing the length of the body portion 84, allowing for the creation of spacer members 80 (801, 802, 803) of various heights. In this embodiment 2, the body portion 84 of spacer member 801 shown in Figure 21 is the shortest, the body portion 84 of spacer member 803 shown in Figure 23 is the longest, and the body portion 84 of spacer member 802 shown in Figure 22 is of an intermediate length. This provides three different lengths of spacer members 801, 802, and 803, and the mounting position of the performance pedal set 30 increases from Figure 21 to Figure 22, and then to Figure 23. The spacer member 80 (801, 802, 803) should be selected according to the desired height of the performance pedal set 30.

[0091] The spacer members 80 (801, 802, 803) consist of a mounting portion 83, a body portion 84, and a cylindrical support portion 85 for the spacer. These spacer members 80 (801, 802, 803) are made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and in this embodiment, they are made of duralumin. The body portions 84 of the spacer members 802 and 803 shown in Figures 22 and 23 are provided with a gap 80d to reduce weight.

[0092] The mounting portion 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer circumference smaller in diameter than the threaded cylindrical portion 23 of the post member 20, and has an engaging recess 80c inside into which the support cylindrical portion 25 of the post member 20 is fitted. Furthermore, the mounting portion 83 has an engaging hole 80e into which a pair of projections 24 provided on the upper surface of the threaded cylindrical portion 23 are fitted.

[0093] A cylindrical body 84 is provided adjacent to the mounting portion 83, having a length that corresponds to the height adjustment of the performance pedal set 30. This body 84 is formed with a smaller diameter than the mounting portion 83. As a result, the mounting portion 83 and the body 84 are formed in a stepped manner.

[0094] A cylindrical spacer support portion 85 is provided connected to the body portion 84. This cylindrical spacer support portion 85 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the mounting portion 83. As a result, the body portion 84 and the cylindrical spacer support portion 85 are formed in a stepped manner.

[0095] The support cylindrical portion 85 for the spacer is formed in the same shape as the support cylindrical portion 25 of the post member 20.

[0096] Similar to the post member 20, a first support hole 80a, consisting of a round hole that tapers in diameter from the spacer support cylindrical portion 85 toward the body portion 84, is provided on the inner surface of the spacer support cylindrical portion 85 and the body portion 84. This first support hole 80a is provided to a position that reaches from the spacer support cylindrical portion 85 toward a part of the body portion 84. A second support hole 80b, also consisting of a round hole, is provided on the inner surface of the body portion 84, connected to the first support hole 80a.

[0097] In the spacer member 801 shown in Figure 21, the second support hole 80b is connected to the engaging recess 80c. The first support hole 80a, the second support hole 80b, and the engaging recess 80c form a through hole in the inner circumference of the post member 20.

[0098] In the spacer members 802 and 803 shown in Figures 22 and 23, the second support hole 80b is connected to the gap 80d. The first support hole 80a, the second support hole 80b, the gap 80d, and the engaging recess 80c form a through hole in the inner circumference of the post member 20.

[0099] Similar to the support cylindrical portion 25, the upper surface of the spacer support cylindrical portion 85 is provided with a semicircular engaging portion 86 into which the bushing 35e of the performance pedal set 30 engages.

[0100] The inner circumference of the spacer member 80 is formed to have the same shape as the inner circumference of the post member 20. This allows the performance pedal set 30 to be attached to the spacer member 80, just like the post member 20.

[0101] The spacer member 80's engaging recess 80c is fitted into the support cylindrical portion 25 of the post member 20, and the ring nut 70 is used to screw-connect the male threaded portion 23a of the threaded cylindrical portion 23 of the post member 20 to the thread 73 of the ring nut 70, thereby fixing the spacer member 80 to the post member 20.

[0102] The ring nut 70 will be described with reference to Figures 20(a), (b), and (c). As shown in Figures 20(a), (b), and (c), the ring nut 70 has a knob 71 with protrusions and indentations on its outer circumference.

[0103] The ring nut 70 is provided with a screw 73a that screws onto the threads of the cylindrical screw portion 23. Above this screw 73a, a circular recess 74 is formed into which a spacer support cylindrical portion 85 is inserted, and a smaller diameter circular recess 75 is provided into which a body portion 84 is inserted.

[0104] The installation of the spacer member 80 and the fixing of the performance pedal set 30 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 13.

[0105] As shown in Figure 9, the engaging recess 80c of the spacer member 80 is fitted into the support cylindrical portion 25 of the post member 20 attached to the base plate 10. At this time, the engaging recess 80c of the spacer member 80 can be easily fitted into the support cylindrical portion 25 of the post member 20 by fitting the pair of protrusions 24 provided on the upper surface of the screw cylindrical portion 23 into the engaging hole 80e of the mounting portion 83.

[0106] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the spacer member 80 is fixed to the post member 20 using the ring nut 70. The threads of the cylindrical part 23 for threading the post member 20 and the threads 73 of the ring nut 70 are screwed in, and the ring nut 70 is rotated by holding the knob 71 of the ring nut 70 to screw it in. As the ring nut 70 is screwed in, the end of the circular recess 75 of the ring nut 70 presses against the upper end of the body 84 of the spacer member 80, and the spacer member 80 is fixed to the post member 20.

[0107] As shown in Figure 11, the cylindrical support portion 85 for the spacer member 80 is exposed from the ring nut 70.

[0108] In this way, the height of the performance pedal set 30 can be easily adjusted by simply fitting a spacer member 80 of the desired height onto the post member 20 and screwing in the ring nut 70.

[0109] Since the cylindrical support portion 85 of the spacer member 80 is formed in the same shape as the cylindrical support portion 25 of the post member 20, the pedal set 30 is attached to the cylindrical support portion 85 of the spacer member 80 in the same manner as the pedal set 30 is attached to the cylindrical support portion 25 of the post member 20 as described above.

[0110] As shown in Figure 11, the performance pedal set 30 is moved from above the spacer member 80 attached to the base plate 10 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the engaging cylindrical portion 32 of the performance pedal set 30 is inserted into the first support hole 80a of the spacer member 80. At this time, the connecting portion 35c of the release lever 35 of the performance pedal set 30 is positioned to face the tip side of the base plate 10. Also, the engaging portion 86 of the spacer member 80 and the bush portion 35e of the performance pedal set 30 are positioned to face each other.

[0111] As shown in Figure 12, when the engaging cylindrical portion 32 of the performance pedal set 30 is fitted into the first support hole 80a of the spacer member 80, the tapered portion 32b is guided into the first support hole 80a, and the tip cylindrical portion 32c fits into the second support hole 80b. Then, when the performance pedal set 30 is pushed downward, the leg portion 33b bends inward, passing through the second support hole 80b of the spacer member 80, and the tip portion 35d of the release lever 35 comes into contact with the upper surface of the spacer member 80. In the state shown in Figure 12, the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 is in contact with the inner surface of the second support hole 80b of the spacer member 80, and the spacer member 80 and the performance pedal set 30 are not fixed together.

[0112] When the playing pedal set 30 is pushed towards the spacer member 80 from the state shown in Figure 12, the release lever 35 swings towards the spacer member 80, causing the playing pedal set 30 to move downward. Then, as shown in Figure 13, the bush 35e of the playing pedal set 30 engages with the engaging portion 26, and the engaging projection 33c of the latch member 33 moves to the engaging recess 80c or gap 80d on the inner circumference of the spacer member 80, causing the edge of the step to engage with the engaging projection 33c, and the playing pedal set 30 is fixed to the post member 20.

[0113] Thus, in the second embodiment, the auxiliary pedal device 1 for piano allows for easy adjustment of the height of the playing pedal set 30 using the spacer member 80, and also allows for easy installation of the playing pedal set 30.

[0114] When removing the performance pedal set 30 from the spacer member 80, it can be easily removed by swinging the release lever 35 toward the pedal section 31.

[0115] In the embodiment described above, the first support hole 27 of the support cylindrical portion 25 is formed to taper in diameter from the support cylindrical portion 25 toward the screw cylindrical portion 23, but the first support hole 27 may be formed as a round hole. In this case, the engaging cylindrical portion 32 of the performance pedal set 30 may also be formed as a cylinder corresponding to a round hole without having a tapered portion.

[0116] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the post member 20 and spacer member 80 are provided with engaging portions 26 and 86 for engaging with the bush 35e of the playing pedal set 30, but it is not necessary to provide these engaging portions.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1: Piano auxiliary pedal device 8: Spacer member 10: Base plate 10a: screw 11: Pedal support section 12: Mounting part 12a: Mounting hole 20: Post component 21: Cylindrical section 23: Cylindrical part for screws 23a: Male threaded portion 24: Protrusion 25: Support cylinder section 26: Engaging part 27: 1st support hole 28:Second support hole 30: Performance pedal set 31: Pedal section 32: Engaging cylindrical part 32b: Tapered section 33: Latch member 33a: Slit 33b: Legs 33c: Engagement protrusion 34: Release lever 35: Release lever 35a: Mounting hole 35b: Arm 35c: Connection part 35d:Tip 35e: Bush 35f: screw 40:Fixed part 40: Pedal fixing part 70: Ring nut 80: Spacer member

Claims

1. A support member for supporting the performance pedal set at a predetermined height and a pedal fixing part for securing the piano pedals are attached to the base plate. The aforementioned performance pedal set comprises a pedal portion, an engaging cylindrical portion attached to the pedal portion, a storage hole provided on the inner circumference side of the engaging cylindrical portion, a latch member having a leg portion that bends inward and an engaging projection provided on the leg portion, and a release lever pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical portion, wherein the latch member is inserted into the storage hole of the engaging cylindrical portion and the engaging projection of the latch member is exposed so as to extend downward from the lower end of the engaging cylindrical portion toward the outer circumference, thereby fixing the latch member to the pedal portion. The support member has a support cylindrical portion which is provided with a support hole into which an engaging cylindrical portion provided on the pedal portion of the performance pedal set is inserted. The engaging cylindrical portion of the performance pedal set is inserted into the support hole of the support member, the legs of the latch member are inserted into the support hole of the support member while bending inward, the release lever contacts the upper surface of the support cylindrical portion and swings downward, and when the engaging cylindrical portion advances within the support hole to the fixed position of the pedal set, the engaging projection engages with the end of the support cylindrical portion, and the performance pedal set is fixed to the support member. The release lever comprises a pair of arms that sandwich the outer circumference of the engaging cylindrical portion and a connecting portion that connects the arms, the arms being pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical portion by a screw, the tips of the arms being formed in an arc shape extending downward, and the tips contact the upper surface of the supporting cylindrical portion, thereby pivoting around the screw as a fulcrum. An auxiliary pedal device for a piano, wherein pressing the tip of the release lever against the upper surface of the support cylindrical portion causes the release lever to swing around the screw as a pivot point, the engaging cylindrical portion to move upward, the legs of the latch member to bend inward, and the engagement between the engaging projection and the support cylindrical portion to be released.

2. The auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a post member fixed to the base plate, the post member comprises a cylindrical portion that fits into a mounting hole provided in the base plate and a screw-type cylindrical portion having a male threaded portion on its outer circumference, and the support cylindrical portion is provided concentrically with the center of the screw-type cylindrical portion.

3. The auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to claim 2, wherein the support member has a spacer member fixed to the post member by a ring nut, and the spacer member comprises a mounting portion having an engagement hole formed for fitting a projection provided on the post member, a body portion, and a spacer support cylindrical portion formed in the same shape as the support cylindrical portion of the post member.

4. The support hole of the support member has a first support hole that decreases in diameter from the upper surface to the lower surface of the support member and a second support hole formed by a circular hole connected to the first support hole. The auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion of the performance pedal set has a tapered portion formed in a shape that fits snugly into the first support hole, and a tip cylindrical portion connected to the tapered portion that engages with the second support hole.

5. The auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to claim 1, wherein the release lever is pivotably attached to the engaging cylindrical portion using a screw, and has a bush fitted to the screw between the engaging cylindrical portion and the release lever, and the supporting cylindrical portion is provided with an engaging portion into which the bush fits.

6. The auxiliary pedal device for a piano according to claim 3, wherein a pair of protrusions are provided on the cylindrical part of the base plate for screws, and the spacer member is provided with an engagement hole into which the protrusions fit.

Images