Keyboard Key Support Mechanism with Cushioning Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices for electronic pianos face issues with noise generation and touch feeling due to the relationship between the diameter of the center connecting pin and the slot width of the connecting link bars, and have cumbersome assembly and maintenance processes due to the design of pivotally supported connecting link bars.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard device with a key support mechanism featuring a first arm and a second arm, where one includes an engagement shaft and the other an engagement recess, with a cushioning member on the engagement shaft to prevent noise and ensure smooth operation, and a bearing portion on the arm for easy engagement and disengagement from the pivot shaft during assembly or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the diameter of the center connecting pin is made smaller to reduce gap with slot side surface, then noise from pin hitting slot side surface is reduced, but the pin cannot slide smoothly in the slot making touch feeling heavier
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning member is introduced as an intermediary component between the center connecting pin and the slot side surface. This cushioning member prevents direct contact between the pin and slot, eliminating the harmful hitting noise while maintaining smooth sliding motion, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and touch feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member is installed in advance at the connecting portion between the first and second arms to prevent noise generation before it occurs. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that the pin never directly hits the slot side surface, maintaining both noise-free operation and smooth touch feeling.
2Reliability
If the support pin is inserted into the support portion and connecting link bar after positioning pin hole and bifurcated upper ends, then the connecting link bar can be pivotally supported, but assembly work and maintenance work become troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the support portion with bifurcated upper ends, the support pin, and the connecting link bar with pin hole. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining the reliable pivotal connection, reducing the time and complexity of maintenance work.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting the support pin into pre-positioned pin holes requiring precise alignment, the design inverts the approach by having the support pin engage with the bifurcated upper ends of the support portion and the pin hole of the connecting link bar in a more flexible manner, simplifying the assembly process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution prevents noise during key depression, provides excellent touch feeling, and simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the keyboard device by allowing easy engagement and disengagement of the arms from the pivot shaft.
Implementation Method 1
a cushioning member in sliding contact with an inner surface of the engagement recess is mounted on the engagement shaft in a state covering an outer peripheral surface of the engagement shaft
Implementation Method 2
a cushioning member in sliding contact with an inner surface of the engagement recess is mounted on the engagement shaft
Implementation Method 3
the first arm being swingably engaged with a first pivot shaft provided on the keyboard chassis, the first arm having a front end pivotally and slidably connected to a front portion of the key, and a second arm being swingably engaged with a second pivot shaft provided on the keyboard chassis at a location rearward of the first pivot shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device for a keyboard instrument includes a keyboard chassis, a key disposed on the keyboard chassis, and a key support mechanism which supports the key from below and causes the key to operate such that the key pivotally moves about a virtual pivot. One of a first arm rear-side connecting portion and a second arm front-side connecting portion includes an engagement shaft extending in a left-right direction, and the other of them includes an engagement recess which has a U shape in side view and open in one of a front direction and a rear direction and is engaged with the engagement shaft. A cushioning member in sliding contact with an inner surface of the engagement recess is mounted on the engagement shaft in a state covering an outer peripheral surface of the engagement shaft.