JP6957282B2 - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a keyboard device that is applied to an electronic keyboard instrument or the like and realizes a key operation similar to that of an acoustic grand piano by using a key having a relatively short length.

Generally, in an acoustic grand piano keyboard device, the keys are relatively long (for example, 50 to 60 cm) and swing around a balance pin provided near the center in the length direction as a fulcrum. ing. When a keyboard device having such a long key is applied to an electronic piano or the like, its depth dimension becomes large. For this reason, as a keyboard device having a short key length, those disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 are conventionally known.

This keyboard device is arranged in a frame having a predetermined shape, a base end portion provided at the rear end portion of the frame, and in front of the base end portion, each of which extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged side by side in the left-right direction. It is composed of a plurality of keys and a link portion provided between each key and the base end portion. Further, an electronic board is provided on the frame, and a plurality of key switches are arranged for each key on the electronic board. Each key is placed on the corresponding key switch near the center in its length direction.

The link between the rear end of each key and the front of the proximal end is made of resin integrally with the key and the proximal end. Specifically, the link portion is composed of two arms, each extending in the front-rear direction and arranged on the left and right sides of each other. Each arm is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and the front connecting portion connected to the key and the rear connecting portion connected to the base end portion are thinned by a semicircular concave portion that opens downward. It is formed.

In the keyboard device configured as described above, when the front end portion of the key is pushed down, the key rotates downward about the connecting portion on the rear side of both arms at the link portion. Further, in this case, since the front and rear connecting portions of both arms function as hinges, the amount of downward movement of the key at the predetermined position of the rear portion is larger than that in the case where the key rotates with the rear end as a fulcrum. The difference from the amount of downward movement of the front end of the key becomes small. As a result, the key supported via the link portion operates so as to rotate around a virtual rotation fulcrum that is supposed to be located behind the key, and the length of the key is that of a grand piano. Even if it is shorter than that, it is possible to obtain a keyboard that resembles the operation of a grand piano key.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-286694

However, in the above-mentioned conventional keyboard device, each key is supported in a cantilevered state by the link portion at the rear end, and each arm of the link portion is made of resin. The operation tends to be unstable. In addition, due to long-term use of the keyboard device, each arm of the link portion is likely to be deformed due to aging, and in particular, since the front and rear connecting portions of each arm are formed to be thin, cracks and breakage may occur. There is. In such a case, the desired operation of the key cannot be obtained. As described above, in the keyboard device in which the rear end of the key is supported by the resin link portion described above, the same operation as that of a grand piano key cannot be stably obtained for a long period of time.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and while the key length is shorter than that of a grand piano, the key operation similar to that of a grand piano keyboard is stable for a long period of time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard device capable of being obtained in a compact manner and having a compact depth dimension.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a base and a plurality of keys arranged above the base in a state in which each extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and is arranged side by side with each other in the left-right direction. And, it is provided on the base so as to support the corresponding keys from below, and when the front end of the key is pushed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end of the key is below the front end of the key. It is provided with a plurality of link mechanisms configured to operate the keys so as to be about 1/2 the amount of movement to the base, and the link mechanisms are provided on the base at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction. The front support, the center support, and the rear support are extended by a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, one end is rotatably connected to the front end of the key, and the other end rotates to the rear support. A freely supported first link bar, shorter than this first link bar and extending in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, one end is rotatably connected to the rear end of the key, and the other end is front-supported. It has a second link bar rotatably supported by the portion, and the first link bar and the second link bar are arranged so as to intersect each other, and the intersecting portion is rotatably supported by the central support portion. It is characterized in that it is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

According to this configuration, a plurality of keys, each extending a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, are arranged above the base in the left-right direction. Further, a plurality of link mechanisms for supporting the corresponding key from below are provided on the base. As a result, unlike the conventional keyboard device in which the rear end of the key is supported in a cantilevered state, the key can be stably supported at the time of key pressing, and stable operation of the key can be ensured. Further, in the above-mentioned link mechanism, when the front end portion of the corresponding key is pressed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the key is about 1/2 of the amount of downward movement of the front end portion. It is configured to be.

As described above, the keys of a general grand piano keyboard device are relatively long (for example, 50 to 60 cm) and swing around a balance pin provided near the center in the length direction as a fulcrum. It has become like. Further, in the keyboard device, the portion exposed to the outside and visible from the performer side is about half of the portion on the front side of the balance pin of the key. Therefore, in a grand piano keyboard device, for example, when the key is pressed completely and the front end of the key is pressed down by about 10 mm, the rear end of the exposed part of the key is about 5 mm. Move down. That is, the amount of downward movement at the rear end of the exposed portion of the key when the key is pressed is about 1/2 that of the front end of the key.

Therefore, even if each key of the present invention is constructed to be relatively short with a length similar to the portion exposed to the outside of the key of the grand piano, the corresponding link mechanism provides the rear end of the key when the key is pressed. Since the amount of downward movement of the portion is about ½ of the amount of downward movement of the front end portion of the key, it is possible to realize a key operation similar to that of a grand piano key when a key is pressed. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to stably obtain the same key operation as that of a grand piano keyboard for a long period of time while making the key length shorter than that of a grand piano. Since the length of the key is shortened, the depth dimension of the keyboard device and the keyboard instrument to which the keyboard device is applied can be compactly configured.

Further , according to the above configuration, the front support portion, the central support portion, and the rear support portion of the link mechanism are provided on the base at predetermined intervals from each other. Further, each of the first link bar and the second link bar of the link mechanism extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, and the second link bar is configured to be shorter than the first link bar. These first link bar and second link bar are arranged so as to intersect each other, and one end of the first link bar is rotatably connected to the front end of the key and the other end to the rear support. -While being supported, one end of the second link bar is rotatably connected and supported to the rear end of the key and the other end to the front support. In addition, the intersecting portions of the first link bar and the second link bar are rotatably and vertically movablely supported by the central support portion. The link mechanism configured in this way supports the front end and the rear end of the key from below, so that when the front end of the key is pushed down during key pressing, the rear end of the key is interlocked with it. However, it moves downward while maintaining a certain relationship with the front end of the key. Therefore, the above configuration of the link mechanism, for work described above, the effect can be easily obtained.

The invention according to claim 2 comprises a base, a plurality of keys each extending in a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and a corresponding key on the base. When the front end of the key is pushed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end of the key is about 1 with respect to the amount of downward movement of the front end of the key. It is provided with a plurality of link mechanisms configured to operate the keys so as to be / 2, and the link mechanisms are a front support portion and a central support portion provided on the base at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction. A first link bar that extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction with the rear support portion, one end of which is rotatably connected to the front end of the key, and the other end of which is rotatably supported by the rear support. The first link bar is shorter than the first link bar and extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, one end is rotatably connected to the rear end of the key, and the other end is rotatably supported by the front support. It has a second link bar, and the first link bar and the second link bar are arranged so that the latter half of the first link bar and the first half of the second link bar overlap each other on the left and right, and the overlapped portion is predetermined. The portion is supported by the central support portion so as to be rotatable and vertically movable.

According to this configuration, the front support portion, the central support portion, and the rear support portion of the link mechanism are provided on the base at predetermined intervals from each other. Further, each of the first link bar and the second link bar of the link mechanism extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, and the second link bar is configured to be shorter than the first link bar. These first link bar and second link bar are arranged so that the latter half of the former and the first half of the latter overlap each other on the left and right, one end of the first link bar is the front end of the key, and the other end is the rear. While rotatably connected and supported by the side support, one end of the second link bar is rotatably connected and supported by the rear end of the key and the other end by the front support. .. In addition, a predetermined portion of the overlapping portion of the first link bar and the second link bar is supported by the central support portion so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. The link mechanism configured in this way supports the front end and the rear end of the key from below, so that when the front end of the key is pushed down during key pressing, the rear end of the key is interlocked with it. However, it moves downward while maintaining a certain relationship with the front end of the key. Therefore, the above configuration of the link mechanism, before predicate of action of claim 1, the effect can be easily obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the keyboard device according to the second aspect , each of the plurality of keys is formed in a hollow shape that opens downward, and the first link bar and the second link bar correspond to each other. It is characterized in that it is arranged in a state of being housed inside the key.

According to this configuration, each of the plurality of keys is formed in a hollow shape that opens downward, and the first link bar and the second link bar of the link mechanism are housed inside the corresponding keys. A relatively large space can be secured under the key as compared with the case where the link bar is largely exposed under the key. Thereby, for example, a sensor, a switch, an electronic board, or the like for detecting key pressing information of the key can be easily arranged in the space below the key.

The invention according to claim 4 comprises a base, a plurality of keys each extending in a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and a corresponding key on the base. When the front end of the key is pushed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end of the key is about 1 with respect to the amount of downward movement of the front end of the key. It is provided with a plurality of link mechanisms configured to operate the keys so as to be / 2, and the link mechanisms are a front support portion and a central support portion provided on the base at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction. And the rear support part, the front link bar that extends in the vertical direction by a predetermined length, the upper end is connected to the front end of the key, and the lower end is movably supported by the front support in the vertical direction, and in the vertical direction. It is composed of a rear link bar that extends a predetermined length, the upper end is connected to the rear end of the key, and the lower end is vertically movablely supported by the rear support, and a plurality of link bars. The lower end of the bar and the rear link bar are connected to each other, and the rear link bar is supported by the front support, the center support, and the rear support, and the rear link bar is moved in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical movement of the front link bar. It is characterized by having an interlocking mechanism for interlocking.

According to this configuration, the front support portion, the central support portion, and the rear support portion of the link mechanism are provided on the base at predetermined intervals from each other. Further, the front link bar and the rear link bar of the link mechanism each extend in the vertical direction by a predetermined length, the upper end of the front link bar is connected to the front end of the key, and the lower end is vertically extended to the front support. While it is movably supported, the upper end of the rear link bar is connected to the rear end of the key and the lower end is movably supported by the rear support in the vertical direction. Then, the lower ends of the front link bar and the rear link bar are connected to each other by the above-mentioned interlocking mechanism, and the rear link bar is interlocked in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical movement of the front link bar by this interlocking mechanism. do. The interlocking mechanism composed of a plurality of link bars is supported by the front support portion, the central support portion, and the rear support portion, and the front link bar and the rear link bar can be easily interlocked in a certain relationship. Is. The link mechanism configured as described above supports the front end and the rear end of the key from below. The part moves downward while maintaining a certain relationship with the front end of the key. Therefore, the above configuration of the link mechanism, before predicate of action of claim 1, the effect can be easily obtained.

It is a figure for demonstrating the keyboard device by 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the side view of the keyboard device in a key release state, (b) is the side view which shows disassembled the key and the link mechanism. .. It is a side view which shows the operation of the key of the keyboard device by 1st Embodiment, (a) shows the key release state, (b) shows the key press state. It is a figure for demonstrating the keyboard device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a side view of the keyboard device in a key release state, (b) is a side view which shows the link mechanism inside a key, (c). Is a side view showing the key and the link mechanism in an exploded manner. It is a side view which shows the operation of the key of the keyboard device by 2nd Embodiment, (a) shows the key release state, (b) shows the key press state. It is a figure for demonstrating the keyboard device by 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the side view of the keyboard device in the key release state, (b) is the side view which shows the key and the link mechanism by disassembly. .. It is a side view which shows the operation of the key of the keyboard device by 3rd Embodiment, (a) shows the key release state, (b) shows the key press state.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are side views of a keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a key release state and FIG. 1B shows a state in which a key and a link mechanism are disassembled. This keyboard device 1A is applied to an electronic keyboard instrument such as an electronic piano.

The key device 1A extends from a horizontally arranged plate-shaped base 2 and above the base 2 in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1A), and extends in the left-right direction (FIG. 1A). A plurality of keys 3 arranged side by side (in the depth direction of) (only one white key is shown in FIG. 1), and a plurality of keys 3 provided on the base 2 so as to support the corresponding keys 3 from below. Link mechanism 4A (only one is shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of returns provided between the base 2 and the front end of each key 3 to return the pressed key 3 to the released state. It is provided with a spring 5 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) and the like.

The key 3 is made of a molded product such as a synthetic resin and has a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. For example, the key 3 has about half the length (for example, 15 cm) of the length from the front end of a general grand piano key to the balance pin which is a fulcrum when the key swings. ing. Further, the key 3 is composed of an upper wall 3a, left and right side walls 3b and 3b, and a front wall 3c, and is formed in a hollow shape that opens downward and rearward (left side in FIG. 1).

The link mechanism 4A has a first link bar 6 having one end rotatably connected to the front end of the key 3 and a second link bar 7 having one end rotatably connected to the rear end of the key 3. The link bar support portion 8A, which is fixed on the base 2 and rotatably supports the other ends of the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7, and supports the intersecting portions of both link bars 6 and 7. And have.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first link bar 6 is made of an elongated metal plate having a predetermined length and shape, and is arranged in a downwardly inclined state. Long holes 6a and 6b extending by a predetermined length along the length direction of the first link bar 6 are formed at a predetermined position closer to the rear end than the front end portion of the first link bar 6 and the vicinity of the center in the length direction. ing. Further, the rear end portion of the first link bar 6 is formed wider than the portion on the front side thereof, and the weight mounting hole 6d is formed in the wide portion and the weight mounting hole 6d is formed. A pin hole 6c is formed immediately before the pin hole 6c. A columnar weight 9 having a predetermined weight is fitted into the weight mounting hole 6d of the first link bar 6.

On the other hand, the second link bar 7 is made of an elongated metal plate having a predetermined length and shape shorter than that of the first link bar 6, is inclined forward downward, and intersects the first link bar 6 at a predetermined position. It is arranged like this. Pin holes 7a and 7b are formed at the rear end and the front end of the second link bar 7, respectively. Further, an elongated hole 7c extending by a predetermined length along the length direction of the second link bar 7 is formed near the center of the second link bar 7 in the length direction.

The elongated holes 6a and the pin holes 7a are provided at the ends of the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7 on the key 3 side, respectively, but the shapes of both holes 6a and 7a are reversed. That is, it is also possible to provide a pin hole at the front end of the first link bar 6 and a long hole at the rear end of the second link bar 7.

The link bar support portions 8A are arranged in order from the front side (right side in FIG. 1) at a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction with each of the link bar support portions 8A standing on the base 2, and the front side support portion 11, the central support portion 12, and the link bar support portion 8A. It is composed of a rear support portion 13. The front support portion 11, the central support portion 12, and the rear support portion 13 have, for example, a U-shape when viewed from the front side, and the first link bar 6 and / or the first link bar 6 and / or the first link bar 6 and / or the first link bar 6 and / or the first link bar 6 and / or the first link bar 6 and / or the third. The two link bars 7 are configured to be supported while being sandwiched from both the left and right sides.

Pin holes 11a and 13a are formed at the upper ends of the front support portion 11 and the rear support portion 13, respectively, while elongated holes 12a extending by a predetermined length in the vertical direction are formed at the upper ends of the central support portion 12. Has been done.

In the link mechanism 4A configured as described above, the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7 are connected to the key 3 as follows. A front key connecting pin 14 extending horizontally between the left and right side walls 3c and 3c is fixed to the key 3 at a predetermined position on the front end portion, while the left and right side walls 3c, on the key 3, are fixed at a predetermined position on the rear end portion. A rear key connecting pin 15 extending horizontally over 3c is fixed.

The front end of the first link bar 6 is inserted into the front key connecting pin 14 of the key 3 via the elongated hole 6a, whereby the first link bar 6 is rotatably and slidably connected to the front end of the key 3. Has been done. On the other hand, the rear end of the second link bar 7 is inserted into the rear key connecting pin 15 of the key 3 via the pin hole 7a, whereby the second link bar 7 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the key 3. Has been done.

Further, the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7 are connected to the link bar support portion 8A as follows. That is, the rear end of the first link bar 6 is inserted into the rear support pin 17 fixed to the pin hole 13a of the rear support portion 13 via the pin hole 6c, whereby the rear support portion 13 is inserted. On the other hand, they are rotatably connected. On the other hand, the front end portion of the second link bar 7 is inserted through the front support pin 16 fixed to the pin hole 11a of the front support portion 11 via the pin hole 7b, whereby the second link bar 7 is inserted into the front support portion 11 with respect to the front support portion 11. It is rotatably connected.

Further, the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7 are slidably provided in the elongated hole 12a of the central support portion 12 in a state where the elongated holes 6b and 7c are overlapped and intersected with each other on the left and right sides. It is inserted through the support pin 18. As a result, the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7 are rotatably and slidably connected in the vertical direction and in the length direction of the elongated holes 6b and 7c by the central support portion 12 at their intersections. Has been done.

In the electronic keyboard instrument to which the keyboard device 1A configured as described above is applied, the link mechanism 4A and the return spring 5 on the lower side of the key 3 are covered with an outer case (not shown) so as not to be seen from the outside. It is covered. Further, on the rear side of the key 3, a front panel P that stands up from the vicinity of the rear end of the upper surface of the key 3 and forms a part of the outer case is provided. Therefore, in this keyboard device 1A, almost the entire key 3 is exposed to the outside.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the operation of the key 3 of the keyboard device 1A at the time of pressing the key will be described. FIGS. (A) and (b) show a key release state when the front end portion of the key 3 is not pressed down, and a key press state when the key 3 is pressed down, respectively.

As shown by the white arrows in FIG. 2A, when the front end of the key 3 is pushed down by a performer or the like, the first link bar 6 of the link mechanism 4A is set around the rear support pin 17 as a clock. As it rotates in the direction, the second link bar 7 rotates counterclockwise around the front support pin 16. At the same time, the intersecting portion of the first link bar 6 and the second link bar 7 moves downward via the central support pin 18. In this case, the front end portion of the key 3 moves more downward than the rear end portion. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down to the lowest position, the front end portion thereof has a distance F1 (compared to the key release state in FIG. 2A). For example, it is located below by 10 mm), and the rear end is located below by distance R1 (for example, 5 mm), which is about 1/2 of the distance F1. When the finger is released from the pressed key 3, the key 3 moves upward due to the urging force of the return spring 5 and returns to the original key release state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the key 3 is stably supported from below by the link mechanism 4A at the front end portion and the rear end portion thereof, so that the rear end of the key is cantilevered. Unlike the conventional keyboard device instructed in the state, the stable operation of the key 3 can be ensured. Further, the link mechanism 4A is configured so that when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion is about 1/2 of the amount of downward movement of the front end portion. Has been done.

Therefore, even if each key 3 of the present embodiment has a length similar to the portion exposed to the outside of the key of the grand piano and is relatively short, the corresponding link mechanism 4A provides the key at the time of key pressing. Since the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of 3 is about ½ of that of the front end portion of the key 3, it is possible to realize a key operation similar to that of a grand piano key when a key is pressed. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to stably obtain the same key operation as the keyboard of a grand piano for a long period of time while making the length of the key 3 shorter than that of the grand piano. By shortening the length of the keyboard device 1A, the depth dimension of the keyboard device 1A and the keyboard instrument to which the keyboard device 1A is applied can be compactly configured.

Next, the keyboard device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Similar to the keyboard device 1A described above, the keyboard device 1B includes a base 2, a plurality of keys 3, a plurality of link mechanisms 4B, and a plurality of return springs 5 (the key 3, the link mechanism 4B and the return spring 5 are all 1). Only one is shown).

The key 3 has the same length as the key 3 of the keyboard device 1A, and is formed in a hollow shape in which the lower part and the rear part (left side in FIG. 3) are open.

The link mechanism 4B has a first link bar 21 and a second link bar 22 having a predetermined shape extending in the front-rear direction, and a link bar support portion 8B fixed on the base 2 and supporting both the link bars 21 and 22. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c), the first link bar 21 is composed of an elongated metal plate having a predetermined length and shape, and projects downward in a U shape near the center in the length direction. A recess 21a is formed. Pin holes 21b and 21c are formed at the front end and the rear end of the first link bar 21, respectively, and the first link bar 21 is located at a predetermined position between the recess 21a and the pin hole 21 at the rear end. An elongated hole 21d extending by a predetermined length along the length direction is formed.

On the other hand, the second link bar 22 is made of a metal plate having a predetermined length and shape shorter than that of the first link bar 21, and a recess 22a protruding downward in a U shape is formed at the rear portion in the length direction. ing. A pin hole 22b is formed at the front end of the second link bar 22, and a long hole 22c and a long hole 22c extending by a predetermined length along the length direction of the second link bar 22 at predetermined positions of the rear end and the front, respectively. 22d is formed.

Further, the link bar support portion 8B is arranged at a predetermined position on the base 2 at a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction from each other, and is configured in the same manner as the link support portion 8A of the first embodiment. It is composed of a support portion 25 and a rear support portion 26. Pin holes 24a and 26a are formed at the upper ends of the front support portion 24 and the rear support portion 26, respectively, while elongated holes 25a extending by a predetermined length in the vertical direction are formed at the upper ends of the central support portion 25, respectively. Has been done. The pin hole 24a of the front support portion 24, the pin hole 26a of the rear support portion 26, and the elongated hole 25a of the central support portion 25 are provided at substantially the same height as each other.

In the link mechanism 4B configured as described above, in the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22, the latter half of the former 21 and the first half of the latter 22 overlap each other on the left and right, and most of them are housed inside the key 3. It is arranged in the state that it is.

The first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22 are connected to the key 3 as follows. That is, the front end of the first link bar 21 is inserted into the front key connecting pin 31 whose front end is fixed at a predetermined position of the front end of the key 3 via the pin hole 21b, whereby the front end of the key 3 is inserted into the front end of the key 3. On the other hand, they are rotatably connected. On the other hand, the second link bar 22 is inserted into the rear key connecting pin 32 whose rear end is fixed at a predetermined position at the rear end of the key 3 via the elongated hole 22c, whereby the rear end of the key 3 is reared. It is rotatably and slidably connected to the end.

Further, the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22 are connected to the link bar support portion 8B as follows. That is, the rear end of the first link bar 21 is inserted into the rear support pin 34 fixed to the pin hole 26a of the rear support portion 26 via the pin hole 21c, whereby the rear support portion 26 is inserted. On the other hand, they are rotatably connected. On the other hand, the front end portion of the second link bar 22 is inserted through the front support pin 33 fixed to the pin hole 24a of the front support portion 24 via the pin hole 22b, whereby the second link bar 22 is inserted into the front support portion 24 with respect to the front support portion 24. It is rotatably connected.

Further, the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22 are slidably provided in the elongated hole 25a of the central support portion 25 with the elongated holes 21d and 22d overlapping each other on the left and right sides. It is inserted in 35. As a result, in the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22, the portions of the elongated holes 21d and 22d that overlap each other are slidably connected to the central support portion 25 in the vertical direction.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c), in the key release state, the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22 are arranged so as to extend substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction. Then, in these first link bar 21 and second link bar 22, the recess 21a of the former 21 and the recess 22a of the latter 22 wrap around the lower side of the front support pin 33 and the rear support pin 35, respectively. It is designed so as not to interfere with the support pins 33 and 35 of the above.

In the electronic keyboard instrument to which the keyboard device 1B configured as described above is applied, the link mechanism 4B and the return spring 5 on the lower side of the key 3 are shown in the same manner as the keyboard device 1A of the first embodiment described above. It is covered with an outer case, and almost the entire key 3 is exposed to the outside.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the key 3 of the keyboard device 1B at the time of pressing the key will be described. FIGS. (A) and (b) show the key release state and the key press state of the key 3, respectively.

As shown by the white arrow in FIG. 4A, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down, the first link bar 21 of the link mechanism 4B rotates clockwise around the rear support pin 34, and at the same time, The second link bar 22 rotates counterclockwise about the front support pin 33. At the same time, the overlapping elongated holes 21d and 22d of the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22 move downward via the central support pin 35.

In this case, as in the keyboard device 1A of the first embodiment, the front end portion of the key 3 moves more downward than the rear end portion. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down to the lowest position, the front end portion is at a distance F2 (compared to the key release state in FIG. 4A). For example, it is located below by 10 mm), and the rear end is located below by distance R2 (for example, 5 mm), which is about 1/2 of the distance F2. When the key is released after the key is pressed, the key 3 moves upward due to the urging force of the return spring 5 and returns to the original key release state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the key 3 is stably supported from below by the link mechanism 4B at two locations, the front end portion and the rear end portion thereof. , Unlike the conventional keyboard device, stable operation of the key 3 can be ensured. Further, in the link mechanism 4B, similarly to the link mechanism 4A described above, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion is about the amount of downward movement of the front end portion. It is configured to be 1/2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the first link bar 21 and the second link bar 22 of the link mechanism 4B are housed inside the key 3, a relatively wide space can be secured below the key 3. A sensor, a switch, an electronic board, or the like for detecting the key press information of the key 3 can be easily arranged in the space.

Next, the keyboard device 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Similar to the keyboard devices 1A and 1B described above, the keyboard device 1C includes a base 2, a plurality of keys 3, a plurality of link mechanisms 4C, and a plurality of return springs 5 (the key 3, the link mechanism 4C and the return spring 5 are any of them. (Only one is shown).

The key 3 has the same length as the key 3 of the keyboard devices 1A and 1B, and is formed in a hollow shape in which the lower part and the rear part (left side in FIG. 5) are open.

The link mechanism 4C includes a front link bar 41 connected to the front end of the key 3, a rear link bar 42 connected to the rear end of the key 3, and a plurality of (five in this embodiment) link bars. A link that supports the interlocking mechanism 43 that connects the front side link bar 41 and the rear side link bar 42 and interlocks them, and the link bar of the front side link bar 41, the rear side link bar 42, and the interlocking mechanism 43. It has a bar support portion 8C.

The front link bar 41 and the rear link bar 42 are each composed of an elongated metal plate having a predetermined length. The front end of the front link bar 41 is rotatably connected to a front key connecting pin 51 whose upper end is fixed at a predetermined position on the front end of the key 3, and is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the rear link bar 42 is rotatably connected to the rear key connecting pin 52 whose upper end is fixed at a predetermined position at the rear end of the key 3, and is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction. ..

The interlocking mechanism 43 is composed of an elongated metal plate having a predetermined length, and is composed of five link bars rotatably connected to each other. Specifically, the interlocking mechanism 43 includes a front side guide link bar 45, a front side long link bar 46 connected to the front side guide link bar 45, a rear side guide bar 47, and a rear side long side long link bar 48 connected to the rear side guide bar bar 47. , The above-mentioned both long link bars 46 and 48 are connected to each other.

One end of the front guide link bar 45 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the front link bar 41 via the front first guide pin 53, and the other end is connected to the front end of the front long link bar 46. , It is rotatably connected via the front second guide pin 54.

Further, one end of the rear guide link bar 47 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rear link bar 42 via the rear first guide pin 55, and the other end is a rear long link. It is rotatably connected to the rear end of the bar 48 via the rear second guide pin 56.

Further, in the front long link bar 46 and the rear long link bar 48, the rear end portion of the former 46 and the front end portion of the latter 48 are connected via the upper connecting pin 57 and the lower connecting pin 58, respectively. It is rotatably connected to 49. Further, a pin hole 49a is formed near the center of the connecting link bar 49 in the length direction.

The link bar support portion 8C is composed of a front support portion 61, a central support portion 62, and a rear support portion 63 arranged at predetermined positions on the base 2 at predetermined positions in the front-rear direction at predetermined intervals. A vertical guide groove 61a extending in the vertical direction by a predetermined length and a horizontal guide groove 61b extending horizontally from the vicinity of the lower end thereof by a predetermined length are formed in the upper portion of the front support portion 61. Further, a pin hole 62a is formed at the upper end of the central support portion 62. Further, a vertical guide groove 63a extending in the vertical direction by a predetermined length and a horizontal guide groove 63b extending horizontally in the forward direction from the vicinity of the lower end thereof are formed on the upper portion of the rear support portion 63.

In the interlocking mechanism 43 and the link bar support portion 8C of the link mechanism 4C configured as described above, the interlocking mechanism 43 is supported by the link bar support portion 8C as follows. That is, in the front support portion 61 of the link bar support portion 8C, the front first guide pin 53 connecting the front link bar 41 and the front guide link bar 45 is in the vertical guide groove 61a, and the front guide link bar 45 and the front side long length. The front second guide pin 54 connecting the link bar 46 is slidably engaged with the lateral guide groove 61b. Further, in the central support portion 62, the rotating pin 59 fixed to the pin hole 62a is inserted into the pin hole 49a of the connecting link bar 49, whereby the connecting link bar 49 is rotatable into the central support portion 62. Is supported by. Further, in the rear support portion 63, the rear first guide pin 55 connecting the rear link bar 42 and the rear guide link bar 47 is in the vertical guide groove 63a, and the rear guide link bar 47 and the rear guide link bar 47 are long. The rear second guide pin 56 that connects the link bar 48 is slidably engaged with the lateral guide groove 63b.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the key 3 of the keyboard device 1C at the time of pressing the key will be described. FIGS. (A) and (b) show the key release state and the key press state of the key 3, respectively.

As shown by the white arrow in FIG. 6A, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down, the front side link bar 41 moves downward along the vertical guide groove 61a of the front side support portion 61, and the front side guide link The front long link bar 46 moves rearward via the bar 45. As a result, the connecting link bar 49 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation pin 59 of the central support portion 62. Further, with the rotation of the connecting link bar 49, the rear long link bar 48 moves forward, and the rear link bar 42 moves downward via the rear guide link bar 47, whereby the rear link bar 42 moves downward. , The rear end of the key 3 also moves downward.

In this case, similarly to the keyboard devices 1A and 1B of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the front end portion of the key 3 moves more downward than the rear end portion. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down to the lowest position, the front end portion thereof is at a distance F3 (compared to the key release state in FIG. 6A). For example, it is located below by 10 mm), and the rear end is located below by distance R3 (for example, 5 mm), which is about 1/2 of the distance F3. When the key is released after the key is pressed, the key 3 moves upward due to the urging force of the return spring 5 and returns to the original state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the key 3 is stabilized from below by the link mechanism 4C at the front end portion and the rear end portion thereof, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above. Therefore, unlike the conventional keyboard device, stable operation of the key 3 can be ensured. Further, in the link mechanism 4C, similarly to the link mechanisms 4A and 4B described above, when the front end portion of the key 3 is pushed down, the downward movement amount of the rear end portion is relative to the downward movement amount of the front end portion. It is configured to be about 1/2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various embodiments. For example, the link mechanisms 4A to 4C of the keyboard devices 1A to 1C have been illustrated, but if the key 3 at the time of key pressing can obtain the same key operation as the key of a grand piano, various link mechanisms are adopted. be able to.

Further, although the synthetic resin is exemplified as the material of the key 3, the key is not limited to this, and may be composed of various other materials (for example, a composite material). Further, although metal has been exemplified as a material for various link bars 6, 7, 21, 22, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49, the link bar is not limited to this and is not limited to other materials. It can also be composed of various materials (for example, carbon fiber resin). Further, the extending direction of the elongated hole formed in the link bar can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the embodiment, the case where the keyboard device of the present invention is applied to an electronic keyboard instrument has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to, for example, a practice keyboard device that does not emit sound. It is also possible. In that case, devices such as sensors, switches, and electronic boards for detecting key press information are not required. Further, the detailed configurations of the keyboard devices 1A to 1C shown in the embodiment are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

1A Key device of the first embodiment 1B Key device of the second embodiment 1C Key device of the third embodiment 2 Base 3 keys 4A Link mechanism of the first embodiment 4B Link mechanism of the second embodiment 4C Third embodiment Link mechanism 5 Return spring 6 First link bar of the first embodiment 7 Second link bar of the first embodiment 8A Link bar support part of the first embodiment 8B Link bar support part of the second embodiment 8C Third embodiment Link bar support portion 11 Front support portion of the first embodiment 12 Central support portion of the first embodiment 13 Rear support portion of the first embodiment 21 First link bar of the second embodiment 22 Second embodiment 2 Link bar 24 Front support portion 25 of the second embodiment Central support portion 26 of the second embodiment Rear support portion 41 of the second embodiment Front link bar 42 Rear link bar 43 Interlocking mechanism 61 Front side of the third embodiment Support portion 62 Central support portion of the third embodiment 63 Rear support portion of the third embodiment

Claims (4)

With the base
Above this base, a plurality of keys, each of which extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and is arranged side by side with each other in the left-right direction,
A corresponding key is provided on the base so as to support each of the keys from below, and when the front end of the key is pressed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end of the key is the front end of the key. A plurality of link mechanisms configured to operate the key so that the amount of movement of the part downward is about 1/2.
Equipped with a,
The link mechanism
A front support portion, a central support portion, and a rear support portion provided on the base at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction.
A first link bar that extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, one end of which is rotatably connected to the front end of the key, and the other end of which is rotatably supported by the rear support.
It is shorter than the first link bar and extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, one end is rotatably connected to the rear end of the key, and the other end is rotatably supported by the front support. The second link bar and
Have,
The first link bar and the second link bar are arranged so as to intersect each other, and the intersecting portion is supported by the central support portion so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. Keyboard device. With the base
Above this base, a plurality of keys, each of which extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and is arranged side by side with each other in the left-right direction,
A corresponding key is provided on the base so as to support each of the keys from below, and when the front end of the key is pressed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end of the key is the front end of the key. A plurality of link mechanisms configured to operate the key so that the amount of movement of the part downward is about 1/2.
With
The link mechanism
A front support portion, a central support portion, and a rear support portion provided on the base at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction.
A first link bar that extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, one end of which is rotatably connected to the front end of the key, and the other end of which is rotatably supported by the rear support.
It is shorter than the first link bar and extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, one end is rotatably connected to the rear end of the key, and the other end is rotatably supported by the front support. The second link bar and
Have,
The first link bar and the second link bar are arranged so that the latter half of the first link bar and the first half of the second link bar overlap each other on the left and right, and a predetermined portion of the overlapped portion is located at the center. A keyboard device characterized in that it is rotatably and vertically movablely supported by a support portion. Each of the plurality of keys is formed in a hollow shape that opens downward.
The keyboard device according to claim 2 , wherein the first link bar and the second link bar are arranged in a state of being housed inside the corresponding key. With the base
Above this base, a plurality of keys, each of which extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and is arranged side by side with each other in the left-right direction,
A corresponding key is provided on the base so as to support each of the keys from below, and when the front end of the key is pressed down, the amount of downward movement of the rear end of the key is the front end of the key. A plurality of link mechanisms configured to operate the key so that the amount of movement of the part downward is about 1/2.
With
The link mechanism
A front support portion, a central support portion, and a rear support portion provided on the base at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction.
A front link bar that extends in the vertical direction by a predetermined length, the upper end of which is connected to the front end of the key, and the lower end of which is movably supported by the front support in the vertical direction.
A rear link bar that extends in the vertical direction by a predetermined length, the upper end of which is connected to the rear end of the key, and the lower end of which is movably supported by the rear support in the vertical direction.
It is composed of a plurality of link bars, connects the lower end portions of the front link bar and the rear link bar, and is supported by the front support portion, the central support portion, and the rear support portion, and the front link bar is supported. An interlocking mechanism that interlocks the rear link bar in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical movement of the
A keyboard device characterized by having.

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