JPH0462593A - Keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the keyboard device which does vary in the touch feeling at the time of the depression of an end part and an intermediate part greatly by providing a link guide mechanism which guides the motion of each key to a support base so that the key is put in parallel motion from a nonoperation position to a key depression end position and a key return means which gives each key a restoring force for the return to the nonoperation position. CONSTITUTION:A 1st fulcrum 3 of rotation is provided on each key 1 and the support base 5 is provided with a 2nd fulcrum 7 of rotation. The link guide mechanism 9 links those fulcra 3 and 7 and guides the key 1 so that the key 1 is put in motion having a specific attitude to the support base 5. A restoring force means 10 is provided in relation with the key 1 or link guide mechanism 9 and gives the key 1 the restoring force for returning the key to the specific position. When the key 1 is depressed, a spring 21 expands and a guide roller 18 rolls leftward on the support base 5. Then a guide roller 16 slides in a guide groove 17 and the roller 18 moves leftward similarly to the roller 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a keyboard device for a musical instrument, and particularly to a keyboard device suitable for use in an electronic musical instrument.

``Conventional technology'' For example, each weight on the keyboard of a piano, a natural musical instrument, extends long into a part that cannot be seen from the outside, and its fulcrum is also located at the back.
Drive the hammer.

Each weight of the keyboard of an electronic musical instrument does not need to drive a hammer, is supported immediately behind the part that can be seen from the outside, and is short in length.

When playing the a keyboard, the m key of the electronic musical instrument is also pressed down to the same extent as the key of the natural musical instrument.

5. Invention or problem to be solved] When a short key, such as one used in an electronic musical instrument, which is freely rotatably supported at one end is pressed down a predetermined stroke, it becomes a long key from the fulcrum to the end, like a piano key. In comparison, rotate a larger angle.

Furthermore, in the case of short keys, the touch of the key changes greatly depending on whether the end is pressed down, the middle position, or the middle position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device in which the angle change is small when the key is pressed down a predetermined stroke, and the touch feeling when the key end and the middle part are pressed down does not change greatly.

3. Means for Solving the Problem] The keyboard device of the present invention is a keyboard device having a plurality of keys, and includes a first pivot point formed on each lock and a second pivot point formed on a support base. A link guide that links the rotation fulcrum, the first rotation fulcrum, and the second rotation fulcrum, and guides the movement of each weight relative to the support base so that each weight moves in parallel from the non-operating position to the key press end position. and a key return means for applying a return force to each weight to return it to a non-operating position.

[Action function: A short key is supported at one end, and when the other end is pressed down a predetermined stroke, the angle at which the key rotates is determined.
A rotation fulcrum is provided, a second rotation fulcrum is provided on the support base,
By guiding each weight so that it performs a predetermined movement without a fulcrum on the lock, the change in angle is small when pressed down a specified stroke, and when the end and middle parts are pressed down. It is possible to realize a keyboard device in which the key touch feeling does not change significantly.

[Example code] FIG. 1 schematically shows the basic configuration of the present invention.

A first pivot point 3 is provided on the key 1, and a second pivot point 7 is provided on the support base 5. Link guide mechanism 9
links these pivot points 3.7 and guides the key 1 to move in a predetermined posture relative to the key 1 or the support base 5. In addition, the return force means 10, the key 1, or the link guide device! f49, and provides the key 1 with a force to return the key to a predetermined position.

First rotation fulcrum 3, second rotation fulcrum 7, link guide machine! R9
With this operation, the key 1 moves as if it had a fulcrum inside the key 1, but the fulcrum was behind the rear end of the key (including at infinity).

When a very smelly key is supported at one end and played at the other end, the key feels almost as if it is moving in parallel. A configuration in which a short key is used to guide the key so that it moves approximately in parallel will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a basic figure having parallel opposing sides.

FIG. 2 (A> indicates a rectangle. The rectangle connecting the point PQR3 has sides a and b that are parallel to each other.

The diagonals PR and QS of the rectangle intersect at their respective midpoints T.

Diagonal length pqrs from midpoint T to each vertex PQR3
are each equal.

When the diagonals PR and QS are approximated by two arms and rotatably connected at the midpoint T, the two opposing sides a and b are kept parallel to each other. If the angle at which the two arms PR and QS intersect is changed, the length of each side (c, d) changes, or the opposing sides a and b are always kept parallel.

Figure 2 (B) shows a parallelogram PQR
Opposing sides a and b and C and d of 3 each have equal length and are maintained parallel.

If two adjacent points, for example P and Q, are provided on the image, and two other points S and R are provided on the support base, and each of them is rotatable, the key will be placed at a fixed position relative to the support base. Move while maintaining your posture.

Figure 2 (C) shows an isosceles trapezoid. The hexasosceles trapezoid PQR3 is
0 Isosceles sides C and d, which have opposite sides a and b that are parallel to each other and have two equal length sides C and d, are parallel opposite sides a
and b are connected so as to form complementary angles to each other.

Defining the keys of the keyboard and the supporting base, parallel opposing sides a and b,
If two arms are connected to form a supplementary angle to side a or b so as to define isosceles sides C and d between them, then opposite sides a and b will be parallel to each other. In order for C and d to form a supplementary angle, the equilegged sides C and d are joined so that they rotate by equal angles and in opposite directions.

Although the explanation has been made for the case where the opposing sides are parallel, it is also possible to adjust the symmetry and make them deviate from parallel to some extent. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 2(A), the two arms P
You may change the length of R and QS from the rotational connection point T to the end. For example, if the length from point T to end iR is longer than the length from T to P and Q, side a and In b, the right end moves more than the left end.

In the configuration of FIG. 2(B), for example, the lengths of the opposing sides may be changed to unequal lengths.

Further, in the configuration of FIG. 2(C), for example, the lengths of the equilegged sides c and d may be changed to unequal lengths.

More specific examples will be described below.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a rectangular deformed keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(A) shows a state in which the key is at the highest position when opening, and FIG. 3(B) shows a state in which the key is pressed down. The key 1 has a rotation fulcrum 3 and a kite holder 17. The support base 5 has a pivot point 7 and a kite 23 provided with a stopper 24. Stopper 24 is stopper 2 on key 1
5. The two arms 11, 12 are connected at their midpoint by a pivoting connection 13 and can be rotated through the angle relative to each other. One end of the arm 11 is rotatably supported by a pivot point 3 on the key 1, and a kite roller 18 is provided at the other end. The other arm 12 has one end rotatably coupled to the rotation fulcrum 7 on the support base 5, and the other end has the kite 1
A guide roller 16 engaged with the roller 17 is provided. Also,
A spring 21 is connected between the support base 5 near the rotation fulcrum 7 and the guide roller 18, and pulls the kite roller 18 to the right in the figure. The arms 11.12 correspond to the diagonals of a rectangle, and their ends 3.7.16.18 correspond to the four vertices of the rectangle.The distances from the four-turn joint 13 to each of these vertices are equal and the intersection of one arm Even if the angle changes
! 1 maintains a parallel relationship with the support base 5.

As shown in Figure 3 (B), when key 1 is pressed down, spring 2
The kite roller 18 stretches by 1 and rolls on the support base 5 to the left in the figure.

The kite roller 16 slides inside the kite roller 17, and similarly to the kite roller 18, moves to the left in the figure. Note that the kite roller may be in sliding engagement or rolling engagement with the sliding surface or kite roller. In this specification, the term "sliding engagement" includes rolling engagement.

Further, the stopper 25 moves downward guided by a kite 23 that prevents the key 1 from vibrating in the left-right direction.

In the figure, the pivot point 3 is above the pivot point 7 and the key moves only in the vertical direction.

Each end 3.18 of the arm 11.12 with a pivot connection 13.
If the distances to 7.16 are made equal, each end corresponds to the vertex of the rectangle, but by changing this distance, it is possible to create a keyboard in which the key 1 is tilted by a desired amount by the depressing action. In other words, when you press down on a horizontal keyboard, it slightly (downward to the left in the diagram)
In order to obtain the tilting ma, the arm on the left side of the rotation coupling 13 may be made longer than the arm on the right side.

4 (, l, (B) show a parallelogram deformed keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 (A) shows the key in the highest position when opened, (B) shows a key when pressed. The key 1 has pivot points 3 and 33 at one end thereof, and correspondingly, pivot points 7 and 34 are also formed on the support base 5. The distance between the pivot points 3 and 33 is approximately equal to the distance between the pivot points 7 and 34.The arm 31 is connected between the pivot points 3 and 7, and the pivot point An arm 32 is coupled between 33 and 34.

These arms 31 and 32 have approximately equal length.

That is, the pivot points 3, 7, 33, and 34 correspond to the vertices of the parallelogram. The key 1 has a spring 3 between it and the support base 5.
5 and receives an upward force. The kite mechanism shown in the left part of the figure is the same as that shown in FIG. 3.

When key 1 is pressed down, the parallel 4 formed by arms 31 and 32
The side shape changes its shape and is deformed as shown in FIG. 4(B). At this time, the line connecting the rotation fulcrums 3 and 33 is the rotation fulcrum 7.
34 and thus the key 1 is kept horizontal.

In addition, to make the key 1 tilt slightly from the horizontal position,
For example, arm 31 may be slightly longer than arm 32.

Note that the spring 35 does not need to be provided in the center, and may be provided moved to the right or left in the figure.

When the spring 35 is moved near either the left or right end of the key, a space is formed below the central part of the key, which can be used for other purposes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the key 1 is also slightly displaced in the horizontal direction when pressed.

5(A) and 5(B) show an isosceles trapezoid deformed keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. B) shows a state in which the key is pressed down. Rotation fulcrums 3 and 43 are formed on the key 1, and a rotation fulcrum 7 is formed on the support base 5. An arm 41 is connected between the rotation fulcrums 3 and 7, and is connected to the rotation fulcrum 43. is connected to another arm 42. A kite roller 44 is coupled to the other end of the arm 42. The kite roller 44 can move on the sliding surface 46 of the support base 5.

It should be noted that the pivot points 3.43 are each provided with gears 48.49, which engage with each other. Arm 4
1 or around the rotation fulcrum 3, the engagement gear 48.
The arm 42 also rotates by the same angle in the opposite direction around the pivot point 43 via the arm 49 . Further, the nine pivot points 3, 7, 44, and 43 whose lengths of the arms 41 and 42 are equal correspond to the four vertices of the isosceles trapezoid. In an isosceles trapezoid, the lengths of the top and isosceles sides are fixed, and the length of the bottom side changes.

When al is pressed, the kite roller 44 moves to the left in the figure and stretches the spring 45. Since the arms 41 and 42 have equal lengths and are at equal angles to the support base, they maintain the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. . The key 1 thus maintains a parallel relationship to the support base 5.

Note that the kite mechanism shown in the left part of the figure is the same as the above-mentioned embodiment. Frictional engagement may be used instead of the engagement gears 4B-49. In other words, it is only necessary to compensate for whether the arms 41 and 42 rotate by equal angles and in opposite directions.In addition, on the support base side, wide <- narrow isosceles trapezoid is used according to the key rule, or the reverse relationship is also used. good. In addition, as a modification, an isosceles triangle is made upside down so that the base corresponds to the key, and a sliding member is provided at, for example, the midpoint of the isosceles.
It is also possible to form an isosceles trapezoid by slidingly engaging the support base.

Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the examples, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, link mechanisms other than those described above may be used.

In addition, instead of a spring, a magnet or the like may be used to exert an equivalent force, or a high-torque motor may be used as the pivot point itself4.Any other device that exerts a force to return to the open position above may be used. Well, you can use whatever you want, etc.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

V. Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, a keyboard is provided that uses short keys and can obtain substantially the same key touch no matter where on the key is pressed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3(A) and (B) are side views showing a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(A) and (B) are line diagrams for explaining the figures. A side view for explaining a keyboard according to an embodiment. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are side views for explaining a keyboard according to still another embodiment of the present invention. , Support base 9 Link guide mechanism return mechanism 11.12 Arm rotation connection 18 Kite roller kite guide 21 Kite spring rotation fulcrum sliding surface Bust collar Arm rotation fulcrum 41.42 Arm 44 Kite roller 48.49 Connection gear ring 24 ,

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A keyboard device having a plurality of keys, comprising: a first rotation fulcrum formed on each key; a second rotation fulcrum formed on a support base; and the first rotation fulcrum. a link guide mechanism that links the second rotation fulcrum and guides the movement of each of the keys relative to the support base so that each of the keys moves in parallel from a non-operating position to a key-depression end position; A keyboard device comprising a key return means for applying a return force to return to a non-operating position. (2) The link guide mechanism has two vertices, the first rotation fulcrum and the second rotation fulcrum, and is disposed on the key and the support base, and has two substantially parallel opposing sides. 2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the side shape defines any one of a rectangle, a parallelogram, and an isosceles trapezoid, or a modification thereof. (3) The link guide mechanism has two arms having substantially equal lengths and rotatably coupled at their midpoints, and one end of each of these arms is connected to the first rotatable arm. 3. A fulcrum according to claim 2, wherein the two arms define two diagonals of a rectangle or a variant thereof, the other ends of the arms being slidingly connected to the support base and the key, respectively. keyboard device. (4) The link guide mechanism includes a first arm connecting the first rotation fulcrum and the second rotation fulcrum, and a first arm that is arranged substantially parallel to the first arm at all times or during a period of movement, and has both ends having a second arm pivotably supported on said key and said support base, said first arm and said second arm defining opposite sides of a parallelogram or a variation thereof.
The keyboard device described. (5) The guide mechanism includes the first pivot point and the second pivot point.
a first arm that connects a rotation fulcrum; a first arm that is disposed opposite to the first arm, is coupled to the first rotation fulcrum or the second rotation fulcrum, and rotates by an equal angle in the opposite direction to the first arm; 3. The keyboard device according to claim 2, wherein one end thereof is supported by the key or the support base via a rotation fulcrum, and the other end is slidably connected to the support base or the key.