Abstract: A keyboard device is provided, and includes multiple keys and multiple hinges. Each of the keys is supported by a support member. Each of the hinges has: a pair of base parts, joined to the support member and separated from each other with a predetermined gap therebetween in a width direction of the keys, and a connection part, connecting the pair of base parts and each of the keys to each other in a longitudinal direction of the keys. A dimension of the connection part in the longitudinal direction of the keys is set to be larger than dimensions of the base parts in the width direction of the keys.

Abstract: An auxiliary string pressing device for guitar playing includes a bracket, wherein the bracket having a bracket mounting structure, the bracket is provided with elastic pieces, each elastic piece having a fixed end and a movable end, the fixed end of the each elastic piece and the bracket being connected by an elastic piece fast mounting structure, a front face of the movable end of the each elastic piece is provided with a key, and a back face of the movable end of the each elastic piece being provided with a string pressing block. The auxiliary string pressing device uses an elasticity of the elastic pieces to reset, wherein a structure is simplified. The elastic piece fast mounting structure of the elastic pieces and the bracket enable the elastic pieces to be replaced by such a mounting structure.

Abstract: Provided is a keyboard apparatus including: a hammer, having a mass body on one end side, rotating in a first direction by being pushed on the other end side when a key is pressed; and a load application member, applying, to the hammer, at least one of a first load directed in the first direction and a second load directed in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first load is a load that gradually increases as approaching a terminal position of the key in key pressing. The second load is a load that gradually decreases as approaching the terminal position.

Abstract: A method for assembling a keyboard instrument includes installing a keyboard unit on a lower case such that an insertion hole of a key-connecting part of the keyboard unit is positioned corresponding to a lower side installation part of the lower case; thereafter, placing a upper case on the keyboard unit such that an upper side installation part of the upper case is positioned inside the insertion hole of the key-connecting part of the keyboard unit and mates with the lower side installation part of the lower case; and while the upper side installation part of the upper case is positioned inside the insertion hole of the key-connecting part of the keyboard unit and mates with the lower side installation part, inserting a fastening member into the upper side installation part and the lower side installation part to fix the upper case to the lower case via the fastening member.

Abstract: A haptic controller including a base, a plurality of actuators, each actuator being mounted pivotally relative to the base along a pivoting axis perpendicular to the main direction, a plurality of damping elements, each being positioned so as to dampen a rotation movement of an actuator, the damping elements being elastically deformable between an initial configuration and a final configuration, each damping element including a body of deformable material, the body having at least one recess, wherein, each of the actuators have a protrusion suitable for coming into contact with the associated damping element, and each protrusion has a free end defining a contact with the associated damping element in its initial configuration.

Abstract: A electronic portable keyboard instrument includes a plurality of keys arranged in a first direction; a plurality of hammers respectively corresponding to the plurality of keys, each of the plurality of hammers including a force application point that is formed on one end side and that is pressed down when the corresponding key is pressed, a weight that is formed on another end side and imparts action weight to a pressed key, and a fulcrum formed between the force application point and the weight so that the hammer rocks in vertical directions about the fulcrum when the corresponding key is pressed; and a casing including at least one reinforcing member that is formed in a gap between the plurality of hammers so as to not be contacted by the weights of the hammers when the hammers rock about the respective fulcrums with a lateral positional shift in the first direction.

Abstract: A hammer assembly includes: a weight; and a pivot member including a first weight supporter configured to support the weight in a first direction, a second weight supporter configured to support the weight in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a coupling portion configured to couple the first weight supporter and the second weight supporter to each other. A distance from the first weight supporter to the weight and a distance from the second weight supporter to the weight increase with decrease in distance to the coupling portion in at least a portion of a region of the weight.

Abstract: Systems and methods of orienting a vision impaired user with a musical instrument and systems and methods of directing the vision impaired user to tune the musical instrument are disclosed. A method of orienting includes directing the user to play a note on the musical instrument, determining the note and a corresponding location on the musical instrument, the corresponding location being a portion of the musical instrument that generates the note, determining a difference between the corresponding location and a target location, the target location representing at least a portion of a positioning necessary for the user to play the musical instrument, generating one or more non-visual directions based on the difference, and providing the one or more non-visual directions to the user. The one or more non-visual directions direct the user to the target location.

Abstract: A long part-mounting structure of a piano, which makes it possible to mount a long part as a component part of a piano to a mounted member without causing warpage of the long part and maintain excellent appearance of the piano even when applied to a transparent piano. This long part-mounting structure is for mounting a keyslip as a component part of the piano to a keybed over the entire longitudinal length of the keyslip. The keyslip has a contact surface in contact with the keybed over the entire longitudinal length of keyslip and a mounting protrusion extending the entire longitudinal length of the keyslip and protruding a predetermined length toward the keybed from the contact surface. The keybed has a contacted surface with which the contact surface of the keyslip is brought into contact and a long groove into which the mounting protrusion is fitted.

Abstract: A hammer unit for use in a keyboard device or the like includes a plurality of hammer arms which are respectively operated in response to key depression operations on a plurality of keys, and a hammer connecting section which has a length corresponding to array of the plurality of keys, is connected to the plurality of hammer arms to support the plurality of hammer arms in an arrayed state, and has mounting sections which are provided in a direction of the array in areas where the hammer arms are not connected, and by which the hammer connecting section is mounted to a keyboard chassis. As a result, the assembling workability is improved.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a plurality of hammer members provided corresponding to a plurality of keys, whereby each hammer member applies an action load to a depressed key by rotating in conjunction with the key, and a key load applying member which applies a key load to the key by the hammer member coming in contact therewith when the hammer member is rotated, in which the key load applying member is singly provided corresponding to the plurality of keys, and a first portion of the key load applying member corresponding to a first key and a second portion of the key load applying member corresponding to a second key are different in at least one of thickness, level of elasticity, and level of viscosity.

Abstract: A keyboard device has a plurality of keys, wherein each key includes: a base member formed of a resin material in a box shape having an open lower surface opposite a touching surface, the base member having a rotatably supported base end side; and a pair of wood members formed of a wood material in a rectangular plate shape, disposed respectively on left and right side surfaces of the base member, wherein at least one of the pair of wood members has a thickness dimension within a range of 2 mm or more and 14.5 mm or less.

Abstract: The invention provides a keyboard device of an electronic musical instrument, wherein a hammer can be installed correctly by a simple operation of pressing a key. The keyboard device of the electronic musical instrument includes: a chassis; a key disposed rotatably on the chassis and extending from the rear to a front; a support shaft disposed on the chassis in front of the rotation center; a hammer rotating in conjunction with the key along with pressing on the front of the key; a retaining hole formed through the hammer and retaining the support shaft; a guide groove guiding the support shaft in the retaining hole; and a shifting means, shifting from a temporarily secured state to a retained state, and pressing the hammer in the temporarily secured state toward the rear to shift the hammer to the retained state along with the pressing on the front of the key.

Abstract: A weight for a key of a keyboard musical instrument that is to be inserted and secured in an attachment space, provided to the key, is provided. The weight includes: a weight body portion; and a corrugated portion, disposed in at least one portion of a lateral surface of the weight body portion, the lateral surface being located around an axis extending in an inserting direction of the weight body portion into the attachment space, the corrugated portion including a plurality of corrugations aligned in the inserting direction. The weight body portion and the corrugated portion are made of an elastic material.

Abstract: A keyboard device capable of suppressing noise that occurs upon release of the key is provided. The key is formed with a protrusion and a hammer is formed with a sliding surface. Moreover, the hammer is provided with contact portions that come into contact with a side surface of the protrusion when the key is pressed to the bottom in a key-pressing direction. Thus, when the key is released, the contact between the side surface of the protrusion and the contact portions prevents the key from rotating before the hammer, thereby preventing the protrusion from departing from the sliding surface and suppressing the generation of noise that occurs when the protrusion falls on (hits) the sliding surface.

Abstract: A key (11) is supported by key supporting portions (32) so that the key (11) can pivot. A reaction force generation member (22) is shaped like a dome to be elastically deformed by a key-depression of the key (11). At the time of the elastic deformation, the reaction force generation member (22) increases a reaction force from the beginning with an increasing amount of elastic deformation. After the reaction force reaches its peak, the reaction force generation member (22) buckles to reduce the reaction force. A normal line of a plane (P1) including a pivot axis (C) of the key (11) and a depression point of a depression portion (11a) is designed to be roughly parallel to an axis line (Y1) of the reaction force generation member (22) at the point in time when the reaction force of the reaction force generation member (22) reaches its peak.

Abstract: A keyboard device has a plurality of keys, wherein each key includes: a base member formed of a resin material in a box shape having an open lower surface opposite a touching surface, the base member having a rotatably supported base end side; and a pair of wood members formed of a wood material in a rectangular plate shape, disposed respectively on left and right side surfaces of the base member, wherein at least one of the pair of wood members has a thickness dimension within a range of 2 mm or more and 14.5 mm or less.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument is provided and methods of playing and assembling the same. The instrument comprises a controller for enabling activation of electronic signals having audible, visible, amplifiable, recordable and/or like characteristics, and a power source for operating the controller. A first keyboard is provided having a first selected length and being oriented in a first direction such that (i) audible notes of music from at least one internal sound module and/or at least one external sound module, (ii) recordable data to be enhanced or modified by an external sequencer or program controlled apparatus, (iii) photoelectric signals, and (iv) processes or mechanisms, triggered or controlled by external signals or data, for controlling machines, video playback or lighting, and/or the like may be generated and/or activated using a first hand of one or more users.

Abstract: A key 11 is supported by key supporting portions 32 so that the key 11 can pivot. A reaction force generation member 22 is shaped like a dome to be elastically deformed by a key-depression of the key 11. At the time of the elastic deformation, the reaction force generation member 22 increases a reaction force from the beginning with an increasing amount of elastic deformation. After the reaction force reaches its peak, the reaction force generation member 22 buckles to reduce the reaction force. A normal line of a plane P1 including a pivot axis C of the key 11 and a depression point of a depression portion 11a is designed to be roughly parallel to an axis line Y1 of the reaction force generation member 22 at the point in time when the reaction force of the reaction force generation member 22 reaches its peak.

Abstract: A keyboard device for a keyboard instrument capable of having each key easily mounted on a keyboard chassis while ensuring stable pivotal motion of the key, without damaging the key. A keyboard chassis holds keys in arrangement in a left-right direction. A key support part has a lower support portion for supporting a pivot shaft of a key from below, and left and right upper support portions erected with a predetermined spacing in the direction, for supporting a key rear end portion located upward of the shaft from above. When mounting the key to the key support part, the upper support portions have its spacing expanded by the key rear end, thereby being elastically deformed to pass the key rear end, and thereafter, elastically return to their original state to hold the key rear end in a retained state by cooperating with the lower support portion.

Abstract: A novel Janko-type keyboard with attachable/detachable touch plates is disclosed. The touch plates have a coloring differing from traditional keyboards. A novel music tablature corresponding to the keyboard design is provided. Also a novel piano notation system corresponding to the keyboard design is provided. Finally a method to teach playing Janko-type keyboard is provided, where the method included virtual Janko-keyboard on computer touch screen, optionally an actual electronic Janko-keyboard attached to the computer and computer programs providing music notation on tablature system of this disclosure.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes plural white keys, plural black keys, and plural hammers respectively engaged with the plural white and black keys. Vertical length of a drive portion for a first key and a second key are set the same, the first and second keys both being white keys, or both being black keys. Longitudinal position of hammer support portion of a first hammer engaged with the first key and longitudinal position of a hammer support portion of a second hammer engaged with the second key are set the same. Vertical positions of hammer support portions of the first and second hammers are respectively set according to a distance from a front end of an operation portion of the first key and a key support portion and a distance from a front end of an operation portion of the second key and a key support portion.

Abstract: A key for a keyboard instrument, which makes it possible to easily attach a weight to a synthetic resin-made key body while securing a desired touch weight to be given during key depression, and can be manufactured at low costs. The key includes a pivotally movable key body made of a synthetic resin, extending in a front-rear direction, and having a recess open downward, and a weight made of a material whose main component has an elasticity, and attached to the key body in a state received in the recess. The recess has a locking portion formed at an opening edge portion in a manner projecting therefrom such that the locking portion allows the weight to be received into the recess while being elastically deformed when the weight is attached to the key body, and locks the received weight in a state prevented from falling out.

Abstract: Important new descriptors (Down Force Slope and Up Force Slope), which more fully and meaningfully characterize the continuous Down Force and Up Force are revealed. Similar descriptors are also created to more fully characterize the Balance Force and Frictional Force curves. The invention also discloses various methods and means for accurately testing, measuring and determining other parameters (including the position of the at-rest key, key sluggishness, and others characterizing the “let-off” event) in an accurate and efficient manner. Methods of quantifying and measuring the actual inertia of a key action—in a non-invasive manner—are also disclosed, with several inertial parameters being defined. Methods for quantifying and measuring the actual inertia of the major individual components of a key action are also detailed, along with parameters and methods for expressing their contribution “at the key”.

Abstract: A key for a keyboard instrument, which makes it possible to easily attach a weight to a synthetic resin-made key body while securing a desired touch weight to be given during key depression, and can be manufactured at low costs. The key includes a pivotally movable key body made of a synthetic resin, extending in a front-rear direction, and having a recess open downward, and a weight made of a material whose main component has an elasticity, and attached to the key body in a state received in the recess. The recess has a locking portion formed at an opening edge portion in a manner projecting therefrom such that the locking portion allows the weight to be received into the recess while being elastically deformed when the weight is attached to the key body, and locks the received weight in a state prevented from falling out.

Abstract: A musical note learning system is disclosed. Color coded musical notation sheets include note colors corresponding to similar colors applied or displayed on a musical instrument. The color coded musical notation sheets may include directional indicator symbols corresponding to sharp or flat notes to be played on the instrument. The musical notation sheets may also include chord indicator symbols corresponding to chords to be played on the instrument.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument is provided and methods of playing and assembling the same. The instrument comprises a controller for enabling activation of electronic signals having audible, visible, amplifiable, recordable and/or like characteristics, and a power source for operating the controller. A first keyboard is provided having a first selected length and being oriented in a first direction such that (i) audible notes of music from at least one internal sound module and/or at least one external sound module, (ii) recordable data to be enhanced or modified by an external sequencer or program controlled apparatus, (iii) photoelectric signals, and (iv) processes or mechanisms, triggered or controlled by external signals or data, for controlling machines, video playback or lighting, and/or the like may be generated and/or activated using a first hand of one or more users.

Abstract: A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, including several keys arranged side by side in a left-right direction, a hammer support disposed rearward of the keys, a plurality of hammers pivotally supported by the hammer support to be pivotally moved in accordance with key depression, and a key switch having a plurality of switch bodies provided in association with the respective hammers and a switch board mounted to the hammer support. The hammer support has a hammer supporting part for supporting the hammers and a switch mounting part to which the key switch is mounted, and is formed by an injection molded article of a predetermined kind of synthetic resin.

Abstract: A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, capable of ensuring stable contact between movable contacts and fixed contacts of a switch body, to accurately detect key depression information. A hammer has a pressure-applying surface formed in a predetermined configuration. A key switch detects key depression information and includes a substrate with fixed contacts, a hollow switch body with a pressure-receiving surface, and movable contacts provided inside the body. Pressing of the pressure-receiving surface by the pressure-applying surface sequentially brings the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts, causing switch body compressive deformation. The pressure-receiving surface and pressure-applying surface are complementary in shape, and an orientation of the former conforms to an orientation of the latter when hammer pivotal motion is terminated after the movable contacts are brought into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A key switch for an electronic piano, which makes it possible to increase an allowable range for shift of a movable contact without increasing the size of the key switch of the three-contact type. The key switch includes a substrate having first to third stationary contacts arranged thereon side by side in the lengthwise direction of a pivotal member as one of a key and a hammer. Each stationary contact has a common contact and a non-common contact. The common contact has an extended portion extending between two non-common contacts. The key switch has first to third movable contacts arranged side by side on an elastic switch body, for being sequentially brought into contact with the common contacts and non-common contacts of the stationary contacts as the switch body is pressed by the pivotal member, to thereby output signals indicative of key depression information.

Abstract: A musical instrument keyboard is provided comprising a plurality of black and white keys being identically shaped and sized and arranged on a single plane in a parallel and fully adjacent manner relative to one another said keys being connected to key responsive means for enabling the generation of tones substantially within the tonal range of a standard piano.

Abstract: The present invention includes a keyboard chassis 1; keys 2 which are arranged on the keyboard chassis 1 and rotate in an up and down direction by bending a bendable section 22 positioned in the rear; and a key rotation holding section 30 for holding the rotation fulcrum of a key 2 stable when it rotates in the up and down direction. Accordingly, the rotation fulcrum of the key 2 is kept stable by a first supporting section 31 and a second supporting section 32 of the key rotation holding section 30 when the key 2 is depressed and the bendable section 22 bends in the up and down direction, whereby the key 2 is stably rotated. Therefore, regardless of whether the front portion of the key 2 is being depressed or the rear portion thereof is being depressed, the rotation movement of the key 2 will always remain stable.

Abstract: A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, which enables facilitation of work for mounting and dismounting a key switch and install hammers and the key switch with high accuracy, and provision of a touch feeling similar to one provided by an acoustic grand piano while keeping the device compact in depth. The device comprises swingable keys, a hammer support formed by a synthetic resin molded article, hammers pivotally supported by the hammer support, and a key switch including switch bodies provided in association with the hammers and a switch board. The hammer support has a switch mounting part formed with an opening vertically extending therethrough. The key switch is removably mounted to the switch mounting part, with the switch bodies facing the hammers from above via the opening and the switch board placed on the upper surface of the switch mounting part.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes hammers 16w,16b that rock with the rocking movement of plural white and black keys 11w,11b. The plural white and black keys 11w,11b include drive units that drive the hammers 16w,16b. The drive unit is provided anterior or posterior to a front end of the key. A positional relationship between a plane including a key support portion of each white key 11w and black key 11b and the front end of the white key 11w and black key 11b, and a top face of each white key 11w and black key 11b is set such that the top faces of the plural white keys 11w and black key 11b are located on the same plane, when the rocking angles of the plural white keys 11w and black key 11b reach a predetermined angle respectively.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes plural white and black keys 11w,11b that rock according to a key depression/release operation. Positions of key support portions 13w,13b supporting the plural white and black keys 11w,11b in the longitudinal direction are set to be different from one another. The keyboard device also includes hammers 16w,16b that rock with the rocking movement of the plural white and black keys 11w,11b. The plural white and black keys 11w,11b include drive units 11w1, 11b1 that drive the hammers 16w, 16b respectively. The pivot center of the hammer 16b is located posterior to the pivot center of the hammer 16w. An upper-limit stopper 21 and a lower-limit stopper 20, which restrict the rocking movement of the hammers 16w,16b are provided to extend in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes plural white and black keys 11w, 11b that rock according to a key depression/release operation. Positions of key support portions 13w, 13b supporting the plural white and black keys 11w, 11b in the longitudinal direction are set to be different from one another. The keyboard device also includes hammers 16w, 16b that rock with the rocking movement of the plural white and black keys 11w, 11b. The plural white and black keys 11w, 11b include drive units 11w1, 11b1 that drive the hammers 16w, 16b. The pivot centers of the hammers are located on the same straight line extending in the lateral direction. The drive unit 11b1 is located anterior to the drive unit 11w1. An upper-limit stopper 21 and a lower-limit stopper 20, which restrict the rocking movement of the hammers 16w, 16b, are provided to extend in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes plural white and black keys 11w, 11b that rock according to a key depression/release operation. Positions of key support portions 13w, 13b supporting the plural white and black keys 11b, 11w in the longitudinal direction are set to be different from one another. The keyboard device also includes hammers 16w, 16b that rock with the rocking movement of the plural white and black keys 11w, 11b. The plural white and black keys 11w, 11b include drive units 11w1, 11b1 that drive the hammers 16w, 16b. The drive units 11w1, 11b1 and the pivot centers of the hammers are located on the same straight line extending in the lateral direction. An upper-limit stopper 21 and a lower-limit stopper 20, which restrict the rocking movement of the hammers 16w, 16b, are provided to extend in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes hammers 16w, 16b that rock with the rocking movement of plural white and black keys 11w, 11b. The plural white and black keys 11w, 11b include drive units that drive the hammers 16w, 16b. The drive unit is provided on a front end of the key. A positional relationship between a plane including a key support portion of each white key 11w and black key 11b and the front end of the white key 11w and black key 11b, and a top face of each white key 11w and black key 11b is set such that the top faces of the plural white keys 11w and black keys 11b are located on the same plane, when the rocking angles of the plural white keys 11w and black keys 11b reach a predetermined angle respectively.

Abstract: A keyboard device capable of reconstructing a unique clicking sense of an acoustic piano is provided. A first incline portion (a plane or curved surface) of a sliding surface is inclined towards a direction gradually departing from a base portion of a protrusion along a displacement direction of the protrusion in a key-pressing operation for reducing a resistance exerted on the protrusion and suppressing a gradual increase of a sense of resistance. Moreover, a bump portion located at where the protrusion reaches after sliding through the first incline portion is used to increase the resistance exerted on the protrusion for increasing the sense of resistance. When the protrusion crosses over the bump portion, the sense of resistance is reduced. Accordingly, variation in the sense of resistance before and after the bump portion is increased, and the unique clicking sense of the acoustic piano is reproduced.

Abstract: This key structure includes rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 which are respectively provided in the rear end of key bodies 11, 15, and 19 arrayed in parallel, and serve as rotation fulcrums for rotations of the key bodies 11, 15, and 16 in an up and down direction, and connecting sections 14, 18, and 22 which respectively rotatably connect the rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 along a key array direction. Therefore, the key bodies 11, 15, and 19 can be integrally formed by the connecting sections 14, 18, and 22, and the rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 can be independently rotated. Additionally, as a result of the rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 being evenly arrayed, the spacing between the keys and the key alignment can beheld evenly, and the key bodies 11, 15, and 19 can be stably rotated when depressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keyboard device 100, in which a plurality of keys 3 are attached to a keyboard chassis 1 rotatably in a keying direction. In the keyboard device 100, a key pressing member 20 of the keyboard chassis 1 includes sliding portions 26 as protruding parts. Chassis attachment portions 36 of the keys 3 include opening portions 36a as recessed parts. A configuration is adopted so that, in a state where the sliding portions 26 and the opening portions 36a are engaged with other, the keys 3 can be prevented from dropping off from the keyboard chassis 1, and inclination of the keys 3 in a transverse direction can be suppressed.

Abstract: A key having a key-depression surface with a woody characteristic and durability without the need of a surface treatment and capable of being formed from a simple-shaped uncompressed wood. A key for use as a black key includes a resin part and a compressed wood part secured at its lower surface to an upper surface of the resin part. The compressed wood part is used to constitute a portion of a key top including an upper surface and positioned above an upper surface of white keys which are in a non-key-depression state. The compressed wood part is obtained by compression molding of unprocessed wood. The compressed density in the vertical direction in the compressed wood part is higher toward rearward from a front end of the compressed wood part.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument is provided in order to further improve expressiveness as a keyboard instrument while ease in performing is ensured. In the keyboard, a plurality of keys is lined up in order, and each supported so as to be pivotable about a supporting point. The keys include first keys, second keys, and third keys. The first keys, the second keys, and the third keys constitute key portions, in which the first keys, the second keys, and the third keys are respectively lined up according to types of the keys in a lateral direction and disposed in order of the first keys, the second keys, and the third keys from a front side. The key portions are disposed on a plurality of steps in an up-and-down direction.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for musical learning and interaction. Embodiments include presenting a grouping of keys that share the same tonal context, and that have a tonal context that fits with a particular song. A user is prompted to provide user input, while the particular song is being played, using any order of keys selected from the particular key grouping. User input is received and is used as part of a music lesson and/or as part of a remix of the particular song. In addition, a musical instrument includes a centered keyboard, which include top keys and bottom keys that are pressable to produce musical notes and that are symmetrically centered about the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A pedal device of an electronic keyboard musical instrument comprises a pedal lever swingable according to a depressing manipulation and a reaction force exerting unit for exerting on the pedal lever a reaction force of an amount which depends on an amount of the swing of the pedal lever. The reaction force exerting unit comprises, as an integral unit, a first movable member to be displaced via a thrust rod transferring the swing of the pedal lever, a first urging member which urges the first movable member in a direction to exert the reaction force on the pedal lever, a second movable member to be displaced by the first movable member after the swing of the pedal lever exceeds a predetermined amount, and a second urging member which urges the second movable member in the direction to exert the reaction force on the pedal lever. The first movable member, the second movable member, the first urging member and the second urging member are arranged coaxially around a common axis.

Abstract: This key structure includes rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 which are respectively provided in the rear end of key bodies 11, 15, and 19 arrayed in parallel, and serve as rotation fulcrums for rotations of the key bodies 11, 15, and 16 in an up and down direction, and connecting sections 14, 18, and 22 which respectively rotatably connect the rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 along a key array direction. Therefore, the key bodies 11, 15, and 19 can be integrally formed by the connecting sections 14, 18, and 22, and the rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 can be independently rotated. Additionally, as a result of the rotating shaft sections 12, 16, and 20 being evenly arrayed, the spacing between the keys and the key alignment can beheld evenly, and the key bodies 11, 15, and 19 can be stably rotated when depressed.

Abstract: New parameters (Down Force, Up Force, Balance Force, and Average Friction) are defined for evaluating important “stroke characteristics” of individual key actions of one or more pianos or keyboards, describing exactly how these parameters are to be tested, measured and determined. The new parameters are designed to replace the prior art parameters of Down Weight, Up Weight, Balance Weight and Friction. Various methods, means and apparatus are disclosed for accurately testing, measuring and determining these new parameters, with the capability of performing thousands of measurements—on thousands of different key mechanisms—in a short amount of time.

Abstract: Keys of a piano are depressed against the total weight of associated action units and hammers so that balance weight pieces are embedded in the front portion of each key; since the wood bar of the key is expandable and shrinkable due to the conditions of the environment, the weight pieces are liable to come loose; the balance weight piece is formed with ridges and valleys repeated at least 7 times at fine pitches equal to or less than 2 millimeters, and the maximum diameter of the ridges is slightly longer than an inner diameter of a hole formed in the wood bar; while the balance weight piece is being pressed into the hole, the ridges make the inner surface portion elastically deformed; when the balance weight piece reaches the target position, the inner surface portion penetrates into the valleys so that the balance weight piece is lodged therein.

Abstract: A key having a key-depression surface with a woody characteristic and durability without the need of a surface treatment and capable of being formed from a simple-shaped uncompressed wood. A key for use as a black key includes a resin part and a compressed wood part secured at its lower surface to an upper surface of the resin part. The compressed wood part is used to constitute a portion of a key top including an upper surface and positioned above an upper surface of white keys which are in a non-key-depression state. The compressed wood part is obtained by compression molding of unprocessed wood. The compressed density in the vertical direction in the compressed wood part is higher toward rearward from a front end of the compressed wood part.

Abstract: A key having a key-depression surface with a woody characteristic and durability without the need of a surface treatment and capable of being formed from a simple-shaped uncompressed wood. A key for use as a black key includes a resin part and a compressed wood part secured at its lower surface to an upper surface of the resin part. The compressed wood part is used to constitute a portion of a key top including an upper surface and positioned above an upper surface of white keys which are in a non-key-depression state. The compressed wood part is obtained by compression molding of unprocessed wood. The compressed density in the vertical direction in the compressed wood part is higher toward rearward from a front end of the compressed wood part.