# US 12,190,853 B2 · Keyboard device for keyboard instrument

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- Number: US 12,190,853 B2
- Document ID: US12190853B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/189,046
- Filed: 2023-03-23
- Published: 2023-10-05
- Granted: 2025-01-07
- Earliest claimed: 2022-03-30
- Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
- Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
- Inventors: Tsutomu Yamaguchi
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12190853B2

## CPC

- G10H 1/344: {Structural association with individual keys (electrically operated wind-actuated organs G10B3/22)}
- G10H 1/346: {Keys with an arrangement for simulating the feeling of a piano key, e.g. using counterweights, springs, cams}
- G10H 2220/265: Key design details; Special characteristics of individual keys of a keyboard; Key-like musical input devices, e.g. finger sensors, pedals, potentiometers, selectors
- G10H: ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE

## Abstract

A keyboard device for a keyboard instrument, including a key support mechanism assembled to a keyboard chassis, improved not only in the ease of assembly during manufacturing of the keyboard device but also in the ease of disassembly during maintenance of the same. The keyboard device includes a keyboard chassis, a key disposed on the keyboard chassis, and a key support mechanism which supports the key from below and causes, upon depression of the key, the depressed key to operate such that the key pivotally moves about a virtual pivot. The key support mechanism includes a first arm and a second arm which, when mounted on the keyboard chassis during assembly of the keyboard device, in a state where one of the arms is pivotally engaged with the keyboard chassis, the other can be mounted on the keyboard chassis while being connected to the one.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A keyboard device for a keyboard instrument, including:
a keyboard chassis,
a key extending a predetermined length in a front-rear direction and disposed on the keyboard chassis, and
a key support mechanism engaged with the keyboard chassis and provided so as to support the key from below, the key support mechanism causing, upon depression of the key, the depressed key to operate such that the key pivotally moves about a virtual pivot located rearward of a rear end of the key,
wherein the key support mechanism comprises:
a first arm configured to extend a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and be pivotally and removably engaged with a first pivot shaft provided on the keyboard chassis, the first arm having a front end pivotally and slidably connected to a front portion of the key; and
a second arm configured to extend a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and be pivotally and removably engaged with a second pivot shaft provided on the keyboard chassis at a location rearward of the first pivot shaft, the second arm having a rear end pivotally connected to a rear portion of the key, and including a second arm front-side connecting portion which is disposed forward of the second pivot shaft and is pivotally, slidably and removably connected to a first arm rear-side connecting portion rearward of the first pivot shaft of the first arm,
wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured such that when the first arm and the second arm are mounted on the keyboard chassis at the time of assembly of the keyboard device, in a state in which one of the first arm and the second arm is pivotally engaged with the keyboard chassis, the other of the first arm and the second arm is capable of being mounted on the keyboard chassis while being connected to the one of the first arm and the second arm.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the second arm front-side connecting portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed with a predetermined spacing therebetween and protruding forward of the second arm by a predetermined length, the second arm front-side connecting portion having a U shape open forward of the second arm in side view, and
wherein a front end of one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed to protrude forward of a front end of the other of the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the second arm includes a bearing portion formed into a C shape in side view, for being engaged with the second pivot shaft by snap-fitting.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The keyboard device according to claim 3, wherein the second arm is formed with a tool engagement portion with which a predetermined tool is engaged when the second arm is removed from the keyboard chassis at the time of maintenance of the keyboard device.