The key actuation system is designed for use with a keyboard instrument of the type that has a key fulcrum which pivotally supports multiple keys. Each key has a front end forward of the fulcrum which is to be depressed by a player, and a rear portion which is positioned rearward of the fulcrum and it pivots upwardly when the front end is depressed. The key actuation system includes a pull solenoid with a coil portion and a piston. When the coil portion of the solenoid is energized, the piston is drawn into the coil portion. The solenoid is mounted such that the coil portion is above one of the keys and behind the key fulcrum. The piston is in mechanical communication with the rear portion of the key so that when the coil portion is energized and the piston is drawn into the coil portion, the rear portion of the key is lifted upwardly.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/387,395, filed Sep. 2, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,643, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Applications having Ser. No. 60/099,081 filed Sep. 4, 1998; Ser. No. 60/104,920 filed Oct. 20, 1998; Ser. No. 60/109,169 filed Nov. 20, 1998; Ser. No. 60/116,746 filed Jan. 22, 1999; Ser. No. 60/136,188 filed May 27, 1999 and Ser. No. 60/144,969 filed Jul. 21, 1999, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard musical instrument is provided for reducing the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of parts and the number of assembling steps associated with the attachment of a substrate, and securely attaching the substrate to a chassis through a spacer. The keyboard device comprises a plurality of keys; a chassis for supporting a plurality of keys; a substrate attached to the chassis for detecting information on depression on the keys; and a spacer interposed between the substrate and chassis. The spacer has tabs for preventing rotation, while the substrate is formed with engaging holes. The spacer is attached to the substrate with the tabs in engagement with the engaging holes. The substrate is attached to the chassis with a first screw driven into the spacer through the chassis.
The present invention provides an actuation system for the pedal system of a keyboard instrument. The system includes an actuator with block of ferromagnetic material having a bore, a coil disposed in the bore, and a piston surrounded by the coil, the piston is in mechanical communication with a pedal rod. When the actuator is energized, the piston moves relative to the coil, thereby moving the rod.
