Abstract The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a keyboard construction and electrical connection between a keyboard and its associated tone generators which electronically produce musical sounds. Each of the keys of the keyboard has associated therewith a switch structure which has a selfadjusting stem and stem cap which initially extends a distance greater than is ordinarily required during operation. When the keyboard is initially assembled, the first actuation of the key on the keyboard will depress the actuating stem and cause the stem cap associated therewith to ratchet to a final position where it will always remain. Each of the switches on the keyboard is wired into a matrix which forms part of an encoder logic circuit located at the keyboard. A second similarly constructed decoder logic circuit is associated with the tone generators located within the cabinet of the musical instrument. Time-frame encoding exists between the two logic circuits so that the logic circuit within the organ cabinet knows exactly when one of the keys on the keyboard is depressed to thereby enable the associated tone generator. Only a few wires are needed to interconnect the two logic circuits.
A keyboard construction for electronic organs comprising a manually operated key operatable about a pivot point to move from a first orientation to a second orientation upon actuation of said key, a stop means for stopping said key at said second orientation, an electric switch associated with said key having a depressable actuating plunger extending toward said key, a key cap on said plunger, said cap and said plunger having gripping means formed thereon which are constructed so as to allow said cap to be forced on said cap from an initial position, at which said plunger extends into said cap by a minimum amount when said key is at its first orientation, to a final position, at which said plunger extends into said cap by an additional amount corresponding to the actuation of said key to said second orientation so that said cap and said plunger thereafter retain their relative positions upon release of said key to said first orientation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A keyboard construction for electronic organs comprising a manually operated key operatable about a pivot point to move from a first orientation to a second orientation upon actuation of said key, a stop means for stopping said key at said second orientation, an electric switch associated with said key having a depressable actuating plunger extending toward said key, a key cap on said plunger, said cap and said plunger having gripping means formed thereon which are constructed so as to allow said cap to be forced on said cap from an initial position, at which said plunger extends into said cap by a minimum amount when said key is at its first orientation, to a final position, at which said plunger extends into said cap by an additional amount corresponding to the actuation of said key to said second orientation so that said cap and said plunger thereafter retain their relative positions upon release of said key to said first orientation.