초록 ▼

A modular front panel system for circuit cards utilizes hinged, interlockable, first and second circuit-card-carrying front panels. Each panel has a hinge component, e.g. a pivot element) that can mate with the component on the other panel (e.g., a groove). The hinged arrangement permits the panels

A modular front panel system for circuit cards utilizes hinged, interlockable, first and second circuit-card-carrying front panels. Each panel has a hinge component, e.g. a pivot element) that can mate with the component on the other panel (e.g., a groove). The hinged arrangement permits the panels to be releasably secured to one another so as to form a card assembly unit. The hinged arrangement also permits the panels to be moved angularly with respect to one-another, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of the two hinge components without obstruction by components mounted on the circuit cards. This is particularly well suited to applications in which the circuit cards have surface mounted connectors that mate and electrically connect when the panels are moved angularly. Moreover, the hinge arrangement permits a panel to be readily added and interlocked with, or removed from, an existing card assembly in electrical equipment, without requiring replacement of the existing front panel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] A panel to which a first circuit card can be mounted for installation in electronic equipment, said panel comprising:A) a face plate;B) a card attaching structure connected to said face plate for attaching said first circ

[ What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] A panel to which a first circuit card can be mounted for installation in electronic equipment, said panel comprising:A) a face plate;B) a card attaching structure connected to said face plate for attaching said first circuit card to said face plate; andC) a hinge component connected to said face plate for interlocking with a second hinge component of a second panel, wherein said hinge component includes a groove extending along substantially an entire first side of said face plate and opening on at least a first end of said face plate.