SHIELDED EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE

• Main Author: RENNIE FRANK MCINTOSH
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.11.1988
• Edition: 4
• Subjects: CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ELECTRICITY; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS; PRINTED CIRCUITS

An equipment enclosure comprises a frame (10) together with a top panel (22), two side panels (16) and front (58) and rear (60) panels together with front base (40) and rear base panels(44). The side panels (16) are held using studs (18) in recesses (20) in the frame (10). The top cover (22) rests on a top face (24) of the frame (10) initially by gravity and engages the studs (18) to position the side panels (16) relative to the frame (10). Front (58) and rear (60) panels are then affixed respectively to a front edge (54) and a rear edge (56) of the top panel and affixed at their respective lower ends (76) using the front base panel (40) and the rear base panel (44). The tolerances are such that outside dimensions of the enclosure are entirely defined by the mutual engagement between the panels (58, 60, 40, 44, 16, 22) and the frame (10) can occupy a range of positions within the completed enclosure. Each panel (16,22,58,60) is coated with a conducting layer (73,75,39) electrically connected to the frame (10) by conducting gaskets (78,80,74) providing electro-magnetic shielding. Tip portions (70,72,28,48) to the panels (22,16,58,60) provide labyrinthine paths between all points at the same electrical potential as the frame (10) and the panels themselves are made of insulating material thus preventing electrostatic discharge.