Device for inserting and withdrawing circuit boards

#This application claims the priority of Application No. 195 07 724.5 filed in Germany on Mar. 7, 1995. The subject matter of that application is incorporated herein by reference.

#The invention relates to a device for inserting and withdrawing a plug-in assembly provided for insertion into a sub-rack, the device having a holding bracket for detachably securing a front plate, together with a printed circuit board, to a profiled rail of the sub-rack, the device further having a pivoting lever which is hinged to the holding bracket and has a press-down shoulder that is located in front of a front surface of the profiled rail when the plug-in assembly is inserted.

#The invention is used, in particular with plug-in assemblys that are connected using plug connectors. The invention is also used with support circuits and components whose function does not permit uncontrolled disconnection from their current supply. Further, the invention is used with other electrical and electronic components likewise accommodated in the sub-rack, without damage occurring or data being lost.

#The invention is described in detail below with respect to its preferred embodiment, in conjunction with the attached drawing. The drawing shows, in a vertical sectional view through a sub-rack, and in a somewhat simplified representation, the lower part of an inserted plug-in assembly.

#The illustrated plug-in assembly 1 essentially comprises a printed circuit board 2, a front plate 3, a holding bracket 4, a pivoting lever 5 and a plug connector 6. This plug-in assembly 1 is inserted into a commercially-available sub-rack, of which only the front, lower profiled rail 7 and the rear, lower profiled rail 8 can be seen in cross-section. The lower longitudinal edge 9 of the printed circuit board 2 is seated in a guide rail 10 which is inserted between the two profiled rails 7 and 8 and is attached to them in a manner which is not shown.

#The printed circuit board 2, shown broken off, comprises an insulating material and has a grid of holes 11 for securing electrical and electronic components connected to each other by electrical conductor paths. One of these components is a microswitch 12. In the region of its front, lower corner, the printed circuit board 2 is screwed to the holding bracket 4 by means of a cap screw 13. At its rear transverse edge, the printed circuit board 2 supports the connector strip 15 of the commercially-available plug connector 6, whose blade-contact connector 16 is attached to the rear, lower profiled rail 8. With the aid of this plug connector 6, the printed circuit board 2 is connected to the other electrical and electronic components, respectively, as well as to the current supply of the sub-rack.

#The front plate 3, also shown broken off and in section, comprises a sheet of aluminum. It is an elongated-rectangular plate which is inserted by its lower, narrow side into a transverse slot 17 of the holding bracket 4 and secured there by means of spring elements.