Shielded computer printed circuit board retention apparatus

Abstract

A printed circuit board is mounted on the inner side of a conductively coated plastic computer housing wall using a screwless retention and grounding system molded integrally with the housing wall and including a spaced series of upstanding hook plate portions extendable through a series of elongated slots in the circuit board body and positioned in spaced, facing relationships with corresponding contact tab portions. The board is releasably mounted by pressing it inwardly against the tabs in a manner causing the hook plates to extend through the board slots, and causing the board to depress a resilient latch member formed on the housing wall. The board is then slid along the tabs until the latch pops up and releasably locks the board to the contact tabs with the outer ends of the hook plates overlying the board. Small radiused outer ends of the hook plates bear against the board, along concentrated force areas, and function to press electrically conductive pads on the underside of the board against outer ends of the contact tabs. In molding the facing pairs of hook plates and contact tabs, small openings are formed therebetween in the housing wall. Pairs of opposing ribs on the housing wall form with the hook plate and contact tab pairs tunnels disposed around the housing wall openings and serving to substantially inhibit circuit board EMI/RFI emissions outwardly through the openings so that they need not be plugged or otherwise covered.