FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to electrical component enclosures and in particular to latches for securing lids to electrical component enclosures.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Enclosures for housing electrical components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic modules and like electrical components are known. Enclosures are typically made of plastic or metal and are designed to house electrical components within a secured recess. The enclosures are adapted for installation in different indoor and outdoor environments to meet end application needs.

It is known for electrical component enclosures to have removable faceplates or lids. Lids may be secured in place to an enclosure through the use of various kinds of retention latches.

It is known to actuate latch components through the use of elongate tools having blade, such as a screwdriver to allow lid removal.

The process of using a tool to actuate latch components is problematic. To actuate latch components, the tool blade must be properly located to engage and exert forces onto certain latch elements. Properly locating a tool blade to actuate small latch components can be difficult and time-consuming.

As latch elements may be located within an enclosure recess or other protective structure to prevent inadvertent latch actuation, visual confirmation of component engagement and actuation by a tool blade is difficult or not possible in the field. This can result in poor location of the tool blade.

When a disengagement force is applied to the tool, poor location of the tool blade can result in failed actuation of latch elements, undesired placement of the tool blade away from latch elements and potential damage to the enclosure or the components held therein.

Once the actuation of the latch elements is achieved, a user must use a free hand to remove the lid from the enclosure body while continuing to apply the disengagement force on latch elements though the tool blade. The need to use two hands simultaneously to achieve lid removal complicates the procedure and further increases the risk for blade dislocation.

Thus, it is desirable to provide an electrical component enclosure that allows for improved latch actuation. The enclosure should allow user actuation through use of a tool blade to overcome the challenges discussed above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed is an electrical component enclosure assembly that provides improved latch actuation and lid removal through the use of hand tools having a flat blade, such as a screwdriver blade.

The disclosed enclosure includes elements to properly locate a tool blade proximate latch elements and facilitate the application of force by the tool blade to actuate latch elements and disengage the enclosure lid in one motion. The enclosure allows for simplified disengagement the lid from the enclosure.

The disclosed enclosure also provides the user with physical feedback to inform the user of proper latch actuation during the lid removal procedure.

Other objects and features will become apparent as the description proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing sheets.

