Rack system, slide rail assembly, and contral method thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW114131848
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-08-18
Smart Images
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_114131848-A0305-14-0001-1 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_114131848-A0305-14-0002-2 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_114131848-A0305-14-0003-3
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a slide rail assembly, and more particularly to a slide rail assembly capable of being mounted to two columns of a frame. Prior Technology
[0002] For example, US Patent Publication No. 11,576,273 B2 discloses a server handle module comprising a handle and a plate. The handle includes a slide column assembly; the plate has a first slide rail and a second slide rail; the slide column assembly is pivotally disposed on the first slide rail and the second slide rail respectively; when the server is installed between a server and a rack, pushing the handle causes the server to be installed in the rack. When maintenance or replacement is required, the aforementioned handles must be manually operated one by one to unlock and pull out the server (or it can be ejected by the spring force of the water-cooled connector) before the operation can be performed. However, with the increasing demand in today's data centers, the number of servers has also increased. Manually operating each one for maintenance or replacement is not practical and makes it difficult to quickly locate the server that needs maintenance or replacement, thus leaving a problem that needs to be solved.
[0003] Therefore, with the changing market demands, how to develop a slide rail assembly product that can be unlocked by a motor has become an issue that cannot be ignored. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a slide rail assembly, particularly a slide rail assembly with motor-driven unlocking.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a locking member, a stop, a connecting rod, and a motor control unit. The second rail is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail; the locking member is movably mounted on one of the first rail and the second rail; the stop is arranged on the other of the first rail and the second rail; the connecting rod is operably connected to the locking member; the motor control unit is used to drive the connecting rod from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; wherein, when the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the locking member is in a locked state and can block the stop; wherein, when the connecting rod moves from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, causing the locking member to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, it allows the second rail to move relative to the first rail from the retracted position in an opening direction.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rack system that, when the slide rail assembly is installed on the rack, can receive control signals from the rack system for motor-driven unlocking of the slide rail assembly.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rack system is provided, comprising a first side column and a second side column positioned opposite each other. The rack system includes a control device, a control unit, and a pair of slide rail assemblies. The control unit is electrically connected to the control device and includes a sensor. The pair of slide rail assemblies are respectively mounted to the first side column and the second side column of the rack. Each slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a locking element, a stop, a connecting rod, and a motor control unit. The second rail is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail; the lock is movably mounted on one of the first rail and the second rail; the stop is arranged on the other of the first rail and the second rail; the linkage is operably connected to the lock; the motor control unit is used to drive the linkage from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; wherein the motor control unit of each slide rail assembly is electrically connected to the control unit; wherein when the second rail of each slide rail assembly is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the lock is in a locked state and can block the stop; wherein when the linkage of each slide rail assembly moves from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, causing the lock to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, it allows the second rail to move relative to the first rail from the retracted position in an opening direction.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a slide rail assembly of a rack system, wherein when the slide rail assembly is installed on the rack, the slide rail assembly can be operated through a control step.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a slide rail assembly of a rack system is provided. The rack system includes a control device, a control unit, and a slide rail assembly. The control unit is electrically connected to the control device. The slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a locking element, a stop, a connecting rod, and a motor control unit. The second rail is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail. The locking element is movably mounted on one of the first rail and the second rail. The stop is arranged on the other of the first rail and the second rail. The connecting rod is operably connected to the locking element. The motor control unit is electrically connected to the control unit. The motor control unit includes a drive device, a drive element, a control circuit, a first position switch, and a second position switch. The control circuit is electrically connected to the drive device, the first position switch, and the second position switch. The slide rail assembly control method includes the following... Steps: When the control device receives a signal, it issues a control command; the control circuit of the motor control unit issues a first power signal according to the control command to control the drive device of the motor control unit, driving the drive component of the motor control unit, causing the connecting rod to move from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; when the second position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the first power signal; after the control circuit of the motor control unit stops controlling the first power signal for a period of time, the control circuit will issue a second power signal to the drive device of the motor control unit to drive the drive component of the motor control unit, causing the connecting rod to move from the second predetermined position to the first predetermined position; when the first position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the second power signal.
[0010] Overall, compared with the prior art, the slide rail assembly of the present invention can be opened by unlocking through a motor drive, which makes maintenance or replacement more efficient and allows for faster and more convenient location of the server to be inspected or replaced. Simple Explanation of the Diagram
[0011]
[0012] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a first rail and a second rail of the slide rail assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a bracket and a first rail of the slide rail assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 4 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of a locking component of the slide rail assembly in area A of Figure 2;
[0016] Figure 5 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of an auxiliary component and a locking component of the slide rail assembly in area B of Figure 3;
[0017] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the slide rail assembly of one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a frame;
[0018] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of loads are mounted;
[0019] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly in a retracted position and a connecting rod of the slide rail assembly in a first predetermined position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the status of the auxiliary component and the locking component of the slide rail assembly in area C of Figure 8;
[0021] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly in the retracted position and the connecting rod of the slide rail assembly in a second predetermined position according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the status of the auxiliary component and the locking component of the slide rail assembly in region D of Figure 10;
[0023] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the rack system with the slide rail assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly in the retracted position and the connecting rod in the first predetermined position according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the slide rail assembly in the retracted position and the connecting rod in the second predetermined position according to another embodiment of the present invention. Implementation
[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a slide rail assembly 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first rail 22 (e.g., an outer rail) and a second rail 24 (e.g., an inner rail) that can be longitudinally displaced relative to each other. Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a third rail 26 (e.g., a middle rail) movably installed between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. The second rail 24 can be in a retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, and the second rail 24, the third rail 26 and the first rail 22 can be longitudinally displaced relative to each other. Here, the X-axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length direction of the slide rail assembly), the Y-axis is the transverse direction (or the side direction of the slide rail assembly), and the Z-axis is the vertical direction (or the height direction of the slide rail assembly).
[0027] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a locking element 28, a connecting rod 30, an auxiliary element 32, a pop-out mechanism 34, and a motor control unit 36.
[0028] The first track 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b (e.g., a front end and a rear end) that are positioned opposite each other, but the implementation is not limited. The first track 22 includes a first wall 38a, a second wall 38b and a longitudinal wall 40 connected between the first wall 38a and the second wall 38b of the first track 22. The first wall 38a, the second wall 38b and the longitudinal wall 40 of the first track 22 together define a channel for accommodating the third track 26.
[0029] Preferably, the first rail 22 is provided with a bracket 42, and the bracket 42 is interconnected with the first rail 22 (e.g., fixedly connected) and can be regarded as an integral unit. The first rail 22 further includes a stop 44 arranged in one of the first rail 22 and the bracket 42. Here, the stop 44 is arranged in the bracket 42 as an example (as shown in Figure 2). The stop 44 can be directly or indirectly arranged in the bracket 42. Here, the stop 44 can be a protrusion as an example. When the bracket 42 and the first rail 22 are interconnected (e.g., fixedly connected) and regarded as an integral unit, the stop 44 is arranged at the first end 22a adjacent to the first rail 22.
[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the bracket 42 has a first end 42a and a second end 42b (e.g., a front end and a rear end) that are positioned opposite each other, but the implementation is not limited. The bracket 42 includes a first wall 46a, a second wall 46b, and a side plate 48 connected between the first wall 46a and the second wall 46b of the bracket 42. Preferably, the side plate 48 of the bracket 42 includes an elongated slot 50, at least one mounting feature 52, and the stop 44. The elongated slot 50 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42 can communicate with the longitudinal wall 40 of the first rail 22. The at least one mounting feature 52 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42 can be used to mount and fix the motor control unit 36. Here, the elongated slot 50 and the at least one mounting feature 52 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42 are defined by a plurality of wall segments, and the elongated slot 50 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42 is set at a distance along the longitudinal length of the bracket 42. The stop 44 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42 is arranged at the first end 42a of the adjacent bracket 42. However, the implementation is not limited.
[0031] Preferably, the bracket 42 further includes at least one rack mounting feature 54 and a hook portion 56, the at least one rack mounting feature 54 being able to correspond to a rack mounting and fixing, and the hook portion 56 being arranged at the elongated slot 50 of the side plate 48 adjacent to the bracket 42.
[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the second rail 24 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b (e.g., a front end and a rear end) positioned opposite each other. Preferably, the second rail 24 is provided with a housing 58, which is connected (e.g., fixed) to the first end 24a of the adjacent second rail 24 and can be considered as part of the second rail 24. The housing 58 includes a first housing portion 58a and a second housing portion 58b that are interconnected. Preferably, a receiving space is defined between the first housing portion 58a and the second housing portion 58b, and the locking member 28 is movably arranged in the first housing portion 58a of the first end 24a of the second rail 24. Furthermore, the first housing portion 58a and the second housing portion 58b can accommodate and / or cover a portion of the locking member 28, providing a protective function, but the implementation is not limited.
[0033] Preferably, the second rail 24 is provided with a handle 60. The handle 60 is movable relative to the second rail 24. Here, taking the second rail 24 as an example, the handle 60 can be directly pivotally connected to the predetermined structure of the second rail 24, and the handle 60 is arranged at the first end 24a adjacent to the second rail 24, so that the handle 60 can pivot relative to the second rail 24 and thus operably connect to the lock 28. However, the implementation is not limited. Since this part is within the technical scope that can be understood by those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here for the sake of simplicity.
[0034] The locking element 28 is movably mounted on the first end 24a of the second rail 24. Taking the first housing portion 58a of the first end 24a of the second rail 24 as an example, the locking element 28 includes a locking portion 62, a working portion 64, and an intermediate portion 66 located between the locking portion 62 and the working portion 64. The intermediate portion 66 of the locking element 28 is pivotally connected to the first housing portion 58a on the second rail 24 via a first shaft 68 (see Figure 4). Here, the working portion 64 of the locking element 28 can be connected to a predetermined structure of the second rail 24, allowing the handle 60 to pivot operably relative to the second rail 24, thereby driving the locking element 28 to pivot relative to the second rail 24. However, the implementation is not limited to this example.
[0035] Preferably, the locking member 28 further includes an elastic member 70, which includes a first elastic portion 70a, a second elastic portion 70b, and a mounting portion 72 connected between the first elastic portion 70a and the second elastic portion 70b; the first elastic portion 70a abuts against the housing 58 (such as the first housing portion 58a) on the second rail 24, the second elastic portion 70b abuts against the locking member 28 (such as the locking portion 62), and the mounting portion 72 is mounted to the first shaft 6. 8. When the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the locking member 28 responds to the elastic force of the elastic member 70, so that the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 can block each other with the stop part 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22 and remain in a locked state L1 (as shown in Figure 1). The locking part 62 of the locking member 28 has a locking section 62a, thereby the locking section 62a of the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 can abut against the stop part 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22.
[0036] It is worth noting that the locking member 28 and the stop 44 have the function of blocking each other, and are not limited to the foregoing description. That is, the locking member 28 can also be provided on the first rail 22, and the stop 44 is correspondingly provided on the second rail 24. Therefore, the locking member 28 can actually be movably installed on one of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24, and the stop 44 can be arranged on the other of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24.
[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the connecting rod 30 is arranged on the first rail 22 and operably connected to the locking member 28. Taking the connecting rod 30 arranged on the longitudinal wall 40 of the first rail 22 as an example, the connecting rod 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b (e.g., a front end and a rear end) positioned opposite each other, and a body portion 74 connected between the first end 30a and the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30. Preferably, the body portion 74 of the connecting rod 30 has a longitudinal groove 74a, and at least one protrusion 76 (e.g., a pair of nails or pins) passes through a portion of the longitudinal groove 74a and is connected (e.g., fixed) to the longitudinal wall 40 of the first rail 22. Accordingly, the connecting rod 30 can move longitudinally relative to the first rail 22 within a limited range.
[0038] Preferably, the first end 30a of the connecting rod 30 is located at the first end 22a of the adjacent first rail 22, and when the bracket 42 is connected to the first rail 22 and can be regarded as a whole, the first end 30a of the connecting rod 30 is positioned between the first end 22a of the first rail 22 and the first end 42a of the bracket 42, wherein the first end 30a of the connecting rod 30 faces the locking member 28 and is operably connected to the locking member 28.
[0039] Preferably, the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 is located between the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the first rail 22. When the brackets 42 are connected to each other (e.g., fixedly connected) to the first rail 22 and can be considered as a single unit, the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 is positioned between the longitudinal wall 40 of the first rail 22 and the side plate 48 of the bracket 42, and adjacent to the elongated slot 50 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42. Here, it is exemplified that the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 has an actuating part 78 that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the second end 30b, and the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 can protrude toward the elongated slot 50 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42, but the implementation is not limited to this.
[0040] Preferably, the connecting rod 30 further includes a restoring elastic element 80, which includes a first elastic portion 80a and a second elastic portion 80b. The first elastic portion 80a of the restoring elastic element 80 is connected to the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 (e.g., the actuating portion 78 sleeved on the second end 30b), and the second elastic portion 80b of the restoring elastic element 80 is connected to the latch portion 56 of the bracket 42 (e.g., sleeved on the latch portion 56), so that the connecting rod 30 can be held in a first predetermined position P1 by responding to the elastic force of the restoring elastic element 80 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3).
[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the auxiliary component 32 is movably arranged on the second rail 24. Here, taking the first housing portion 58a of the first end 24a of the second rail 24, which is movably pivotally connected to the locking member 28 as an example, the auxiliary component 32 has a first end 32a and a second end 32b (e.g., a front end and a rear end) that are positioned opposite each other, and a body portion 82 is connected between the first end 32a and the second end 32b of the auxiliary component 32. The body portion 82 of the auxiliary component 32 is pivotally connected to the first housing portion 58a of the second rail 24 through a second shaft 84 (see Figure 5 for reference).
[0042] Preferably, when the brackets 42 are connected to each other (e.g., fixedly connected) to the first rail 22 and can be regarded as a whole, and the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the position of the auxiliary member 32 is between the locking member 28 and the connecting rod 30, that is, the first end 32a of the auxiliary member 32 is located at the locking part 62 adjacent to the locking member 28, and the second end 32b of the auxiliary member 32 is located at the first end 30a adjacent to the connecting rod 30. The first end 30a of the connecting rod 30 faces the second end 32b of the auxiliary member 32, and one of the second end 32b of the auxiliary member 32 and the first end 30a of the connecting rod 30 can be a guide section. Taking the first end 30a of the connecting rod 30 as an inclined guide section as an example, the auxiliary member 32 can be operably connected to indirectly operate the lock 28. However, the implementation is not limited. For example, the connecting rod 30 can also be directly (for example, without the auxiliary member 32) operably connected to the lock 28.
[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pop-out mechanism 34 is arranged on the first rail 22. Here, taking the arrangement of the pop-out mechanism 34 at the second end 22b of the first rail 22 as an example, the pop-out mechanism 34 includes an elastic element 86, a push rod 88, and a housing 90.
[0044] Preferably, the push rod 88 has a first end 88a and a second end 88b positioned opposite each other, and the housing 90 includes a first housing portion 90a and a second housing portion 90b connected to each other. Preferably, a receiving space is defined between the first housing portion 90a and the second housing portion 90b of the housing 90 of the ejection mechanism 34, thereby allowing the housing 90 to accommodate the elastic element 86 of the ejection mechanism 34 and the second end 88b of the push rod 88. Here, taking the elastic element 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34 located in the receiving space within the housing 90 as an example, one end of the elastic element 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34 abuts against a wall section of the receiving space within the housing 90, and the other end of the elastic element 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34 abuts against the second end 88b of the push rod 88, causing the push rod 88 of the pop-out mechanism 34 to respond to the elastic force of the elastic element 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34, so that the push rod 88 of the pop-out mechanism 34 partially protrudes out of the housing 90 of the pop-out mechanism 34, for example, the first end 88a of the push rod 88 of the pop-out mechanism 34 protrudes out of the housing 90 of the pop-out mechanism 34.
[0045] Preferably, as shown in FIG3, the second end 22b of the first rail 22 is provided with an installation space G for the ejection mechanism 34 to be installed. For example, the first shell portion 90a of the housing 90 can be snapped into the installation space G adjacent to the second end 22b of the first rail 22 and fixed to the second end 22b of the first rail 22.
[0046] Preferably, when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the locking member 28 responds to the elastic force of the elastic member 70, so that the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 can block the stop part 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22 and remain in the locked state L1. Therefore, the first end 88a of the push rod 88 of the pop-out mechanism 34 is pushed by the second end 24b of the second rail 24, so that the elastic member 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34 is in a state of accumulated elastic force (as shown by the elastic force F in Figure 1).
[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the motor control unit 36 is arranged on the first rail 22. Taking the example that the motor control unit 36 can be mounted and fixed to at least one mounting feature 52 of the side plate 48 of the bracket 42, the motor control unit 36 includes a drive device 92, a drive member 94, a control circuit 96, a first position switch 98, and a second position switch 100. When the brackets 42 are interconnected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the first rail 22 and can be considered as a single unit, the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 is located at the elongated slot 50 of the side plate 48 adjacent to the bracket 42, and the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 is opposite to the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36.
[0048] Preferably, the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36 is, for example, a motor or an electromagnet, and can directly or indirectly drive the connecting rod 30 from the first predetermined position P1 (as shown in Figures 2, 3, or 8) to a second predetermined position P2 (as shown in Figure 10) through a rotating shaft and / or in conjunction with the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36, but the implementation is not limited. Here, the control circuit 96 can drive the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36, causing the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to push against the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30, so that the connecting rod 30 moves from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2.
[0049] Preferably, the first position switch 98 and the second position switch 100 of the motor control unit 36 are located on a moving path W of the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36. Here, taking the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 as a cam as an example, it can be driven by the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36 and reciprocate along the moving path W, but the implementation is not limited. When one of the first position switch 98 and the second position switch 100 of the motor control unit 36 is triggered, for example by contact triggering with the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 or the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 will stop driving the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36.
[0050] Preferably, the control circuit 96 is electrically connected to the drive device 92, the first position switch 98, and the second position switch 100. Here, the drive device 92, the first position switch 98, and the second position switch 100 are electrically connected to the control circuit 96 via wires, but the implementation is not limited.
[0051] As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail assembly 20 is mounted to a first side column M1 of a rack system 102, and the first side column M1 has a plurality of openings 104. The slide rail assembly 20 is mounted and fixed through the rack mounting feature 54 of the bracket 42 corresponding to these plurality of openings 104 of the first side column M1 of the rack 102. However, this is not a limitation in practice; the slide rail assembly 20 can also be mounted and fixed by the first rail 22 corresponding to these plurality of openings 104 of the first side column M1 of the rack 102.
[0052] It should be understood that the rack system 102 has a first side column M1 and a second side column (not shown) positioned opposite each other. The first side column M1 and the second side column are, for example, the right side and the left side of the rack system 102, but the implementation is not limited. In addition, the second side column is also equipped with another slide rail assembly 20, and the way the second side column is equipped with the other slide rail assembly 20 is substantially the same as that of the first side column M1. Therefore, the slide rail assembly 20 of the first side column M1 and the slide rail assembly 20 of the second side column constitute a pair of slide rail assemblies 20. The pair of slide rail assemblies 20 can then support a load 106 (such as a server or information equipment), and the pair of slide rail assemblies 20 have substantially the same structural configuration.
[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the rack system 102 further includes a control device 108 and a control unit 110. It should be understood that the rack system 102 can actually be equipped with multiple sets of the pair of slide rail assemblies 20 (the pair of slide rail assemblies 20, the first side column M1 and the second side column are omitted in the figure) and carry multiple sets of the loads 106. Here, for the sake of simplicity, only one side of one set of the pair of slide rail assemblies 20, such as the slide rail assembly 20 of the first side column M1, will be described.
[0054] The control device 108 of the rack system 102 is electrically connected to the control unit 110. Preferably, the control unit 110 includes a sensor 112 and is electrically connected to the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20. However, the implementation is not limited. For example, the electrical connection can be wired or wireless, that is, the control device 108 and the control unit 110 and the control unit 110 and the motor control unit 36 can be interconnected by wired (physical) and / or wireless communication.
[0055] Preferably, after the sensor 112 of the control unit 110 triggers or senses a predetermined event, it sends a signal to the control device 108, causing the control device 108 to send a control command to the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20, causing the control circuit 96 to send a first power signal to the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36 to drive the drive element 94 of the motor control unit 36. The control command may be, for example, an unlock control command, but is not limited in implementation. The control command may also be sent directly to the control device 108 by the user.
[0056] Preferably, the predetermined event can be a sound source sensing event. For example, the sensor 112 of the control unit 110 can be a microphone receiver to receive a specific audio signal of the sound source sensing event. Alternatively, the predetermined event can be a light source sensing event. For example, the sensor 112 of the control unit 110 can be a photodiode receiver to receive a specific wavelength signal of the light source sensing event.
[0057] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the second rail 24 of the slide rail assembly 20 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the locking member 28 responds to the elastic force of the elastic member 70, causing the locking section 62a of the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 to block the stop part 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22 and remain in the locked state L1, preventing the second rail 24 from displacing relative to the first rail 22 in an opening direction D1. At the same time, the elastic member 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34 is in a state of accumulated elastic force (as shown by the elastic force F in Figure 1). The connecting rod 30 responds to the elastic force of the restoring elastic member 80 and remains in the first predetermined position P1, and the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 abuts against the first position switch 98 of the motor control unit 36, causing the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to be in the stationary state of the first position switch 98.
[0058] When the carrier 106 needs maintenance or replacement, for example, if the carrier 106 is a server and the server's operating temperature is too high or some equipment is damaged and it cannot operate normally, the sensor 112 of the control unit 110 senses the predetermined event and sends the signal to the control device 108, or the user directly sends the signal to the control device 108, causing the control device 108 to issue the control command (such as an unlock control command) to the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20, so that the control circuit 96 issues the first power signal to the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36 to drive the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to move along the active path W.
[0059] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20 moves along the active path W (e.g., from the first position switch 98 to the second position switch 100), the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 pushes against the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30. During the process of the connecting rod 30 moving from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, the second end 32b of the auxiliary member 32 is guided by the first end 30a of the connecting rod 30, causing the auxiliary member 32 to deflect at an angle (e.g., as shown in Figure 1). 1. Pivoting in a counterclockwise direction C1), since the first end 32a of the auxiliary member 32 is located at the locking part 62 of the adjacent lock member 28, during the process of the auxiliary member 32 deflecting at the angle, the first end 32a of the auxiliary member 32 simultaneously pushes against the lock member 28 and drives the lock member 28 to deflect at the angle (for example, in Figure 11, pivoting in a clockwise direction C2), so that the locking section 62a of the locking part 62 of the lock member 28 and the stop 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22 no longer block each other and are in an unlocked state L2, and the elastic member 70 of the lock member 28 is in a state of accumulating elastic force.
[0060] One of the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20 or the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 can abut against the second position switch 100 of the motor control unit 36. Taking the abutment of the actuating part 78 of the second end 30b of the connecting rod 30 against the second position switch 100 of the motor control unit 36 as an example, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the first power signal, causing the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to be in the stationary state of the second position switch 100, keeping the connecting rod 30 in the second predetermined position P2, and the return elastic member 80 of the connecting rod 30 in a state of accumulated elastic force. Here, the locking member 28 is temporarily maintained in the unlocked state L2 due to the synchronous pushing and driving of the aforementioned auxiliary member 32, allowing the second rail 24 to displace relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1.
[0061] Preferably, when the locking section 62a of the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 and the stop 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22 no longer block each other and are temporarily maintained in the unlocked state L2, the elastic member 86 of the pop-out mechanism 34 releases its elastic force, causing the first end 88a of the push rod 88 of the pop-out mechanism 34 to push the second end 22b of the second rail 24, causing the second rail 24 to be displaced relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1 by a certain distance.
[0062] Preferably, when the rack system 102 is a water-cooled rack system, the second rail 24 can be displaced a certain distance relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1 by the elastic force of the support 106 and the water-cooled connector of the rack system 102.
[0063] Preferably, after the second rail 24 is displaced a certain distance relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1, the elastic element 70 of the locking member 28 releases its elastic force, causing the locking member 28 to return to the elastic force of the elastic element 70, and simultaneously driving the auxiliary element 32, so that the locking member 28 and the auxiliary element 32 return to their relative positions in the locked state L1. This allows the user to easily move the second rail 24 relative to the first rail 22 in a closing direction D2 to the closing position R after maintenance or replacement, so that the locking part 62a of the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 and the stop part 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22 block each other again, thus entering the locked state L1. During the process of the second rail 24 moving relative to the first rail 22 in the closing direction D2 to the closing position R, the locking part 62 of the locking member 28 can guide and pass over the stop part 44 of the bracket 42 of the first rail 22, thus blocking each other again.
[0064] When the connecting rod 30 of the slide rail assembly 20 is in the second predetermined position P2, and the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the first power signal for a period of time, the control circuit 96 will send a second power signal to the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36 to drive the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to move along the active path W (such as from the second position switch 100 to the first position switch 98), and operate the connecting rod 30 to move from the second predetermined position P2 to the first predetermined position P1.
[0065] When the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20 abuts against the first position switch 98 of the motor control unit 36, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the second power signal, causing the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to be in the stationary state of the first position switch 98. At the same time, the return elastic member 80 of the connecting rod 30 releases the elastic force, causing the connecting rod 30 to return to the first predetermined position P1.
[0066] Preferably, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the first power signal for a period of time, such as 5 seconds or 10 seconds, which is sufficient to allow the second rail 24 to shift a certain distance relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1.
[0067] Preferably, the first power signal and the second power signal are power signals that cause the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36 to drive in opposite directions.
[0068] Preferably, in addition to being operated by the motor control unit 36, the slide rail assembly 20 can also be operably connected to the lock 28 to the unlocked state L2 by pivoting the handle 60 of the second rail 24 relative to the second rail 24. This can prevent the slide rail assembly 20 from still having the effect of manual unlocking when the motor control unit 36 fails or is ineffective.
[0069] As shown in Figure 12, the operation flow steps of the rack system 102 configured with the slide rail assembly 20 in an embodiment of the present invention are described. For the description of the relevant components and operations of the rack system 102 and the slide rail assembly 20, please refer to the aforementioned relevant content. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.
[0070] As shown in step S01, the sensor 112 of the control unit 110 of the rack system 102 determines whether the predetermined event is triggered. If not, the motor control unit 36 of the slide rail assembly 20 enters a standby state; if so, it proceeds to step S02.
[0071] As shown in step S02, the control unit 110 of the rack system 102 will send the signal to the control device 108 of the rack system 102, so that the control device 108 will send the control command to the motor control unit 36 and proceed to step S03.
[0072] As shown in step S03, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 sends the first power signal according to the control command to control the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36, thereby driving the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to move along the active path W, causing the connecting rod 30 to move from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, and then proceeding to step S04.
[0073] As shown in step S04, it is determined whether the second position switch 100 of the motor control unit 36 is triggered. If not, return to step S03, and the motor control unit 36 continues to send the first power signal to control the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36; if yes, proceed to step S05.
[0074] As shown in step S05, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the first power signal. At this time, the slide rail assembly 20 is in the unlocked state L2 and is pushed by the first end 88a of the push rod 88 of the aforementioned pop-out mechanism 34 to the second end 22b of the second rail 24, causing the second rail 24 to move a distance relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1, or the spring force of the water-cooled connector of the frame system 102 pops out, causing the second rail 24 to move a distance relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1.
[0075] When the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the first power signal for a period of time, such as 5 seconds or 10 seconds, it proceeds to step S06.
[0076] As shown in step S06, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 will send the second power signal to control the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36, thereby driving the drive member 94 of the motor control unit 36 to move along the active path W, causing the connecting rod 30 to move from the second predetermined position P2 to the first predetermined position P1, and proceed to step S07.
[0077] As shown in step S07, it is determined whether the first position switch 98 of the motor control unit 36 is triggered. If not, return to step S06, and the motor control unit 36 continues to send the second power signal to control the drive device 92 of the motor control unit 36; if yes, proceed to step S08.
[0078] As shown in step S08, the control circuit 96 of the motor control unit 36 stops the second power signal.
[0079] Therefore, when there are too many rack systems 102 in the data center, in order to achieve the actual efficiency of maintenance, the aforementioned operation procedure can keep the slide rail assembly 20 in an open state. When users inspect the data center, they can quickly find the location of the support 106 that needs to be maintained or replaced, and reduce the trouble of users having to open them one by one.
[0080] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, another embodiment of the slide rail assembly 200 of the present invention differs from the slide rail assembly 20 of the aforementioned embodiment in that the slide rail assembly 200 has a different arrangement of the locking member 28 and the stop 44 than the aforementioned embodiment, and does not include the auxiliary member 32 of the aforementioned embodiment.
[0081] Specifically, the locking member 202 and the stop 204 of the slide rail assembly 200 are respectively disposed on the rear end of the first rail 206 and the rear end of the second rail 208 of the slide rail assembly 200. Thus, the drive member 212 of the motor control unit 210 of the slide rail assembly 200 can push the connecting rod 214. That is, when the connecting rod 214 of the slide rail assembly 200 moves from the first predetermined position P1' to the second predetermined position P2', one end of the connecting rod 214 of the slide rail assembly 200 pushes a shaft 216 of the locking member 202 of the slide rail assembly 200, causing the locking member 202 of the slide rail assembly 200 to swing at an angle, so that the locking part 218 of the locking member 202 of the slide rail assembly 200 changes from the locked state L1' to the unlocked state L2'.
[0082] Accordingly, the same technical effect as the aforementioned embodiment can be achieved. When the slide rail assembly 200 is in the unlocked state L2', and is pushed against the rear end of the second rail 208 of the slide rail assembly 200 by the push rod 222 of the pop-out mechanism 220 of the slide rail assembly 200, the second rail 208 of the slide rail assembly 200 is displaced a distance relative to the first rail 206 of the slide rail assembly 200 in the opening direction D1'.
[0083] Therefore, the slide rail assembly of the present invention has the following characteristics:
[0084] 1. The slide rail assembly can be driven by the motor control unit so that when the slide rail assembly is in the unlocked state, it is popped out by the spring force of the pop-out mechanism or the water-cooled connector of the rack system, so that the slide rail assembly is in the open state, reducing the trouble of users having to open them one by one.
[0085] 2. If there are too many rack systems in the data center, when the slide rail assembly is in the open state, the user can quickly find the location of the support that needs to be repaired or replaced when inspecting the data center.
[0086] Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.
[0087] 20,200: Slide rail assembly
[0088] 22,206: Track 1
[0089] 22a, 24a, 30a, 32a, 42a, 88a: First end
[0090] 22b, 24b, 30b, 32b, 42b, 88b: Second end
[0091] 24,208: Track 2
[0092] 26: Track 3
[0093] 28,202: Locking components
[0094] 30,214: Linkage
[0095] 32: Auxiliary parts
[0096] 34,220: Pop-up mechanism
[0097] 36,210: Motor control unit
[0098] 38a, 46a: First wall
[0099] 38b, 46b: Second wall
[0100] 40: Longitudinal wall
[0101] 42: Bracket
[0102] 44,204: Stop
[0103] 48: Side panel
[0104] 50: Long slot hole
[0105] 52: Installation Features
[0106] 54: Rack Mounting Features
[0107] 56: Hook section
[0108] 58, 90: Housing
[0109] 58a, 90a: First shell
[0110] 58b, 90b: Second shell
[0111] 60: Handle
[0112] 62,218: Locking part
[0113] 62a: Locking section
[0114] 64: Work Department
[0115] 66: Middle section
[0116] 68: First Axis
[0117] 70, 86: Elastic components
[0118] 70a, 80a: First elastic part
[0119] 70b, 80b: Second elastic part
[0120] 72: Installation Department
[0121] 74,82:Main part
[0122] 74a: Longitudinal groove
[0123] 76: Protruding part
[0124] 78: Action Part
[0125] 80: Reset elastic element
[0126] 84: Second Axis
[0127] 88,222: Putter
[0128] 92: Drive unit
[0129] 94,212: Drive components
[0130] 96: Control Circuit
[0131] 98: First position switch
[0132] 100: Second position switch
[0133] 102: Rack System
[0134] 104: Opening
[0135] 106: Load-bearing structure
[0136] 108: Control device
[0137] 110: Control Unit
[0138] 112: Sensor
[0139] 216: Shaft
[0140] C1: Counterclockwise direction
[0141] C2: Clockwise direction
[0142] D1,D1': Opening direction
[0143] D2: Closing direction
[0144] G: Installation space
[0145] L1, L1': Locked state
[0146] L2,L2': Unlocked status
[0147] M1: First side column
[0148] P1, P1': First predetermined position
[0149] P2, P2': Second reserved position
[0150] R: Closing position
[0151] S01~S08: Steps
[0152] W: Activity Path
Claims
1. A slide rail assembly, comprising: a first rail; a second rail longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail; a locking member movably mounted on one of the first rail and the second rail; a stop portion disposed on the other of the first rail and the second rail; a linkage operably connected to the locking member; and a motor control unit for driving the linkage to move from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; wherein, When the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the locking member is in a locked state and can block the stop. When the linkage moves from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, causing the locking member to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, it allows the second rail to move relative to the first rail from the retracted position in an opening direction. The locking member is pivotally connected to the second rail, and the locking member further includes an elastic member. The locking member responds to the elastic force of the elastic member and can abut against the stop of the first rail to remain in the locked state.
2. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The first rail further includes a bracket, which includes a side plate and the stop, wherein the side plate of the bracket has an elongated slot communicating with the first rail and a mounting feature for mounting and fixing the motor control unit.
3. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 2, wherein, The link is arranged on the first rail and has a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other. The second end has a push section that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the second end and protrudes toward a long slot in the side plate of the bracket.
4. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The link further includes a restoring elastic element, which allows the link to remain in the first predetermined position in response to the elastic force of the restoring elastic element.
5. The slide rail assembly as claimed in claim 4 further includes an auxiliary member movably pivotally connected to the second rail, and the auxiliary member having a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, wherein, The first end and the second end of the auxiliary component are respectively opposite to the first end of the lock and the first end of the connecting rod, and a guide section is arranged on one of the second end of the auxiliary component and the first end of the connecting rod.
6. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The motor control unit includes a drive device, a drive element, a control circuit, a first position switch, and a second position switch. The control circuit is electrically connected to the drive device, the first position switch, and the second position switch. When one of the first position switch and the second position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops driving the drive device of the motor control unit.
7. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 6, wherein, The first position switch and the second position switch of the motor control unit are located on a moving path of the drive component of the motor control unit.
8. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The first rail and the second rail each have a first end and a second end that are positioned opposite each other, and the slide rail assembly further includes a pop-out mechanism arranged at the second end of the first rail. When the lock is in the unlocked state, the pop-out mechanism is used to provide a spring force to the second end of the second rail, causing the second rail to move relative to the first rail in the opening direction.
9. A rack system comprising a first side column and a second side column positioned opposite each other, the rack system comprising: a control device; a control unit electrically connected to the control device, the control unit including a sensor; and a pair of slide rail assemblies respectively mounted to the first side column and the second side column of the rack, each slide rail assembly comprising: a first rail; a second rail longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail; a locking member movably mounted on one of the first rail and the second rail; a stop portion arranged on the other of the first rail and the second rail; a linkage operably connected to the locking member; and a motor control unit for driving the linkage to move from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; wherein, The motor control unit of each slide rail assembly is electrically connected to the control unit; wherein, when the second rail of each slide rail assembly is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the locking member is in a locked state and can block the stop; wherein, when the connecting rod of each slide rail assembly moves from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, causing the locking member to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, it allows the second rail to move relative to the first rail from the retracted position to an opening direction; wherein, the motor control unit of each slide rail assembly includes a drive device, a drive member, a control circuit, a first position switch and a second position switch, and the control circuit is electrically connected to the drive device, the first position switch and the second position switch.
10. The rack system as described in claim 9, wherein, When the control device receives a signal, it sends a control command to the control circuit of the motor control unit of each slide rail assembly. The control circuit sends a first power signal to the drive device of the motor control unit to drive the drive component of the motor control unit, so that the connecting rod moves from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position.
11. The rack system as described in claim 10, wherein, When the sensor of the control unit triggers a predetermined event, the control unit will send the signal to the control device.
12. The rack system as described in claim 11, wherein, The predetermined event can be a light source sensing event or a sound source sensing event.
13. The rack system as described in claim 10, wherein, When the connecting rod of each slide rail assembly is in the second predetermined position and the second position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the first power signal.
14. The rack system as described in claim 13, wherein, When the connecting rod of each slide rail assembly is in the second predetermined position, and the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the first power signal for a period of time, the control circuit will send a second power signal to the drive device of the motor control unit to drive the drive component of the motor control unit, so that the connecting rod moves from the second predetermined position to the first predetermined position.
15. The rack system as described in claim 14, wherein, When the connecting rod of each slide rail assembly is in the first predetermined position and the first position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the second power signal.
16. The rack system as described in claim 9, wherein, The first position switch and the second position switch of the motor control unit of each slide rail assembly are located on a moving path of the drive component of the motor control unit of each slide rail assembly.
17. A method for controlling a slide rail assembly in a rack system, the rack system comprising a control device, a control unit, and a slide rail assembly, the control unit being electrically connected to the control device, the slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, a locking element, a stop, a connecting rod, and a motor control unit, the second rail being longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail, the locking element being movably mounted on one of the first rail and the second rail, the stop being arranged on the other of the first rail and the second rail, the connecting rod being operably connected to the locking element, and the motor control unit being electrically connected to the control unit, the motor control unit comprising a drive device, a drive element, and a control... The control circuit comprises a drive device, a first position switch, and a second position switch. The control circuit is electrically connected to the drive device, the first position switch, and the second position switch. The slide rail assembly control method includes the following steps: When the control device receives a signal, it issues a control command; the control circuit of the motor control unit issues a first power signal according to the control command to control the drive device of the motor control unit, driving the drive component of the motor control unit to move the connecting rod from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position; when the second position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the first power signal; after the control circuit of the motor control unit stops controlling the first power signal for a period of time, the control circuit issues a second power signal to the drive device of the motor control unit to drive the drive component of the motor control unit, causing the connecting rod to move from the second predetermined position to the first predetermined position; when the first position switch of the motor control unit is triggered, the control circuit of the motor control unit stops the second power signal.
18. The slide rail assembly control method as described in claim 17, wherein, The control unit further includes a sensor, and when the sensor of the control unit triggers a predetermined event, the control unit sends the signal to the control device.