Slide rail assembly and slide rail mechanism thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly and a slide rail mechanism thereof. The slide rail mechanism includes a slide rail and a reinforcing structure. The slide rail includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being bent relative to the first segment. The reinforcing structure is arranged on the slide rail. The reinforcing structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are respectively located on the first segment and the second segment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed by the applicant on September 8, 2017, with application number "201710804375.7" entitled "Slide rail assembly and slide rail mechanism thereof". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a slide rail, and more particularly to a slide rail assembly or slide rail mechanism with a reinforced structure. Background Technology

[0003] For example, US Patent Publication No. 6,883,884 B2 discloses a locking assembly for a drawer slide device. It mainly discloses that the drawer slide device includes a first slide (11) and a second slide (12). The locking assembly includes a locking handle (21) mounted to the first slide (11) and a locking seat (23) located on the second slide (12). By locking the locking handle (21) to the locking seat (23) through the locking part (211), the first slide (11) is locked and cannot move when it is closed to the second slide (12), thus fixing the drawer (2) relative to a wall (1). When needed, the user can release the locking relationship between the locking handle (21) and the locking seat (23).

[0004] Furthermore, US Patent Publication No. 9,370,120 B2 discloses a slide rail assembly (12) comprising a bracket (28) and a fastener (58). The slide rail assembly is mounted to a frame (10) column (13) via two brackets (28, 30). The fastener (58) has a latching portion (64). When the chassis (74) is in the retracted position via the slide rails of the slide rail assembly, a hook portion (84) on the chassis (74) can engage with the latching portion (64), thereby locking the chassis (74) in the retracted position. These two patents are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0005] However, due to varying installation environment conditions or the shape and structure of the load-bearing object, sometimes the slide rail must have a specific structure to meet these requirements. In such cases, the strength of the slide rail may not be sufficient to support an excessively heavy load, making it prone to deformation due to unintentional impacts, external forces, or the weight of the load. Therefore, the structural strength of the slide rail has clearly become an issue that the industry cannot ignore. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a slide rail assembly or slide rail mechanism with a reinforced slide rail structure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, and a reinforcing structure. The first rail has a channel; the second rail is displaceable relative to the first rail, and the second rail includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being bent relative to the first segment through a bending segment, wherein the first segment is mounted to the channel, and the second segment is located outside the channel; the reinforcing structure is located on the second rail, and the reinforcing structure includes a first part and a second part, the second part being bent relative to the first part through a bending portion; wherein the first part, the bending portion, and the second part are respectively located on the first segment, the bending segment, and the second segment.

[0008] Preferably, the first part and the second part are respectively located in the first segment and the second segment.

[0009] Preferably, the reinforcement structure is an additional member connected to the second rail.

[0010] Preferably, the first part, the bent part, and the second part are integrally formed onto the second track.

[0011] Preferably, the slide rail assembly further includes a locking mechanism and a bracket device. The locking mechanism is disposed in the second section of the second rail and includes a locking element. The bracket device is disposed in the first rail and includes a side wall, an end wall and a mounting element. The end wall is bent relative to the side wall and the mounting element is located on the end wall. The adjacent end wall has a mounting feature for the locking element to lock.

[0012] Preferably, the latching mechanism further includes an operating element for operating the latching element to release it from the mounting feature.

[0013] Preferably, the second rail has an inner side and an outer side, and the reinforcing structure is located on one of the inner and outer sides of the second rail.

[0014] Preferably, the second segment is substantially vertically connected to the first segment, and the second part is substantially vertically connected to the first part.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a slide rail mechanism includes a slide rail and a reinforcing structure. The slide rail includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being bent relative to the first segment; the reinforcing structure is arranged on the slide rail, the reinforcing structure including a first part and a second part; wherein the first part and the second part are respectively located on the first segment and the second segment.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a slide rail mechanism includes a slide rail and a reinforcing structure. The slide rail includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being bent relative to the first segment; the reinforcing structure includes a first part and a second part; wherein the first part and the second part are respectively located on the first segment and the second segment, and the first part is fixed to the first segment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a rack system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a load in a retracted position via a slide rail assembly.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a rack system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the carrier is in an extended position via a slide rail assembly.

[0020] Figure 3 show Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of region A.

[0021] Figure 4 This shows a schematic diagram of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This diagram shows an exploded view of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This shows an exploded view of the slide rail and reinforcing structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This shows a partial perspective view of the slide rail mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This diagram shows a slide rail mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This shows a partial perspective view of the slide rail mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This shows a partial perspective view of the slide rail mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the slide rail mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in a rack system 20, a support 22 can be mounted to a rack 26 via a pair of slide rail assemblies 24 on both sides. The support 22 is, for example, electronic equipment or a chassis. The rack 26 includes multiple columns, such as a pair of first columns 26a and a pair of second columns 26b. Each slide rail assembly 24 can be mounted to the rack 26 via a first bracket device 28 and a second bracket device 30.

[0030] The slide rail assembly 24 includes a first rail 32 and a second rail 34 (also referred to as a slide rail). One end of the first rail 32, for example, the front end, is equipped with the first bracket device 28 (hereinafter referred to as bracket device 28), and the other end of the first rail 32, for example, the rear end, is equipped with the aforementioned second bracket device 30. The second bracket device 30 is movable and adjustable relative to the first rail 32 to mount the first column 26a and the second column 26b. On the other hand, the second rail 34 is longitudinally movable relative to the first rail 32 and is used for mounting the carrier 22, allowing the carrier 22 to move from a retracted position R along with the second rail 34 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown, the object is displaced in one direction D to an extended position E (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (as shown); or, return from the extended position E to the closed position R.

[0031] Preferably, the bracket device 28 includes a mounting feature 36 (this part can be referred to in conjunction with the following). Figure 3 The slide rail assembly 24 further includes a locking mechanism 38 disposed on the second rail 34. When the second rail 34 is in the retracted position R, the locking mechanism 38 engages with the mounting feature 36, allowing the second rail 34 and the carrier 22 to remain in the retracted position R. Alternatively, when the locking mechanism 38 disengages from the mounting feature 36, the second rail 34 can leave the retracted position R.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the first track 32 has a channel 40. Specifically, the first track 32 includes a first wall 42a, a second wall 42b, and a longitudinal wall 44 connecting the first wall 42a and the second wall 42b. The first wall 42a, the second wall 42b, and the longitudinal wall 44 define the channel 40. Preferably, the bracket device 28 is disposed at the front end of the first track 32, and the bracket device 28 includes a side wall 46, an end wall 48, and at least one mounting member 50 (due to the viewing angle, ...). Figure 4 (Only one shown). The side wall 46 is connected to the first rail 32; the end wall 48 is bent relative to the side wall 46; the at least one mounting member 50 is located on the end wall 48. The mounting feature 36 is located in front of the end wall 48 (this part can be consulted in conjunction with other information). Figure 5 ).

[0033] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second track 34 includes a first segment 52 and a second segment 54. The second segment 54 is bent relative to the first segment 52. Here, the second segment 54 is bent relative to the first segment 52 through a bending segment 56 (this part can be referred to in conjunction with the previous text). Figure 6 For example, the second segment 54 is essentially vertically connected to the first segment 52. The first segment 52 is installed into the channel 40 of the first rail 32, and the second segment 54 is located outside the channel 40.

[0034] Preferably, the locking mechanism 38 is disposed in the second section 54 of the second rail 34, and the locking mechanism 38 includes a locking member 58 and an operating member 60. The locking member 58 is used to lock onto the mounting feature 36 of the bracket device 28 (e.g., the inner wall of a hole), and the operating member 60 is used to operate the locking member 58 to release it from the mounting feature 36. For example, when the locking member 58 is locked onto the mounting feature 36, the user can press the operating member 60 to actuate the elastically pressurized locking member 58, thereby releasing the locking member 58 from the mounting feature 36. Preferably, the second section 54 has an opening H, through which the locking member 58 of the locking mechanism 38 can lock onto the mounting feature 36.

[0035] Furthermore, the slide rail assembly 24 includes a reinforcing structure 62 arranged on the second rail 34. The reinforcing structure 62 includes a first portion 64 and a second portion 66. The second portion 66 is bent relative to the first portion 64. Here, taking as an example the second portion 66 bends relative to the first portion 64 through a bending portion 68, and the second portion 66 is substantially perpendicularly connected to the first portion 64. The first portion 64, the bending portion 68, and the second portion 66 are respectively located in the first segment 52, the bending segment 56, and the second segment 54 (this part can be referred to in conjunction with...). Figure 6 ).

[0036] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second rail 34 and the reinforcing structure 62 can be considered as a slide rail mechanism 100. Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the reinforcing structure 62 is located at the front portion 52a of the first segment 52 adjacent to the second rail 34. The reinforcing structure 62 contributes to the structural strength of the first segment 52, the bent segment 56, and the second segment 54 of the second rail 34.

[0037] The reinforcing structure 62 is fixedly disposed on one of the inner side S1 and the outer side S2 of the second rail 34. Taking the inner side S1 of the second rail 34 as an example, the first part 64 and the second part 66 of the reinforcing structure 62 are respectively located in portions of the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the second rail 34. For example, the first part 64 occupies only a portion of the first segment 52, and the second part 66 also occupies only a portion of the second segment 54. Furthermore, the bent portion 68 of the reinforcing structure 62 is located in the bent segment 56 of the second rail 34. Preferably, the reinforcing structure 62 is an additional member connected to the second rail 34.

[0038] like Figure 9 This invention displays a slide rail mechanism 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The slide rail mechanism 200 differs from the slide rail mechanism 100 of the first embodiment in that the second part 206 of the reinforcing structure 202 has another opening 207 connecting to the opening H of the second segment 210 of the second rail 208, allowing the locking member 58 of the locking mechanism 38 to pass through the plurality of openings H, 207 and engage with the aforementioned mounting feature 36. Furthermore, the second part 206 of the reinforcing structure 202 includes at least one connecting feature 212 connected to the second rail 208. This at least one connecting feature 212 is, for example, a pair of hooks for engaging the second segment 210 of the second rail 208, thus contributing to improving the structural strength and stability of the reinforcing structure 202 connected to the second segment 210 of the second rail 208.

[0039] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 This invention shows a slide rail mechanism 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The slide rail mechanism 300 differs from the slide rail mechanism 100 of the first embodiment in that the first part 304, the bent part 306 and the second part 308 of the reinforcing structure 302 are integrally formed to the second rail 310, forming ribs or protrusions, thus also having the effect of reinforcing the structural strength of the second rail 310.

[0040] Based on the above description, it can be seen that the improved efficacy and advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0041] a. The second rail comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the second segment is bent relative to the first segment, and a reinforcing structure is located on the second rail. The reinforcing structure comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the second part is bent relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are located on the first segment and the second segment respectively, and can be used to reinforce the structural strength of the first segment and the second segment of the second rail.

[0042] b. The second part of the reinforcing structure includes at least one connecting feature for fastening to the second segment of the second rail, which helps to improve the structural strength and stability of the reinforcing structure connected to the second segment of the second rail.

[0043] c. One of the first rails and the second rails is provided with a locking mechanism, and the other of the first rails and the second rails is provided with a bracket device, wherein the bracket device has an installation feature for the locking mechanism to lock, so that the second rail can be held in a retracted position relative to the first rail.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention, and various equivalent changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the invention will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A slide rail assembly, comprising: A first track, the first track having a channel; A second rail, displaceable relative to the first rail, the second rail comprising a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being connected to the first segment via a bent segment and bent relative to the first segment, wherein the first segment is installed into the channel, and the second segment is located outside the channel; and A reinforcing structure is located on the second rail. The reinforcing structure includes a first part and a second part. The second part is connected to the first part through a bending part and is bent relative to the first part. Wherein, the first part, the bent part and the second part are respectively connected to the first segment, the bent segment and the second segment; The reinforcing structure is an additional component connected to the second rail; and The slide rail assembly also includes a locking mechanism and a bracket device. The locking mechanism is disposed on the second section of the second rail and includes a locking element. The bracket device is disposed on the first rail and includes a side wall, an end wall and a mounting element. The end wall is bent relative to the side wall and the mounting element is located on the end wall. The adjacent end wall has a mounting feature for the locking element to lock. The second part of the reinforcing structure has an opening that communicates with the opening of the second section of the second rail. The locking member of the locking mechanism passes through the opening of the second section of the second rail and the opening of the reinforcing structure to lock onto the mounting feature; and The second part of the reinforcing structure includes at least one connecting feature for connecting to the second rail; at least one of the connecting features is a hook, or for fastening the second segment of the second rail, to improve the structural strength and stability of the reinforcing structure connected to the second segment of the second rail.

2. The slide rail assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The latching mechanism further includes an operating element for operating the latching element to release it from the mounting feature.

3. The slide rail assembly as described in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second segment is essentially vertically connected to the first segment, and the second part is essentially vertically connected to the first part.

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