Sliding rail assembly and sliding rail opening method thereof

By introducing electronic modules and drive devices into the slide rail assembly, the elastic force of the elastic member is released, and the electronic drive opening of the slide rail is solved, which solves the problem of artificial strength or relying on locking devices in the prior art, and improves the convenience of opening Sex and applicability.

CN119488210APending Publication Date: 2025-02-21KING SLIDE TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311041712.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-18
Publication Date
2025-02-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing slide mechanism requires artificial force when opening or relies on locking devices such as permanent magnets, which cannot meet the market's demand for electronic drive opening of different products.

Method used

A slide rail assembly is designed, including a first rail, a second rail, an elastic member, a moving member and an electronic module. The driving device in the electronic module drives the movable member from the locked state to the unlocked state, releasing the elastic force of the elastic member, so that the second rail is opened from the retracted position relative to the first rail.

Benefits of technology

It realizes automatic opening of the slide rail through electronic drive, simplifies the operation process, is suitable for different types of furniture systems, and improves user experience and convenience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a sliding rail assembly which comprises a first rail, a second rail, an elastic piece, a movable piece and an electronic module. The second rail can move relative to the first rail; when the second rail is located at a folding position relative to the first rail and the movable piece is in a locking state, the elastic force of the elastic piece is locked. The electronic module comprises a driving device which is used for driving the movable part to move from the locking state to an unlocking state and is used for releasing the elastic force of the elastic part, so that the second rail responds to the elastic force of the elastic part to move from the folding position to an opening direction. The invention also provides an opening method of the slide rail of the slide rail assembly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a slide rail mechanism, in particular to a slide rail assembly which can be opened by electronic driving. Background Art

[0002] In a furniture system, for example, a cabinet furniture, a drawer can usually be opened or closed relative to a cabinet body by means of a pair of slide rail assemblies. Currently, there are products on the market that allow a user to manually press a drawer so that the drawer can be opened relative to the cabinet body from a closed position by releasing elastic force through an elastic member (such as a spring), which is the so-called push-open product. For example, U.S. Patent No. US10,172,459B2 discloses a slide rail assembly with the push-open function, and the movable rail of the slide rail assembly is equipped with a synchronization device that can be connected to a synchronization rod to move synchronously with the movable rail of another slide rail assembly.

[0003] In addition, patent number WO2021 / 043756A1 has disclosed a kind of furniture, having a furniture body and at least one movable furniture part, wherein the movable furniture part can move between a closed position and an open position through a movable accessory, and a locking device keeps the movable furniture part in the closed position through a permanent magnet on the furniture body, wherein a release device is provided, through which the locking device can be deactivated so as to keep the movable furniture part in the open direction, characterized in that the trigger device has an electromagnet, which can be switched through a controller to reduce or cancel the holding force of all or part of the permanent magnet, so that the movable furniture part can be opened from the closed position.

[0004] As market demands vary, sometimes it is not desirable to open a slide rail or furniture (such as a drawer or door panel) in the manner described in the above patent case. Therefore, how to develop a different product becomes an issue that cannot be ignored. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a slide rail assembly, wherein the slide rail of the slide rail assembly can be opened by electronic driving.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, an elastic member, a movable member, and an electronic module. The second rail can be displaced relative to the first rail; the elastic member generates an elastic force in response to the second rail being in a retracted position relative to the first rail; when the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail and the movable member is in a locked state, the elastic force of the elastic member is locked; the electronic module includes a driving device for driving the movable member to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member, so that the second rail responds to the elastic force of the elastic member and moves relative to the first rail from the retracted position to an opening direction.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly comprises: providing a slide rail assembly, wherein the slide rail assembly comprises a first rail, a second rail and an elastic member; providing a movable member arranged on the second rail, wherein the elastic force of the elastic member is locked when the movable member is in a locked state; providing an electronic module arranged on the first rail, wherein the electronic module comprises a driving device; and, communicating with the electronic module through a communication device, so that the driving device can drive the movable member to an unlocked state, so that the second rail can move away from a retracted position relative to the first rail in response to the release of the elastic force of the elastic member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To further illustrate and verify the above-mentioned purpose, structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 The furniture system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a three-dimensional schematic diagram including at least one drawer and a cabinet.

[0010] Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a furniture system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the furniture system includes a synchronization mechanism arranged between two slide rail assemblies on the cabinet body.

[0011] Figure 3 The schematic exploded view shows that the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be used in conjunction with an electronic module.

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the second rail of the slide rail assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention being in a retracted position relative to the first rail.

[0013] Figure 5 The schematic diagram shows that the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in the retracted position relative to the first rail, and the user can operate the second rail to leave the retracted position through a communication device.

[0014] Figure 6The schematic diagram shows that the second rail of the slide rail assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention has been opened from the folded position to a predetermined open position relative to the first rail.

[0015] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the operation flow of the furniture system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the opening method of the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention being in the retracted position relative to the first rail.

[0018] Fig.10 show Fig. 9 A magnified schematic diagram of area A.

[0019] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing at least one driving member of a driving device and a movable member of the synchronization mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing that at least one driving member of the driving device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can drive the movable member.

[0021] Fig.13 The schematic diagram shows that the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been opened from the folded position to a predetermined open position relative to the first rail.

[0022] Fig.14 A schematic diagram showing the operation flow of the furniture system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a furniture system 20 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first slide rail assembly 22 and a second slide rail assembly 24. The first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 are used for a drawer 26, so that the drawer 26 can be easily displaced relative to a cabinet 28 through the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24.

[0024] The first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 have substantially the same structural configuration. Specifically, the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 both include a first rail 30 and a second rail 32 that can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail 30. Preferably, a third rail 34 is also included that is movably installed between the first rail 30 and the second rail 32 to extend the displacement stroke of the second rail 32 relative to the first rail 30. Wherein, the first rail 30 is used to be fixedly installed on the cabinet 28, and the second rail 32 is used to carry the drawer 26. A synchronization mechanism 35 provided in this embodiment includes a first synchronization device 36 (hereinafter referred to as the synchronization device) and a second synchronization device (not shown due to viewing angle) applicable to the furniture system 20. Wherein, the first synchronization device 36 and the second synchronization device have substantially the same structural configuration. Further, the first synchronization device 36 is disposed on the second rail 32 of the first slide rail assembly 22, and the second synchronization device is disposed on the second rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24, so as to provide the second rail 32 of the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24 to move synchronously, which helps to stabilize the two second rails 32 when they move. The synchronization mechanism 35 provided in this embodiment includes a synchronization rod 38 detachably installed between the first synchronization device 36 and the second synchronization device. One end 38a of the synchronization rod 38 is detachably connected to a first movable member 42 (or simply a movable member) of the first synchronization device 36 through a first base 40a; similarly, the other end 38b of the synchronization rod 38 is detachably connected to a second movable member (the other movable member is not shown due to viewing angle) of the second synchronization device through a second base.

[0025] Preferably, the first rail 30 includes an extending portion 44 , and the second rail 32 includes a supporting portion 46 .

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the first rail assembly 22 is in a retracted state. Specifically, the second rail 32 is in a retracted position R relative to the first rail 30. In the retracted position R, the position of the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32 substantially corresponds to the position of the extension portion 44 of the first rail 30, for example, the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32 is located above the extension portion 44 of the first rail 30.

[0027] The first rail assembly 22 further includes an electronic module 48. Preferably, the electronic module 48 is arranged on the first rail 30, and the electronic module 48 is detachably mounted on the first rail 30, so that the user can add it according to the needs. Preferably, the electronic module 48 includes a base 50 and a cover 52, the base 50 is used to carry related electronic parts or electronic devices, and the cover 52 is used to cover and protect the electronic parts or electronic devices.

[0028] The electronic module 48 further includes a driving device 51 that can be used in conjunction with the first movable member 42 .

[0029] Preferably, the first synchronization device 36 further includes a first accessory 53, and the first movable member 42 is detachably mounted to the supporting portion 46 of the second rail 32 through the first accessory 53. For example, the supporting portion 46 of the second rail 32 includes at least one first connection feature 54, and the first accessory 53 includes at least one second connection feature 56. Here, the first connection feature 54 and the second connection feature 56 are taken as protrusions and slots that are detachably engaged with each other, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0030] Preferably, the first movable member 42 is rotatably mounted on the second rail 32. Here, the first accessory 53 in which the first movable member 42 is rotatably mounted on the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32 is taken as an example.

[0031] Preferably, the electronic module 48 is detachably mounted to a second mounting feature 62 of a side wall 60 of the extension portion 44 of the first rail 30 through a first mounting feature 58 of the base 50. Here, the first mounting feature 58 and the second mounting feature 62 are an extension and a slot that are detachably engaged with each other as an example, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0032] Preferably, the electronic module 48 further includes a control circuit board 64 and a position sensor 66. The driving device 51 and the position sensor 66 are both electrically connected to the control circuit board 64. The driving device 51 includes a motor M. In this first embodiment, the motor M is, for example, a servo motor.

[0033] Preferably, the electronic module 48 further includes a signal transceiver unit and a power supply unit (not shown), wherein the signal transceiver unit is used to receive and / or transmit wireless signals, and the power supply unit is used to provide power.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown ( Figure 4 The first base 40a and the cover 52 of the electronic module 48 are omitted. The first slide rail assembly 22 further includes an elastic member 68, such as a spring, and the elastic member 68 generates an elastic force F in response to the second rail 32 being in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, and the elastic force F is directed toward an opening direction D1, wherein the second rail 32 can have the ability to open relative to the first rail 30 through the elastic force F of the elastic member 68, in other words, the second rail 32 (the drawer 26) has the ability to open relative to the first rail 30 (the cabinet 28) through a pop-up method. Preferably, the elastic member 68 is arranged at the bottom of the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32, for example.

[0035] Further, when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, and the first movable member 42 is in a locked state K1, the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 is locked. For example, when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 can be directly locked by the first movable member 42; or, the first movable member 42 can lock the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 through another locking member arranged at the bottom of the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32, and the movement of the first movable member 42 can drive the locking member to unlock the elastic force F of the elastic member 68. Since this part is a technical scope that can be understood by ordinary knowledgeable people familiar with the field, it is not further described here for the sake of simplicity.

[0036] In addition, in the first embodiment, a rotating shaft 69 of the driving device 51 (such as a motor M) carries a driving member 70, such as a cam, but the implementation is not limited. Further, when the second rail 32 is at the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, the rotating shaft 69 is at an origin position (or initial position). Figure 4 The example in which the driving member 70 is at the origin position J1 corresponding to the rotating shaft 69 is taken. When the first movable member 42 is in the locking state K1 and the driving member 70 is at the origin position J1, the driving member 70 is a working portion 71 adjacent to the first movable member 42.

[0037] Preferably, the position sensor 66 is used to detect whether the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30. For example, the second rail 32 includes a predetermined portion 72, and when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R, the position of the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 corresponds to the position sensor 66. The position sensor 66 can be a contact or non-contact sensor for use in conjunction with the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0038] Preferably, the first slide rail assembly 22 further includes a second accessory 73, which is detachably mounted on the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32, and the second accessory 73 includes the predetermined portion 72; alternatively, the predetermined portion 72 can be directly integrated into the bearing portion 46 of the second rail 32, and the implementation is not limited.

[0039] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the driving device 51 is used to drive the first movable member 42 to move from the locked state K1 to an unlocked state K2 (as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown), the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 can be released, so that the second rail 32 responds to the release of the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 and moves relative to the first rail 30 from the folded position R (as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown) moves in the opening direction D1, for example, moves to a predetermined opening position E (as shown Figure 6 ). Since the position of the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 no longer corresponds to the position sensor 66, for example, the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 has left the position sensor 66, the position sensor 66 can detect that the second rail 32 (the drawer 26) is in the predetermined open position E. In other words, the position sensor 66 can detect that the second rail 32 (the drawer 26) has left the retracted position R.

[0040] Furthermore, the user can communicate with the electronic module 48 through a communication device 74 (eg Figure 5 ), so that the driving device 51 (motor M) can drive the first movable member 42 from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2, so that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) can respond to the release of the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 and can move relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet 28) in the opening direction D1 to leave the folded position R (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown).

[0041] Preferably, the communication device 74 is, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet or a smart wearable device, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0042] Preferably, the rotating shaft 69 of the motor M rotates from the origin position J1 to a first rotation direction R1 to a predetermined angle position, so as to drive the driving member 70 to move to the predetermined angle position J2 accordingly and to contact the working portion 71 of the first movable member 42, so that the driving member 70 drives the first movable member 42 to rotate from the locked state K1 to a second rotation direction R2 to the unlocked state K2, so as to release the elastic force F of the elastic member 68. The first rotation direction R1 and the second rotation direction R2 are opposite directions (such as Figure 5 As shown), for example, clockwise and counterclockwise, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0043] Preferably, the first synchronizing device 36 (the first accessory 53) is further provided with a restoring elastic member (not shown); once the second rail 32 is in the predetermined opening position E (such as Figure 6 The first movable member 42 can return from the unlocked state K2 to the locked state K1 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), in response to a restoring elastic force provided by the restoring elastic member. Figure 6 On the other hand, the rotating shaft 69 of the driving device 51 returns to the origin position according to a first signal generated by the position sensor 66 (for example, indicating that the second rail 32 has left the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, or has been in the predetermined open position E), so that the driving member 70 returns to the origin position J1 from the predetermined angle position J2 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown).

[0044] Preferably, the communication device 74 and the electronic module 48 are connected to each other by wireless communication, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0045] It is worth mentioning that once the second rail 32 (drawer 26) moves relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet 28) from the predetermined opening position E to a retracted direction D2 (such as Figure 6 As shown in the figure, when the elastic member 68 returns to the folded position R, the elastic member 68 can accumulate the elastic force F again, and the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 is locked again. Since this part is a technical scope that can be understood by ordinary knowledgeable people familiar with this field, it will not be elaborated here for the sake of simplicity.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the furniture system 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which includes the following steps:

[0047] Step S100: The communication device sets the drawer status to open.

[0048] In this step S100, the communication device 74 is installed with an application (Application, App) for wireless communication connection with the electronic module 48 (control circuit board 64), and the user can send a predetermined signal to the electronic module 48 through the application of the communication device 74 (this part can be referred to in conjunction with Figure 5 ), according to which, for example, the state of the second rail 32 (drawer 26) can be set to open. Although in this embodiment, the communication device 74 is wirelessly connected to the electronic module 48 in the form of an application, the wireless communication method can also be voice recognition, near-field communication (NFC) or fingerprint recognition, etc., and the implementation is not limited.

[0049] Step S110: Detect whether the state of the position sensor is a second signal.

[0050] In this step S110, if Figure 4 As shown, the electronic module 48 can detect whether the position sensor 66 is in a state of a second signal. For example, the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 can press an elastic sensing portion 66a of the position sensor 66 (this part can be referred to in conjunction with Figure 3 ), so that the position sensor 66 generates the second signal, indicating that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is at the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet 28).

[0051] If yes, then proceed to step S120: the driving device is powered by the first power signal and rotates to a predetermined angle position. In this step, when the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is in the closed position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet 28), and the electronic module 48 receives the predetermined signal from the communication device 74 (e.g. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the driving device 51 is passed a first power signal, so that the rotating shaft 69 of the driving device 51 (motor M) together with the driving member 70 rotates to the predetermined angle position J2, so as to drive the first movable member 42 to move to the unlocking state K2, thereby releasing the elastic force F of the elastic member 68.

[0052] If not, then proceed to step S130: the communication device warns that the drawer is not completely closed. In this step, if the position sensor 66 does not generate the second signal, the communication device 74 can send a warning sound and / or an electronic message through the application program to inform the user that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is not completely in the closed position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet 28).

[0053] Furthermore, after step S120, step S140 may be performed: detecting whether the position sensor state is the first signal. In this step S140, if Figure 6 As shown, the electronic module 48 can detect whether the position sensor 66 is in the state of the first signal. For example, the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 does not press the elastic sensing portion of the position sensor 66, so that the position sensor 66 generates the first signal, indicating that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) has left the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet 28) in response to the release of the elastic force F of the elastic member 68, for example, the second rail 32 (drawer 26) has moved to the opening direction D1 to the predetermined opening position E.

[0054] If yes, then proceed to step S150: the driving device is passed the second power signal to rotate to the origin position. In this step S150, if the position sensor 66 generates the first signal, the driving device 51 is passed the second power signal to make the rotating shaft 69 of the driving device 51 (motor M) and the driving member 70 rotate back to the origin position J1 (this part can be referred to in Figure 6 ), at this time, it also means step S160: the drawer is opened. Further, when the position sensor 66 generates the first signal, it means that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is at the predetermined opening position E at this time.

[0055] If not, proceed to step S170: communication device alerts system error message. In this step S170, if the position sensor 66 does not generate the first signal, it means that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) has not left the folded position R (or the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is not in the predetermined open position E), and the communication device 74 can send a warning sound and / or an electronic message through the application to inform the user of the system error message that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) has not left the folded position R.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The method for opening the second rail 32 of the slide rail assembly 20 relative to the first rail 30 includes:

[0057] S10: Provide a slide rail assembly 22, wherein the slide rail assembly 22 includes a first rail 30, a second rail 32, and an elastic member 68 (refer to Figure 4 );

[0058] S12: A movable member 42 is provided to be arranged on the second rail 32, and when the movable member 42 is in a locked state K1, the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 is locked (refer to Figure 4 );

[0059] S14: Provide an electronic module 48 arranged on the first rail 30, and the electronic module 48 includes a driving device 51 (this part can be referred to Figure 4 );as well as

[0060] S16: The electronic module 48 is connected to the communication device 74 so that the drive device 51 can drive the movable member 42 to an unlocked state K2 (see this part). Figure 5 ), so that the second rail 32 can move away from a retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 in response to the release of the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 (this part can be referred to in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0061] Since the implementation details of the method have been disclosed above, they will not be further described here for the sake of brevity.

[0062] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the slide rail assembly of the furniture system of the second embodiment of the present invention is taken as the first slide rail assembly 202. The difference between the first slide rail assembly 202 and the first slide rail assembly 22 of the first embodiment is essentially that the implementation type of the driving device 204 and the electronic module 206 have a motor origin switch 208 and a motor stop switch 210 compared to the first embodiment. Preferably, the motor origin switch 208 and the motor stop switch 210 are electrically connected to the control circuit board 212.

[0063] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the driving device 204 includes a motor M' (such as Fig.10 In the second embodiment, the motor M' is a DC motor, such as a DC gear motor, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' carries a first driving member 216, such as a cam (such as Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, but the implementation is not limited to this, the first driving member 216 is connected to a second driving member 218, and the second driving member 218 is, for example, a lever (such as Fig.10 and Fig.11 One of the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 is provided with an extension slot 220, and the other of the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 is provided with a connecting pin 222 which abuts against a portion of the extension slot 220 for mutual cooperation (as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 shown).

[0064] The driving device 204 is used to drive the first movable member 224 from the locked state K1′ (eg Fig.11 As shown) moves to the unlocked state K2' (as shown Fig.12 ), for releasing the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226, so that the second rail 228 responds to the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226 and can move from the folded position R' to the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 230.

[0065] Furthermore, the user can control the electronic module 206 (eg Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ), so that the driving device 204 can drive the first movable member 224 from the locked state K1' (as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown) moves to the unlocked state K2' (as shown Fig.12 As shown), the second rail 228 responds to the release of the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226 and can move away from the folded position R' in the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 230, for example, the second rail 228 is displaced to the predetermined opening position E' (as shown in FIG. Fig.13 Specifically, the first driving member 216 is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft 214, so that the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 rotate in the same direction, for example, both start from the origin position J1' (as shown in FIG. Fig.11 ) rotates in the first rotation direction R1' to a stop position (eg, the predetermined angle position J2', such as Fig.12 During the rotation, the second driving member 218 can contact the working portion 233 of the first movable member 224 (as shown in FIG. Fig.12), and through the second driving member 218, the first movable member 224 is driven from the locking state K1' (as shown Fig.11 As shown) rotates in the second rotation direction R2' to the unlocked state K2' (as shown Fig.12 ), for releasing the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226, so that the second rail 228 responds to the release of the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226 and moves relative to the first rail 230 from the retracted position R' (as shown Fig. 9 As shown) moves in the opening direction D1, for example, moves to the predetermined opening position E' (as shown Fig.13 ). Compared with the first embodiment, the first driving member 216 of the second embodiment can extend the lever arm through the second driving member 218 (such as a lever), so that for the driving device 204 (motor M'), the power output of the rotating shaft 214 can be reduced to achieve the effect of driving the first movable member 224, thereby saving the power usage of the driving device 204.

[0066] It is worth mentioning that the motor origin switch 208 and the motor stop switch 210 can be used to detect the operating position of the motor M'. For example, the motor origin switch 208 can be used to generate a third signal or a fourth signal. When the third signal is generated, it means that the shaft 214 of the motor M' is at the origin position (or initial position), so that the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 are at the origin position J1' (such as Fig.11 When the fourth signal is generated, it indicates that the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' is in motion. On the other hand, the motor stop switch 210 can be used to generate a fifth signal or a sixth signal. When the fifth signal is generated, it indicates that the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' is in a stopped position (e.g., the predetermined angle position), so that the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 are in the stopped position (e.g., the predetermined angle position J2', as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig.12 When the sixth signal is generated, it indicates that the shaft 214 of the motor M' is moving.

[0067] like Fig.14 As shown, Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the furniture system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which includes the following steps:

[0068] Step S200: The communication device sets the drawer status to open.

[0069] In this step S200, the communication device 232 can wirelessly connect to the electronic module 206 (control circuit board 212), and the user can send a predetermined signal to the electronic module 206 through the communication device 232, thereby, for example, setting the state of the second rail 228 (drawer) to open.

[0070] Step S210: Detect whether the state of the position sensor is a second signal.

[0071] In this step S210, if Fig. 9 As shown, the electronic module 206 can detect whether the position sensor 234 is in a state of a second signal. For example, the predetermined portion 236 of the second rail 228 can press an elastic sensing portion 234a of the position sensor 234, so that the position sensor 234 generates the second signal, indicating that the second rail 228 (drawer) is at the retracted position R' relative to the first rail 230 (cabinet).

[0072] If yes, then proceed to step S220: the driving device is powered by a first power signal. In this step, when the second rail 228 (drawer) is in the closed position R' relative to the first rail 230 (cabinet), and the electronic module 206 receives the predetermined signal from the communication device 232 (e.g. Fig. 9 ), the driving device 204 is passed a first power signal, so that the rotating shaft 214 of the driving device 204 (motor M') together with the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 rotate to the stop position (for example, the predetermined angle position J2', such as Fig.12 ), for driving the first movable member 224 to move to the unlocked state K2' (as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown), the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226 can be released accordingly.

[0073] If not, proceed to step S230: the communication device warns that the drawer is not completely closed. In this step, if the position sensor 234 does not generate the second signal, the communication device 232 can send a warning sound and / or an electronic message through the application to inform the user that the second rail 228 (drawer) is not completely in the closed position R' relative to the first rail 230 (cabinet).

[0074] Preferably, after step S220, step S240 may be performed: detecting whether the motor stop switch is the fifth signal. In this step S240, if Fig.12 As shown, the electronic module 206 can detect whether the motor stop switch 210 is in the state of the fifth signal to determine whether the rotating shaft 214 of the driving device 204 (motor M') together with the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 are in the stop position (e.g., the predetermined angle position J2').

[0075] If yes, then proceed to step S250: stop the driving device. In this step, if the electronic module 206 detects that the motor stop switch 210 is in the fifth signal state, the rotating shaft 214 of the driving device 204 (motor M') together with the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 stay at the stop position (e.g., the predetermined angle position J2', such as Fig.12 If not, then step S220 is performed again.

[0076] Further, after step S250, step S260 may be performed: detecting whether the position sensor state is the first signal. In this step S260, if Fig.13 As shown, the electronic module 206 can detect whether the position sensor 234 is in the state of the first signal. For example, the predetermined portion 236 of the second rail 228 does not press the elastic sensing portion 234a of the position sensor 234, so that the position sensor 234 generates the first signal, indicating that the second rail 228 (drawer) has left the retracted position R' relative to the first rail 230 (cabinet) in response to the release of the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226, for example, the second rail 228 (drawer) is now in the predetermined open position E'.

[0077] If yes, then proceed to step S270: the driving device is supplied with a second power signal. In this step S270, if the position sensor 234 generates the first signal, the driving device 204 is supplied with the second power signal, so that the rotating shaft 214 of the driving device 204 (motor M') together with the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 rotate back to the origin position J1' (this part can be referred to Fig.11 ).

[0078] If not, proceed to step S280: communication device alerts system error message. In this step S280, if the position sensor 234 does not generate the first signal, it means that the second rail 228 (drawer) has not left the folded position R' (or the second rail 228 (drawer) is not in the predetermined open position E'), and the communication device 232 can send a warning sound and / or an electronic message through the application to inform the user of the system error message that the second rail 228 (drawer) has not left the folded position R'.

[0079] Preferably, after step S270, step S290 may be performed: detecting whether the motor origin switch is a third signal. In this step S290, if Fig.11 As shown, the electronic module 206 can detect whether the motor origin switch 208 is in the state of the third signal to determine whether the rotating shaft 214 of the driving device 204 (motor M') together with the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 are at the origin position J1'.

[0080] If yes, then proceed to step S292: stop the driving device. In this step, if the electronic module 206 detects that the motor origin switch 208 is in the state of the third signal, the rotating shaft 214 of the driving device 204 (motor M') together with the first driving member 216 and the second driving member 218 stay at the origin position J1' (such as Fig.11 ). At this time, it also indicates step S294: the drawer is opened. Further, when the position sensor 234 generates the first signal and the motor origin switch 208 generates the third signal, it indicates that the second rail 228 (drawer) is now in the predetermined open position E'. If not (the motor origin switch 208 is not in the state of the third signal), step S270 is repeated.

[0081] It can be seen that the slide rail assembly 20 of the embodiment of the present invention includes the following features:

[0082] 1. A driving device (51; 204) of the electronic module (48; 206) can be used to drive the movable member (42; 224) from the locked state (K1; K1') to the unlocked state (K2; K2') to release the elastic force (F; F') of the elastic member (68; 226), so that the second rail (32; 228) responds to the elastic force (F; F') of the elastic member (68; 226) and moves relative to the first rail (30; 230) from the folded position (R; R') to the opening direction D1 to a predetermined opening position (E; E').

[0083] 2. The second rail (32; 228) (or drawer 26) of the furniture system is opened by electronic driving (not by manual pressing as in the conventional technology), and the second rail (32; 228) (or drawer 26) can be automatically opened by wirelessly communicating with the electronic module (48; 206) through the communication device (74; 232), so that the user can manage the items in the drawer 26 conveniently.

[0084] 3. The electronic module (48; 206) can be detachably mounted to the first rail (32; 230), so that the electronic module (48; 206) can be installed as needed to enable the second rail (32; 228) (or drawer 26) of the furniture system to have the function of electronically driven opening.

[0085] 4. Compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the first driving member 216 of the driving device 204 can be used to extend the lever arm through the second driving member 218 (e.g., a lever). For the driving device 204 (motor M'), the force output of the rotating shaft 214 can be reduced to achieve the effect of driving the movable member 224, thereby saving the use of electricity of the driving device 204.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and various equivalent changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, any changes and modifications to the above embodiments within the spirit of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A slide rail assembly, comprising a first rail, a second rail, an elastic member, a movable member and an electronic module, characterized in that: The second rail is displaceable relative to the first rail; The elastic member generates an elastic force in response to the second rail being in a retracted position relative to the first rail; When the second rail is in the folded position relative to the first rail and the movable member is in a locked state, the elastic force of the elastic member is locked; and The electronic module includes a driving device for driving the movable member to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member, so that the second rail responds to the elastic force of the elastic member and moves relative to the first rail from the folded position to an opening direction.

2. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable member is rotatably mounted on the second rail.

3. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electronic module is detachably mounted on the first rail.

4. The slide rail assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic module further includes a position sensor for detecting whether the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail.

5. The slide rail assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic module also includes a control circuit board, the driving device is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the driving device includes a motor, a rotating shaft of the motor carries a driving member, and the driving member is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft to drive the movable member to rotate from the locked state to the unlocked state, so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member.

6. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The motor is a servo motor.

7. The slide rail assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic module also includes a control circuit board, the drive device is electrically connected to the control circuit board, and the drive device includes a motor, a rotating shaft of the motor carries a first drive member, the first drive member is connected to a second drive member, one of the first drive member and the second drive member is provided with an extension slot, the other of the first drive member and the second drive member is provided with a connecting pin that abuts against a portion in the extension slot for matching, the first drive member is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft, so that the first drive member and the second drive member have the same rotation direction, and the second drive member is used to drive the movable member to rotate from the locked state to the unlocked state, so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member.

8. The slide rail assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electronic module also includes a motor origin switch and a motor stop switch for detecting the action position of the motor.

9. The slide rail assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The motor is a DC motor.

10. The slide rail assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The movable member can be connected to a synchronization rod, and the synchronization rod is connected to a second rail of another slide rail assembly.

11. A method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly, characterized in that: A slide rail assembly is provided, and the slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail and an elastic member; A movable member is provided to be arranged on the second rail, and when the movable member is in a locked state, the elastic force of the elastic member is locked; Providing an electronic module arranged on the first rail, wherein the electronic module comprises a driving device; as well as The electronic module is connected to the communication device through a communication device, so that the driving device can drive the movable member to an unlocked state, so that the second rail can leave a retracted position relative to the first rail in response to the release of the elastic force of the elastic member.

12. The method for opening the slide rail of the slide rail assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first rail is used for being installed on a cabinet, and the second rail is used for carrying a drawer.

13. The method for opening the slide rail of the slide rail assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The communication device and the electronic module can be communicatively connected with each other.

14. The method for opening the slide rail of the slide rail assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The communication device and the electronic module are connected to each other in a wireless communication manner.

15. The method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The movable member is rotatably mounted on the second rail.

16. The method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The electronic module is detachably mounted on the first rail.

17. The method for opening the slide rail of the slide rail assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: A position sensor is also provided to detect whether the second rail is in the folded position relative to the first rail.

18. The method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: It also includes providing a control circuit board and a motor to the electronic module, the driving device includes the motor, and a rotating shaft of the motor carries a driving member, and the driving member is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft to drive the movable member to rotate from the locked state to the unlocked state to release the elastic force of the elastic member.

19. The method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: It also includes providing a control circuit board and a motor to the electronic module, the driving device includes the motor, and a rotating shaft of the motor carries a first driving member, the first driving member is connected to a second driving member, one of the first driving member and the second driving member is provided with an extension slot, the other of the first driving member and the second driving member is provided with a connecting pin that abuts against a portion in the extension slot for matching, the first driving member is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft, so that the first driving member and the second driving member have the same rotation direction, and the second driving member is used to drive the movable member to rotate from the locked state to the unlocked state, so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member.

20. The method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that: The invention also includes providing a motor origin switch and a motor stop switch to the electronic module for detecting the action position of the motor.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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