A bead nest locking structure of a slide rail

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of pearl nest locking structures of slide rail, belong to the technical field of slide rail, slide rail includes middle rail and inner rail, and lock groove is provided on the main body structure of pearl nest;The locking structure further includes the spring piece installed on the middle rail, and the free end of the spring piece is provided with locking member;The inner rail has release structure, and the first guide inclined plane is formed on the release structure;When inner rail slides, locking member is embedded in lock groove by the elastic force of spring piece, and the relative locking between pearl nest and middle rail is automatically realized;When inner rail retracts, the first guide inclined plane on release structure pushes locking member to separate from lock groove in moving process, to automatically unlock pearl nest, convenient and efficient in actual use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of slide rail technology, and in particular to a beadlocking structure for a slide rail. Background Technology

[0002] The ball bearing housing is a core component of various drawer slides. It is typically installed inside the slide to reduce friction and allow for more flexible relative movement between adjacent rails. The ball bearing housing is generally made of plastic and contains several ball bearings or rollers, creating a uniform rolling friction pair on all sides. For example, a commonly used three-section drawer slide has an inner rail, a middle rail, and an outer rail. The sliding between the inner and middle rails is achieved through the ball bearing housing. In ball bearing slides, a plate-like structure (the main support structure of the ball bearing housing) is embedded in the middle and inner rails to fix the steel balls (i.e., the rolling balls) on both sides. The rolling of these steel balls allows the inner rail to slide back and forth relative to the middle rail.

[0003] In some special cases, the inner rail needs to be completely pulled out of the middle rail. During the process of the inner rail extending outward, the bead socket rolls and moves relative to the middle rail. When the inner rail extends to a certain position, the bead socket needs to be fixed relative to the middle rail so that the inner rail can be pulled out independently. When the inner rail is reinserted into the middle rail, the bead socket must remain relatively fixed to the middle rail during the initial contact stage. Only when the inner rail retracts to the set position can the bead socket and the inner rail be unlocked to ensure the positional accuracy of the inner rail each time it is installed.

[0004] Based on the existing designs described above, some locking mechanisms rely on complex mechanical devices or additional external force to position and unlock the bead socket. This not only increases the complexity of use but also reduces the ease of operation. In actual use, users need to expend extra effort to complete the locking and unlocking actions, causing inconvenience.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of bead-locking structure that can automatically lock and unlock the bead nest. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model provides a beadlocking structure for a slide rail to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0007] This utility model embodiment adopts the following technical solution: a beadlocking structure for a slide rail, the slide rail including at least an inner rail and a middle rail, the inner rail being slidably connected to the middle rail via beadlocks, the main structure of the beadlock being located in the gap between the inner rail and the middle rail, and a locking groove being provided on the main structure of the beadlock; the locking structure further includes a spring piece installed on the middle rail, the free end of the spring piece being provided with a locking element; when the inner rail extends outward relative to the middle rail, the inner rail drives the beadlock to move and the locking element elastically abuts against the main structure of the beadlock; when When the locking member moves to the locking groove position, it is embedded in the locking groove by the elastic force of the spring, thereby limiting the bead nest relative to the middle rail in the direction of movement; at this time, the inner rail reaches the first point; the inner rail has a release structure, and a first guide slope is formed on the release structure; the direction in which the inner rail extends is defined as forward; when the inner rail retracts backward relative to the middle rail, the release structure contacts and squeezes the slope provided on the locking member, so that the locking member overcomes the elastic force of the spring under the push of the first guide slope and disengages from the locking groove.

[0008] Preferably, when the inner rail reaches the first position, the release structure is located on the front side of the locking member.

[0009] Preferably, the release structure also has a second guide slope; the release structure contacts and presses the locking member from the rear side, enabling the locking member to overcome the elastic force and disengage from the locking groove under the push of the second guide slope.

[0010] Preferably, the free end of the spring is further provided with at least one limiting member, which has a first wall, and the main structure of the bead nest is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the limiting member; when the locking member is inserted into the locking groove, the limiting member also enters the corresponding limiting groove; when the inner rail retracts relative to the middle rail towards the first point, one side wall of the limiting groove abuts against the first wall to restrict the movement of the bead nest relative to the middle rail; when the locking member disengages from the locking groove, the limiting member also disengages from the corresponding limiting groove.

[0011] Preferably, the top surface of the limiting member is configured as a first inclined surface extending downward from front to back.

[0012] Preferably, the rear side of the locking member is also provided with a ramp.

[0013] Preferably, the spring is installed on the outside of the middle rail, and the middle rail is provided with at least one through groove, through which the locking member and the limiting member are placed on the inside of the middle rail.

[0014] The above-mentioned technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0015] Firstly, when the inner rail slides to move the bead socket, the locking element engages with the locking groove. When the inner rail slides to the predetermined position, the elasticity of the spring plate causes the locking element to embed into the locking groove, automatically locking the bead socket relative to the middle rail. When the inner rail retracts, the first guide ramp on the release structure pushes the locking element out of the locking groove during movement, automatically unlocking the bead socket. This automated operation requires no additional external force intervention; normal pushing and pulling of the slide rail is sufficient, making it convenient and efficient in actual use.

[0016] Secondly, after the middle rail extends to a certain position, the bead socket is fixed relative to the middle rail, preventing unnecessary movement of the bead socket when the inner rail is pulled out from the middle rail, making the inner rail more stable when pulled out alone. At the same time, the automatic unlocking process when the inner rail retracts also ensures the smooth operation of the entire slide rail system. When the inner rail is reinserted into the middle rail, the bead socket remains relatively fixed to the middle rail during the initial contact phase, and unlocking only occurs when the inner rail retracts to the set position. Therefore, this precise positioning and unlocking mechanism ensures the positional accuracy of the inner rail each time it is installed, improving the reliability of the slide rail. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the slide rail of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of the slide rail of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Planar sectional view of section AA;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional sectional view of section AA in the middle;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the slide rail of this utility model after the inner rail has been removed;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the spring clip of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the bead nest, the middle rail, and the shrapnel of this utility model.

[0025] Figure Labels

[0026] 1-Inner rail; 11-Release structure; 111-First guide ramp; 112-Second guide ramp; 2-Middle rail; 21-Groove; 3-Bead nest; 31-Locking groove; 32-Limiting groove; 4-Spring piece; 41-Locking component; 411-Slope; 42-Limiting component; 421-First wall; 422-First ramp. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The ball bearing housing 3 is a core component of various drawer slides. It is typically installed inside the slide to reduce frictional resistance, allowing for more flexible relative movement between adjacent rails. The ball bearing housing 3 is generally made of plastic and contains several ball bearings or rollers, creating a uniform rolling friction pair on all surfaces. For example, a commonly used three-section drawer slide has an inner rail 1, a middle rail 2, and an outer rail (only the inner rail 1 and middle rail 2 are shown in the diagram). The sliding between the inner rail 1 and the middle rail 2 is achieved through the ball bearing housing 3. In ball bearing slides, a plate-like structure (the main structure of the ball bearing housing 3) is embedded in the middle rail 2 and the inner rail 1 to fix the steel balls (i.e., the rolling balls) on both sides. The rolling of these steel balls allows the inner rail 1 to slide back and forth relative to the middle rail 2.

[0030] In some special cases, the inner rail 1 needs to be completely pulled out from the middle rail 2. During the process of the inner rail extending outward, the bead nest 3 rolls and moves relative to the middle rail 2. When the inner rail extends to a certain position, the bead nest 3 needs to be fixed relative to the middle rail 2 so that the inner rail 1 can be pulled out alone. When the inner rail 1 is reinserted into the middle rail 2, the bead nest 3 must remain relatively fixed to the middle rail 2 during the initial contact stage with the inner rail 1. Only when the inner rail 1 retracts to the set position can the bead nest 3 and the inner rail 1 be unlocked to ensure the positional accuracy of the inner rail 1 each time it is installed.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 7As shown, this application provides a beadlocking structure for a slide rail. The slide rail includes at least an inner rail 1 and a middle rail 2. The inner rail 1 is slidably connected to the middle rail 2 via beadlocks 3. The main structure of the beadlocks 3 is located in the gap between the inner rail 1 and the middle rail 2, and a locking groove 31 is provided on the main structure of the beadlocks 3. The locking structure also includes a spring piece 4 installed on the middle rail 2, and a locking element 41 is provided at the free end of the spring piece 4.

[0032] When the inner rail 1 extends outward relative to the middle rail 2, the inner rail 1 drives the bead nest 3 to move and the locking member 41 elastically abuts against the main structure of the bead nest 3; when the locking member 41 moves to the position of the locking groove 31, the locking member 41 is inserted into the locking groove 31 by the elastic force of the spring piece 4, so as to realize the limitation of the bead nest 3 relative to the middle rail 2 in the direction of movement; at this time, the inner rail 1 reaches the first point, that is, the bead nest 3 and the middle rail 2 are relatively fixed.

[0033] The inner rail 1 has a release structure 11, on which a first guide ramp 111 is formed; the direction in which the inner rail 1 extends is defined as forward; when the inner rail 1 retracts backward relative to the middle rail 2, the release structure 11 contacts and presses the ramp 411 on the locking member 41, so that the locking member 41 gradually disengages from the locking groove 31 under the push of the first guide ramp 111, overcoming the elastic force of the spring piece 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, the working principle of the slide rail is as follows: When the inner rail 1 extends outward relative to the middle rail 2, the inner rail 1 moves the bead nest 3 together. During this process, the locking member 41, which is installed on the free end of the spring piece 4 on the middle rail 2, elastically abuts against the main structure of the bead nest 3. As the inner rail 1 continues to extend, when the locking member 41 moves to the position of the locking groove 31 on the main structure of the bead nest 3, the locking member 41 is embedded in the locking groove 31 under the action of the elastic force of the spring piece 4. At this time, the bead nest 3 is limited in the direction of movement relative to the middle rail 2, and the inner rail 1 reaches the first point, realizing the relative fixation of the bead nest 3 and the middle rail 2. At this time, the inner rail 1 can be pulled out alone or removed from the middle rail 2. It should be noted that before the bead nest 3 is fixed, the sliding between the inner rail 1 and the bead nest 3 is rolling friction, and after the bead nest 3 is fixed, the sliding between the inner rail 1 and the bead nest 3 is static friction.

[0035] When the inner rail 1 retracts backward relative to the middle rail 2, the first guide ramp 111 on the release structure 11 gradually contacts and squeezes the locking member 41. Under the push of the first guide ramp 111, the locking member 41 overcomes the elastic force of the spring piece 4 and disengages from the lock groove 31 (that is, the locking member 41 gradually disengages from the lock groove 31 under the squeezing and guiding action of the first guide ramp 111), thereby unlocking the bead nest 3 and the inner rail 1, allowing the inner rail 1 to slide and retract smoothly. It should be noted that the main function of the first guide ramp 111 is to allow most of the structure of the locking member 41 to disengage from the lock groove 31, while the top of the locking member 41 remains within the lock groove 31. However, at this time, the bead nest 3 can move along with the inner rail. As the bead nest 3 moves backward, the locking member 41 can be completely disengaged from the lock groove 31 with the cooperation of the side wall of the lock groove 31 and the ramp 411 of the locking member 41.

[0036] In summary, when the inner rail 1 slides to move the bead nest 3, the locking element 41 and the locking groove 31 cooperate to automatically lock the bead nest 3 and the middle rail 2 respectively. When the inner rail 1 slides to the predetermined position, the spring force of the spring piece 4 causes the locking element 41 to embed into the locking groove 31. When the inner rail 1 retracts, the first guide ramp 111 on the release structure 11 pushes the locking element 41 out of the locking groove 31 during the movement, thus automatically unlocking the bead nest 3. This automated operation requires no additional external force intervention; only normal pushing and pulling of the slide rail is needed, making it convenient and efficient in actual use.

[0037] After the middle rail 2 extends to a certain position, the bead nest 3 is fixed relative to the middle rail 2, preventing unnecessary movement of the bead nest 3 when the inner rail 1 is pulled out from the middle rail 2, making the inner rail 1 more stable when pulled out alone. Simultaneously, the automatic unlocking process when the inner rail 1 retracts also ensures the smooth operation of the entire slide rail system. When the inner rail 1 is reinserted into the middle rail 2, the bead nest 3 remains relatively fixed to the middle rail 2 during the initial contact phase, unlocking only when the inner rail 1 retracts to the set position. Therefore, this precise positioning and unlocking mechanism ensures the positional accuracy of the inner rail 1 each time it is installed, improving the reliability of the slide rail.

[0038] In some practical applications, generally, when the inner rail 1 extends outward and reaches the first position, the release structure 11 is located in front of the locking member 41 to ensure that the inner rail 1 can continue to be smoothly pulled outward and separated from the middle rail 2. However, in the actual production of slide rail assembly, due to operator error, the installation position of the bead nest 3 may be relatively offset. As a result, after the bead nest 3 and the middle rail 2 are locked, the release structure 11 is still located behind the locking member 41. Therefore, when the inner rail 1 is pulled again, the release structure 11 will be blocked by the locking member 41, thus affecting the individual removal of the inner rail 1.

[0039] Based on the above problems, the following solution is adopted: (Refer to...) Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a second guide slope 112 is also formed on the release structure 11; when the release structure 11 contacts and presses the locking member 41 from the rear side, the locking member 41 can overcome the elastic force and gradually disengage from the locking groove 31 under the push of the second guide slope 112. It is only necessary for the locking member 41 to move to a position that does not obstruct the release structure 11 on the inner rail 1, so that the inner rail 1 can continue to be pulled out separately, and the position of the bead nest 3 can also be calibrated.

[0040] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in some practical applications, the free end of the spring piece 4 is also provided with at least one limiting member 42, which has a first wall 421. The main structure of the bead nest 3 is provided with a limiting groove 32 corresponding to the limiting member 42. When the locking member 41 is embedded in the locking groove 31, the limiting member 42 also enters the corresponding limiting groove 32. When the inner rail 1 retracts relative to the middle rail 2 towards the first point, one side wall of the limiting groove 32 abuts against the first wall 421 to restrict the movement of the bead nest 3 relative to the middle rail 2. When the locking member 41 disengages from the locking groove 31, the limiting member 42 also disengages from the corresponding limiting groove 32.

[0041] The inner rail 1 causes the bead nest 3 to extend outward relative to the middle rail 2, and the locking element 41 at the free end of the spring piece 4 elastically slides against the main structure of the bead nest 3. When the locking element 41 moves to the position of the locking groove 31, it is embedded into the locking groove 31 under the action of the elastic force of the spring piece 4. At the same time, the limiting element 42 at the free end of the spring piece 4 also enters the corresponding limiting groove 32 on the main structure of the bead nest 3. At this time, the bead nest 3 is limited in the direction of movement relative to the middle rail 2 by the locking element 41, and the limiting element 42 further enhances the limiting effect on the bead nest 3, so that the bead nest 3 and the middle rail 2 are relatively fixed.

[0042] As the inner rail 1 retracts towards the first point, the first guide slope 111 of the release structure 11 contacts and presses against the locking member 41, causing it to overcome the elastic force of the spring piece 4 and disengage from the locking groove 31. Simultaneously with the disengagement of the locking member 41 from the locking groove 31, the limiting member 42 also disengages from its corresponding limiting groove 32 as the locking member 41 moves. Before the locking member 41 disengages from the locking groove 31, i.e., before the release structure 11 contacts the locking member 41, during the retraction of the inner rail 1, one side wall of the limiting groove 32 abuts against the first wall 421 of the limiting member 42, restricting the movement of the bead nest 3 relative to the middle rail 2 and ensuring the stability of the relative position of the bead nest 3 and the middle rail 2 during the retraction of the inner rail 1.

[0043] In some practical applications, the wall thickness of the release structure 11 is greater than the wall thickness of the locking member 41, while the width of the release structure 11 is less than the width of the locking member 41. Since the locking member 41 does not need to be connected to other external parts, its wall thickness can be reduced, which helps to reduce the thickness of the bead socket, making the overall spatial layout of the slide rail more compact. However, since the locking member 41 has a small wall thickness, in order to improve the impact resistance of the locking member 41, it is necessary to increase the width of the release structure 11 to improve the impact resistance of the locking member 41.

[0044] In other practical applications, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the top surface of the limiting member 42 is configured as a first inclined surface 422 extending downward from front to back. Since the spring piece 4 uses elastic force to make the locking member 41 embed into the locking groove 31, in some cases, when the user pulls the inner rail 1 quickly, the locking member 41 may not be embedded into the locking groove 31 in time, and the bead nest 3 will move forward and exceed the locking point under the drive of the inner rail 1. The setting of the first inclined surface 422 can give the locking member 41 more time to enter the locking groove 31. Even if part of the structure of the locking member 41 has exceeded the locking groove 31, the first inclined surface 422 will still abut against the side wall of the locking groove 31. Under the guidance of the first inclined surface 422, the bead nest 3 can be displaced backward relative to the middle rail 2 so that the limiting member 42 can be embedded into the corresponding limiting groove 32, thereby allowing the locking member 41 to be properly embedded into the locking groove 31.

[0045] Generally, the top surface of the locking member 41 is provided with two opposing ramps 411 along its front-rear direction (one ramp 411 contacts the first guide ramp 111, and the other ramp 411 contacts the second guide ramp 112). The two ramps 411, together with the first guide ramp 111 and the second guide ramp 112, make the process of the release structure 11 contacting and pushing the locking member 41 to move more smoothly. At the same time, the ramp 411 located on the rear side of the locking member 41 can also guide the bead nest 3 to move rearward relative to the middle rail 2 when the locking member 41 part of the structure moves forward and exceeds the lock groove 31, so that the locking member 41 can smoothly enter the lock groove 31.

[0046] In some practical applications, the spring 4 is mounted on the outside of the middle rail 2 (e.g.) Figure 6 The middle rail 2 is provided with at least one through groove 21, through which the locking member 41 and the limiting member 42 are placed inside the middle rail 2. By setting the spring piece 4 on the outside of the middle rail 2, the design space between the middle rail 2 and the bead nest 3 can be greatly reduced, making the structure of the slide rail more compact.

[0047] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this utility model should be included within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A beadlocking structure for a slide rail, characterized in that, The slide rail includes at least an inner rail (1) and a middle rail (2). The inner rail (1) is slidably connected to the middle rail (2) via a beaded nest (3). The main structure of the beaded nest (3) is located in the gap between the inner rail (1) and the middle rail (2), and a locking groove (31) is provided on the main structure of the beaded nest (3). The locking structure also includes a spring piece (4) installed on the middle rail (2), and a locking element (41) is provided at the free end of the spring piece (4). When the inner rail (1) extends outward relative to the middle rail (2), the inner rail (1) drives the bead nest (3) to move and the locking member (41) elastically abuts against the main structure of the bead nest (3); when the locking member (41) moves to the position of the locking groove (31), the locking member (41) is embedded in the locking groove (31) by the elastic force of the spring piece (4) to realize the limitation of the bead nest (3) relative to the middle rail (2) in the direction of movement; at this time, the inner rail (1) reaches the first position; The inner rail (1) also has a release structure (11), on which a first guide ramp (111) is formed; the direction in which the inner rail (1) extends is defined as forward; when the inner rail (1) retracts backward relative to the middle rail (2), the release structure (11) contacts and presses the ramp (411) provided on the locking member (41), so that the locking member (41) overcomes the elastic force of the spring piece (4) and gradually disengages from the locking groove (31) under the push of the first guide ramp (111).

2. The beadlocking structure for a slide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the inner rail (1) reaches the first position, the release structure (11) is located in front of the locking member (41).

3. The beadlocking structure for a slide rail according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the release structure (11) is greater than the wall thickness of the locking member (41), and the width of the release structure (11) is less than the width of the locking member (41).

4. The beadlocking structure for a slide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release structure (11) also has a second guide slope (112); the release structure (11) contacts and presses the locking member (41) from the rear side, so that the locking member (41) can overcome the elastic force and gradually disengage from the locking groove (31) under the push of the second guide slope (112).

5. The beadlocking structure for a slide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free end of the spring piece (4) is also provided with at least one limiting member (42), which has a first wall (421). The main structure of the bead nest (3) is provided with a limiting groove (32) corresponding to the limiting member (42). When the locking member (41) is embedded in the locking groove (31), the limiting member (42) also extends into the corresponding limiting groove (32). When the inner rail (1) retracts to the first point relative to the middle rail (2), one side wall of the limiting groove (32) abuts against the first wall (421) to restrict the movement of the bead nest (3) relative to the middle rail (2). When the locking member (41) disengages from the locking groove (31), the limiting member (42) also disengages from the corresponding limiting groove (32).

6. The beadlocking structure of a slide rail according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top surface of the limiting member (42) is configured as a first inclined surface (422) extending downward from front to back.

7. The beadlocking structure for a slide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear side of the locking member (41) is also provided with a ramp (411).

8. The beadlocking structure for a slide rail according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spring piece (4) is installed on the outside of the middle rail (2), and at least one through groove (21) is provided on the middle rail (2). The locking member (41) and the limiting member (42) pass through the through groove (21) and are placed inside the middle rail (2).

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