Guide rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522222303.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-21
AI Technical Summary
现有技术中的机械螺栓固定式锁止的原理是在导轨特定位置设置螺栓孔，通过拧紧螺栓直接限制滑动件运动，但其缺陷是虽然结构简单、成本低，但锁止与解锁必须借助工具，操作繁琐，严重影响了使用便利性和装配效率，无法适应需快速、频繁开合的应用场景
[0013]有益效果：与现有技术相比，本实用新型采用双轨道、双排上下对称布置的钢珠作为滚动支承系统，该结构将负载均匀分布在四个接触线上，相比单排钢珠或单轨道设计，显著提高了导轨的承载能力与抗倾覆力矩，确保了抽屉即使在偏载或重载工况下，也能保持结构稳定，无卡滞或异响；上下双排钢珠构成了一个稳定的四点支承结构，有效约束了内外滑轨在各个方向的自由度，消除了运行过程中的晃动与窜动，这种对称均衡的受力方式，使得抽拉动作极为顺滑流畅，极大地提升了用户的操作体验；核心锁止机构采用可拆卸的模块化设计，弹性卡扣与锁片之间通过插接实现快速装配与固定，无需工具即可完成拆卸，这一设计将易损件（弹性卡扣）与主体结构分离，在需要维护时，可直接更换独立的功能模块，极大降低了后期的维护成本与复杂度，延长了导轨总成的使用寿命。采用弹性卡扣与限位凸起卡接结构，优化了传统弹簧锁止机构中多个零件间的装配间隙与累计公差，不仅零件数量显著减少，降低了物料与管理成本；弹性臂与锁止钩之间的镂空结构，在保证必要结构刚度的同时，实现了局部的精准柔性变形；弹性卡扣的锁止钩与定滑框上的限位凸起采用斜面楔入式配合，确保锁止可靠性，塑料弹性臂的变形属于大应变弹性变形而非金属弹簧的疲劳弯曲，其疲劳寿命更长，耐腐蚀性更好，适应于高频率、长周期的使用场景。还可通过改变弹性卡扣的材质、厚度、臂长或限位凸起的尺寸与形状，可灵活调节锁止力的大小，以适应不同应用场景的需求。
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Figure CN224734948U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drawer slide technology, specifically to a drawer slide with an elastic snap-locking mechanism. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, drawers and storage compartments in automotive interiors mostly use guide rails to achieve smooth push-pull functions. These guide rails are mostly single rails with upper and lower rows of steel balls, and the locking mechanism often uses mechanical bolt fixing or independent spring locking components.
[0003] In the process of realizing this utility model, the inventors discovered that: The principle of existing mechanical bolt-fixed locking technology is to set bolt holes at specific positions on the guide rail and directly restrict the movement of sliding parts by tightening the bolts. However, its drawback is that although the structure is simple and the cost is low, locking and unlocking require tools, making the operation cumbersome and seriously affecting the convenience of use and assembly efficiency, and it cannot meet the application scenarios that require rapid and frequent opening and closing. The principle of independent spring locking assembly is to use the spring's restoring force to drive an independent locking tongue, which cooperates with the slot on the guide rail to achieve locking. However, its drawbacks are: first, the structure is complex and the cost is high, as independent parts such as springs, locking tongues, and housings increase the complexity of molds and assembly processes; second, the reliability and lifespan are insufficient, as springs are prone to fatigue after long-term cyclic use, leading to weakened elasticity and locking failure; repeated impacts between the locking tongue and mating parts can easily cause wear; and third, the maintainability is poor, as once the built-in spring or locking tongue is damaged, the entire locking module or guide rail assembly usually needs to be replaced, resulting in high maintenance costs.
[0004] The problem with the aforementioned locking mechanism is that it fails to strike a good balance between simplicity, manufacturing cost, locking reliability and lifespan, and ease of assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, single-track mechanisms have deficiencies in load-bearing capacity and stability, and may develop problems such as jamming and abnormal noises after prolonged use. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model proposes a guide rail with an elastic buckle locking mechanism.
[0006] Therefore, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a guide rail with an elastic buckle locking mechanism, comprising an outer slide rail and an inner slide rail, wherein the inner slide rail is sleeved inside the outer slide rail, characterized in that: a steel ball retainer is provided between the outer slide rail and the inner slide rail, the length of the outer slide rail is greater than that of the inner slide rail, and the length of the inner slide rail is greater than that of the steel ball retainer. The outer slide rail includes a fixed slide frame and a movable slide frame arranged opposite each other. The fixed slide frame is used to install on the inner wall of the drawer mounting cavity, and the movable slide rail is used to fix on the side wall of the drawer. Both the fixed slide frame and the movable slide frame are U-shaped structures with U-shaped openings facing each other. The inner slide rail consists of two U-shaped inner slide frames with their openings facing outwards and connected back to back by buckles. The fixed slide frame, the movable slide frame, and the inner slide frame have opposing arc-shaped grooves on their wing plates, which work together to form a ball bearing movement track. The ball retainer is provided in two sets, which are respectively located in the U-shaped grooves of the two inner sliding frames. The top and bottom of the ball retainer are respectively provided with a row of ball limiting brackets that can be suspended and extended into the arc-shaped grooves. The ball limiting brackets are fitted with steel balls, which are rolled and connected in the arc-shaped grooves. The fixed slide frame has a limiting protrusion at the front end of the upper wing plate, and the movable slide frame has an elastic buckle that extends to the top of the fixed slide frame and is detachably connected to the upper wing plate near the rear end. When the drawer is opened, the elastic buckle and the limiting protrusion cooperate to lock the movable slide frame.
[0007] Preferably, one side of the U-shaped groove of the two back-to-back inner sliding frames has a bending limiting part at the front end, and the other side has a bending limiting part at the rear end, which are used to limit the forward and backward sliding of the steel ball carriage. The front and rear ends of the steel ball retainer are respectively engaged with buffer pads, which slide in cooperation with the outer and inner slide rails. In this technical solution, the bending limiting part at this location is used to limit the forward and backward sliding of the steel ball carriage. The buffer pads reduce noise and vibration, while also providing support and enhancing the stability of the inner sliding frame and the steel ball carriage moving inside the outer slide rail.
[0008] Preferably, the fixed slide frame and the movable slide frame are provided with bending limiting parts at the front and rear ends of the U-shaped groove, and a second buffer pad is fitted on the bending limiting part. The bending limiting part is used to limit the sliding direction of the inner slide rail, and the second buffer pad is set to reduce shock, enhance the user experience, and avoid noise.
[0009] Preferably, the upper wing plate of the movable sliding frame is detachably connected near the rear end to an elastic buckle extending above the fixed sliding frame. Specifically, the movable sliding frame has a fixing plate on its outer side, with a connecting block extending from the top front end of the fixing plate. A rearwardly extending locking piece is riveted to the connecting block, with serrated sides. The elastic buckle is engaged with the locking piece. The elastic buckle is a plastic component, including a connector. The front end of the connector has a locking piece groove adapted to the locking piece. The rear end of the connector has a downwardly extending elastic arm. The elastic arm bends forward and extends to have a locking hook adapted to a limiting protrusion. The front end of the locking hook bends upward at an angle and connects integrally with the bottom front end of the connector, forming a hollow structure between the locking hook and the connector. This detachable connection structure facilitates maintenance, the integrated structure reduces the number of parts, and the snap-fit structure facilitates replacement.
[0010] Preferably, the outer side of the fixed slide frame is provided with a hook-on part and a threaded hole that mates with the drawer mounting cavity, and the outer side of the movable slide frame and the fixing plate extends with a hook-on part that adapts to the drawer. The outer side of the movable slide frame is also provided with a threaded hole. The purpose is to facilitate the limiting installation.
[0011] Preferably, the front and rear ends of the ball bearing retainer are respectively fitted with a buffer pad. Specifically, the ball bearing retainer has toothed locking tabs at both ends, and the buffer pad has a corresponding locking groove. The buffer pad is made of rubber. This is mainly for easy installation, replacement, and maintenance.
[0012] Preferably, the limiting protrusion is wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in shape, facilitating reverse stamping.
[0013] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, this utility model adopts a double-track, double-row, symmetrically arranged steel ball as a rolling support system. This structure evenly distributes the load on four contact lines. Compared with a single-row steel ball or single-track design, it significantly improves the load-bearing capacity and anti-overturning moment of the guide rail, ensuring that the drawer can maintain structural stability even under eccentric or heavy load conditions, without jamming or abnormal noise. The upper and lower double rows of steel balls form a stable four-point support structure, effectively constraining the freedom of the inner and outer slide rails in all directions, eliminating shaking and swaying during operation. This symmetrical and balanced force distribution makes the pull-out action extremely smooth and fluid, greatly improving the user's operating experience. The core locking mechanism adopts a detachable modular design. The elastic buckle and the locking plate are quickly assembled and fixed by plugging, and disassembly can be completed without tools. This design separates the vulnerable parts (elastic buckle) from the main structure. When maintenance is required, independent functional modules can be directly replaced, greatly reducing the later maintenance costs and complexity, and extending the service life of the guide rail assembly. The design employs a snap-fit structure with elastic buckles and limiting protrusions, optimizing the assembly gaps and cumulative tolerances between multiple parts in traditional spring locking mechanisms. This significantly reduces the number of parts, lowering material and management costs. The hollow structure between the elastic arm and the locking hook ensures necessary structural rigidity while enabling precise localized flexible deformation. The locking hook of the elastic buckle and the limiting protrusion on the fixed sliding frame use a beveled wedge-type engagement to ensure locking reliability. The deformation of the plastic elastic arm is a large-strain elastic deformation rather than the fatigue bending of a metal spring, resulting in a longer fatigue life, better corrosion resistance, and suitability for high-frequency, long-cycle applications. Furthermore, the locking force can be flexibly adjusted by changing the material, thickness, arm length of the elastic buckle, or the size and shape of the limiting protrusion to meet the needs of different application scenarios. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one side of the guide rail of this utility model.
[0015] Figure 2This is an exploded assembly diagram of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram after the outer slide rail has been removed.
[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the retainer of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the elastic buckle of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 6 This is the installation structure of the elastic buckle of this utility model and a partially exploded installation diagram.
[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the installation state of the drawer and the inner wall of the drawer mounting cavity of this utility model.
[0021] The diagram shows: 1. Outer slide rail; 2. Inner slide rail; 3. Steel ball retainer; 4. Arc-shaped groove; 5. Elastic buckle; 6. Fixing plate; 7. Connecting block; 8. Locking plate. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this embodiment should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0023] It should be noted that the guide rail of this utility model is divided into left and right sides, and the guide rails on both sides are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, only the structural diagram of one side of the guide rail is provided.
[0024] This utility model is as follows Figures 1 to 7 As shown: A guide rail H with an elastic latching mechanism includes an outer slide rail 1 and an inner slide rail 2. The inner slide rail is sleeved inside the outer slide rail. A steel ball retainer 3 is provided between the outer slide rail and the inner slide rail. The length of the outer slide rail is greater than that of the inner slide rail, and the length of the inner slide rail is greater than that of the steel ball retainer. The outer slide rail 1 includes a fixed slide frame 11 and a movable slide frame 12 arranged opposite to each other. The fixed slide frame is used to install on the inner wall of the drawer mounting cavity M (i.e., the inner cavity of the frame), and the movable slide rail 12 is used to fix on the side wall of the drawer N. Both the fixed slide frame and the movable slide frame are U-shaped structures with U-shaped openings arranged opposite to each other. The inner slide rail consists of two U-shaped inner slide frames 21 with their openings facing outwards and connected back to back by buckles. The fixed slide frame, the movable slide frame, and the inner slide frame have opposite arc-shaped grooves 4 on their wing plates, which work together to form a ball bearing movement track. The ball retainer 3 is provided in two sets, which are respectively located in the U-shaped grooves of the two inner sliding frames 21. The top and bottom of the ball retainer are respectively provided with a row of ball limiting brackets 31 that can be suspended and extended into the arc-shaped grooves. The ball limiting brackets are fitted with steel balls 32, which are rolled and connected in the arc-shaped grooves. The upper wing plate of the fixed slide frame 11 has a limiting protrusion 111 at the front end. The upper wing plate of the movable slide frame 12 is detachably connected to an elastic buckle 5 extending to the top of the fixed slide frame near the rear end. When the drawer is opened, the elastic buckle and the limiting protrusion cooperate to lock the movable slide frame.
[0025] In this embodiment, one side of the U-shaped groove of the two back-to-back inner sliding frames 21 has a bending limiting part 22 at the front end and the other side of the U-shaped groove has a bending limiting part at the rear end, which are used to limit the forward and backward sliding of the steel ball carriage. The front and rear ends of the steel ball retainer 3 are respectively clamped with buffer pad 33. The buffer pad 33 slides with the outer slide rail and the inner slide rail. The bending limiting part at this point is used to limit the forward and backward sliding direction of the steel ball carriage. The buffer pad 33 can reduce noise and vibration, and at the same time play a supporting role and enhance the stability of the inner sliding frame and the steel ball carriage moving inside the outer slide rail. The fixed sliding frame 11 and the moving sliding frame 12 have bending limiting parts 121 at the front end and the rear end of the U-shaped groove, and a buffer pad 122 is sleeved on the bending limiting part. The bending limiting part at this point is used to limit the forward and backward sliding direction of the inner slide rail. The buffer pad reduces shock, enhances the user experience, and avoids noise.
[0026] In this embodiment, the upper wing plate of the movable slide frame 12 is detachably connected to an elastic buckle 5 extending above the fixed slide frame near the rear end. Specifically, a fixing plate 6 is provided on the outer side of the movable slide frame 12, and a connecting block 7 extends from the front end of the top of the fixing plate. A rearwardly extending locking piece 8 is riveted to the connecting block. The riveting fixation can form a permanent and reliable connection. The locking piece has a T-shaped structure, with tapered serrations 81 on both sides of the vertical section. An elastic buckle 5 is snapped onto the locking piece. The elastic buckle is a plastic part, including a plug seat 51. The front end of the plug seat is provided with a locking piece adapted to the locking piece. The slot 52 has a downwardly extending elastic arm 53 at the rear end of the plug-in base. The elastic arm bends forward and extends to have a locking hook 54 that is adapted to the limiting protrusion. The front end of the locking hook bends upward at an angle and connects with the bottom front end of the plug-in base to form an integral unit. A hollow structure is formed between the locking hook and the plug-in base, which can achieve precise local flexible deformation while ensuring the necessary structural rigidity. The detachable connection structure facilitates maintenance, and the integrated structure significantly reduces the number of parts to be installed. At the same time, the snap-fit structure allows for assembly or disassembly without any tools, which is convenient for replacement and maintenance.
[0027] In this embodiment, the outer side of the fixed slide frame 11 is provided with a hooking part 112 and a threaded hole 113 that cooperate with the drawer mounting cavity. The outer side of the movable slide frame 12 and the fixing plate 6 has a hooking part 123 that adapts to the drawer. The outer side of the movable slide frame is also provided with a threaded hole 124. The purpose is to facilitate the limiting installation.
[0028] In this embodiment, buffer pads 33 are respectively snapped into the front and rear ends of the ball retainer 3. Specifically, toothed snap-fit pieces 34 are provided at both ends of the ball retainer, and corresponding snap-fit grooves are provided on the buffer pads 33. The buffer pads are made of rubber material. This is mainly to facilitate installation, replacement, and maintenance.
[0029] In this embodiment, the limiting protrusion 111 is wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in shape, which facilitates stamping from the reverse direction.
[0030] Assembly and installation steps of the guide rail of this utility model: Assembling the guide rail: First, snap the two inner sliding frames back to back using elastic limit buckles. Then, bend the bending limit points on the same side of the fixed sliding frame, moving sliding frame, and inner sliding frame, and install the corresponding buffer pads. Align the fixed sliding frame, moving sliding frame, and inner sliding frame on the side without bending. Then, insert one end of the ball bearing retainer with the buffer pad 33 installed into the arc-shaped groove between the wing plates of the fixed sliding frame, moving sliding frame, and inner sliding frame. While inserting, place the balls one by one into the corresponding limit slots of the ball bearing limit bracket (those on the top can be placed directly, while those on the bottom need to be manually supported or supported by tooling) until the ball bearing retainer and balls are all pushed into the arc-shaped groove. At this point, bend the bending limit points on the same side of the fixed sliding frame, moving sliding frame, and inner sliding frame to limit the travel of the inner sliding frame and ball bearing retainer. Finally, install the corresponding buffer pads to complete the assembly of the guide rail. Installation of the drawer slides: First, position the fixed slide frame onto the inner wall of the drawer mounting cavity using the hook-and-loop fasteners. Then, secure the fixed slide frame to the inner wall of the drawer mounting cavity using bolts through the threaded holes on the fixed slide frame. Next, slide the movable slide frame out of the drawer mounting cavity and connect it to the drawer using the corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners. Finally, secure the movable slide frame to the drawer using bolts through the threaded holes on the movable slide frame. Installation is now complete. When pulling the drawer out of the drawer mounting cavity, the movable slide frame is locked when the elastic latch abuts against the limit protrusion, thus limiting the drawer's position. When pushing the drawer in, apply slight force; the elastic latch separates from the limit protrusion, and the drawer can be closed.
[0031] Any aspects not described in detail in this specification are techniques well-known in the art.
[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism, comprising an outer rail and an inner rail, the inner rail is sleeved in the inner part of the outer rail, characterized in that: A ball bearing retainer is provided between the outer slide rail and the inner slide rail. The length of the outer slide rail is greater than that of the inner slide rail, and the length of the inner slide rail is greater than that of the ball bearing retainer. The outer slide rail includes a fixed slide frame and a movable slide frame arranged opposite each other. The fixed slide frame is used to install on the inner wall of the drawer mounting cavity, and the movable slide rail is used to fix on the side wall of the drawer. Both the fixed slide frame and the movable slide frame are U-shaped structures with U-shaped openings facing each other. The inner slide rail consists of two U-shaped inner slide frames with their openings facing outwards and connected back to back by buckles. The fixed slide frame, the movable slide frame, and the inner slide frame have opposing arc-shaped grooves on their wing plates, which work together to form a ball bearing movement track. The ball retainer is provided in two sets, which are respectively located in the U-shaped grooves of the two inner sliding frames. The top and bottom of the ball retainer are respectively provided with a row of ball limiting brackets that can be suspended and extended into the arc-shaped grooves. The ball limiting brackets are fitted with steel balls, which are rolled and connected in the arc-shaped grooves. The fixed slide frame has a limiting protrusion at the front end of the upper wing plate, and the movable slide frame has an elastic buckle that extends to the top of the fixed slide frame and is detachably connected to the upper wing plate near the rear end. When the drawer is opened, the elastic buckle and the limiting protrusion cooperate to lock the movable slide frame.
2. The rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two back-to-back inner sliding frames have a bending limit part at the front end of the U-shaped groove on one side and a bending limit part at the rear end of the U-shaped groove on the other side, which are used to limit the forward and backward sliding of the steel ball slide. The front and rear ends of the steel ball retainer are respectively clamped with a buffer pad, which slides in cooperation with the outer slide rail and the inner slide rail.
3. The rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fixed slide frame and the movable slide frame are respectively provided with bending limiting parts at the front and rear ends of the U-shaped groove, and a buffer pad is sleeved on the bending limiting parts.
4. The rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper wing plate of the movable sliding frame is detachably connected to an elastic buckle extending above the fixed sliding frame near the rear end. Specifically, the movable sliding frame has a fixed plate on its outer side, and a connecting block extends from the front end of the top of the fixed plate. A locking piece extending backward is riveted to the connecting block. The locking piece has serrated sides, and the elastic buckle is snapped onto the locking piece. The elastic buckle is a plastic part, including a plug seat. The front end of the plug seat has a locking piece groove that is adapted to the locking piece. The rear end of the plug seat has a downward extending elastic arm. The elastic arm bends forward and extends to have a locking hook adapted to the limiting protrusion. The front end of the locking hook bends upward at an angle and connects with the bottom front end of the plug seat to form a whole. A hollow structure is formed between the locking hook and the plug seat.
5. The rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixed slide frame has a hook-on part and a threaded hole on its outer side that mates with the drawer mounting cavity. The movable slide frame and the fixed plate have hook-on parts that mate with the drawer on their outer sides. The movable slide frame also has a threaded hole on its outer side.
6. The rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front and rear ends of the ball retainer are respectively snapped with a buffer pad. Specifically, the two ends of the ball retainer are respectively provided with toothed snap-fit pieces, and the buffer pad is provided with a corresponding snap-fit groove. The buffer pad is made of rubber material.
7. The rail with elastic buckle locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2 or 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that: The limiting protrusion is wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in shape.