Slide rail kit

Abstract

To provide a slide rail kit that can be applied to a rack.SOLUTION: A slide rail kit 20 comprises a first rail 22, a second rail 24, and a bracket device 28. The first rail comprises an outer side L2 and an inner side L1. The second rail can move with respect to the first rail, and is arranged adjacently to the inner side of the first rail. The bracket device is arranged on the first rail, and includes a rack mounting feature 46. A recessed structure K1 is formed in the outer side of the first rail, and is adjacent to the rack mounting feature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail kit, and more particularly to a slide rail kit applicable to a rack.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,225,945 discloses a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, and an extension member. The first rail has a first channel. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The third rail is movably attached between the first rail and the second rail. The extension member is connected to the first rail. The surface of the extension member and the outer surface of the third rail are located substantially in the same plane. In order to reduce the lateral space occupied by the first rail on both sides of the rack (or cabinet), the first rail is configured to be short. Thereby, it is possible to arrange the entire first rail within the space between the front post and the rear post of the rack. According to such a configuration, the second rail can convey a wide conveyance article (such as a chassis). However, the length of the first rail is limited, thereby reducing the overall structural strength of the slide rail and requiring an additional extension member, increasing the complexity of assembling the slide rail assembly.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in response to various market requirements, it is important to develop various slide rail products.

[0004] The present invention relates to a slide rail kit applicable to a rack.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail kit is a slide rail kit configured to be attached to a rack having a first side frame and a second side frame, a first rail having an outer side and an inner side, It is movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rail, and includes a second rail adjacent to the inner side of the first rail, and a bracket device disposed on the first rail. A concave structure is formed on the outer side of the first rail and retracts toward the inner side of the first rail, and a concave space is defined by the concave structure. The first rail is configured to be attached to the first side frame of the rack via the bracket device. The concave structure of the first rail is configured to allow a predetermined portion of the first side frame of the rack to extend into the concave space.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail kit includes a first rail having an outer side and a bracket device disposed on the first rail and including a rack attachment feature; and a concave structure is formed on the outer side of the first rail and is adjacent to the side of the rack attachment feature.

[0007] After reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown in various figures and drawings, these and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without doubt.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail kit 20 includes a first rail 22, a second rail 24, and a third rail 26. The first rail 22, the second rail 24, and the third rail 26 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. In the figure, the X-axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length direction or the moving direction of the slide rail), the Y-axis is the transverse direction (or the lateral direction of the slide rail), and the Z-axis is the vertical direction (or the height direction of the slide rail). The third rail 26 is movably attached between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. The first rail 22 has an inner side L1 and an outer side L2 on opposite sides.

[0010] Preferably, the first rail 22 includes a first wall 23a, a second wall 23b, and a longitudinal wall 25 connected between the first wall 23a and the second wall 23b of the first rail 22. A passage is defined by the first wall 23a, the second wall 23b, and the longitudinal wall 25, and is configured to accommodate the third rail 26 on the inner side L1 of the first rail 22. The second rail 24 is disposed adjacent to the inner side L1 of the first rail 22. In the present embodiment, the second rail 24 is attached to the third rail 26 and is adjacent to the inner side L1 of the first rail 22.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the slide rail kit 20 further includes a bracket device 28 disposed on the first rail 22. For example, the bracket device 28 is disposed on the outer side L2 of the first rail 22. Specifically, the bracket device 28 includes a first bracket 30 and a second bracket 32. Preferably, one of the first bracket 30 and the second bracket 32 is movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rail 22. In the present embodiment, the second bracket 32 is movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rail 22.

[0012] Preferably, the support frame 34 is fixedly attached to the outer side L2 of the first rail 22, and the support frame 34 is formed with a support passage 36 configured to movably attach the second bracket 32 thereto. Thereby, the second bracket 32 can be moved in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rail 22 to adjust its position. For example, the second bracket 32 can be moved to a first attachment position P1 with respect to the first rail 22 (or, as shown in FIG. 4, the second bracket 32 can be moved to a second attachment position P2 with respect to the first rail 22).

[0013] Preferably, the first rail 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first bracket 30 is fixedly attached adjacent to the first end 22a of the first rail 22. The second bracket 32 is separated from the first end 22a of the first rail 22.

[0014] Preferably, the outer side L2 of the first rail 22 is formed with at least one recessed structure. In the present embodiment, the outer side L2 of the first rail 22 is formed with a plurality of recessed structures K1, but the number of the recessed structures K1 is not limited in the present invention. The recessed structures K1 have substantially the same structural configuration and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recess structure K1 is formed in the longitudinal wall 25 and is arranged on the outer side L2 of the first rail 22. In Figure 3, the structural configuration of the recess structure K1 is shown. The recess structure K1 is recessed (is recessed, has an increased depth) from the outer side L2 of the first rail 22 towards the inner side L1 of the first rail 22.

[0016] Preferably, the recess structure K1 is partially formed in at least one of the first wall 23a and the second wall 23b of the first rail 22. Furthermore, the recess structure K1 is partially formed in the longitudinal wall 25 at the outer side L2 of the first rail 22, and further partially formed in the first wall 23a and the second wall 23b of the first rail 22.

[0017] Preferably, the recess structure K1 is formed in a predetermined rail section J of the first rail 22.

[0018] Preferably, the longitudinal wall 25 of the first rail 22 has a plurality of first surfaces S1 and second surfaces S2 on the outer side L2 of the first rail 22, and the second surface S2 is located (e.g., connected or extended) between the first surfaces S1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (Y-axis direction) by a transverse distance G. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are at different transverse positions in the transverse direction. For example, the first surface S1 is at the same first transverse position, and the second surface S2 is at a second transverse position different from the first transverse position. Thereby, the second surface S2 and the first surface S1 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction by a transverse distance G. Accordingly, a concave space defined by the concave structure K1 is formed above (above, over, covering) the second surface S2. Further, the transverse space range of the concave space is defined by the transverse distance G, and the longitudinal space range of the concave space is defined by the length of a predetermined rail section J (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, a part of the concave structure K1 forms a concave surface (such as the second surface S2) with respect to the first surface S1, and a part of the concave structure K1 forms a through hole in the longitudinal wall 25 (between the second surface S2 and the first wall 23a / second wall 23b) of the first rail 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of this embodiment (the present invention), the concave structure K1 forms only a concave surface without forming a through hole.

[0019] Preferably, the longitudinal wall 25 of the first rail 22 includes a first longitudinal section 38, a second longitudinal section 40, and a rib portion 42 connected between the first longitudinal section 38 and the second longitudinal section 40. Each of the first longitudinal section 38 and the second longitudinal section 40 has a first surface S1, and the rib portion 42 has a second surface S2.

[0020] Preferably, the concave structure K1 is disposed adjacent to the second end 22b of the first rail 22.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the first bracket 30 and the second bracket 32 includes at least one rack mounting feature. For example, the first bracket 30 includes at least one first rack mounting feature 44, and the second bracket 32 includes at least one second rack mounting feature 46. Further, the user can move the second bracket 32 to a corresponding position adjacent to one of the recessed structures K1. For example, the second bracket 32 can be moved to a second mounting position P2 with respect to the first rail 22 so as to be adjacent to the recessed structure K1. Or, the second bracket 32 can be moved to another mounting position with respect to the first rail 22 so as to be adjacent to another one of the recessed structures K1.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a pair of slide rail kits 20 are attached to a rack (or cabinet). The slide rail kits 20 have substantially the same structural configuration. Each of the slide rail kits 20 is attached to a first side frame M1 and a second side frame M2 of the rack. The first side frame M1 and the second side frame M2 are arranged at positions opposite to each other like the left side and the right side of the rack, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration for attaching the slide rail kit 20 to the first side frame M1 is substantially the same as the configuration for attaching the slide rail kit 20 to the second side frame M2.

[0023] A first width W1 is defined between the first side frame M1 and the second side frame M2 of the rack. In the present embodiment, the first side frame M1 (or the second side frame M2 of the rack) includes first posts 48a and second posts 48b such as a front post and a rear post, but the present invention is not limited thereto. On the other hand, a second width W2 is defined between the second rails 24 of the pair of slide rail kits 20. The second width W2 is equal to the width of an article (not shown) to be conveyed by the second rails 24 of the pair of slide rail kits 20.

[0024] Furthermore, one of the first rails 22 of the slide rail kit 20 is configured to be attached to the first side frame M1 of the rack via the bracket device 28. The recessed structure K1 of the first rail 22 is configured to allow a predetermined portion 50 of the first side frame M1 of the rack to extend into the recessed space in the transverse direction (shown in FIG. 7). In other words, the recessed structure K1 of the first rail 22 can accommodate at least a part of the predetermined portion 50 of the second post 48b, so that it is not necessary to dispose the entire first rail 22 in the space between the front post 48a and the rear post 48b of the rack. Therefore, the length of the first rail 22 is not limited by the first post 48a and the second post 48b.

[0025] Compared with the first rail of the background art without the recessed structure, the recessed structure K1 of the first rail 22 according to the embodiment of the present invention allows a predetermined portion 50 of the first side frame M1 of the rack to extend into the recessed space provided by the recessed structure K1 in the transverse direction. The first rail 22 of the slide rail kit 20 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the predetermined portion 50 of the first side frame M1 of the rack according to the transverse space range of the recessed space defined by the transverse distance G. Thereby, the second width W2 defined between the second rails 24 of the pair of slide rail kits 20 is increased, so that the second rails 24 of the pair of slide rail kits 20 can convey articles to be conveyed having a larger width. The predetermined portion 50 may be the post edge portion of the second post 48b. In contrast to the background art, the recessed structure K1 disposed on the first rail 22 allows a predetermined portion 50 of the first side frame M1 of the rack to extend into the recessed space in the transverse direction, so that in order to meet the requirements of different markets, it is not necessary to shorten the length of the first rail 22 under the same specifications and conditions.

[0026] Furthermore, when the first rack mounting feature 44 of the first bracket 30 is attached to the first post 48a (for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the first rack mounting feature 44 is inserted into the corresponding hole of the first post 48a), and when the second bracket 32 is in the mounting position (such as the first mounting position P1) with respect to the first rail 22, the second rack mounting feature 46 of the second bracket 32 is configured to be attached to the second post 48b (for example, the second rack mounting feature 46 is inserted into the corresponding hole of the second post 48b). Thus, the recessed structure K1 is disposed adjacent to the side Q of the second rack mounting feature 46 of the second bracket 32 (see FIG. 7).

[0027] Preferably, the second bracket 32 further includes a lock member 52, and the lock member 52 pivots relative to the second bracket 32 via a shaft member 54. The locking portion 52a of the lock member 52 is configured to lock the second bracket 32 to the second post 48b (shown in FIG. 7).

[0028] FIG. 8 is a view showing a slide rail kit 200 and a first side frame M1' (or a second side frame) of a rack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Further, unlike the first side frame M1 (or the second side frame M2) of the rack of the first embodiment including the first post 48a and the second post 48b, the first side frame M1' of the rack of the second embodiment includes a signal post 202 (a single post 202).

[0029] Similar to the first embodiment, the rack attachment feature 206 of the bracket of the bracket device 204 of the slide rail kit 200 is configured to attach the slide rail kit 200 to the first side frame M1' of the rack. Further, when the first rail 208 of the slide rail kit 200 is attached to the first side frame M1' of the rack via the bracket device 204, the recessed structure K1' of the first rail 208 is configured to allow a predetermined portion 210 (such as a post edge) of the first side frame M1' of the rack to extend into the recessed space in the transverse direction, achieving substantially the same technical effect as the first embodiment.

[0030] Therefore, the slide rail kits 20, 200 according to the embodiments of the present invention have the following technical features.

[0031] 1. The first rail (22, 208) is configured to be attached to the first side frame (M1, M1') of the rack via the bracket device (28, 204). The recessed structure (K1, K1') of the first rail (22, 208) is configured to allow a predetermined portion (50, 210) of the first side frame (M1, M1') of the rack to extend transversely into the recessed space provided by the recessed structure.

[0032] 2. The recessed structure (K1, K1') of the first rail (22, 208) is arranged adjacent to the side of the rack attachment feature (46, 206) of the bracket device (28, 204).

[0033] Those skilled in the art can easily understand that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the device and method while maintaining the teachings of the present invention. Therefore, the above disclosure is to be construed as being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A slide rail kit configured to be attached to a rack having a first side frame and a second side frame, a first rail having an outer side and an inner side; a second rail adjacent the inner side of the first rail and movable longitudinally relative to the first rail; a bracket device disposed on the first rail, a recessed structure is formed on the outer side of the first rail and recessed toward the inner side of the first rail, a recessed space being defined by the recessed structure; the first rail is configured to be attached to the first side frame of the rack via the bracket device; the recess structure of the first rail is configured to allow a predetermined portion of the first side frame of the rack to extend into the recessed space; Slide rail kit.

2. further comprising a third rail movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail; the first rail includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall, a passageway defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the longitudinal wall of the first rail and accommodating the third rail; 2. The slide rail kit of claim 1, wherein the recess structure is partially formed in the longitudinal wall and located on the outer side of the first rail, and the recess structure is partially formed in at least one of the first wall and the second wall of the first rail.

3. The slide rail kit according to claim 1 , wherein the recess structure is formed in a predetermined rail section of the first rail.

4. The longitudinal wall has a plurality of first surfaces and a second surface on the outer side of the first rail, the second surfaces being located between the first surfaces; 3. The slide rail kit of claim 2, wherein the first surface and the second surface are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the slide rail kit by a transverse distance, and the recessed space is formed above the second surface.

5. The slide rail kit of claim 4 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are at different transverse positions in the transverse direction of the slide rail kit.

6. the longitudinal wall of the first rail includes a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section, and a rib portion connected between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section; The slide rail kit of claim 4 , wherein each of the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section has the first surface and the rib portion has the second surface.

7. the first rail has opposed first and second ends, the recessed structure being disposed adjacent one of the first and second ends; The slide rail kit of claim 1 , wherein the first side frame of the rack includes at least one post, and the bracket device is configured to be attached to the at least one post.

8. a first rail having an outer side; a bracket arrangement disposed on the first rail and including a rack mounting feature; a recessed structure formed in the outer side of the first rail and laterally adjacent the rack mounting feature; Slide rail kit.

9. the first rail has an inner side opposite the outer side; The slide rail kit further includes a second rail that is longitudinally movable relative to the first rail and adjacent the inner side of the first rail. the bracket apparatus includes a bracket configured with the rack mounting feature, the bracket being movable relative to the first rail; 9. The slide rail kit of claim 8, wherein the recess structure on the outer side of the first rail is located adjacent to the side of the rack mounting feature of the bracket when the bracket is in an attached position relative to the first rail.

10. the first rail includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall; the recessed structure is formed in the longitudinal wall at the outer side of the first rail and recessed towards the inner side of the first rail, a recessed space being defined by the recessed structure; The longitudinal wall has a plurality of first surfaces and a second surface on the outer side of the first rail, the second surfaces being located between the first surfaces; the first surface and the second surface are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the slide rail kit by a transverse distance, and the recessed space is formed above the second surface; The slide rail kit of claim 9 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are at different transverse positions in the transverse direction of the slide rail kit.

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