Slide rail assembly

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly that can drive a lock member of a bracket device via a slide rail.SOLUTION: A slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22, a first bracket device 24 and a second bracket device 26. The first rail includes a first predetermined feature part 28. The first bracket device is arranged on the first rail. The second bracket device and the first rail are movable relative to each other. The second bracket device includes a lock member 30 having a second predetermined feature part 32. The first predetermined feature part of the first rail and the second predetermined feature part of the lock member are configured to butt against each other in order to move the lock member to switch from a first state S1 to a second state during relative movement between the first rail and the second bracket device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly, and more particularly to a slide rail assembly capable of driving a locking member of a bracket device via a slide rail. [Background technology]

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 7,357,362 discloses a bracket positioning structure for a slide, including a bracket and a fastener. The bracket includes an end plate. The fastener is pivotally connected to the bracket and includes a hook arm. The hook arm has a locking portion. When a mounting member (stud) on the end plate of the bracket is inserted into a hole in a rack post, the hook arm bends, allowing the locking portion to move across the edge of the post. The fastener is then held in the locked state in response to the elastic force of the elastic member to lock the bracket to the rack post. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Specifically, a user must manually manipulate the fasteners to move them from a locked state to an unlocked state, where the brackets are no longer locked to the rack posts. Therefore, it is important to improve the convenience of such an unlocking operation.

[0004] The present invention provides a slide rail assembly that can drive a locking member of a bracket device via a slide rail.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes: a first rail including a first predetermined feature; a first bracket device disposed on the first rail; a second bracket device movable relative to the first rail, the second bracket device including a locking member having a second predetermined feature; During relative movement between the first rail and the second bracket device, the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member are configured to abut against each other to move the locking member to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail assembly is configured to be mounted to a rack including a first post and a second post, a first rail including a first predetermined feature; a first bracket device disposed on the first rail; a second bracket device, the second bracket device and the first rail being movable relative to one another, the second bracket device including a locking member having a second predetermined feature; the first bracket device is configured to releasably attach the first rail to the first post, the second bracket device is configured to releasably attach the first rail to the second post, and the locking member in the locked state is configured to lock the second bracket device to the second post; When the first bracket device is detached from the first post and the first rail is moved in a predetermined direction relative to the second bracket device, the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member are configured to abut against each other, thereby moving the locking member from a locked state to an unlocked state and unlocking the second bracket device from the second post.

[0007] These and other objects of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a view showing a slide rail assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail assembly including a first rail, a first bracket device, and a second bracket device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A is a view showing a second bracket device of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second bracket device being movable relative to the first rail. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a view showing a slide rail assembly attached to a rack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a view showing a slide rail assembly attached to a rack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a view showing the fastener of the first bracket device of the slide rail assembly disengaged from the first post of the rack in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a view showing the first bracket device of the slide rail assembly detached from the first post according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a view showing the locking member of the second bracket device of the slide rail assembly disengaged from the second post of the rack in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are views showing a slide rail assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing a second bracket device of a slide rail assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is movable relative to the first rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22, a first bracket device 24, and a second bracket device .

[0010] The first rail 22 includes a first predetermined feature 28. The first bracket device 24 is disposed on the first rail 22. The second bracket device 26 and the first rail 22 are longitudinally movable relative to one another. In the figures, the X axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length or travel 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 second bracket device 26 includes a locking member 30. The locking member 30 has a second predetermined feature 32 configured to interact with the first predetermined feature 28.

[0011] Preferably, first rail 22 has a first end 22a (see also FIG. 4) and a second end 22b, e.g., a front end and a rear end, that are opposite each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. First bracket device 24 is disposed adjacent to (e.g., fixedly connected to) first end 22a of first rail 22. Meanwhile, second bracket device 26 is movable relative to first rail 22 so as to move away from first end 22a of first rail 22. For example, second bracket device 26 can be adjusted by a user to move to a position adjacent second end 22b of first rail 22.

[0012] Preferably, the first rail 22 has a first side L1 and a second side L2, e.g., an outer side and an inner side, that are opposite each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The slide rail assembly 20 further includes a reinforcing member 34 attached (e.g., fixedly connected) to the first side L1 of the first rail 22. The reinforcing member 34 and the first rail 22 may be considered to be one unit. The reinforcing member 34 is formed with a predetermined passage 36. Meanwhile, the second bracket device 26 further includes at least one extension frame 38, which is longitudinally movable relative to the first rail 22 via the predetermined passage 36 of the reinforcing member 34. A portion of the extension frame 38 is movably attached to the predetermined passage 36. Furthermore, the extension frame 38 may have one section or more than one section, but the number of sections is not limited thereto.

[0013] Preferably, the first rail 22 and the second bracket device 26 are configured with a first restricting portion 40 and a second restricting portion 42, respectively, configured to block each other. This allows the first rail 22 and the second bracket device 26 to restrict each other during relative movement between them. In this embodiment, the first restricting portion 40 is disposed in a predetermined passage 36 of the reinforcing member 34 of the first rail 22, and the second restricting portion 42 is disposed on the extension frame 38 of the second bracket device 26. One of the first restricting portion 40 and the second restricting portion 42 is a protrusion, and the other of the first restricting portion 40 and the second restricting portion 42 is a resilient arm. Such configurations are well known to those skilled in the art, and further illustrations thereof are omitted for simplicity.

[0014] Preferably, the extension frame 38 is configured with at least one mounting member 44, and the locking member 30 is movably attached to the extension frame 38. In this embodiment, an auxiliary member 46 is disposed at one end of the extension frame 38. The auxiliary member 46 is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the extension frame 38. The auxiliary member 46 and the extension frame 38 may be considered as one unit. The auxiliary member 46 is disposed outside the predetermined passage 36 of the reinforcing member 34. The at least one mounting member 44 is disposed on the auxiliary member 46 at the extension frame 38. Meanwhile, the locking member 30 is movably attached to the extension frame 38. For example, the locking member 30 pivots relative to the extension frame 38. Specifically, the locking member 30 is pivotally connected to the auxiliary member 46 at the extension frame 38 via an axle 48. The axle 48 is oriented in substantially the same direction as the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the slide rail assembly 20.

[0015] Preferably, the lock 30 is movable relative to the extension frame 38 to be in one of a first state S1 (such as the locked state shown in FIG. 1) and a second state S2 (such as the unlocked state shown in FIG. 3).

[0016] Preferably, the second bracket device 26 further includes a resilient feature 50 configured to apply a resilient force to the locking member 30 to hold the locking member 30 in the first state S1. The resilient feature 50 may be an elastic piece, a spring, or a component having elasticity. The resilient feature 50 is disposed on the auxiliary member 46.

[0017] Preferably, the auxiliary member 46 of the extension frame 38 is configured with an end plate 52, and the end plate 52 is configured with the mounting member 44. When the locking member 30 is in the first state S1, the locking portion 54 of the locking member 30 is adjacent to the end plate 52. For example, the locking portion 54 and the end plate 52 are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0018] Preferably, one of the first predetermined feature 28 of the first rail 22 and the second predetermined feature 32 of the locking member 30 has a guide portion 55, and the guide portion 55 has an inclined surface or an arcuate surface. In this embodiment, the first predetermined feature 28 of the first rail 22 has the guide portion 55. Furthermore, the first predetermined feature 28 may be disposed indirectly or directly on the first rail 22. In this embodiment, a predetermined component 51 is fixedly connected to the first rail 22, and the predetermined component 51 includes the first predetermined feature 28. Alternatively, in an alternative embodiment, the first predetermined feature 28 is formed directly on the first rail 22.

[0019] Preferably, first rail 22 includes a first wall 56a, a second wall 56b, and a longitudinal wall 58 connected between first wall 56a and second wall 56b. Locking member 30 includes an extension arm 60 pivotally connected to support member 46 at extension frame 38 via axle 48. Extension arm 60 is configured with a locking portion 54 and second predetermined feature 32. Locking portion 54 is disposed between second predetermined feature 32 and axle 48.

[0020] Preferably, the support member 46 includes a first side 62a, a second side 62b, and a side wall 64 connected between the first side 62a and the second side 62b. The first side 62a and the second side 62b of the support member 46 are adjacent to the first wall 56a and the second wall 56b of the first rail 22, respectively.

[0021] Preferably, the extension arm 60 of the locking member 30 is positioned adjacent to one of the first side 62a and the second side 62b of the auxiliary member 46. In this embodiment, the extension arm 60 is positioned adjacent to the first side 62a of the auxiliary member 46. In other words, the extension arm 60 is adjacent to the first wall 56a of the first rail 22. Meanwhile, the first predetermined feature 28 of the first rail 22 is adjacent to the first wall 56a of the first rail 22.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the locking member 30 is in the second state S2, the locking portion 54 of the locking member 30 is spaced from the end plate 52. For example, the locking portion 54 and the end plate 52 are no longer aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the second bracket device 26 and the first rail 22 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. When the second bracket device 26 is moved in a first predetermined direction D1 relative to the first rail 22 (or when the first rail 22 is moved in a second predetermined direction D2 opposite to the first predetermined direction D1 relative to the second bracket device 26), the first predetermined feature 28 of the first rail 22 and the second predetermined feature 32 of the locking member 30 are configured to abut against each other to drive and move the locking member 30 to switch from the first state S1 to the second state S2.

[0023] Additionally, the first bracket device 24 includes at least one mounting portion 66 and a movable (eg, rotatable) fastener 68 .

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the slide rail assembly 20 is configured to be mounted to a rack. The rack includes a first post 70a and a second post 70b, such as a front post and a rear post, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the first post 70a and the second post 70b has a plurality of mounting features, such as a plurality of mounting holes spaced apart from one another in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the first post 70a has a plurality of first mounting holes H1, and the second post 70b has a plurality of second mounting holes H2.

[0025] The first bracket device 24 is configured to releasably attach the first rail 22 to the first post 70a, and the second bracket device 26 is configured to releasably attach the first rail 22 to the second post 70b. Specifically, the attachment portion 66 of the first bracket device 24 is configured to be attached to the first attachment hole H1 of the first post 70a, and the fastener 68 is configured to be held in the engaged state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) in response to the elastic force of the elastic return member 76. In this manner, the fastening portion 69 of the fastener 68 is configured to lock the first bracket device 24 to the first post 70a. Meanwhile, the attachment member 44 of the second bracket device 26 is configured to be attached to the second attachment hole H2 of the second post 70b, and the locking member 30 is configured to be held in the first state S1 in response to the elastic force of the elastic feature portion 50. In this manner, the locking portion 54 of the locking member 30 is configured to lock the second bracket device 26 to the second post 70b. With this configuration, the slide rail assembly 20 is attached to the rack.

[0026] Preferably, slide rail assembly 20 further includes a second rail 72 and a third rail 74 located on second side L2 of first rail 22 and movable relative to first rail 22. Third rail 74 is movably mounted between first rail 22 and second rail 72 (shown in FIG. 4). Second rail 72 is configured to transport items (such as electronic devices or drawers).

[0027] Preferably, the second end 22b of the first rail 22 extends beyond the locking member 30 (or second post 70b) by a predetermined distance, and the first predetermined feature 28 is located adjacent to the second end 22b of the first rail 22.

[0028] As shown in Figures 6-8, when a user wishes to detach the slide rail assembly 20 from the rack, the first bracket device 24 must be detached from the first post 70a (shown in Figure 7) and the second bracket device 26 must be detached from the second post 70b (shown in Figure 8).

[0029] For example, a user (if working alone) may stand near the first post 70a of the rack (e.g., in front of the first post 70a) and apply a predetermined force sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic return member 76. This moves the fastener 68 from the engaged state K1 to the disengaged state K2, and the fastening portion 69 of the fastener 68 no longer locks the first bracket device 24 to the first post 70a (as shown in FIG. 6). The user may then apply a first operating force in the first predetermined direction D1 to the first bracket device 24 and / or the first rail 22 to disengage the mounting portion 66 of the first bracket device 24 from the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 70a. In this manner, the first bracket device 24 is disengaged from the first post 70a (as shown in FIG. 7). Furthermore, when the first bracket device 24 is separated from the first post 70a, the fastener 68 is configured to return from the disengaged state K2 (shown in FIG. 6) to the engaged state K1 (shown in FIG. 7) in response to the elastic force of the return elastic member 76.

[0030] During the process of moving the first rail 22 in a predetermined direction (e.g., second predetermined direction D2) relative to the second bracket device 26 with the first bracket device 24 separated from the first post 70a, the first predetermined feature 28 of the first rail 22 and the second predetermined feature 32 of the locking member 30 are configured to abut against each other, causing the locking member 30 of the second bracket device 26 to move from the first state S1 to the second state S2. As a result, the locking portion 54 no longer locks the second bracket device 26 to the second post 70b (shown in FIG. 8).

[0031] For example, if the first bracket device 24 is detached from the first post 70a, a user (if alone) standing near the first post 70a of the rack can hold the first rail (and / or the first bracket device 24) and apply a second operating force in the second predetermined direction D2. This causes the first rail 22 to move in the second predetermined direction D2 relative to the second bracket device 26. During this process, the first predetermined feature 28 of the first rail 22 and the second predetermined feature 32 of the locking member 30 are configured to butt against each other to overcome the elastic force of the elastic feature 50, so as to drive the locking member 30 of the second bracket device 26 to move from the first state S1 to the second state S2. This causes the locking portion 54 to no longer lock the second bracket device 26 to the second post 70b. Thereafter, the entire slide rail assembly 20 can be moved in the second predetermined direction D2, and the mounting member 44 of the second bracket device 26 can be detached from the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 70b. Therefore, the second bracket device 26 can be detached from the second post 70b, and the slide rail assembly 20 can be completely detached from the rack.

[0032] 9 and 10 show a slide rail assembly 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the structural configuration of the locking member 204 of the second bracket device 202 and the position of the first predetermined feature 206 are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0033] Furthermore, the locking member 204 includes a first extension arm 208a, a second extension arm 208b, and an operating portion 210 connected between the first extension arm 208a and the second extension arm 208b. The operating portion 210 includes a second predetermined feature 211. The first extension arm 208a and the second extension arm 208b are adjacent to a first wall 214a and a second wall 214b of the first rail 212, respectively. The first extension arm 208a and the second extension arm 208b have substantially the same structural configuration. For example, the first extension arm 208a and the second extension arm 208b each include a locking portion 215. Meanwhile, the first predetermined feature 206 is disposed on a longitudinal wall 216 of the first rail 212 (shown in FIG. 9 ).

[0034] When the second bracket device 202 is moved in a first predetermined direction D1 relative to the first rail 212 (or when the first rail 212 is moved in a second predetermined direction D2 relative to the second bracket device 202), the first predetermined feature portion 206 of the first rail 212 (the guide portion 207 of the first predetermined feature portion 206) and the second predetermined feature portion 211 of the locking member 204 are configured to abut against each other. This drives and moves the locking member 204 so as to switch from a first state S1' (such as the locked state shown in FIG. 9) to a second state S2' (such as the unlocked state shown in FIG. 10).

[0035] Therefore, the slide rail assembly (20, 200) according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features. The locking member (30, 204) is configured to be driven to switch from the first state (S1, S1') to the second state (S2, S2') during relative movement between the first rail (22, 212) and the second bracket device (26, 202). This eliminates the need for the user to manually operate the locking member (30, 204), improving the convenience of the unlocking operation. Furthermore, the locking member (30, 204) can be driven to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state by moving the first rail (22, 212) relative to the second bracket device (26, 202). This makes it easy for the user to disconnect the slide rail assembly (20, 200) from the rack.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications and variations of the apparatus and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the above disclosure be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a first rail including a first predetermined feature; a first bracket device disposed on the first rail; a second bracket device movable relative to the first rail, the second bracket device including a locking member having a second predetermined feature; During relative movement between the first rail and the second bracket device, the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member are configured to abut against each other to move the locking member from a first state to a second state. Slide rail assembly.

2. one of the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member includes a guide portion; 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rail has opposite first and second ends, the first bracket device is positioned adjacent the first end, and the second bracket device is movable relative to the first rail away from the first end.

3. the first rail having opposed first and second sides; The slide rail assembly further includes a reinforcing member attached to the first side of the first rail, the reinforcing member being formed with a predetermined passage; the second bracket device further includes an extension frame movably mounted in the predetermined passage of the reinforcement member so as to be movable relative to the first rail; 3. The slide rail assembly of claim 2, wherein the extension frame is configured with an end plate, the end plate is configured with at least one mounting member, the locking member is movably attached to the extension frame, and when the locking member is in the first state, a locking portion of the locking member is adjacent to the end plate, and when the locking member is in the second state, the locking portion of the locking member is spaced from the end plate.

4. The slide rail assembly of claim 2 , wherein the second bracket device further includes a resilient feature configured to provide a resilient force to the locking member.

5. 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rail includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall, and the first predetermined feature is adjacent to the first wall of the first rail.

6. the first rail includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall; the locking member includes a first extension arm, a second extension arm, and an operating portion connected between the first extension arm and the second extension arm, the operating portion including the second predetermined feature portion, the first extension arm and the second extension arm adjacent to the first wall and the second wall, respectively; The slide rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined feature is located on the longitudinal wall of the first rail.

7. 1. A slide rail assembly configured to be mounted to a rack including a first post and a second post, a first rail including a first predetermined feature; a first bracket device disposed on the first rail; a second bracket device, the second bracket device and the first rail being movable relative to one another, the second bracket device including a locking member having a second predetermined feature; the first bracket device is configured to releasably attach the first rail to the first post, the second bracket device is configured to releasably attach the first rail to the second post, and the locking member in a locked state is configured to lock the second bracket device to the second post; When the first bracket device is separated from the first post and the first rail is moved in a predetermined direction relative to the second bracket device, the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member are configured to abut against each other, thereby moving the locking member from the locked state to an unlocked state and unlocking the second bracket device from the second post. Slide rail assembly.

8. The slide rail assembly of claim 7 , wherein one of the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member comprises a guide portion.

9. the first rail has opposite first and second ends, the first bracket device is positioned adjacent the first end, and the second bracket device is movable relative to the first rail away from the first end; the first rail having opposed first and second sides, the slide rail assembly further comprising a reinforcing member attached to the first side of the first rail, the reinforcing member being formed with a predetermined passage; 8. The slide rail assembly of claim 7, wherein the second bracket device further includes an extension frame movably mounted relative to the first rail and movably attached to the predetermined passage of the reinforcement member, the extension frame being configured with a mounting member configured to be attached to a mounting hole of the second post, and the locking member being movably attached to the extension frame.

10. The locking member is pivoted relative to the extension frame, the second bracket device further includes a resilient feature configured to provide a resilient force to the locking member; the first bracket device includes a mounting portion configured to be mounted to a mounting hole of the first post; 10. The slide rail assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second rail located on the second side of the first rail and movable relative to the first rail.

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