Interlock Kit and Associated Furniture Assembly

Abstract

To provide an interlock kit and a related furniture assembly that have a tolerance range for an assembly error.SOLUTION: The present invention discloses an interlock kit conformable to a cabinet body and a drawing. A first fitting member 34 is detachably attached to the cabinet body and has a first predetermined dimension. A second fitting member 36 is detachably attached to the drawing and has a second predetermined dimension H2. A predetermined clearance is defined by a difference between the first predetermined dimension H1 and the second predetermined dimension H2. An interlock mechanism 40 is disposed in the first fitting member 34. As long as the second fitting member 36 is attached in a position within a fitting range defined by the predetermined clearance and a position of the first fitting member, the second fitting member 36 operates the interlock mechanism 40 normally and can be moved always by the drawing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an interlock kit and related furniture assemblies according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10 (preceding the characterizing clauses).

Background Art

[0002] With the development of industrial technology, various furniture products having an interlock function are on the market. Regarding a cabinet system, the cabinet system usually includes a cabinet body and a plurality of drawers. When one of the plurality of drawers is opened with respect to the cabinet body, another one of the plurality of drawers is locked to prevent the cabinet body from falling caused by the simultaneous opening of two or more drawers. Furthermore, usually, the cabinet system includes a plurality of slide rail assemblies attached to the cabinet body and supporting the plurality of drawers.

[0003] For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,925,257 (Patent Document 4) discloses a cabinet system that includes a cabinet body and a plurality of drawers disposed in the cabinet body, such as a first drawer and a second drawer. Each of the first drawer and the second drawer is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the cabinet body. The cabinet system further includes a locking rod movably attached to the cabinet body and a cooperating structure configured to cooperate with the locking rod to prevent the first drawer and the second drawer from being opened simultaneously.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0005] However, in order to meet various requirements, it becomes an important issue (topic) to provide a further improved furniture product.

[0006] With this in mind, an object of the present invention is to provide an interlock kit having an interlock function and a tolerance range for assembly errors, and a related furniture assembly.

[0007] This is achieved by the interlock kit and related furniture assembly according to claims 1 and 10. The dependent claims relate to corresponding further developments and improvements.

[0008] As will be more clearly understood from the detailed description below, the interlock kit described in the claims is adapted to a cabinet body and a drawer displaceable relative to the cabinet body. The interlock kit includes a first fitting member having a first predetermined dimension; a second fitting member having a second predetermined dimension; an auxiliary device disposed on the first fitting member and including an auxiliary member; and an interlock mechanism disposed on the first fitting member. A predetermined gap is defined by the difference between the first predetermined dimension and the second predetermined dimension. The second fitting member is attached to the drawer at an attachment position within an attachment range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member. When the second fitting member is moved in a predetermined direction relative to the first fitting member, the auxiliary member is driven to move from a first auxiliary position to a second auxiliary position and hold the interlock mechanism in a locked state.

[0009] In addition to this, the furniture assembly described in the claims includes a cabinet body, a drawer, and the aforementioned interlock kit.

[0010] These and other objects of the present invention will become clearly apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown in the various figures and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The present invention will be further described below by way of example with reference to the following attached drawings.

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced, are referred to in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. In this regard, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc. are used with reference to the orientation of the illustrated figures. The members of the present invention may be arranged in a number of different directions. Therefore, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, unless specified otherwise, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or a direct mechanical connection. Therefore, when a first device is connected to a second device, the connection may be by a direct mechanical connection or by an indirect mechanical connection via other devices or connections.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the furniture assembly includes a cabinet body 20 and a plurality of drawers, for example, a first drawer 22a, a second drawer 22b, a third drawer 22c, and a fourth drawer 22d. The plurality of drawers are arranged in the cabinet body 20 in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction and are longitudinally displaceable relative to the cabinet body 20.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the furniture assembly further includes a plurality of slide rail assemblies for supporting the plurality of drawers respectively, for example, a first slide rail assembly 24a, a second slide rail assembly 24b, a third slide rail assembly 24c, and a fourth slide rail assembly 24d. The first slide rail assembly 24a, the second slide rail assembly 24b, the third slide rail assembly 24c, and the fourth slide rail assembly 24d may have substantially the same structure. Each of the first slide rail assembly 24a, the second slide rail assembly 24b, the third slide rail assembly 24c, and the fourth slide rail assembly 24d includes at least two slide rails, for example, a first rail 26 and a second rail 28 that is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail 26. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction may be defined as parallel to the X-axis by the length direction or the displacement direction of the slide rail. The lateral direction may be defined as parallel to the Y-axis by the lateral direction or the width direction of the slide rail. The vertical direction may be defined as parallel to the Z-axis by the height direction of the slide rail.

[0016] Preferably, each of the first slide rail assembly 24a, the second slide rail assembly 24b, the third slide rail assembly 24c, and the fourth slide rail assembly 24d further includes a third rail 30, and the third rail 30 is movably attached between the first rail 26 and the second rail 28 to increase the displacement of the second rail 28 relative to the first rail 26.

[0017] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, the first rails 26 of the first slide rail assembly 24a, the second slide rail assembly 24b, the third slide rail assembly 24c, and the fourth slide rail assembly 24d are attached to, for example, fixed to the cabinet body 20. The second rails 28 of the first slide rail assembly 24a, the second slide rail assembly 24b, the third slide rail assembly 24c, and the fourth slide rail assembly 24d are each configured to support the first drawer 22a, the second drawer 22b, the third drawer 22c, and the fourth drawer 22d. The first slide rail assembly 24a, the second slide rail assembly 24b, the third slide rail assembly 24c, and the fourth slide rail assembly 24d facilitate the smooth opening or retraction of the first drawer 22a, the second drawer 22b, the third drawer 22c, and the fourth drawer 22d with respect to the cabinet body 20. For example, when the second rail 28 of the first slide rail assembly 24a is retracted with respect to the first rail 26 of the first slide rail assembly 24a, the first drawer 22a is retracted with respect to the cabinet body 20. Alternatively, when the second rail 28 of the fourth slide rail assembly 24d is retracted with respect to the first rail 26 of the fourth slide rail assembly 24d, the fourth drawer 22d is retracted with respect to the cabinet body 20.

[0018] The furniture assembly further includes at least one interlock kit, for example, a first interlock kit 32a, a second interlock kit 32b, a third interlock kit 32c, and a fourth interlock kit 32d. The first interlock kit 32a, the second interlock kit 32b, the third interlock kit 32c, and the fourth interlock kit 32d are movably connected to each other and have a similar structure. The first interlock kit 32a, the second interlock kit 32b, the third interlock kit 32c, and the fourth interlock kit 32d impart an interlock function to the furniture assembly, for example, preventing the second drawer 22b and the third drawer 22c from being opened with respect to the cabinet body 20 when the first drawer 22a is opened with respect to the cabinet body 20.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the first interlock kit 32a, the second interlock kit 32b, the third interlock kit 32c, and the fourth interlock kit 32d includes a first fitting member 34 and a second fitting member 36. The first fitting member 34 is disposed on the cabinet body 20. The second fitting member 36 is disposed on a corresponding one of the first drawer 22a, the second drawer 22b, the third drawer 22c, and the fourth drawer 22d. In this embodiment, as an example, the first fitting member 34 may be detachably attached to the cabinet body 20, and the second fitting member 36 may be detachably attached to the corresponding drawer. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first interlock kit 32a further includes an auxiliary device 38 and an interlock mechanism 40.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the first fitting member 34 has a first predetermined dimension. In this embodiment, as an example, the first predetermined dimension is a first predetermined height H1. Further, the first fitting member 34 includes a first wall 42a, a second wall 42b, and an intermediate wall 44 connected between the first wall 42a and the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the first wall 42a, the second wall 42b, and the intermediate wall 44 of the first fitting member 34 cooperate to define a space S. As shown in FIG. 4, the first predetermined height H1 is defined by the distance between the first wall 42a and the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34 in the height direction.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the second fitting member 36 has a second predetermined dimension. In this embodiment, as an example, the second predetermined dimension is the second predetermined height H2. Further, the second fitting member 36 includes a first wall 70a, a second wall 70b, and an intermediate wall 72 connected between the first wall 70a and the second wall 70b of the second fitting member 36. The second predetermined height H2 is defined by the distance between the first wall 70a and the second wall 70b of the second fitting member 36 in the height direction. Different from the second predetermined height H2, the first predetermined height H1, and a predetermined gap G is defined by the difference between the first predetermined height H1 and the second predetermined height H2. In this embodiment, as an example, the second predetermined height H2 is smaller than the first predetermined height H1 so as to form a predetermined gap G. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] The auxiliary device 38 is arranged on the first fitting member 34. The auxiliary device 38 includes a base 46, a working member 48, and an auxiliary member 50. The base 46 is connected to the first fitting member 34 and is arranged inside the space S of the first fitting member 34. The working member 48 and the auxiliary member 50 are movable relative to the base 46 and are arranged inside the space S of the first fitting member 34.

[0024] The interlock mechanism 40 is arranged on the first fitting member 34. The interlock mechanism 40 includes at least one locking member, for example, a first locking member 52 and a second locking member 54. The first locking member 52 and the second locking member 54 are movably attached to the first fitting member 34 and are respectively arranged adjacent to the first wall 42a and the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34.

[0025] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the base 46 is connected to the intermediate wall 44 of the first fitting member 34 and is located inside the space S. In this embodiment, as an example, one of the first fitting member 34 and the base 46 may include a first attachment feature 56. The other of the first fitting member 34 and the base 46 may include a second attachment feature 58 that is configured to be removably attached to the first attachment feature 56, for example, in an insertion or engagement manner. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0026] Preferably, the working member 48 is movably attached to the base 46. Further, the base 46 includes a longitudinal portion 60 and a bent portion 62. The longitudinal portion 60 has a predetermined longitudinal length. The bent portion 62 extends from the longitudinal portion 60 and is bent. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the working member 48 includes a support feature 64, and the working member 48 is movable along the longitudinal portion 60 and the bent portion 62 of the base 46 by the support feature 64.

[0027] Preferably, the auxiliary member 50 is attached to the base 46 and is movable longitudinally with respect to the base 46. In this embodiment, as an example, one of the base 46 and the auxiliary member 50 may include at least one first cooperating feature 66. The other of the base 46 and the auxiliary member 50 may include at least one second cooperating feature 68, and the at least one second cooperating feature 68 is configured to cooperate with the at least one first cooperating feature 66. One of the at least one first cooperating feature 66 and the at least one second cooperating feature 68 may be a longitudinal rib, and the other of the at least one first cooperating feature 66 and the at least one second cooperating feature 68 may be a groove. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0028] Preferably, the second fitting member 36 includes an operating portion 74. The working member 48 includes a working portion 76 (functional portion 76). The working portion 76 of the working member 48 is configured to cooperate with the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36. In this embodiment, as an example, the working portion 76 may be a protruding portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0029] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the extension length h1 of the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 in the height direction is different from the extension length h2 of the working portion 76 of the working member 48 in the height direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the extension length h1 of the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 in the height direction is greater than the extension length h2 of the working portion 76 of the working member 48 in the height direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0030] The second fitting member 36 can be attached to the first drawer 22a at any attachment position within the attachment range defined by the predetermined gap G and the position of the first fitting member 34. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first wall 70a of the second fitting member 36 and the first wall 42a of the first fitting member 34 are adjacent to each other and substantially aligned with each other, and the second wall 70b of the second fitting member 36 and the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34 are separated from each other at a distance substantially equal to the predetermined gap G at the first attachment position K1. At this time, the second fitting member 36 can be attached to the first drawer 22a. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first wall 70a of the second fitting member 36 and the first wall 42a of the first fitting member 34 are separated from each other at a distance substantially equal to the predetermined gap G, and the second wall 70b of the second fitting member 36 and the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34 are adjacent to each other and substantially aligned with each other at the second attachment position K2. At this time, the second fitting member 36 can be attached to the first drawer 22a.

[0031] Preferably, the first fitting member 34 and the second fitting member 36 are configured to be constrained to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, as an example, one of the first wall 70a of the second fitting member 36 and the first wall 42a of the first fitting member 34 may include a first regulating feature 82. The first regulating feature 82 is configured to block the other of the first wall 70a of the second fitting member 36 and the first wall 42a of the first fitting member 34 so that the second fitting member 36 reaches the first mounting position K1, for example, the highest position within the mounting range. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, as an example, one of the second wall 70b of the second mounting member 36 and the second wall 42b of the first mounting member 34 may include a second regulating feature 84. The second regulating feature 84 is configured to block the other of the second wall 70b of the second mounting member 36 and the second wall 42b of the first mounting member 34 so that the second mounting member 36 reaches the second mounting position K2, for example, the lowest position within the mounting range.

[0032] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the second fitting member 36 further includes a first predetermined portion 78. The auxiliary member 50 further includes a second predetermined portion 80 configured to cooperate with the first predetermined portion 78. In this embodiment, as an example, the second predetermined portion 80 may be the front end portion of the auxiliary member 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0033] As can be understood from the above, even if there is an assembly error in the first fitting member 34 and / or the second fitting member 36 due to a predetermined gap G, in the present invention, during the opening operation or the retracting operation of the first drawer 22a, the second fitting member 36 can be surely moved inside the space S of the first fitting member 34, ensuring the normal operation of the interlock mechanism 40.

[0034] With respect to the second interlock kit 32b, the third interlock kit 32c, and the fourth interlock kit 32d, for the sake of clarity, the respective first fitting members 34 and second fitting members 36 of the second interlock kit 32b, the third interlock kit 32c, and the fourth interlock kit 32d are substantially the same as the first fitting member 34 and the second fitting member 36 of the first interlock kit 32a. This ensures the normal operation of the corresponding interlock mechanism during the opening or retracting operation of the corresponding drawer.

[0035] With respect to the first interlock kit 32a, as shown in FIG. 8, one of the auxiliary member 50 and the first lock member 52 includes a first guide portion 86. In this embodiment, as an example, the auxiliary member 50 includes the first guide portion 86. Preferably, the first lock member 52 includes a first auxiliary guide feature 88 configured to cooperate with the first guide portion 86. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, as an example, the first guide portion 86 and the first auxiliary guide feature 88 may be inclined surfaces or arcuate surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Similarly, one of the auxiliary member 50 and the second lock member 54 includes a second guide portion 90. In this embodiment, as an example, the auxiliary member 50 includes the second guide portion 90. Preferably, the second lock member 54 includes a second auxiliary guide feature 92 configured to cooperate with the second guide portion 90. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, as an example, the second guide portion 90 and the second auxiliary guide feature 92 may be inclined surfaces or arcuate surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0036] Preferably, in this embodiment, as an example, the first predetermined portion 78 of the second fitting member 36 may be an elastic arm. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0037] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 11, the first lock member 52 of the first interlock kit 32a is connected to a first rod 94 connected to the second lock member 96 of the second interlock kit 32b. The second lock member 54 of the first interlock kit 32a is connected to a second rod 98 connected to the first lock member 100 of the third interlock kit 32c.

[0038] Preferably, the actuating part 74 is integrally connected to the second fitting member 36, and the second fitting member 36 further includes a guide section 102 adjacent to the actuating part 74. In this embodiment, as an example, the guide section 102 may be an arc surface or an inclined surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0039] When the first interlock kit 32a is in the state shown in FIG. 8 or the state shown in FIG. 12, the working member 48 is in the first working position M1 with respect to the base 46, and the support feature 64 of the working member 48 is at a position corresponding to the longitudinal portion 60. Moreover, when the first interlock kit 32a is in the state shown in FIG. 8 or the state shown in FIG. 12, the auxiliary member 50 is in the first auxiliary position Q1 with respect to the base 46. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, at this time, the first lock member 52 is in the unlocking position J1 where the first auxiliary guide feature 88 of the first lock member 52 is at a position corresponding to the first guide portion 86 of the auxiliary member 50. The second lock member 54 is in the locking position J2', where the locking position J2' is a position where the second auxiliary guide feature 92 of the second lock member 54 does not correspond to the second guide portion 90 of the auxiliary member 50, for example, a position where the second auxiliary guide feature 92 of the second lock member 54 is displaced from the second guide portion 90 of the auxiliary member 50.

[0040] Preferably, a part of the first locking member 52 is located inside the space S of the first fitting member 34, and the first locking member 52 includes a first regulation section 104. The first regulation section 104 is configured to abut against the inside of the first wall 42a of the first fitting member 34 in order to prevent excessive movement of the first locking member 52. Similarly, a part of the second locking member 54 is located inside the space S of the first fitting member 34, and the second locking member 54 includes a second regulation section 106. The second regulation section 106 is configured to abut against the inside of the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34 in order to prevent excessive movement of the second locking member 54.

[0041] Preferably, the base 46 is configured to support the first locking member 52 in order to hold the first locking member 52 at the unlocking position J1. Moreover, the second regulation section 106 of the second locking member 54 and the inside of the second wall 42b of the first fitting member 34 are configured to abut against each other in order to hold the second locking member 54 at the locking position J2'.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, when the second fitting member 36 is attached to the first drawer 22a at the first attachment position K1 within the attachment range, the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 is at a position corresponding to the operating portion 76 of the working member 48. Also, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, due to the configuration of the predetermined gap G and / or due to the configuration of the difference between the extension length h1 of the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 in the height direction and the extension length h2 of the operating portion 76 of the working member 48 in the height direction, even when the second fitting member 36 is attached to another position within an attachment range different from the first attachment position K1, the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 is still at a position corresponding to the operating portion 76 of the working member 48.

[0043] FIGS. 8 to 10 and FIGS. 12 to 14 show the first fitting member 34 and the second fitting member 36 as elements representing the first drawer 22a and the cabinet body 20.

[0044] Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the second fitting member 36 is attached to the first drawer 22a at the first attachment position K1, and when the first drawer 22a is displaced in a first predetermined direction D1, for example, the opening direction, from the retracted position R shown in FIG. 8 to the extended position E shown in FIG. 10, the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 driven by the first drawer 22a abuts against the working portion 76 of the working member 48 to drive the working member 48 to move from the first working position M1 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to the second working position M2 shown in FIG. 10. Thereby, the working member 48 is inclined so that the supporting feature portion 64 of the working member 48 engages with the bent portion 62 of the base 46, and the auxiliary member 50 is driven to move from the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIG. 10 to hold the interlock mechanism 40 in a locked state.

[0045] During the aforementioned movement of the auxiliary member 50 from the first auxiliary position Q1 to the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 drives the first locking member 52 to move in the vertical direction, for example, the height direction U, from the unlocked position J1 shown in FIG. 8 to the locked position J2 shown in FIG. 10 when the first guide portion 86 and the first auxiliary guide feature 88 abut against each other. As shown in FIG. 10, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 can support the first locking member 52 to hold the first locking member 52 in the locked position J2. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 can press the second locking member 54 to hold the second locking member 54 in the locked position J2'. Further, during the aforementioned movement of the working member 48 from the first working position M1 to the second working position M2 shown in FIG. 10, the working member 48 is inclined so that the working portion 76 of the working member 48 is disengaged from the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36.

[0046] Preferably, during the movement of the working member 48 from the first working position M1 shown in FIG. 8 to the second working position M2 shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary member 50 is driven by the working member 48 to move from the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIG. 8 to the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIG. 10.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, when the first drawer 22a is displaced to the extended position E and the auxiliary member 50 is in the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 holds the first locking member 52 and the second locking member 54 in the locking positions J2, J2', respectively, in order to prevent the other second fitting member 36, for example, the second fitting member 36 of the second interlock kit 32b and the third interlock kit 32c, from performing an opening operation in the first predetermined direction D1 with respect to the corresponding first fitting member 34. Thereby, the corresponding drawers, for example, the second drawer 22b and the third drawer 22c, are prevented from being opened with respect to the cabinet body 20.

[0048] Furthermore, both ends of the first rod 94 are respectively connected to the first locking member 52 of the first interlock kit 32a and the second locking member 96 of the second interlock kit 32b. When the second drawer 22b is in the retracted position R, the operating portion 107 of the second fitting member 36 of the second interlock kit 32b engages with the working member 108 of the second interlock kit 32b, for example, the working portion 110 (functional portion 110) of the working member 108. As shown in FIG. 10, when the first locking member 52 of the first interlock kit 32a is held in the locking position J2, the second locking member 96 of the second interlock kit 32b, for example, the second auxiliary guide feature 112 of the second locking member 96, blocks the second guide portion 116 of the auxiliary member 114 of the second interlock kit 32b, for example, the auxiliary member 114 of the second interlock kit 32b. It is possible to prevent the auxiliary member 114 from moving in the first predetermined direction D1. Thereby, the second fitting member 36 of the second interlock kit 32b is prevented from moving relative to the first fitting member 34 of the second interlock kit 32b in the first predetermined direction D1, and the second drawer 22b is prevented from being opened from the retracted position R in the first predetermined direction D1.

[0049] Similarly, both ends of the second rod 98 are connected to the second locking member 54 of the first interlock kit 32a and the first locking member 100 of the third interlock kit 32c, respectively. When the third drawer 22c is in the retracted position R, the actuating portion 117 of the second fitting member 36 of the third interlock kit 32c engages with the working member 118 of the third interlock kit 32c, for example, the working portion 120 (functional portion 120) of the working member 118. As shown in FIG. 10, when the second locking member 54 of the first interlock kit 32a is held in the locking position J2', the first locking member 100 of the third interlock kit 32c, for example, the first auxiliary guide feature 122 of the first locking member 100, blocks the auxiliary member 124 of the third interlock kit 32c, for example, the first guide portion 126 of the auxiliary member 124, and the auxiliary member 124 of the third interlock kit 32c can be prevented from moving in the first predetermined direction D1. Thereby, the second fitting member 36 of the third interlock kit 32c is prevented from moving relative to the first fitting member 34 of the second interlock kit 32b in the first predetermined direction D1, and the third drawer 22c is prevented from being released from the retracted position R in the first predetermined direction D1.

[0050] As can be understood from the above, when the first drawer 22a is opened, the auxiliary member 50 of the first interlock kit 32a moves to the second auxiliary position Q2 that holds the interlock mechanism 40 in the locked state, realizing an interlock function that prevents the second drawer 22b and the third drawer 22c from being opened.

[0051] When it is desired to terminate the interlock function, it is necessary to move the auxiliary member 50 of the first interlock kit 32a in the reverse direction from the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIGS. 11 and 10 to the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIG. 8. Further, when the first drawer 22a is displaced from the extended position E toward the retracted position R in the second predetermined direction D2, for example, the retraction direction, the auxiliary member 50 may be driven to move from the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIGS. 11 and 10 to the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIG. 8. For example, by abutting the first predetermined portion 78 of the second fitting member 36 against the second predetermined portion 80 of the auxiliary member 50, the auxiliary member 50 may be driven to move from the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIGS. 11 and 10 to the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the first auxiliary position Q1, the auxiliary member 50 does not support the first lock member 52 in order to allow the first lock member 52 to return to the unlocked position J1. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the first auxiliary position Q1, the auxiliary member 50 does not press the second lock member 54 in order to allow the second lock member 54 to move from the locked position J2'. In other words, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the first auxiliary position Q1, the interlock function ends. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first drawer 22a is displaced from the extended position E toward the retracted position R in the second predetermined direction D2, for example, the retraction direction, the working portion 76 of the working member 48 is driven to move along the guide section 102 of the actuating portion 74 in order to disengage the support feature 64 of the working member 48 from the bent portion 62 of the base 46 and return the working member 48 to the first working position M1.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, when the second fitting member 36 is attached to the first drawer 22a at the second attachment position K2 within the attachment range, the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 is at another position corresponding to the working portion 76 of the working member 48. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, due to the configuration of the predetermined gap G and / or due to the configuration of the difference between the extension length h1 of the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 in the height direction and the extension length h2 of the working portion 76 of the working member 48 in the height direction, even if the second fitting member 36 is attached to another position within an attachment range different from the second attachment position K2, the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 is still at a position corresponding to the working portion 76 of the working member 48.

[0053] Furthermore, when the second fitting member 36 is attached to the first drawer 22a at the second attachment position K2 and the first drawer 22a is displaced in a first predetermined direction D1, for example, the opening direction, from the retracted position R shown in FIG. 12 towards the extended position E shown in FIG. 14, the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 driven by the first drawer 22a abuts against the working portion 76 of the working member 48 in order to drive the working member 48 to move from the first working position M1 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to the second working position M2 shown in FIG. 14. Thereby, the working member 48 is inclined so as to engage the support feature 64 of the working member 48 with the bent portion 62 of the base 46, and the auxiliary member 50 is driven to move from the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIG. 14 in order to hold the interlock mechanism 40 in the locked state.

[0054] During the aforementioned movement of the auxiliary member 50 from the first auxiliary position Q1 to the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 drives the first locking member 52 to move in the vertical direction, for example, the height direction U, from the unlocking position J1 shown in FIG. 12 to the locking position J2 shown in FIG. 14 by the abutment of the first guide portion 86 and the first auxiliary guide feature 88. As shown in FIG. 14, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 can support the first locking member 52 to hold the first locking member 52 in the locking position J2. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, when the auxiliary member 50 is in the second auxiliary position Q2, the auxiliary member 50 can press the second locking member 54 to hold the second locking member 54 in the locking position J2'. Further, during the aforementioned movement of the working member 48 from the first working position M1 to the second working position M2 shown in FIG. 14, the working member 48 is tilted so that the working portion 76 of the working member 48 is disengaged from the actuating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36.

[0055] Preferably, during the movement of the working member 48 from the first working position M1 shown in FIG. 12 to the second working position M2 shown in FIG. 14, the auxiliary member 50 is driven by the working member 48 and moves from the first auxiliary position Q1 shown in FIG. 12 to the second auxiliary position Q2 shown in FIG. 14.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that when the first drawer 22a is displaced from the extended position E toward the retracted position R in the second predetermined direction D2, for example, the retraction direction, the auxiliary member 50 may be driven by the second fitting member 36 to move from the second auxiliary position Q2 to the first auxiliary position Q1 by the abutment of the first predetermined portion 78 of the second fitting member 36 and the second predetermined portion 80 of the auxiliary member 50. Further, the second fitting member 36 can abut against another working portion 130 (functional portion 130) of the working member 48 to disengage the supporting feature 64 of the working member 48 from the bent portion 62 of the base 46 so as to return the working member 48 back to the first working position M1 in reverse.

[0057] In short, as long as the second fitting member 36 is at a position within the attachment range, for example, at the first attachment position K1 or the second attachment position K2, the second fitting member 36 that moves in the predetermined direction D1 can drive the auxiliary member 50 to move it from the first auxiliary position Q1 to the second auxiliary position Q2, and hold the interlock mechanism 40 in the locked state. For example, the first lock member 52 and the second lock member 54 are respectively held at the lock positions J2, J2', and the interlock function can be realized.

[0058] In conclusion, the present invention has the following features.

[0059] 1. The furniture assembly can optionally include an interlock kit, such as the first interlock kit 32a, that realizes the interlock function according to actual requirements.

[0060] 2. Due to the configuration of the predetermined gap G defined by the difference between the first predetermined height H1 of the first fitting member 34 and the second predetermined height H2 of the second fitting member 36, and / or due to the configuration of the difference between the extension length h1 of the operating portion 74 of the second fitting member 36 in the height direction and the extension length h2 of the working portion 76 of the working member 48 in the height direction, even if there is an assembly error in the first fitting member 34 and / or the second fitting member 36, in the present invention, as long as the second fitting member 36 is at a position within the attachment range, for example, at the first attachment position K1 or the second attachment position K2, during the opening operation or the retracting operation of the first drawer 22a, the second fitting member 36 is moved inside the space S of the first fitting member 34 to ensure the normal operation of the interlock mechanism 40.

[0061] Those skilled in the art can easily understand that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the apparatus 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. An interlock kit adapted to a cabinet body and a drawer displaceable relative to the cabinet body, comprising: a first fitting member having a first predetermined dimension; a second fitting member having a second predetermined dimension; an auxiliary device disposed on the first fitting member, the auxiliary device including an auxiliary member; and an interlock mechanism disposed on the first fitting member; a predetermined gap is defined by a difference between the first predetermined dimension and the second predetermined dimension; at an attachment position within an attachment range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, the second fitting member is attached to the drawer, and when the second fitting member is moved in a predetermined direction relative to the first fitting member, the auxiliary member is driven to move from a first auxiliary position to a second auxiliary position, and the interlock mechanism is held in a locked state; the first fitting member includes a first wall, a second wall, and an intermediate wall connected between the first wall and the second wall, and the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall cooperate to define a space of the first fitting member; the auxiliary device further includes a base and a working member, the base is located inside the space of the first fitting member, the working member is movable relative to the base, and the auxiliary member is movable relative to the base; the base is connected to the intermediate wall of the first fitting member, the working member is movably attached to the base, and the auxiliary member is located inside the space of the first fitting member; an interlock kit for driving the auxiliary member to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position by driving the working member to move from a first working position to a second working position.

2. The first fitting member is detachably attached to the cabinet body. The first predetermined dimension of the first fitting member is the first predetermined height of the first fitting member defined by the distance between the first wall and the second wall in the height direction, the second predetermined dimension of the second fitting member is the second predetermined height of the second fitting member in the height direction, and the predetermined gap is defined by the difference between the first predetermined height of the first fitting member and the second predetermined height of the second fitting member. The second fitting member is detachably attached to the drawer, and the interlock mechanism includes at least one locking member. At the attachment position within the attachment range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, when the second fitting member is attached to the drawer and the drawer is displaced from the retracted position toward the extended position in the predetermined direction, the second fitting member drives the working member to move from the first working position to the second working position, drives the auxiliary member to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position, and holds at least one of the locking members in the locked position. The interlock kit according to claim 1.

3. The second fitting member includes an operating portion, and the working member includes a working portion. While the drawer is displaced from the retracted position toward the extended position, the operating portion abuts against the working portion to drive the working member to move from the first working position to the second working position. The interlock kit according to claim 2.

4. The extension length of the operating portion in the height direction is different from the extension length of the working portion in the height direction. When the second fitting member is attached to the drawer at the attachment position within the attachment range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, the operating portion is at a position corresponding to the working portion. While the drawer is displaced from the retracted position toward the extended position, the operating portion abuts against the working portion to drive the working member to move from the first working position to the second working position. The interlock kit according to claim 3.

5. One of the elongation lengths of the operating part in the height direction and the elongation length of the working part in the height direction is greater than the other of the elongation length of the operating part in the height direction and the elongation length of the working part in the height direction. The interlock kit according to claim 4.

6. The working member includes a working part, and the second fitting member includes an operating part. The elongation length of the operating part in the height direction is different from the elongation length of the working part in the height direction, and is one of a first mounting position and a second mounting position within the mounting range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, enabling the second fitting member to be mounted to the drawer. While the drawer is displaced from the retracted position toward the extended position, the operating part is positioned corresponding to the working part. In order to drive the working member to move from the first working position to the second working position, the operating part abuts against the working part, thereby driving the auxiliary member to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position and holding at least one locking member in the locked position. The interlock kit according to claim 1.

7. While the working member moves from the first working position to the second working position, the working member drives the auxiliary member to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position. When the drawer is displaced from the extended position toward the retracted position, the second fitting member drives the auxiliary member to return from the second auxiliary position to the first auxiliary position. The base includes a longitudinal portion and a bent portion. The bent portion extends and bends from the longitudinal portion. The working member includes a support feature. The working member is movable along the longitudinal portion and the bent portion by the support feature. The interlock kit according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The base is connected to the first fitting member. When the second fitting member is mounted to the drawer at the mounting position within the mounting range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, the operating part of the second fitting member is at a position corresponding to the working part of the working member. While the second fitting member moves in the predetermined direction, the second fitting member drives the working member to move the auxiliary member from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position, and holds the interlock mechanism in the locked state. The interlock kit according to claim 1.

9. A cabinet body, A drawer displaceable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the cabinet body, The interlock kit according to claim 1 And a furniture assembly.

10. An interlock kit adapted to a cabinet body and a drawer displaceable with respect to the cabinet body, A first fitting member having a first predetermined dimension, A second fitting member having a second predetermined dimension, An auxiliary device disposed on the first fitting member, the auxiliary device including an auxiliary member, And an interlock mechanism disposed on the first fitting member, A predetermined gap is defined by the difference between the first predetermined dimension and the second predetermined dimension, At an attachment position within the attachment range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, the second fitting member is attached to the drawer, and when the second fitting member is moved in a predetermined direction with respect to the first fitting member, the auxiliary member is driven to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position and hold the interlock mechanism in a locked state. The auxiliary device further includes a base and a working member relatively movable with respect to the base. The working member includes a working portion, and the second fitting member includes an actuating portion. The elongation length of the actuating portion in the height direction is different from the elongation length of the working portion in the height direction, and is one of the first attachment position and the second attachment position within the attachment range defined by the predetermined gap and the position of the first fitting member, enabling the second fitting member to be attached to the drawer. While the drawer is displaced from the retracted position toward the extended position, the actuating portion is brought into a position corresponding to the working portion. An interlock kit for driving the working member to move from the first working position to the second working position, wherein the actuating part abuts against the working part, thereby driving the auxiliary member to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position and holding at least one locking member in the locked position.

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