Slide rail assembly and method for opening the slide rail

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly which has a slide rail configured to be opened by electric drive, and a method for opening the slide rail.SOLUTION: A slide rail assembly 22 comprises: a first rail 30; a second rail 32; an elastic member; a movable member 42; and an electronic module 48. The second rail is movable to the first rail. When the second rail is at a retreat position to the first rail, and the movable member is in a locked state, the elastic member is locked so as to accumulate elastic force. The electronic module includes a drive unit 51, and the drive unit is configured to drive so as to switch a state of the movable member from the locked state to a lock release state, for releasing elastic force of the elastic member. Therefore, in response to the elastic force of the elastic member, the second rail is moved from the retreat position to an opening direction with respect to the first rail.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly, and more particularly to a slide rail assembly having a slide rail configured to be opened by an electric drive. [Background technology]

[0002] In furniture systems such as cabinets, drawers can be opened and closed relative to the cabinet body via a pair of slide rail assemblies. Currently, there are so-called push-open products in which the drawer can be opened from a retracted position relative to the cabinet body by releasing the elastic force of an elastic member (such as a spring). U.S. Patent No. US10172459B2 discloses a slide rail assembly with the aforementioned push-open function. A synchronization device configured to be connected to a synchronization rod for moving the movable rail of the slide rail assembly in synchronization with the movable rail of another slide rail assembly is disposed on the movable rail of the slide rail assembly.

[0003] Furthermore, International Publication WO 2021 / 043756 A1 discloses furniture comprising a furniture frame and at least one movable furniture part. The movable furniture part is movable between a closed position and an open position via a moving fitting. A locking device is configured to hold the movable furniture part in the closed position via a permanent magnet in the furniture frame. A triggering device is provided, which can disable the locking device to move the movable furniture part in the open direction. The triggering device has an electromagnet, which can be switched via a control device to open the movable furniture part from the closed position. As a result, the movable furniture part can be triggered with a small force.

[0004] Due to different market demands, slide rail assemblies and furniture components (such as drawers and door panels) may not be required to open in the manner described above, so it is important to develop a variety of slide rail products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a slide rail assembly having a slide rail configured to be opened by an electric drive.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a slide rail assembly comprising: a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a resilient member configured to generate a resilient force in response to the second rail being in a retracted position relative to the first rail; a movable member; the resilient member configured to be locked to accumulate the resilient force when the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail and the movable member is in a locked state; and an electronic module including a drive device; the drive device configured to drive the movable member to switch from the locked state to an unlocked state to release the resilient force of the resilient member, thereby moving the second rail from the retracted position in an open direction relative to the first rail in response to the resilient force of the resilient member.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly, the method comprising the steps of: providing a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, and an elastic member; providing a movable member in a locked state disposed on the second rail to lock the elastic member so as to accumulate elastic force of the elastic member; providing an electronic module disposed on the first rail, the electronic module including a drive device; and linking a communication device to the electronic module, controlling the drive device to drive the movable member to switch to an unlocked state so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member, wherein the second rail is moved from a retracted position relative to the first rail in response to the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a furniture system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including at least one drawer and a cabinet body. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a furniture system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a synchronization device disposed between two slide rail assemblies on a cabinet body. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded view of a slide rail assembly and an electronic module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a view showing the second rail in a retracted position relative to the first rail of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a second rail in a retracted position relative to a first rail of a slide rail assembly, and a user attempting to operate a communication device to control an electronic module to move the second rail from the retracted position in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A is a view showing the second rail being moved from a retracted position to a predetermined open position relative to the first rail of the slide rail assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the furniture system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for opening the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a view showing the second rail of the slide rail assembly in a retracted position relative to the first rail in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an area A in FIG. [Figure 11]10A and 10B are diagrams showing at least one driving member of a driving device and a movable member of a synchronizing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a view showing at least one driving member of a driving device that drives and moves a movable member of a synchronizing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a view showing the second rail of the slide rail assembly being moved from a retracted position to a predetermined open position relative to the first rail in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation process of a furniture system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 and 2, furniture system 20 includes a first slide rail assembly 22, a second slide rail assembly 24, a drawer 26, and a cabinet body 28. First slide rail assembly 22 and second slide rail assembly 24 are configured to attach drawer 26 to cabinet body 28, allowing drawer 26 to be movable relative to cabinet body 28 via first slide rail assembly 22 and second slide rail assembly 24.

[0011] The first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 have substantially the same structural configuration. More specifically, each of the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 includes a first rail 30 and a second rail 32 that is longitudinally movable relative to the first rail 30. Preferably, each of the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 further includes a third rail 34. The third rail 34 is movably mounted between the first rail 30 and the second rail 32 and configured to extend the travel distance of the second rail 32 relative to the first rail 30. The first rail 30 is fixedly mounted to the cabinet body 28, and the second rail 32 is configured to transport the drawers 26. The furniture system 20 further includes a synchronization mechanism 35. The synchronization mechanism 35 includes a first synchronization device 36 and a second synchronization device (not shown due to viewing angle limitations). The first synchronization device 36 and the second synchronization device have substantially the same structural configuration. Furthermore, the first synchronizing device 36 is disposed on the second rail 32 of the first slide rail assembly 22, and the second synchronizing device is disposed on the second rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24. This allows the second rail 32 of the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24 to move synchronously, improving the movement stability of the two second rails 32. The synchronizing mechanism 35 further includes a synchronizing rod 38 detachably attached between the first synchronizing device 36 and the second synchronizing device. A first end 38a of the synchronizing rod 38 is detachably connected to a first movable member 42 of the first synchronizing device 36 via a first connecting base 40a. Similarly, a second end 38b of the synchronizing rod 38 is detachably connected to a second movable member (not shown due to viewing angle restrictions) of the second synchronizing device via a second connecting base.

[0012] Preferably, first rail 30 includes an extension portion 44 and second rail 32 includes a carrier portion 46 .

[0013] 3, the first slide rail assembly 22 is in a retracted state. More specifically, the second rail 32 is in a retracted position R relative to the first rail 30. When the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R, the carrier portion 46 of the second rail 32 corresponds to the extension portion 44 of the first rail 30. For example, the carrier portion 46 of the second rail 32 is located above the extension portion 44 of the first rail 30.

[0014] The first slide rail assembly 22 further includes an electronic module 48. Preferably, the electronic module 48 is disposed on the first rail 30. In this embodiment, the electronic module 48 is detachably attached to the first rail 30 so that a user can attach additional electronic modules 48 according to requirements. Preferably, the electronic module 48 includes a base 50 and a cover body 52. ​​The base 50 is configured to support associated electronic components or electronic devices. The cover body 52 is configured to cover and protect the aforementioned electronic components or electronic devices.

[0015] The electronic module 48 further includes a driver 51 configured to cooperate with the first movable member 42 .

[0016] Preferably, the first synchronization device 36 further includes a first fitting member 53, and the first movable member 42 is detachably attached to the conveying portion 46 of the second rail 32 via the first fitting member 53. For example, the conveying portion 46 of the second rail 32 includes at least one first connection feature 54, and the first fitting member 53 includes at least one second connection feature 56. In this embodiment, the first connection feature 54 and the second connection feature 56 are respectively a protrusion and a slot that detachably engage with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0017] Preferably, the first movable member 42 is rotatably attached to the second rail 32. In this embodiment, the first movable member 42 is rotatably attached to a first fitting member 53 at the transport portion 46 of the second rail 32.

[0018] Preferably, the electronic module 48 is removably mounted via a first mounting feature 58 on the base 50 to a second mounting feature 62 on the side wall 60 of the extension 44 of the first rail 30. In this embodiment, the first mounting feature 58 and the second mounting feature 62 are an extension and an insertion slot, respectively, that removably engage with each other, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0019] Preferably, the electronic module 48 further includes a control circuit board 64 and a position sensor 66. The drive device 51 and the position sensor 66 are electrically connected to the control circuit board 64, and the drive device 51 includes a motor M. In the first embodiment, the motor M is a servo motor.

[0020] Preferably, the electronic module 48 further includes a signal transceiver unit (not shown) configured to receive and / or transmit wireless signals and a power supply unit (not shown) configured to provide electrical power.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4 (the first connection base 40a of the electronic module 48 and the cover body 52 are omitted in FIG. 4), the first slide rail assembly 22 further includes an elastic member 68 such as a spring. The elastic member 68 is configured to generate an elastic force F in an opening direction D1 in response to the second rail 32 being in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30. The second rail 32 is configured to open relative to the first rail 30 due to the elastic force F of the elastic member 68. In other words, the second rail 32 (drawer 26) can be ejected so as to be opened relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28). Preferably, the elastic member 68 may be disposed below the transport portion 46 of the second rail 32.

[0022] Furthermore, when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 and the first movable member 42 is in the locked state K1, the elastic member 68 is configured to be locked to accumulate an elastic force F. For example, when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, the elastic member 68 is configured to be locked directly by the first movable member 42 to accumulate the elastic force F. Alternatively, when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, the elastic member 68 is configured to be locked by a locking member disposed at the bottom of the conveying portion 46 of the second rail 32 to accumulate the elastic force F. The first movable member 42 can further move to drive the locking member to release the elastic force F of the elastic member 68. Such a configuration is well known to those skilled in the art, and for the sake of simplicity, further illustration is omitted.

[0023] In the first embodiment, a driving member 70 such as a cam is disposed on the rotation shaft 69 of the drive device 51 (such as the rotation shaft of the motor M), but the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30, the rotation shaft 69 is in the origin position, and the driving member 70 in FIG. 4 is in the initial position J1 relative to the rotation shaft 69. When the first movable member 42 is in the locked state K1 and the driving member 70 is in the initial position J1, the driving member 70 is adjacent to the operating portion 71 of the first movable member 42.

[0024] Preferably, the position sensor 66 is configured to detect whether the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30. For example, the second rail 32 includes a predetermined portion 72, which corresponds to the position sensor 66 when the second rail 32 is in the retracted position R. The position sensor 66 may be a contact or non-contact sensor that cooperates with the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0025] Preferably, first slide rail assembly 22 further includes a second fitting member 73, which is detachably attached to transport portion 46 of second rail 32. Second fitting member 73 includes a predetermined portion 72. Alternatively, predetermined portion 72 may be directly integrated into transport portion 46 of second rail 32, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0026] 5 and 6, the drive device 51 is configured to drive the first movable member 42 to switch from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 5) in order to release the elastic force F of the elastic member 68. As a result, the second rail 32 is moved in the open direction D1 from the retracted position R (shown in FIG. 5) relative to the first rail 30 in response to the elastic force F of the elastic member 68, and is then moved to the predetermined open position E (shown in FIG. 6). As a result, the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 no longer corresponds to the position sensor 66 (the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 is moved away from the position sensor 66). Therefore, the position sensor 66 can detect that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) has been moved away from the retracted position R.

[0027] Furthermore, the user can operate the communication device 74 to link it to the electronic module 48 so as to control the motor M of the drive device 51 to drive the first movable member 42 to switch from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 5). As a result, the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is driven in response to the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 and moves from the retracted position R to the opening direction D1 (shown in FIG. 6) relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28).

[0028] Preferably, the communication device 74 may be a mobile phone, a tablet or a smart wearable device, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0029] Preferably, the rotary shaft 69 of the motor M drives and rotates the drive member 70 from the initial position J1 in a first rotational direction R1 to a predetermined angular position J2, whereby the drive member 70 correspondingly moves to the predetermined angular position J2 and abuts against the actuating portion 71 of the first movable member 42. As a result, the drive member 70 drives and rotates the first movable member 42 so as to switch the first movable member 42 from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2 in a second rotational direction R2, thereby releasing the elastic force F of the elastic member 68. The first rotational direction R1 is opposite to the second rotational direction R2 (shown in FIG. 5). For example, the first rotational direction R1 is clockwise, and the second rotational direction R2 is counterclockwise, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0030] Preferably, a return elastic component (not shown) is disposed in the first fitting member 53 of the first synchronizer 36. When the second rail 32 is in a predetermined open position E relative to the first rail 30 (as shown in FIG. 6), the first movable member 42 is configured to return from the unlocked state K2 to the locked state K1 in response to a return elastic force provided by the return elastic component (as shown in FIG. 6). Meanwhile, the position sensor 66 is configured to generate a first signal or a second signal depending on the position of the second rail 32 relative to the first rail 30. For example, the position sensor 66 is configured to generate a first signal when the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28), and to generate a second signal when the second rail 32 (drawer 26) moves away from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28). The rotary shaft 69 of the drive device 51 is configured to return to the origin position in response to a second signal (a signal indicating that the second rail 32 has moved from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30) generated by the position sensor 66, and in response to this, the drive member 70 is moved in the reverse direction from the predetermined angular position J2 to the initial position J1 (shown in Figure 6).

[0031] Preferably, communication device 74 and electronic module 48 are wirelessly linkable to one another, although the invention is not so limited.

[0032] More specifically, when the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is moved in the retracted direction D2 (shown in FIG. 6) from a predetermined open position E relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28) and returns to the retracted position R, the elastic member 68 is configured to lock to again accumulate the elastic force F. Such a configuration is well known to those skilled in the art, and further illustration is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the furniture system 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Step S100: The communication device sets the status of the drawer to an open state.

[0035] In step S100, an application (app) for wirelessly linking with the electronic module 48 (the control circuit board 64 of the electronic module 48) can be installed in the communication device 74. A user can send a predetermined signal to the electronic module 48 via the application in the communication device 74 (see FIG. 5 ). In this manner, the status of the second rail 32 (the drawer 26) can be set to an open state. In this embodiment, the communication device 74 is configured to wirelessly link with the electronic module 48 via the application. The application may have functions such as voice recognition, near-field communication (NFC), or fingerprint recognition, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] Step S110: Determine whether the position sensor generates a first signal.

[0037] In step S110, control circuit board 64 of electronic module 48 is configured to determine whether position sensor 66 has generated a first signal (shown in FIG. 4). For example, when predetermined portion 72 of second rail 32 presses against elastic detecting portion 66a of position sensor 66 (see FIG. 3), position sensor 66 is configured to generate a first signal to control circuit board 64 indicating that second rail 32 (drawer 26) is currently in retracted position R relative to first rail 30 (cabinet body 28).

[0038] When the control circuit board 64 of the electronic module 48 determines that the position sensor 66 has generated the first signal, the process proceeds to step S120. The drive device receives the first power signal to rotate the drive member 70 to a predetermined angular position. In step S120, when the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28) and the electronic module 48 receives a predetermined signal from the communication device 74 (shown in FIG. 5), the control circuit board 64 controls the drive device 51 to receive the first power signal. This causes the rotating shaft 69 of the motor M of the drive device 51 to drive the drive member 70 to rotate it to the predetermined angular position J2, and further drives the first movable member 42 to switch to the unlocked state K2, releasing the elastic force F of the elastic member 68.

[0039] If the control circuit board 64 of the electronics module 48 determines that the position sensor 66 does not generate the first signal, the process proceeds to step S130. The communication device warns that the drawer is not fully closed. In step S130, if the position sensor 66 does not generate the first signal, the control circuit board 64 is configured to notify the communication device 74 via the application to generate an audible alert and / or an electronic message informing the user that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is not currently in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28).

[0040] After step S120, the process proceeds to step S140. It is determined whether the position sensor has generated a second signal. In step S140, the control circuit board 64 of the electronic module 48 is configured to determine whether the position sensor 66 has generated a second signal (shown in FIG. 6). For example, when the predetermined portion 72 of the second rail 32 does not press the elastic detection portion 66a of the position sensor 66, the position sensor 66 is configured to generate a second signal to the control circuit board 64 in response to the elastic force F of the elastic member 68, indicating that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is currently moving from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28). In other words, the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is moved in the opening direction D1 to the predetermined open position E.

[0041] If the control circuit board 64 of the electronic module 48 determines that the position sensor 66 has generated the second signal, the process proceeds to step S150. The drive device receives the second power signal to rotate the drive member 70 to the initial position J1. In step S150, if the position sensor 66 has generated the second signal, the control circuit board 64 controls the drive device 51 to receive the second power signal so that the rotating shaft 69 of the motor M of the drive device 51 drives the drive member 70 to rotate it to the initial position J1 (see FIG. 6). In other words, the position sensor 66 generating the second signal means that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) is currently in the predetermined open position E.

[0042] If the control circuit board 64 of the electronic module 48 determines that the position sensor 66 does not generate the second signal, the process proceeds to step S160. The communication device generates a system error message for warning. In step S160, if the position sensor 66 does not generate the second signal, this means that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) will not be moved from the retracted position R. The control circuit board 64 is configured to notify the communication device 74 via the application to generate a system error message, such as an audible alarm and / or an electronic message, to inform the user that the second rail 32 (drawer 26) will not be moved from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 (cabinet body 28).

[0043] 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for opening the second rail 32 relative to the first rail 30 of the slide rail assembly 22 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The method includes the following steps.

[0044] Step S10: Provide a slide rail assembly 22 including a first rail 30, a second rail 32, and an elastic member 68 (see FIG. 4).

[0045] Step S12: To accumulate the elastic force F of the elastic member 68, the movable member 42 is provided in the lock state K1 arranged on the second rail 32 so as to lock the elastic member 68 (see FIG. 4).

[0046] Step S14: Provide an electronic module 48 arranged on the first rail 30, where the electronic module 48 includes a driving device 51 (see FIG. 4).

[0047] Step S16: Link the communication device 74 to the electronic module 48 to control the drive device 51 to drive the movable member 42 to switch to the unlocked state K2 (see Figure 5) to release the elastic force F of the elastic member 68, thereby moving the second rail 32 from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 30 in response to the elastic force F of the elastic member 68 (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0048] The details of the method are disclosed above and will not be further illustrated for the sake of brevity.

[0049] 9 and 10 show a slide rail assembly, such as first slide rail assembly 202, of a furniture system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to first slide rail assembly 22 of the first embodiment, drive unit 204 of first slide rail assembly 202 has a different structural configuration. In addition, electronic module 206 of first slide rail assembly 202 further includes motor home switch 208 and motor stop switch 210, which are electrically connected to control circuit board 212.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the drive device 204 includes a motor M' (shown in FIG. 10). In the second embodiment, the motor M' is a DC motor, for example, a DC gear motor, although the present invention is not limited thereto. A first drive member 216, such as a cam, is disposed on a rotation shaft 214 of the motor M' (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), although the present invention is not limited thereto. The first drive member 216 is connected to a second drive member 218. The second drive member 218 may be a lever (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), although the present invention is not limited thereto. An extension slot 220 is formed in one of the first drive member 216 and the second drive member 218, and a connecting pin 222 extending into the extension slot 220 is disposed in the other of the first drive member 216 and the second drive member 218, so that the first drive member 216 and the second drive member 218 cooperate with each other (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0051] The driving device 204 is configured to drive the first movable member 224 to switch from a locked state K1' (shown in FIG. 11) to an unlocked state K2' (shown in FIG. 12) in order to release the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226. This causes the second rail 228 to move from the retracted position R' in the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 230 in response to the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226.

[0052] Furthermore, the user can operate the communication device 232 to link it to the electronic module 206 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ) to control the drive device 204 to switch the first movable member 224 from a locked state K1′ (shown in FIG. 11 ) to an unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 12 ). As a result, in response to the elastic force F′ of the elastic member 226, the second rail 228 is driven to move from the retracted position R′ in an open direction D1 relative to the first rail 230. For example, the second rail 228 is moved correspondingly to a predetermined open position E′ (shown in FIG. 13 ). More specifically, when the rotation shaft 214 is rotated from the home position to the stop position to drive and rotate the first drive member 216, the first drive member 216 and the second drive member 218 are rotated in the same direction. For example, the second drive member 218 is rotated from the initial position J1′ (shown in FIG. 11 ) in the first rotation direction R1′ to a predetermined angular position J2′ (shown in FIG. 12 ). During this rotation process, the second driving member 218 is configured to abut against the actuating portion 233 (shown in FIG. 12) of the first movable member 224, whereby the first movable member 224 is driven via the second driving member 218 to rotate from the locked state K1' (shown in FIG. 11) to the unlocked state K2' (shown in FIG. 12) in order to release the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226. In this manner, the second rail 228 is moved relative to the first rail 230 from the retracted position R' (shown in FIG. 9) in the opening direction D1 to the predetermined open position E' (shown in FIG. 13) in response to the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226. In contrast to the first embodiment, the first driving member 216 of the second embodiment is configured to cooperate with the second driving member 218 (such as a lever) to increase the moment arm, thereby reducing the power consumption of the driving device 204 as the motor M' of the driving device 204 is only required to output a smaller force from the rotating shaft 214 to drive the first movable member 224.

[0053] Furthermore, the motor home switch 208 and the motor stop switch 210 are configured to detect the position of the motor M'. For example, the motor home switch 208 is configured to generate a third signal and a fourth signal. When the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' is in the home position, the second driving member 218 is in the initial position J1' with respect to the rotating shaft 214, and the motor home switch 208 is configured to generate the third signal. When the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' is moved from the home position, the motor home switch 208 is configured to generate the fourth signal. Meanwhile, the motor stop switch 210 is configured to generate a fifth signal and a sixth signal. When the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' is in the stop position, the second driving member 218 is in a predetermined angular position J2' with respect to the rotating shaft 214, and the motor stop switch 210 is configured to generate the fifth signal. The motor stop switch 210 is configured to generate a sixth signal when the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' is moved from the stopped position.

[0054] 14 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the furniture system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation process includes the following steps.

[0055] Step S200: The communication device sets the status of the drawer to an open state.

[0056] In step S200, an application for wirelessly linking with the electronic module 206 (the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206) can be installed in the communication device 232. The user can send a predetermined signal to the electronic module 206 via the communication device 232. As a result, the status of the second rail 228 (drawer) can be set to the open state.

[0057] Step S210: Determine whether the position sensor generates a first signal.

[0058] In step S210, control circuit board 212 of electronic module 206 is configured to determine whether position sensor 234 has generated a first signal (shown in FIG. 9). For example, when a predetermined portion 236 of second rail 228 presses against elastic detecting portion 234a of position sensor 234, position sensor 234 is configured to generate a first signal to control circuit board 212 indicating that second rail 228 (drawer) is currently in retracted position R' relative to first rail 230 (cabinet body).

[0059] If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the position sensor 234 has generated a first signal, the process proceeds to step S220. The drive device receives the first power signal. In step S220, when the second rail 228 (drawer 26) is in the retracted position R' relative to the first rail 230 (cabinet body) and the electronic module 206 receives a predetermined signal from the communication device 232 (shown in FIG. 9), the control circuit board 212 controls the drive device 204 to receive the first power signal. This causes the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' of the drive device 204 to rotate to a stop position, drives the second drive member 218 to rotate to a predetermined angular position J2' (shown in FIG. 12), and further drives the first movable member 224 to switch to the unlocked state K2' (shown in FIG. 12), thereby releasing the elastic force F' of the elastic member 226.

[0060] If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the position sensor 234 does not generate the first signal, the process proceeds to step S230. The communication device warns that the drawer is not fully closed. In step S230, if the position sensor 234 does not generate the first signal, the control circuit board 212 is configured to notify the communication device 232 via the application to generate an audible alarm and / or an electronic message to inform the user that the second rail 228 (drawer) is not currently in the retracted position R' relative to the first rail 230 (cabinet body).

[0061] Preferably, after step S220, the process proceeds to step S240. Determining Whether the Motor Stop Switch Has Generated a Fifth Signal: In step S240, the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 is configured to determine whether the motor stop switch 210 has generated a fifth signal in order to determine whether the rotation shaft 214 of the motor M' of the drive device 204 is in the stopped position shown in FIG. 12 (or whether the second drive member 218 is in the predetermined angular position J2').

[0062] If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the motor stop switch 210 has generated the fifth signal, the process proceeds to step S250. The rotating shaft of the motor of the drive device stops rotating. In step S250, if the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the motor stop switch 210 has generated the fifth signal, the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' of the drive device 204 stops at a stop position (the second drive member 218 stops at the predetermined angular position J2' shown in FIG. 12). If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the motor stop switch 210 has not generated the fifth signal, the process returns to step S220.

[0063] Further, after step S250, the process proceeds to step S260. It is determined whether the position sensor has generated a second signal. In step S260, control circuit board 212 of electronic module 206 is configured to determine whether position sensor 234 has generated a second signal (shown in FIG. 13). For example, when predetermined portion 236 of second rail 228 does not press elastic detecting portion 234a of position sensor 234, position sensor 234 is configured to generate a second signal to control circuit board 212 in response to elastic force F' of elastic member 226, indicating that second rail 228 (drawer) has now moved from retracted position R' (or is at predetermined open position E') relative to first rail 230 (cabinet body).

[0064] If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the position sensor 234 has generated the second signal, the process proceeds to step S270. The drive device receives the second power signal. In step S270, if the position sensor 234 has generated the second signal, the control circuit board 212 controls the drive device 204 to receive the second power signal so that the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' of the drive device 204 rotates back to the origin position. Correspondingly, the control circuit board 212 drives the second drive member 218 to rotate to the initial position J1' (see FIG. 11 ).

[0065] If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the position sensor 234 does not generate the second signal, the process proceeds to step S280. The communication device generates a system error message for warning. In step S280, if the position sensor 234 does not generate the second signal, this means that the second rail 228 (drawer) is not moved from the retracted position R'. The control circuit board 212 is configured to notify the communication device 232 via the application to generate a system error message, such as an audible warning and / or an electronic message, to inform the user that the second rail 228 (drawer) is currently not moved from the retracted position R'.

[0066] Preferably, after step S270, the process proceeds to step S290. Determining whether the motor origin switch has generated a third signal: In step S290, the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 is configured to determine whether the motor origin switch 208 has generated a third signal, and further determines whether the rotation shaft 214 of the motor M' of the drive device 204 is at the origin position shown in FIG. 11 (or whether the second drive member 218 is at the initial position J1').

[0067] If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the motor origin switch 208 has generated the third signal, the process proceeds to step S292. The rotating shaft of the motor of the drive unit stops rotating. In step S292, if the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the motor origin switch 208 has generated the third signal, the rotating shaft 214 of the motor M' of the drive unit 204 stops at the origin position, and correspondingly, the second drive member 218 stops at the initial position J1' (shown in FIG. 11). This, in turn, means that the drawer has been opened. Furthermore, if the position sensor 234 generates the second signal and the motor origin switch 208 generates the third signal, this means that the furniture system has completed the operation of opening the second rail 228 (drawer). If the control circuit board 212 of the electronic module 206 determines that the motor origin switch 208 has not generated the third signal, the process returns to step S270.

[0068] Therefore, the slide rail assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.

[0069] 1. The drive device (51, 204) of the electronic module (48, 206) is configured to drive the movable member (42, 224) to switch to the unlocked state (K1, K1′) in order to release the elastic force (F, F′) of the elastic member (68, 226), thereby allowing the second rail (32, 228) to move from the retracted position (R, R′) in the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail (30, 230) to a predetermined open position (E, E′) in response to the elastic force (F, F′) of the elastic member (68, 226).

[0070] 2. The second rail (32, 228) or the drawer (26) of the furniture system can be opened by an electric drive (rather than by manual pushing as in the background art). A user can operate a communication device (74, 232) linked to the electronic module (48, 206) for wireless communication to automatically open the second rail (32, 228) or the drawer (26), facilitating the user to manage the items in the drawer (26).

[0071] 3. The electronic module (48, 206) is detachably attached to the first rail (32, 230). Therefore, the electronic module (48, 206) can be additionally attached to the furniture system (20) according to requirements, so that the furniture system (20) has the function of automatically opening the second rail (32, 228) or the drawer (26) by electric drive.

[0072] 4. In contrast to the first embodiment, the first driving member 216 of the driving device 204 of the second embodiment is configured to cooperate with the second driving member 218 (e.g., a lever) to increase the moment arm. This allows the motor M' of the driving device 204 to output a smaller force from the rotating shaft 214 to drive the first movable member 224, thereby reducing the power consumption of the driving device 204.

[0073] 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; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a resilient member configured to generate a resilient force in response to the second rail being in a retracted position relative to the first rail; a movable member; When the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail and the movable member is in a locked state, the elastic member is configured to be locked to accumulate the elastic force; an electronic module including a drive; the drive device is configured to drive the movable member to switch from the locked state to an unlocked state so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member, whereby the second rail is moved from the retracted position in an opening direction relative to the first rail in response to the elastic force of the elastic member; the electronic module is removably attached to the first rail; The slide rail assembly, wherein the electronics module further includes a position sensor configured to detect whether the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail.

2. the movable member is rotatably attached to the second rail, The slide rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein the movable member is configured to be connected to a synchronization rod, and the synchronization rod is connected to a second rail of another slide rail assembly.

3. the electronic module further includes a control circuit board, the drive device being electrically connected to the control circuit board; The drive device includes a motor, and a rotation shaft of the motor is configured with a drive member; 3. The slide rail assembly of claim 2, wherein the rotation shaft is configured to drive the drive member to rotate so as to further drive the movable member to rotate so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member and switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

4. the electronic module further includes a control circuit board, the drive device is electrically connected to the control circuit board, the drive device includes a motor, a rotation shaft of the motor is configured with a first drive member, the first drive member is connected to a second drive member; one of the first drive member and the second drive member has an extension slot formed therein, and the other of the first drive member and the second drive member is configured with a connecting pin extending into the extension slot; and the rotating shaft is configured to drive the first drive member to rotate; As a result, the first driving member and the second driving member are rotated in the same direction, the movable member is further driven to rotate, and the state is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state via the second driving member, and the elastic force of the elastic member is released. The slide rail assembly of claim 3 , wherein the electronics module further comprises a motor home switch and a motor stop switch configured to detect a position of the motor.

5. 1. A method of opening a slide rail of a slide rail assembly, comprising: providing the slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, and a resilient member; providing a locked movable member disposed on the second rail to lock the elastic member so as to accumulate elastic force of the elastic member; providing an electronic module disposed on the first rail, the electronic module including a drive; linking a communication device to the electronic module, and controlling the drive device to drive the movable member to switch to an unlocked state so as to release the elastic force of the elastic member, wherein the second rail is moved from a retracted position relative to the first rail in response to the elastic force of the elastic member.

6. the first rail is configured to be attached to a cabinet body and the second rail is configured to carry a drawer; the communication device and the electronic module are wirelessly linkable to each other for communication; The method of claim 5 , wherein the movable member is rotatably mounted to the second rail and the electronic module is removably mounted to the first rail.

7. the electronic module further includes a position sensor; The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of the position sensor detecting whether the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail.

8. the electronic module further includes a control circuit board and a motor; the drive device includes the motor, and a rotation shaft of the motor is configured with a drive member; 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of driving the movable member to rotate further to release the elastic force of the elastic member, and causing the rotating shaft to drive the drive member to rotate in order to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

9. The electronic module further includes a control circuit board and a motor, the drive device includes the motor, a rotation shaft of the motor is configured with a first drive member, and the first drive member is connected to a second drive member; one of the first drive member and the second drive member has an extension slot formed therein, and the other of the first drive member and the second drive member is configured with a contact pin extending into the extension slot; The method further comprises the step of the rotating shaft driving the first drive member to rotate; The method according to claim 6, wherein the first drive member and the second drive member are thereby rotated in the same direction, further driving and rotating the movable member to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state via the second drive member, and releasing the elastic force of the elastic member.

10. the electronic module further includes a motor home switch and a motor stop switch; The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of the motor home switch and the motor stop switch detecting the position of the motor.

Images