Adjustment device and associated slide rail mechanism

The adjustment device with an engagement member and enlarged receiving portion addresses the issue of unintentional movement and assembly errors in slide rail mechanisms, enhancing reliability and functionality.

JP7791964B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-24KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024194056
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-06
Filing Date
2024-11-06
Publication Date
2025-12-24
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing adjustment devices for slide rail mechanisms lack a protection mechanism, leading to potential malfunctions due to unintentional movement caused by external forces, and do not account for assembly errors, which affect the reliability and functionality of the interlock.

Method used

The adjustment device includes an engagement member that can switch between engaged and disengaged states to prevent unintentional movement, and the base design allows for a larger receiving portion to accommodate assembly errors, ensuring the interlock operates correctly.

Benefits of technology

The solution enhances the reliability of the adjustment device by preventing unintentional movement and compensating for assembly errors, maintaining the interlock's functionality and ensuring smooth operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an adjusting device having a protective function and an associated slide rail mechanism.SOLUTION: An adjusting device 20 is provided and includes a base 22, a driving member 24, an adjusting member 26 and an engaging member 28. The adjusting member 26 is arranged on the base 22 and adjustably connected to the driving member 24. The engaging member 28 is switchable between an engaging state and a disengaging state M2 relative to the base 22. When the engaging member 28 is in the engaging state, the engaging member 28 is configured to engage with the adjusting member 26 for preventing the adjusting member 26 from adjusting the driving member 24. When the engaging member 28 is in the disengaging state, the engaging member 28 disengages from the adjusting member 26 for allowing the adjusting member 26 to adjust the driving member 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment device and an associated slide rail mechanism according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10 (preceding the characterising clauses). [Background technology]

[0002] Taiwan Patent No. I822613 discloses an adjustment device for a slide rail mechanism. The adjustment device includes a base, a drive member, and an adjustment member. The adjustment member is disposed on the base and configured to adjust the drive member. The adjustment device is configured to cooperate with a working member and functions as an interlock that allows only one slide rail assembly of the slide rail mechanism to be opened. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, the interlock does not have a protection mechanism. In other words, if an external force is inadvertently applied to the adjustment member, the drive member and / or working member may be moved, causing the interlock to malfunction. Therefore, it is important to provide different products to meet different requirements.

[0004] With this in mind, the present invention aims to provide an adjustment device and associated slide rail mechanism that includes a protective feature.

[0005] This is achieved by an adjustment device and associated slide rail mechanism according to claims 1 and 10. The dependent claims relate to corresponding further developments and improvements.

[0006] As will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description, the claimed adjustment device comprises: With the base, A drive member; an adjustment member disposed on the base and adjustably connected to the drive member; an engagement member switchable between an engaged state and a disengaged state with respect to the base; the engagement member is configured to engage with the adjustment member to prevent the adjustment member from adjusting the drive member when the engagement member is in an engaged state; When the engagement member is in the disengaged state, the engagement member disengages from the adjustment member to allow the adjustment member to adjust the drive member.

[0007] Furthermore, the claimed slide rail mechanism comprises: a first slide rail assembly including a first rail and a second rail that is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail; a second slide rail assembly including a third rail and a fourth rail longitudinally displaceable relative to the third rail; the adjustment device as described above, the adjustment device being movably mounted to the first slide rail assembly; an auxiliary device movably attached to the second slide rail assembly; a working member disposed between the adjustment device and the auxiliary device, When the second rail is displaced in the opening direction relative to the first rail, the adjustment device, the working member, and the auxiliary device are driven to move, whereby the auxiliary device prevents the fourth rail from being displaced in the opening direction relative to the third rail.

[0008] In summary, the engagement member is configured to cooperate with the adjustment member to prevent unintentional movement of the adjustment member, thereby improving the reliability of the adjustment device. Furthermore, the adjustment device can compensate for assembly errors by configuring the first receiving portion of the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device to be larger in the longitudinal direction than the first end of the working member in the longitudinal direction to allow the working member to move longitudinally within a limited range.

[0009] 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]

[0010] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of an adjustment device in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a diagram of an adjustment device in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are views showing a working member being adjusted to a first predetermined position by an adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a working member being adjusted to a second predetermined position by an adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an adjustment device with an engagement member in an engaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a working member that is adjusted by cooperation of an adjustment device and an auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram of a slide rail mechanism that fits into a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram of a slide rail mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the first slide rail assembly and the second slide rail assembly both in a retracted position. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the slide rail mechanism when the first slide rail assembly is locked in the retracted position according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram of a slide rail mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention when there is an assembly error between the first slide rail assembly and the second slide rail assembly. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used with reference to the orientation of the figures being described. Components of the invention may be oriented in many different directions. As such, directional terminology is used for purposes of explanation and is in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Furthermore, unless specified, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Thus, when a first device is connected to a second device, the connection may be via a direct mechanical connection or via an indirect mechanical connection via a connection to another device.

[0013] 1 to 3, the adjustment device 20 includes a base 22, a drive member 24, and an adjustment member 26. Preferably, the adjustment device 20 further includes an engagement member 28 and / or a blocking member 30. In this embodiment, by way of example, the adjustment device 20 is configured to cooperate with a working member 32, which is formed in a rod-like structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The adjustment member 26 and the drive member 24 are both disposed on the base 22. The adjustment member 26 is adjustably connected to the drive member 24.

[0014] The engaging member 28 is switchable relative to the base 22 between an engaged state M1 and a disengaged state M2. Preferably, the engaging member 28 is movably attached to the base 22. For example, an end of the engaging member 28 is pivotally connected to the base 22. Furthermore, the blocking member 30 is switchable relative to the base 22 between a blocking state B1 and a non-blocking state B2. Preferably, the blocking member 30 is movably attached to the base 22. For example, an end of the blocking member 30 is pivotally connected to the base 22. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the engaging member 28 and the blocking member 30 are in the engaged state M1 and the blocking state B1, respectively, the engaging member 28 and the blocking member 30 are folded relative to the base 22. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the engaging member 28 and the blocking member 30 are in the disengaged state M2 and the non-blocking state B2, respectively, the engaging member 28 and the blocking member 30 are unfolded relative to the base 22.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the engagement member 28 is in an engagement state M1 to engage with the adjustment member 26 to prevent the adjustment member 26 from adjusting the drive member 24, for example, by preventing the adjustment member 26 from being operated by a user or from being unintentionally driven by an external force. Preferably, another end of the engagement member 28 includes a first predetermined feature 21. The base 22 includes a second predetermined feature 23 configured to engage with the first predetermined feature 21. In this embodiment, the first predetermined feature 21 and the second predetermined feature 23 are, for example, an engagement hook and a wall, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. When the first predetermined feature 21 and the second predetermined feature 23 are engaged with each other, the engagement member 28 can be held in the engagement state M1. Preferably, the engagement member 28 in the engagement state M1 may cover the adjustment member 26 or at least the adjustment portion 36 of the adjustment member 26 to prevent the adjustment member 26 from being operated by a user or from being unintentionally driven by an external force.

[0016] Similarly, another end of the blocking member 30 includes a first predetermined portion 25, and the base 22 further includes a second predetermined portion 27 configured to engage with the first predetermined portion 25. In this embodiment, the first predetermined portion 25 and the second predetermined portion 27 are, for example, an engaging hook and a wall, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. When the first predetermined portion 25 and the second predetermined portion 27 engage with each other, the blocking member 30 can be held in the blocking state B1.

[0017] Preferably, the base 22 includes a receiving structure S0 configured to at least partially receive the drive member 24 and the adjustment member 26. For example, the receiving structure S0 includes a first receiving portion S1 and a second receiving portion S2 communicating with the first receiving portion S1. The first receiving portion S1 is configured to receive the drive member 24 and a portion of the working member 32, for example, an end or first end 32a of the working member 32, and the second receiving portion S2 is configured to receive a portion of the adjustment member 26.

[0018] It should be noted that the first end 32a of the working member 32 is inserted into the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 in the height direction. In this embodiment, for example, the height direction may be parallel to the Z axis. Moreover, the longitudinal direction may be parallel to the X axis, and the transverse direction may be parallel to the Y axis. The height direction, the longitudinal direction, and the transverse direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0019] In this embodiment, for example, the first end 32a of the working member 32 and the drive member 24 are configured to abut against each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the first end 32a of the working member 32 and the drive member 24 may be connected to each other, for example, fixedly connected to each other, or may be formed integrally with each other.

[0020] Preferably, the adjustment member 26 and the drive member 24 are connected by a threaded connection. For example, the adjustment member 26 includes a connecting portion 34 and an adjustment portion 36 disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 34. Furthermore, the drive member 24 includes a counterpart portion 38 extending from the first receiving portion S1 to the second receiving portion S2 and configured to be threadedly connected to the connecting portion 34 of the adjustment member 26. For example, the counterpart portion 38 of the drive member 24 and the connecting portion 34 of the adjustment member 26 have mating thread features. The adjustment portion 36 of the adjustment member 26 is received inside the second receiving portion S2.

[0021] Preferably, base 22 further includes a mounting portion 40. Adjustment member 26 further includes an extension portion 42 that passes through mounting portion 40. Adjustment portion 36 is located between extension portion 42 and connecting portion 34.

[0022] Preferably, the base 22 further includes a first restriction section 43a and a second restriction section 43b. The second receiving portion S2 is defined between the first restriction section 43a and the second restriction section 43b. The first restriction section 43a and the second restriction section 43b are configured to restrict the adjustment portion 36 of the adjustment member 26 within the second receiving portion S2 so as to limit movement of the adjustment member 26 in the height direction.

[0023] Preferably, the first receiving portion S1 has a channel structure, has a predetermined length, and is cooperatively defined by a first predetermined wall 44, a second predetermined wall 46, and an intermediate wall 48 of the base 22. The intermediate wall 48 of the base 22 is connected to the first predetermined wall 44 and the second predetermined wall 46 of the base 22 and is located between the first predetermined wall 44 and the second predetermined wall 46. The first predetermined wall 44 and the second predetermined wall 46 of the base 22 are substantially perpendicular to the intermediate wall 48 of the base 22.

[0024] 4 and 5 , the engagement member 28 is in a disengaged state M2 to disengage from the adjustment member 26 to allow the adjustment member 26 to adjust the drive member 24, for example, to allow the adjustment member 26 to be operated by a user to adjust the drive member 24. Preferably, the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 includes a transverse opening O. When it is desired to adjust the drive member 24 and the working member 32 by operating the adjustment member 26, the blocking member 30 may be operated to a blocking state B1 to block the transverse opening O to prevent the working member 32 from disengaging from the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 in a transverse direction parallel to the Y axis through the transverse opening O.

[0025] The adjustment member 26 is configured to adjust the drive member 24. For example, the drive member 24 can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment member 26. Specifically, a user can operate the adjustment portion 36 to rotate the adjustment member 26 in a first rotational direction R1, adjusting the drive member 24 to move relative to the base 22 in order to drive and move the working member 32 in response to the movement of the drive member 24. For example, the user can adjust the drive member 24 to move in a first direction D1 relative to the base 22 from a first predetermined position P1 shown in FIG. 4 to a second predetermined position P2 shown in FIG. 5. This is to drive and move the working member 32 from a first corresponding position P1' shown in FIG. 4 to a second corresponding position P2' shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the user can operate the adjustment portion 36 to rotate the adjustment member 26 in a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1, thereby adjusting the drive member 24 to move in the second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 relative to the base 22 from the second predetermined position P2 shown in Figure 5 to the first predetermined position P1 shown in Figure 4. This is to drive the working member 32 to move from the second corresponding position P2' shown in Figure 5 to the first corresponding position P1' shown in Figure 4.

[0026] Preferably, the drive member 24 and the working member 32 are configured to move linearly relative to the base 22 in a height direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0027] 6 , the engagement member 28 includes an engagement section 50. When the engagement member 28 is in the engagement state M1 with respect to the base 22, the engagement section 50 of the engagement member 28 is configured to engage with a corresponding section 52 of the adjustment member 26 to prevent the adjustment member 26 from adjusting the drive member 24 and the working member 32. As an example in this embodiment, the engagement section 50 may be a protruding structure, and the corresponding section 50 may be a recessed structure configured to cooperate with the protruding structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0028] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the adjustment device 20 is configured to cooperate with the auxiliary device 54 to adjust the working member 32. The auxiliary device 54 and the adjustment device 20 may have similar structures. Specifically, the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 and the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 may have a substantially symmetrical structure, with the axis of symmetry between the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 and the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 being oriented in a direction perpendicular to the height direction and parallel to the longitudinal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the working member is configured to be adjusted only by the adjustment device.

[0029] The working member 32 is disposed between the adjustment device 20 and the auxiliary device 54. Furthermore, a first end 32a of the working member 32 is connected to the adjustment device 20. A second end 32b of the working member 32, which is opposite to the first end 32a of the working member 32, is inserted into a first auxiliary support portion S1' of an auxiliary support structure S0' of an auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 in a height direction parallel to the Z axis. For example, the first end 32a and the second end 32b of the working member 32 are the upper end and the lower end of the working member 32, respectively. The operating principle of the auxiliary device 54 is substantially the same as that of the adjustment device 20. A detailed description of the auxiliary device 54 will be omitted in this specification for the sake of brevity. By adjusting the adjustment member 26 of the adjustment device 20 adjacent to the first end 32a of the working member 32 or by adjusting the auxiliary member 58 of the auxiliary device 54 adjacent to the second end 32b of the working member 32, the configuration of the adjustment device 20 and the auxiliary device 54 allows the user to adjust the working member 32 to move in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, providing convenience in use.

[0030] It should be noted that in order to allow the working member 32 to move longitudinally within a limited range, the dimension of the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 in the longitudinal direction, which is perpendicular to the height direction and parallel to the X-axis, is larger than the dimension of the first end 32a of the working member 32 relative to the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 in the longitudinal direction. In order to allow the working member 32 to move longitudinally within a limited range relative to the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54, the dimension of the first auxiliary receiving portion S1' of the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 in the longitudinal direction is larger than the dimension of the second end 32b of the working member 32 in the longitudinal direction. The dimensional configuration between the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 and the first end 32a of the working member 32 is the same as the dimensional configuration between the first auxiliary receiving portion S1' of the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 and the second end 32b of the working member 32. For the purpose of simplicity, a detailed description will be given of the dimensional configuration of the first auxiliary receiving portion S1′ of the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 and the second end 32b of the working member 32. As shown in Fig. 7, the first auxiliary receiving portion S1′ and the second end 32b of the working member 32 are each configured to have a first longitudinal dimension L1 and a second longitudinal dimension L2 that is smaller than the first longitudinal dimension L1, thereby forming a longitudinal gap G between the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 and the second end 32a of the working member 32 to allow the working member 32 to move longitudinally within a limited range relative to the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 8, a slide rail mechanism including multiple slide rail assemblies, e.g., a first slide rail assembly 62 and a second slide rail assembly 64, is fitted to a cabinet 60 to support multiple transported items, e.g., multiple drawers (not shown).

[0032] Furthermore, the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64 may be disposed on a predetermined wall 66 of the cabinet 60 and may be disposed at different heights. The first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64 may have substantially the same structure and may be disposed in the cabinet 60 in substantially the same manner.

[0033] Preferably, the adjustment device 20, the working member 32, and the auxiliary device 54 can cooperate to form an interlock between the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64, preventing both the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64 from being opened simultaneously.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 9, the slide rail mechanism includes a first slide rail assembly 62, a second slide rail assembly 64, an adjustment device 20, a working member 32, and an auxiliary device 54.

[0035] The first slide rail assembly 62 includes a first rail 68 and a second rail 70 that is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail 68. Preferably, the first slide rail assembly 62 further includes a first intermediate rail 72 that is movably mounted between the first rail 68 and the second rail 70. The second slide rail assembly 64 includes a third rail 74 and a fourth rail 76 that is longitudinally displaceable relative to the third rail 74. Preferably, the second slide rail assembly 64 further includes a second intermediate rail 78 that is movably mounted between the third rail 74 and the fourth rail 76. The first rail 68 of the first slide rail assembly 62 and the third rail 74 of the second slide rail assembly 64 are configured to be attached, for example, fixed, to a predetermined wall 66 of the cabinet 60. The second rail 70 of the first slide rail assembly 62 and the fourth rail 76 of the second slide rail assembly 64 are configured to support a first transported item, e.g., a first drawer, and a second transported item, e.g., a second drawer, respectively.

[0036] The adjustment device 20 is movably mounted on the first slide rail assembly 62. For example, the first rail 68 includes a first wall 80a, a second wall 80b, and a longitudinal wall 82 connected between the first wall 80a and the second wall 80b of the first rail 68. The first rail 68 has a first end 68a and a second end 68b. In this embodiment, the first end 68a and the second end 68b of the first rail 68 are the front end and the rear end of the first rail 68, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The first rail 68 further includes a first receiving structure K1 for mounting the adjustment device 20. In this embodiment, the first receiving structure K1 includes two receiving portions that are in communication with each other and are disposed on the first wall 80a and the longitudinal wall 82 of the first rail 68, respectively. Preferably, the first slide rail assembly 62 further includes a first predetermined member 84, which is configured to be driven by the second rail 70 to move in the opening direction E. One of the first predetermined member 84 and the adjustment device 20 includes a guide feature, such as a sloped surface or an arcuate surface. By way of example in this embodiment, the first predetermined member 84 includes a first guide feature 86, and the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 includes a second guide feature 88. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0037] The auxiliary device 54 is movably mounted on the second slide rail assembly 64. For example, the third rail 74 includes a first wall 90a, a second wall 90b, and a longitudinal wall 92 connected between the first wall 90a and the second wall 90b of the third rail 74. The third rail 74 has a first end 74a and a second end 74b. In this embodiment, the first end 74a and the second end 74b of the third rail 74 are the front end and the rear end of the third rail 74, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The third rail 74 further includes a second receiving structure K2 for mounting the auxiliary device 54. In this embodiment, the second receiving structure K2 includes two receiving portions that are in communication with each other and are disposed on the second wall 90b and the longitudinal wall 92 of the third rail 74, respectively. Preferably, the second slide rail assembly 64 further includes a second predetermined member 94, which is configured to be driven by the fourth rail 76 to move in the opening direction E. One of the second predetermined member 94 and the auxiliary device 54 includes a guide feature, such as an inclined surface or an arcuate surface. In this embodiment, for example, the second predetermined member 94 includes a third guide feature 96, and the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 includes a fourth guide feature 98. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0038] The working member 32 is disposed between the adjustment device 20 and the auxiliary device 54 .

[0039] It should be noted that in an ideal scenario, when the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64 are positioned on a given wall 66 of the cabinet 60, the two ends of the first slide rail assembly 62, e.g., the front and rear ends of the first slide rail assembly 62, are aligned in the height direction parallel to the Z axis with the two ends of the second slide rail assembly 64, e.g., the front and rear ends of the second slide rail assembly 64, respectively. For example, the first end 68a of the first rail 68 of the first slide rail assembly 62 is aligned in the height direction with the first end 74a of the third rail 74 of the second slide rail assembly 64.

[0040] 9, the interlock is in the first position J1 when the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64 are each in a retracted state. Furthermore, the interlock is in the first position J1 when the second rail 70 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 68 and the fourth rail 76 is in the retracted position R' relative to the third rail 74.

[0041] 9 and 10, when the second rail 70 is displaced from the retracted position R in the opening direction E relative to the first rail 68, the adjustment device 20, the working member 32, and the auxiliary device 54 are driven to move. As a result, the auxiliary device 54 prevents the fourth rail 57 from being displaced from the retracted position R' in the opening direction E relative to the third rail 74.

[0042] Specifically, when second rail 70 is displaced from retracted position R in opening direction E relative to first rail 68 and second slide rail assembly 64 is in the retracted state, first predetermined member 84 and adjustment device 20 can abut each other, for example, by first guide feature 86 of first predetermined member 84 and second guide feature 88 of adjustment device 20, driving adjustment device 20, working member 32, and auxiliary device 54 to drive interlock in first direction D1 from first position J1 shown in FIG. 9 to second position J2 shown in FIG. 10. When interlock is in second position J2, auxiliary device 54 and second predetermined member 94 can be blocked from each other, for example, by fourth guide feature 98 of auxiliary device 54 and third guide feature 96 of second predetermined member 94, to prevent fourth rail 76 from displacing from retracted position R′ in opening direction E relative to third rail 74.

[0043] Preferably, the first predetermined member 84 can support the adjustment device 20 to hold the interlock in the second position J2 shown in FIG. 10 so that the fourth guide feature 98 of the auxiliary device 54 remains blocking the third guide feature 96 of the second predetermined member 94.

[0044] It should be noted that, for example, in order to prevent malfunction of the interlock due to an assembly error of the working member 32, the first slide rail assembly 62, and / or the second slide rail assembly 64 in the height direction, the adjustment device 20 and / or the auxiliary device 54 can be used to adjust the working member 32 to compensate for the assembly error in the height direction. Moreover, when the engagement member 28 of the adjustment device 20 is in the engagement state M1, the engagement member 28 is configured to engage with the adjustment member 26 to prevent the adjustment member 26 from adjusting the drive member 24 and the working member 32. Furthermore, in order to prevent the working member 32 from disengaging from the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 and the first auxiliary receiving portion S1' of the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 in the transverse direction parallel to the Y axis, the blocking member 30 may be operated to the blocking state B1 to block the transverse opening O.

[0045] On the other hand, when the first slide rail assembly 62 is in a retracted state and the fourth rail 76 is displaced from the retracted position R' in the opening direction E relative to the third rail 74, the second predetermined member 94 can press the auxiliary device 54 to hold the interlock in the first position J1 so that the second guide feature 88 of the adjustment device 20 keeps blocking the first predetermined member 84 of the first slide rail assembly 62 to prevent the second rail 70 from displacing from the retracted position R in the opening direction relative to the first rail 68.

[0046] 11 , in a non-ideal scenario, when the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64 are placed on a predetermined wall 66 of the cabinet 60, the two ends of the first slide rail assembly 62, e.g., the front and rear ends of the first slide rail assembly 62, are misaligned in the height direction parallel to the Z axis from the two ends of the second slide rail assembly 64, e.g., the front and rear ends of the second slide rail assembly 64, respectively, due to an assembly error. For example, due to an assembly error in the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail assembly 62 and / or the second slide rail assembly 64, the first end 68 a of the first rail 68 of the first slide rail assembly 62 is misaligned in the height direction by an offset N from the first end 74 a of the third rail 74 of the second slide rail assembly 64.

[0047] The dimension of the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 in the longitudinal direction parallel to the X-axis is larger than the dimension of the first end 32a of the working member 32 relative to the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 in the longitudinal direction, so a first longitudinal gap G1' is formed between the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 and the first end 32a of the working member 32. The dimension of the first auxiliary receiving portion S1' of the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 in the longitudinal direction is larger than the dimension of the second end 32b of the working member 32 in the longitudinal direction, so a second longitudinal gap G2' is formed between the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54 and the second end 32b of the working member 32. Therefore, even if the first end 68a of the first rail 68 of the first slide rail assembly 62 is misaligned in the vertical direction by an offset N from the first end 74a of the third rail 74 of the second slide rail assembly 64, the longitudinal assembly error, i.e., the offset N between the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64, can be corrected by the above-mentioned dimensional configuration to ensure that the interlock can be moved appropriately in the vertical direction between the first position J1 and the second position J2. In other words, the present invention can compensate for assembly errors to prevent malfunction of the interlock due to assembly errors, resulting in convenience in use.

[0048] As described above, the slide rail mechanism or adjustment device 20 of the present invention has the following features.

[0049] 1. The engagement member 28 is switchable between an engaged state M1 and a disengaged state M2 relative to the base 22. When the engagement member 28 is in the engaged state M1, the engagement member 28 is configured to engage with the adjustment member 26 to prevent the adjustment member 26 from adjusting the drive member 24 and the working member 32. When the engagement member 28 is in the disengaged state M2, the engagement member 28 disengages from the adjustment member 26 to allow the adjustment member 26 to adjust the drive member 24 and the working member 32.

[0050] 2. Because the dimension of the first receiving portion S1 of the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 in the longitudinal direction parallel to the X-axis is larger than the dimension of the first end 32a of the working member 32 in the longitudinal direction relative to the base 22 of the adjustment device 20, a first longitudinal gap G1′ is formed between the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 and the first end 32a of the working member 32, allowing the first end 32a of the working member 32 to move longitudinally within a limited range to compensate for assembly errors. For example, even if the first end 68a of the first rail 68 of the first slide rail assembly 62 is misaligned in the height direction from the first end 74a of the third rail 74 of the second slide rail assembly 64 by an offset N, the above-mentioned dimensional configuration can compensate for the assembly error in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the offset N between the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64. This is to ensure that the interlock moves properly in the height direction between the first position J1 and the second position J2, i.e., to prevent malfunction of the interlock due to the offset N between the first slide rail assembly 62 and the second slide rail assembly 64.

[0051] 3. The blocking member 30 is switchable between a blocking state B1 and a non-blocking state B2. The blocking member 30 is operable to the blocking state B1 to prevent the working member 32 from disengaging laterally from the base 22 of the adjustment device 20 and the auxiliary base 56 of the auxiliary device 54.

[0052] 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. With the base, A drive member; an adjustment member disposed on the base and adjustably connected to the drive member; an engagement member that is switchable between an engaged state and a disengaged state with respect to the base; when the engagement member is in the engaged state, the engagement member is configured to engage with the adjustment member to prevent the adjustment member from adjusting the drive member; When the engagement member is in the disengaged state, the engagement member disengages from the adjustment member to allow the adjustment member to adjust the drive member. Regulator.

2. the engagement member is movably mounted to the base, the engagement member including an engagement section and a first predetermined feature; the engagement section is configured to engage a corresponding section of the adjustment member to prevent the adjustment member from adjusting the drive member; The adjustment device of claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined feature is configured to engage the base to retain the engagement member in the engaged state.

3. 2. The adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is configured to adjust the drive member by rotation of the adjustment member, the drive member is configured to move linearly relative to the base, and the adjustment member is connected to the drive member by a threaded connection.

4. The adjustment device of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a receiving structure configured to at least partially receive the drive member and the adjustment member.

5. The adjustment device of claim 4 , wherein the adjustment device is adapted to a work member, the work member being driven in response to movement of the drive member.

6. the adjustment device is configured to cooperate with an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device including an auxiliary base; the base of the adjustment device and the auxiliary base of the auxiliary device have a symmetrical structure; the working member is a rod-like structure having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; The first end and the second end of the working member are respectively inserted in a height direction into a first receiving portion of the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device and a first auxiliary receiving portion of the auxiliary receiving structure of the auxiliary base of the auxiliary device; 6. The adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein an axis of symmetry between the base of the adjustment device and the auxiliary base of the auxiliary device is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the height direction.

7. a dimension of the first receiving portion of the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the height direction is larger than a dimension of the first end of the working member in the longitudinal direction to allow the working member to move in the longitudinal direction within a limited range; The adjusting device according to claim 6 , wherein a dimension of the first auxiliary receiving portion of the auxiliary receiving structure of the auxiliary base of the auxiliary device in the longitudinal direction is greater than a dimension of the second end of the working member in the longitudinal direction.

8. the first receiving portion of the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device includes a transverse opening; the adjustment device further includes a blocking member, the blocking member being movably mounted to the base and switchable between a blocking state and a non-blocking state; 7. The adjustment device of claim 6, wherein the blocking member is configured to block the transverse opening when the blocking member is in the blocking state to prevent the working member from leaving the first receiving portion of the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device in a transverse direction perpendicular to the height direction and the longitudinal direction through the transverse opening.

9. the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion communicating with the first receiving portion, the first receiving portion being configured to at least partially receive the drive member and the working member; the second receiving portion is configured to at least partially receive the adjustment member; 5. The adjustment device of claim 4, wherein the dimension of the first receiving portion of the receiving structure of the base of the adjustment device in the longitudinal direction is greater than the dimension of the first end of the working member in the longitudinal direction to allow the working member to move longitudinally within a limited range.

10. a first slide rail assembly including a first rail and a second rail longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail; a second slide rail assembly including a third rail and a fourth rail displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the third rail; 10. The adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device is movably mounted to the first slide rail assembly; an auxiliary device movably attached to the second slide rail assembly; a working member disposed between the adjustment device and the auxiliary device; When the second rail is displaced relative to the first rail in an opening direction, the adjustment device, the working member, and the auxiliary device are driven to move, whereby the auxiliary device prevents the fourth rail from being displaced relative to the third rail in the opening direction. Slide rail mechanism.

Citation Information

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