Support assembly and method for mounting the aforementioned support assembly to a rack

Abstract

To provide a support assembly and a method for attaching the support assembly to a rack.SOLUTION: A supporting assembly 20 is provided, which includes a first bracket 22, a second bracket 24, a locking member 26 and an actuating mechanism 28a, 28b. The first bracket and the second bracket are displaceable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. The locking member is movable relative to the first bracket between a locked state and an unlocked state. The actuating mechanism is arranged on the second bracket. When the first bracket is located at the predetermined position relative to the second bracket, the locking member in the locking state is configured to engage with the actuating mechanism to keep the first bracket at the predetermined position relative to the second bracket. Also provided is a method of mounting a support assembly as described above to a rack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support assembly according to the pre-characterizing clauses of claims 1 and 9, and to a method of attaching the aforementioned support assembly to a rack.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 6,230,903 discloses a slide rail assembly. The slide rail assembly includes a slide rail mechanism, a first bracket, a second bracket, a biasing member, and a locking mechanism. Both the first bracket and the second bracket are displaceable longitudinally relative to the outer rail of the slide rail mechanism. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket includes an attachment pin configured to be attached to a rack. The biasing member is configured to provide a force to drive the second bracket away from the first bracket. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the second bracket to prevent displacement of the second bracket relative to the outer rail and / or the first bracket.

[0003] In the above patent, after displacing the second bracket to the attachment position relative to the first bracket, the locking mechanism is operated (e.g., by manually rotating the knob of the locking mechanism) to lock the second bracket, thereby preventing relative displacement between the first bracket and the second bracket. However, if manual operation is impossible due to a restricted state, the second bracket is not locked.

[0004] To meet various requirements, it has become an important issue to provide alternative products.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a support assembly that can prevent relative displacement between two brackets, and a method for attaching the aforementioned support assembly to a rack.

[0007] This is achieved by the support assembly described in claim 1 and the method for mounting the aforementioned support assembly to a rack, as described in claim 9. Dependent claims relate to corresponding further developments and improvements.

[0008] As will become clearer from the detailed description that follows, the claimed support assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a locking member, a plurality of actuation mechanisms, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The first bracket and the second bracket are displaceable relative to each other along their longitudinal direction. The locking member is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state relative to the first bracket. The plurality of actuation mechanisms are located on the second bracket. The first mounting member is located on the first bracket. The second mounting member is located on the second bracket. When the first bracket is in a first predetermined position relative to the second bracket, the locking member in the locked state is configured to engage with one of the plurality of actuation mechanisms to maintain the first bracket in a first predetermined position relative to the second bracket, and the first mounting member and the second mounting member are spaced apart from each other by a first longitudinal distance. When the first bracket is positioned in a second predetermined position relative to the second bracket, the locked locking member is configured to engage with another of a plurality of operating mechanisms to maintain the first bracket in the second predetermined position relative to the second bracket, and the first and second mounting members are spaced apart from each other by a second longitudinal distance that is different from the first longitudinal distance.

[0009] Furthermore, the claimed method for mounting a support assembly to a rack comprises the steps of: providing a first bracket and a second bracket, and arranging a plurality of actuation mechanisms on the second bracket; providing a locking member, and configuring the locking member to be in a locked state so as to engage with one of the plurality of actuation mechanisms in order to prevent the first bracket and the second bracket from being displaced relative to each other; providing an operating member for operating the locking member; and operating the operating member from a first position to a second position to drive the locking member from a locked state to an unlocked state, thereby preventing the locking member from engaging with any of the plurality of actuation mechanisms, thereby the first The method includes the steps of enabling a bracket and a second bracket to be displaced relative to each other, attaching the first bracket and the second bracket to the first post and the second post of the rack, respectively, such that the first bracket is in a predetermined position relative to the second bracket, and releasing an operating member, thereby moving the operating member from a second position to a first position, driving a locking member from an unlocked state to a locked state, engaging the locking member with a corresponding one of a plurality of operating mechanisms, thereby preventing the removal of the first bracket from the first post of the rack and the removal of the second bracket from the second post of the rack.

[0010] In summary, the support assembly of the present invention utilizes the cooperation of a locking member and an operating mechanism to prevent relative displacement between the first bracket and the second bracket, and therefore the support assembly of the present invention improves operational convenience.

[0011] These and other objects of the present invention will undoubtedly become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments shown in various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] In the following, the present invention will be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a partially exploded view of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is another exploded view of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram of a locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a partial view of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing how the first bracket is maintained in a first predetermined position relative to the second bracket. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of portion A of the support assembly shown in Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that the first bracket is not maintained in a first predetermined position relative to the second bracket. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view of portion B of the support assembly shown in Figure 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing how the first bracket is maintained in a second predetermined position relative to the second bracket. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view of portion C of the support assembly shown in Figure 9, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of a support assembly mounted on a rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when supporting a carried object. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of a support assembly mounted on a rack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged view of portion D of the support assembly shown in Figure 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be carried out. In this regard, directional terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back” are used with reference to the orientation of the drawings(s) described. The components of the invention can be arranged in several different orientations. Therefore, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and description are considered to be essentially illustrative and not limiting. Also, where not specified, the term “connecting” 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 through other devices and connections.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support assembly 20 includes a first bracket 22, a second bracket 24, a locking member 26, and at least one actuation mechanism. The first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are displaceable relative to each other along their longitudinal directions. In this embodiment, as an example, the at least one actuation mechanism includes a first actuation mechanism 28a, a second actuation mechanism 28b, and a third actuation mechanism 28c, and the locking member 26 can cooperate, for example, engage with one of the first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c, thereby enabling the first bracket 22 to be held in one of three different predetermined positions relative to the second bracket 24. However, the number of actuation mechanisms in the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, there may be only one actuation mechanism, such as a first actuation mechanism 28a, a second actuation mechanism 28b, or a third actuation mechanism 28c, to enable the first bracket 22 to be maintained in a corresponding predetermined position relative to the second bracket 24. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, the longitudinal direction may be defined by the length direction of the bracket, e.g., the first bracket 22 or the second bracket 24, and is parallel to the X-axis. The transverse direction may be defined by the lateral or width direction of the bracket, e.g., the first bracket 22 or the second bracket 24, and is parallel to the Y-axis. The vertical direction may be defined by the height direction of the bracket, e.g., the first bracket 22 or the second bracket 24, and is parallel to the Z-axis.

[0015] One of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 includes a channel 30 configured to movably attach the other of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the first bracket 22 includes the channel 30, and the channel 30 is configured to movably attach the second bracket 24. Further, the first bracket 22 includes a first edge plate 32a, a second edge plate 32b, and a longitudinal wall 34 connected between the first edge plate 32a and the second edge plate 32b of the first bracket 22, and the first edge plate 32a, the second edge plate 32b, and the longitudinal wall 34 cooperate to define the channel 30.

[0016] The first bracket 22 includes a first end 22a and a second end 22b opposite to the first end 22a. In this embodiment, as an example, the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the first bracket 22 can be the front end and the rear end of the first bracket 22, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Preferably, the first bracket 22 further includes an end plate 36 located adjacent to the first end 22a of the first bracket 22 and bent substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal wall 34 of the first bracket 22. At least one first attachment member 38 is provided on the end plate 36.

[0017] Preferably, the support assembly 20 further includes a rail member 39, and the first bracket 22 is disposed on the rail member 39. In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the rail member 39 is an L-shaped rail member. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the first bracket 22 is connected to the side surface of the rail member 39, for example, fixedly connected, and thus, the first bracket 22 and the rail member 39 can be regarded as a single integral structure.

[0018] The second bracket 24 includes a first edge plate 40a, a second edge plate 40b, and a longitudinal wall 42 connected between the first edge plate 40a and the second edge plate 40b of the second bracket 24. The second bracket 24 includes a first end 24a and a second end 24b opposite to the first end 24a. In this embodiment, for example, the first end 24a and the second end 24b of the second bracket 24 may be the front end and rear end of the second bracket 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Preferably, the second bracket 24 further includes an end plate 44 located adjacent to the second end 24b of the second bracket 24 and bent substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal wall 42 of the second bracket 24. At least one second mounting member 46 is positioned on the end plate 44 of the second bracket 24. The longitudinal wall 42 of the second bracket 24 is at least partially attached to the inside of the channel 30 of the first bracket 22 through the second end 22b of the first bracket 22, and the second mounting member 46 is located outside the channel 30 of the first bracket 22.

[0019] Preferably, the first edge plate 40a of the second bracket 24 includes a first section 31 and a second section 33 bent from the first section 31 toward the second edge plate 40b of the second bracket 24. Furthermore, the second edge plate 40b of the second bracket 24 includes a first portion 41 and a second portion 43 bent from the first portion 41 toward the first edge plate 40a of the second bracket 24.

[0020] Preferably, the support assembly 20 further includes an elastic member 48 configured to provide elastic force to one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the first connecting mechanism 50 and the second connecting mechanism 52 are positioned on the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24, respectively, and the elastic member 48 is mounted between the first connecting mechanism 50 and the second connecting mechanism 52. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connecting mechanism 50 and the second connecting mechanism 52 can be protrusions. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0021] Preferably, an excavation space 54 is formed in the longitudinal wall 42 of the second bracket 24 at a position corresponding to the elastic member 48.

[0022] The first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c are arranged on the second bracket 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c are arranged on the second section 33 of the first edge plate 40a of the second bracket 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] Preferably, the first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c are arranged on the second bracket 24 at intervals along the longitudinal direction, with the third actuation mechanism 28c located between the first actuation mechanism 28a and the second actuation mechanism 28b. For example, each of the first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c can be a wall. Preferably, in this embodiment, the first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c can be the end wall of the first edge plate 40a of the second bracket 24, the inner wall of a predetermined hole H, and the inner wall of another predetermined hole H', respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the first operating mechanism 28a, the second operating mechanism 28b, and the third operating mechanism 28c can be the inner walls of the first predetermined hole, the second predetermined hole, and the third predetermined hole.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4, the locking member 26 is positioned on the first bracket 22. Preferably, the support assembly 20 further includes an operating member 56 configured to operate the locking member 26.

[0025] The locking member 26 includes a connecting portion 58, an elastic portion 60, a locking portion 62, and a corresponding portion 64. The connecting portion 58 is connected to the first bracket 22, for example, by a fixed connection. The elastic portion 60 extends from the connecting portion 58. The locking portion 62 and the corresponding portion 64 are positioned on the elastic portion 60. Preferably, in this embodiment, the corresponding portion 64 includes a guide section 65, which can be, for example, an inclined surface or an arcuate surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0026] The operating member 56 includes an operating section 66, a drive section 68, and an extension section 70 connected between the operating section 66 and the drive section 68. The operating section 66 is located adjacent to the first end 22a of the first bracket 22 and facilitates operation of the operating member 56 by a user standing, for example, in front of the support assembly 20, thereby improving operational convenience. In this embodiment, the operating section 66 is provided with an operating section 66a, which is bent from the operating section 66 to facilitate operation of the operating member 56 by the user. The drive section 68 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding section 64, for example, a guide section 65 of the corresponding section 64. The extension section 70 is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bracket 22, i.e., the X-axis.

[0027] Preferably, the operating member 56 is located between the locking member 26 and the second bracket 24, and the locking member 26 and the operating member 56 are located on two sides of the first bracket 22, for example, on two opposing sides. Furthermore, an opening 72 is formed on the first bracket 22 and communicates with two sides of the first bracket 22. The locking portion 62 and corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26 pass through the opening 72 along the transverse direction from one side of the first bracket 22 to the other side of the first bracket 22, and cooperate with the operating member 56 and one of the first actuation mechanism 28a, the second actuation mechanism 28b, and the third actuation mechanism 28c, respectively. The drive portion 68 of the operating member 56 is located in a position corresponding to the corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26. For example, the drive portion 68 of the operating member 56 can be aligned along the longitudinal direction with the guide section 65 of the corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26.

[0028] Preferably, an auxiliary hole 71 is further formed on the first bracket 22 and communicates with two sides of the first bracket 22. The auxiliary hole 71 is located in a position corresponding to a part of the operating portion 66. Preferably, a through hole 73 is formed in the operating portion 66 of the operating member 56, and the through hole 73 is located in a position corresponding to the auxiliary hole 71 and communicates with the auxiliary hole 71.

[0029] Preferably, the support assembly 20 further includes a restoring elastic member 74 configured to provide a restoring elastic force to the operating member 56. For example, the operating member 56 can be maintained in a first position K1 in response to the restoring elastic force provided by the restoring elastic member 74. The restoring elastic member 74 is mounted between a first connection section 76 of the first bracket 22 and a second connection section 78 of the operating member 56.

[0030] Preferably, the operating member 56 can move relative to the first bracket 22 only within a limited range through the cooperation of the first restraint mechanism 80 and the second restraint mechanism 82. For example, one of the first restraint mechanism 80 and the second restraint mechanism 82 can be a longitudinally elongated hole or a longitudinally elongated slot, and the other of the first restraint mechanism 80 and the second restraint mechanism 82 can be a projection such as a pin that penetrates a part of the longitudinally elongated hole or a longitudinally elongated slot.

[0031] Preferably, an auxiliary section 84 is further positioned on the first bracket 22 and bent from the longitudinal wall 34 of the first bracket 22. The auxiliary section 84 is positioned adjacent to the drive unit 68 of the operating member 56. The auxiliary section 84 is configured to prevent the operating member 56 from moving along the transverse or lateral direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first bracket 22 is positioned relative to the second bracket 24 at a predetermined position, for example, the first predetermined position P1.

[0033] Furthermore, when the first bracket 22 is positioned at a first predetermined position P1 relative to the second bracket 24, the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26, which is in a locked state S1, is configured to engage with the first operating mechanism 28a so as to maintain the first bracket 22 at the first predetermined position P1 relative to the second bracket 24, thereby preventing relative displacement between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24, for example, preventing displacement of the first bracket 22 relative to the second bracket 24 along a predetermined direction D1. Furthermore, at this time, the first mounting member 38 and the second mounting member 46 are spaced apart from each other by a first longitudinal distance L1. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the operating member 56 is in a first position K1 such that the drive portion 68 of the operating member 56 is positioned adjacent to the guide section 65 of the corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26.

[0034] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the locking member 26 is operated from the locked state S1 to the unlocked state S2, the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 can be displaced relative to each other, thereby allowing the first bracket 22 to move away from the first predetermined position P1 relative to the second bracket 24.

[0035] For example, a user can operate the operating member 56 with a force F to overcome the restoring elastic force provided by the restoring elastic member 74, thereby moving the operating member 56 from a first position K1 to a second position K2. When the operating member 56 moves from the first position K1 to the second position K2, the drive unit 68 of the operating member 56 contacts the guide section 65 of the corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26, driving the locking member 26 from a locked state S1 to an unlocked state S2, disengaging the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 from the first operating mechanism 28a, thereby enabling relative displacement between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24, for example, allowing the first bracket 22 to be displaced longitudinally along a predetermined direction D1 relative to the second bracket 24.

[0036] It should be noted that when the operating member 56 is moved to the second position K2 by force F, the restoring elastic member 74 accumulates a restoring elastic force f. Furthermore, at this time, the corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26 is in contact with the drive portion 68 of the operating member 56 at the second position K2, so the elastic portion 60 of the locking member 26 accumulates an elastic force f'.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the first bracket 22 is in another predetermined position relative to the second bracket 24, for example, a second predetermined position P2, the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 in the locked state S1 is configured to engage with a second operating mechanism 28b to prevent relative displacement between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24, thereby maintaining the first bracket 22 in the second predetermined position P2 relative to the second bracket 24. Furthermore, at this time, the first mounting member 38 and the second mounting member 46 are spaced apart from each other by a second longitudinal distance L2 which is different from the first longitudinal distance L1. In this embodiment, as an example, the second longitudinal distance L2 is smaller than the first longitudinal distance L1. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0038] Specifically, after the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 is disengaged from the first operating mechanism 28a, the first bracket 22 can be displaced from a first predetermined position P1 to a second predetermined position P2 relative to the second bracket 24. Subsequently, when the first bracket 22 is positioned at the second predetermined position P2 relative to the second bracket 24, the operating member 56 may be released and return from the second position K2 to the first position K1 in response to a restoring elastic force f provided by the restoring elastic member 74, such that the corresponding portion 64 of the locking member 26 is no longer in contact with the drive portion 68 of the operating member 56. As a result, the locking member 26 moves from an unlocked state S2 to a locked state S1 in response to an elastic force f' provided by the elastic portion 60 of the locking member 26, allowing the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 to enter a predetermined hole H and engage with the second operating mechanism 28b, thereby maintaining the first bracket 22 at the second predetermined position P2 relative to the second bracket 24.

[0039] It should be noted that when the operating member 56 is operated again to the second position K2, the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 can be driven to disengage from the second operating mechanism 28b, thereby allowing the first bracket 22 to be displaced relative to the second bracket 24 from the second predetermined position P2 along another predetermined direction D2 opposite to the predetermined direction D1.

[0040] Therefore, when the locking member 26 is driven from the locked state S1 to the unlocked state S2 by moving the operating member 56 to the second position K2, the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 is prevented from engaging with the first operating mechanism 28a and / or the second operating mechanism 28b, and as a result, the first bracket 22 can be displaced between the first predetermined position P1 and the second predetermined position P2 relative to the second bracket 24.

[0041] As shown in Figure 11, the rail member 39 includes a first side M1 and a second side M2 ​​opposite to the first side M1. The first bracket 22 is connected, for example, fixedly connected, to the first side M1 of the rail member 39. The second side M2 ​​of the rail member 39 is configured to support a retaining object 90, such as a server chassis. Furthermore, the first bracket 22 is configured to be attached to the first post 88a by inserting and engaging a first mounting member 38 into a hole on the first post 88a of the rack 86, and the second bracket 24 is configured to be attached to the second post 88b by inserting and engaging a second mounting member 46 into a hole on the second post 88b of the rack 86.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, when the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are attached to the first post 88a and the second post 88b of the rack 86, respectively, the first bracket 22 can be positioned in a second predetermined position P2, and the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 in the locked state S1 can engage with the second operating mechanism 28b (as shown in Figures 9 and 10), thereby fixing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to the first post 88a and the second post 88b, respectively, and preventing unintended removal of the support assembly 20 from the rack 86. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, depending on the distance between the first post 88a and the second post 88b of the rack 86, the first bracket 22 can be positioned at a first predetermined position P1, and the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 in the locked state S1 can engage with the first operating mechanism 28a (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) when the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are attached to the first post 88a and the second post 88b of the rack 86, respectively.

[0043] Preferably, the rail member 39 includes a longitudinal portion 92 and a support portion 94 connected substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion 92, such that the rail member 39 is formed in an L-shape. The support portion 94 is configured to support the retained object 90. However, the shape and configuration of the rail member 39 of the present invention are not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the rail member 39 can actually be a slide rail including two or more C-shaped slide segments for supporting the retained object 90.

[0044] Preferably, a first hole 96 is formed in the longitudinal portion 92 of the rail member 39 and communicates with an auxiliary hole 71 of the first bracket 22. Therefore, the operating portion 66 of the operating member 56 can be exposed on the second side M2 ​​of the rail member 39 through the first hole 96, making it easy for the user to operate the operating member 56 to enable relative displacement between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24.

[0045] Preferably, the elastic force provided to one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 by the elastic member 48 facilitates the insertion and engagement of the first mounting member 38 into the hole on the first post 88a and the second mounting member 46 into the hole on the second post 88b when the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are attached to the first post 88a and the second post 88b of the rack 86, respectively, and also improves the safety and reliability of the attachment of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to the rack 86.

[0046] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, after the retaining object 90 is removed from the support portion 94 of the rail member 39, the user can operate the operating portion 66 of the operating member 56 with force F to move the operating member 56 from a first position K1 to a second position K2, thereby driving the locking member 26 from a locked state S1 to an unlocked state S2, and thereby disengaging the locking portion 62 of the locking member 26 from the second operating mechanism 28b. Subsequently, the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are displaced relative to each other, disengaging the first mounting member 38 and the second mounting member 46 from the holes on the first post 88a and the second post 88b, respectively, so that they can be pulled out, for example, thereby removing the support assembly 20 from the rack 86.

[0047] Preferably, a second hole 98 is further formed in the longitudinal portion 92 of the rail member 39 and communicates with the opening 72 of the first bracket 22, providing a space for the locking member 26 to move between the locked state S1 and the unlocked state S2 without interference.

[0048] Based on the above disclosure, the method for attaching the support assembly 20 to the rack 86 can be summarized as follows:

[0049] S1: A first bracket 22 and a second bracket 24 are provided, and a plurality of actuation mechanisms, for example, a first actuation mechanism 28a, a second actuation mechanism 28b, and a third actuation mechanism 28c are arranged on the second bracket 24.

[0050] S2: A locking member 26 is provided and configured in the locked state S1 to engage with one of a plurality of operating mechanisms, for example, the first operating mechanism 28a, in order to prevent the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 from being displaced relative to each other.

[0051] S3: Provides an operating member 56 for operating the locking member 26.

[0052] S4: The operating member 56 is operated from the first position K1 to the second position K2, driving the locking member 26 from the locked state S1 to the unlocked state S2, thereby preventing the locking member 26 from engaging with any of the multiple operating mechanisms, for example, the first operating mechanism 28a, and thereby allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to be displaced relative to each other.

[0053] S5: (As shown in Figure 12) The first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are attached to the first post 88a and the second post 88b of the rack 86, respectively, so that the first bracket 22 is in a predetermined position corresponding to the second bracket 24, for example, the second predetermined position P2.

[0054] S6: The operating member 56 is released, thereby moving from the second position K2 to the first position K1, driving the locking member 26 from the unlocked state S2 to the locked state S1, engaging the locking member 26 with one of the corresponding operating mechanisms, for example, the second operating mechanism 28b, thereby preventing the removal of the first bracket 22 from the first post 88a of the rack 86 and the removal of the second bracket 24 from the second post 88b of the rack 86 (as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 12).

[0055] Preferably, the method includes the following steps.

[0056] S7: The operating member 56 is operated again from the first position K1 to the second position K2, driving the locking member 26 from the locked state S1 to the unlocked state S2, allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to be displaced relative to each other, thereby enabling the removal of the first bracket 22 from the first post 88a of the rack 86 and the removal of the second bracket 24 from the second post 88b of the rack 86.

[0057] The structural relationships and operating principles of the structures described in steps S1 to S6 above have been explained in the previous paragraph with reference to at least Figures 5 to 10 and Figure 12. For the sake of brevity, a detailed explanation is omitted in this specification.

[0058] Based on the above, the support assembly 20 of the present invention has the following features. 1. The locking member 26 can cooperate with one of several operating mechanisms, such as the first operating mechanism 28a or the second operating mechanism 28b, to prevent relative displacement between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. Preferably, the locking member 26 can be further operated by the operating member 56 to allow the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to displace relative to each other. Thus, the support assembly 20 has improved operational convenience. 2. After the first mounting member 38 and the second mounting member 46 engage in an insertion manner with the holes on the first post 88a and the second post 88b of the rack 86, respectively, due to the relative displacement of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 along the longitudinal direction, the locking member 26 is used to engage with one of the multiple operating mechanisms to prevent further relative movement of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24, thereby preventing unintended removal of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 from the rack 86. In other words, the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 of the support assembly 20 can be attached to the rack 86 without additional members such as hook members, clip members, or fastening members, and thus the support assembly 20 has improved ease of installation and safety.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and changes to the device and method can be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as being limited only by the boundaries of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support assembly, The first bracket and The second bracket and The first bracket and the second bracket are displaceable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction, A locking member that is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state relative to the first bracket, Multiple operating mechanisms arranged on the second bracket, A first mounting member disposed on the first bracket, A second mounting member positioned on the second bracket and It is characterized by, When the first bracket is positioned in a first predetermined position relative to the second bracket, the locking member in the locked state is configured to engage with one of the plurality of operating mechanisms to maintain the first bracket in the first predetermined position relative to the second bracket, and the first mounting member and the second mounting member are spaced apart from each other by a first longitudinal distance. When the first bracket is positioned in a second predetermined position relative to the second bracket, the locking member in the locked state is configured to engage with another of the plurality of operating mechanisms to maintain the first bracket in the second predetermined position relative to the second bracket, and the first mounting member and the second mounting member are spaced apart from each other by a second longitudinal distance different from the first longitudinal distance. The plurality of operating mechanisms are arranged in the longitudinal direction, Furthermore, the system includes an edge plate positioned on the second bracket, having a smaller size than the second bracket in the height direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and configured to extend linearly along the second bracket in the longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of operating mechanisms includes a hole, and the hole is formed in a concave shape in the height direction by the edge plate. Support assembly.

2. The support assembly according to claim 1, further characterized by an elastic member configured to provide elastic force to the first bracket or the second bracket.

3. The support assembly according to claim 1, further characterized by a rail member, wherein a first bracket is disposed on a first side of the rail member, a second side of the rail member is configured to support a retaining object, a locking member is disposed on one of the first bracket and the rail member, and the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to be attached to a first post and a second post of a rack, respectively, by a first mounting member and a second mounting member.

4. The support assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of operating mechanisms are arranged on the second bracket at intervals along the longitudinal direction.

5. The support assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized by an operating member configured to operate the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby disengaging the locking member from any of the plurality of operating mechanisms, and thereby allowing the first bracket to move relative to each other between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position due to the relative displacement of the first bracket and the second bracket.

6. The support assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the operating member comprises an operating portion located adjacent to the end of the first bracket, the operating member is located between the locking member and the second bracket, the locking member and the operating member are located on two opposing sides of the first bracket, an opening is formed on the first bracket and communicates with the two opposing sides of the first bracket, and the locking portion and corresponding portion of the locking member penetrate the opening from one of the two opposing sides of the first bracket to the other of the two opposing sides of the first bracket along a transverse direction intersecting the longitudinal direction and the height direction, and cooperate with the operating member and one of the plurality of operating mechanisms, respectively.

7. The support assembly according to claim 5, further characterized by a restoring elastic member configured to provide a restoring elastic force to the operating member.

8. The support assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises a longitudinal wall and an end plate bent perpendicularly from the longitudinal wall, a first mounting member is disposed on the end plate of the first bracket, a second mounting member is disposed on the end plate of the second bracket, and one of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises a channel for movably mounting the other of the first bracket and the second bracket.

9. A method for mounting a support assembly to a rack, The steps include providing a first bracket and a second bracket, and arranging a plurality of operating mechanisms on the second bracket, The steps include providing a locking member and configuring the locking member to be in a locked state so as to engage with one of the plurality of operating mechanisms in order to prevent the first bracket and the second bracket from being displaced relative to each other, The steps include providing an operating member for operating the locking member, The steps include: operating the operating member from a first position to a second position to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state, preventing the locking member from engaging with any of the plurality of operating mechanisms, thereby allowing the first bracket and the second bracket to be displaced relative to each other; The steps include: attaching the first bracket and the second bracket to the first post and the second post of the rack, respectively, so that the first bracket is in a predetermined position relative to the second bracket; The steps include releasing the operating member, thereby moving the operating member from the second position to the first position, driving the locking member from the unlocked state to the locked state, engaging the locking member with a corresponding one of the plurality of operating mechanisms, thereby preventing the removal of the first bracket from the first post of the rack and the removal of the second bracket from the second post of the rack. A method characterized by the following.

10. The operating member is operated again from the first position to the second position to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state, allowing the first bracket and the second bracket to be displaced relative to each other, thereby enabling the removal of the first bracket from the first post of the rack and the removal of the second bracket from the second post of the rack. The method according to claim 9, further characterized by the above.

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