U.S. patent application number 14/556483 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for self-closing slide rail assembly with deceleration mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING SLIDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to KEN-CHING CHEN, SHIH-LUNG HUANG, YI-SYUAN JHAO, CHUN-CHIANG WANG.
Application Number | 20160150880 14/556483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56078351 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160150880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; KEN-CHING ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
SELF-CLOSING SLIDE RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH DECELERATION MECHANISM
Abstract
A self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism
includes first and second rails and a self-closing mechanism, in
addition to the deceleration mechanism. The self-closing mechanism
is mounted to the first rail and includes an elastic member for
providing an elastic force in a first direction. The deceleration
mechanism includes a deceleration spring for providing an elastic
force in an opposite second direction. When the second rail is
displaced from an extended position toward a retracted position
relative to the first rail, the self-closing mechanism
automatically drives the second rail toward the retracted position
due to the elastic force applied by the elastic member. Meanwhile,
the elastic force of the deceleration spring serves as a
deceleration force, allowing the second rail to move slowly to the
retracted position.
Inventors: |
CHEN; KEN-CHING; (KAOHSIUNG
CITY, TW) ; HUANG; SHIH-LUNG; (KAOHSIUNG CITY,
TW) ; JHAO; YI-SYUAN; (KAOHSIUNG CITY, TW) ;
WANG; CHUN-CHIANG; (KAOHSIUNG CITY, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD.
KING SLIDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. |
KAOHSIUNG CITY
KAOHSIUNG CITY |
|
TW
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
56078351 |
Appl. No.: |
14/556483 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/319.1 ;
312/334.46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2210/0059 20130101;
A47B 88/467 20170101; A47B 2210/0018 20130101; A47B 2210/0094
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04; A47B 88/16 20060101 A47B088/16 |
Claims
1. A self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration
mechanism, comprising: a first rail; a second rail longitudinally
displaceable relative to the first rail; a stop portion provided at
the second rail; a self-closing mechanism mounted to the first rail
such that, while the second rail is being retracted in a first
direction from an extended position toward a retracted position
relative to the first rail, the self-closing mechanism
automatically moves the second rail back to the retracted position
by means of the stop portion, the self-closing mechanism including:
a housing; a movable member movably connected with the housing, the
movable member including an actuating portion; and an elastic
member for applying to the movable member an elastic force in the
first direction; and the deceleration mechanism including: a base;
a supporting member movably connected with the base, the supporting
member having a portion corresponding to the movable member of the
self-closing mechanism; and a deceleration spring for applying to
the supporting member an elastic force in a second direction
opposite the first direction, wherein the elastic force applied by
the deceleration spring is less than the elastic force applied by
the elastic member; wherein while the second rail is being so
operated as to be displaced in the first direction from the
extended position toward the retracted position with the actuating
portion of the movable member being engaged with the stop portion,
the movable member drives the supporting member in response to the
elastic force applied by the elastic member such that, with the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring that is able to
counteract the elastic force applied by the elastic member, the
movable member automatically and slowly moves the second rail back
to the retracted position; wherein the base includes a first
longitudinal section; the first longitudinal section at least
includes a first wall, a second wall, a front wall, a rear wall and
a bottom wall extending between the first wall of the base and the
second wall of the base; the first wall, the second wall, the front
wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall define a damping room; the
supporting member further has a friction portion movably
corresponding to the damping room of the base; and at least one of
the first longitudinal section and the friction portion of the
supporting member further includes a friction surface such that,
when the supporting member is driven by the movable member, the
friction portion of the supporting member is displaced relative to
the damping room of the base and resistance is provided by the
friction surface.
2. (canceled)
3. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base further includes
a second longitudinal section; the second longitudinal section has
a longitudinal channel and a wall surface adjacent to the
longitudinal channel; the supporting member of the deceleration
mechanism further has an auxiliary portion; and the auxiliary
portion has a hook section, is located in the longitudinal channel,
and is hooked to the wall surface through the hook section.
4. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the auxiliary portion is
configured to be pressed against an end wall of the longitudinal
channel in response to the elastic force applied to the supporting
member by the deceleration spring.
5. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the auxiliary portion is
configured to be pressed against a rear wall of the first
longitudinal section in response to the elastic force applied to
the supporting member by the deceleration spring.
6. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping room is filled
with a cushioning medium.
7. A self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism, comprising: a first rail; a second rail longitudinally
displaceable relative to the first rail; a stop portion provided at
the second rail; a self-closing mechanism mounted to the first rail
such that, while the second rail is being retracted in a first
direction from an extended position toward a retracted position
relative to the first rail, the self-closing mechanism
automatically moves the second rail back to the retracted position
by means of the stop portion, the self-closing mechanism including:
a housing; a movable member movably connected with the housing, the
movable member including an actuating portion; and an elastic
member for applying to the movable member an elastic force in the
first direction; and the deceleration mechanism including: a base;
a supporting member movably connected with the base, the supporting
member having a portion corresponding to the movable member of the
self-closing mechanism; and a deceleration spring for applying to
the supporting member an elastic force in a second direction
opposite the first direction, wherein the elastic force applied by
the deceleration spring is less than the elastic force applied by
the elastic member; wherein while the second rail is being so
operated as to be displaced in the first direction from the
extended position toward the retracted position with the actuating
portion of the movable member being engaged with the stop portion,
the movable member drives the supporting member in response to the
elastic force applied by the elastic member such that, with the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring that is able to
counteract the elastic force applied by the elastic member, the
movable member automatically and slowly moves the second rail back
to the retracted position; wherein the deceleration mechanism
further includes a supporting portion connected to the base; the
supporting member further includes a retainer and a connecting
portion, the connecting portion being connected between the
supporting portion and the retainer; the deceleration spring is
mounted to the connecting portion and pressed between the
supporting portion and the retainer; and one of the supporting
portion and the retainer has an aperture through which the
connecting portion extends.
8. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first rail includes a
sidewall, the sidewall has a connecting section, and the
deceleration spring is longitudinally connected between the
connecting section and the supporting member.
9. A self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism, comprising: a first rail; a second rail longitudinally
displaceable relative to the first rail; a stop portion provided at
the second rail; a self-closing mechanism mounted to the first rail
such that, while the second rail is being retracted in a first
direction from an extended position toward a retracted position
relative to the first rail, the self-closing mechanism
automatically moves the second rail back to the retracted position
by means of the stop portion, the self-closing mechanism including:
a housing; a movable member movably connected with the housing, the
movable member including an actuating portion; and an elastic
member for applying to the movable member an elastic force in the
first direction; and the deceleration mechanism including: a base;
a supporting member movably connected with the base, the supporting
member having a portion corresponding to the movable member of the
self-closing mechanism; and a deceleration spring for applying to
the supporting member an elastic force in a second direction
opposite the first direction, wherein the elastic force applied by
the deceleration spring is less than the elastic force applied by
the elastic member; wherein while the second rail is being so
operated as to be displaced in the first direction from the
extended position toward the retracted position with the actuating
portion of the movable member being engaged with the stop portion,
the movable member drives the supporting member in response to the
elastic force applied by the elastic member such that, with the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring that is able to
counteract the elastic force applied by the elastic member, the
movable member automatically and slowly moves the second rail back
to the retracted position; wherein the base includes a friction
portion; the supporting member is movably connected with the
friction portion; the supporting member includes a first wall, a
second wall, and a bottom wall extending between the first wall of
the supporting member and the second wall of the supporting member;
the first wall of the supporting member, the second wall of the
supporting member, and the bottom wall of the supporting member
define a damping room movably corresponding to the friction portion
of the base; and at least one of the supporting member and the
friction portion of the base further includes a friction surface
such that, when driven by the movable member, the supporting member
is displaced relative to the friction portion of the base and
resistance is provided by the friction surface.
10. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deceleration spring is
longitudinally connected between a portion of the base of the
deceleration mechanism and the supporting member.
11. A self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism, comprising: a first rail; a second rail longitudinally
displaceable relative to the first rail; a stop portion provided at
the second rail; a self-closing mechanism mounted to the first rail
such that, while the second rail is being retracted in a first
direction from an extended position toward a retracted position
relative to the first rail, the self-closing mechanism
automatically moves the second rail back to the retracted position
by means of the stop portion, the self-closing mechanism including:
a housing; a movable member movably connected with the housing, the
movable member including an actuating portion; and an elastic
member for applying to the movable member an elastic force in the
first direction; and the deceleration mechanism including: a base;
a supporting member movably connected with the base, the supporting
member having a portion corresponding to the movable member of the
self-closing mechanism; and a deceleration spring for applying to
the supporting member an elastic force in a second direction
opposite the first direction, wherein the elastic force applied by
the deceleration spring is less than the elastic force applied by
the elastic member; wherein while the second rail is being so
operated as to be displaced in the first direction from the
extended position toward the retracted position with the actuating
portion of the movable member being engaged with the stop portion,
the movable member drives the supporting member in response to the
elastic force applied by the elastic member such that, with the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring that is able to
counteract the elastic force applied by the elastic member, the
movable member automatically and slowly moves the second rail back
to the retracted position; wherein the housing includes a front end
portion, a rear end portion, a longitudinal room extends between
the front end portion and the rear end portion, and a longitudinal
portion parallel to the longitudinal room; the elastic member is
mounted in the longitudinal room; the movable member further
includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side,
the first side having a first projection and a second projection,
the second side including the actuating portion, the first
projection corresponding to and being pressed by the elastic
member, the second projection being pressed against the
longitudinal portion; and the movable member is able to respond to
the elastic force applied by the elastic member in such a way that
the first projection of the movable member is displaced in the
longitudinal room of the housing while the second projection of the
movable member is displaced along the longitudinal portion of the
housing.
12. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein the housing further
includes an engaging portion extending transversely from the
longitudinal portion.
13. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein the housing further
includes a stop wall adjacent to the rear end portion, and the
second projection of the movable member corresponds to the stop
wall of the housing.
14. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is connected with
the housing of the self-closing mechanism.
15. The self-closing slide rail assembly with the deceleration
mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base is connected with
the housing of the self-closing mechanism.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a self-closing slide
rail assembly having a deceleration mechanism whereby a second rail
being retracted relative to a first rail is automatically and
slowly moved to the retracted position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally speaking, a drawer or the like can be pulled out
of or pushed back into a frame (e.g., a cabinet) by means of slide
rails, and the pulling or pushing process is accomplished mostly by
the force exerted by the operator. Currently, the market is also
supplied with products featuring automatic slide rail retraction,
in which the slide rails are automatically retractable so that a
drawer pushed toward the retracted position and having entered the
last part of its retracting course can be driven to the retracted
position automatically.
[0003] Designs of such automatically retractable slide rails are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,712,435; 6,733,097; 6,971,729; and
7,878,606, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] The '435 patent discloses a self-closing slide which,
according to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3, and FIG. 16 of the patent,
includes a self-closing mechanism (46) mounted at an end portion of
an outer slide member (16). The self-closing mechanism (46)
generally includes a housing (48), a spring (86) located in the
housing (48), a guide pin (78) extending through the spring (86),
and a slot (90). The slot (90) includes a longitudinal portion (92)
and a transverse portion (100) extending transversely with respect
to the longitudinal portion (92). The slot (90) is provided therein
with an actuator guide member (108) displaceable between the
transverse portion (100) and the longitudinal portion (92). In
addition, an inner slide member (12) has an end portion formed with
a first slot portion (110) and a second slot portion (114). The
first slot portion (110) at the end portion of the inner slide
member (12) corresponds to the actuator guide member (108) in the
housing (48) of the self-closing mechanism (46). When the inner
slide member (12) is displaced toward a retracted position, the
actuator guide member (108) is guided by the first slot portion
(110) and the second slot portion (114) of the inner slide member
(12) and, thanks to the elastic force provided by the spring (86)
along the guide pin (78), retracts the inner slide member (12)
automatically. Thus, the objective of providing a self-closing
slide is achieved.
[0005] It can be known from the patents cited above that
automatically retractable slide rails are diversified in design,
which reflects the market demand for such products. It is
important, therefore, to make further improvement on the existing
automatic retraction function and develop an easy-to-operate
self-closing slide rail assembly in which a slide rail
automatically retracted toward a retracted position relative to
another slide rail is moved to the retracted position not only
automatically but also slowly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a self-closing slide rail
assembly with a deceleration mechanism by which a second rail being
retracted with respect to a first rail is moved to the retracted
position both automatically and slowly.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a
self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism
includes a first rail, a second rail, and a self-closing mechanism,
in addition to the deceleration mechanism. The second rail can be
longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail and is provided
with a stop portion. The self-closing mechanism is mounted to the
first rail such that, in the course in which the second rail is
retracted in a first direction from an extended position toward a
retracted position relative to the first rail, the self-closing
mechanism automatically moves the second rail back to the retracted
position by means of the stop portion. The self-closing mechanism
includes a housing, a movable member, and an elastic member. The
movable member is movably connected with the housing and includes
an actuating portion. The elastic member serves to apply to the
movable member an elastic force in the first direction. The
deceleration mechanism includes a base, a supporting member, and a
deceleration spring. The supporting member is movably connected
with the base and has a portion corresponding to the movable member
of the self-closing mechanism. The deceleration spring serves to
apply to the supporting member an elastic force in a second
direction opposite the first direction, wherein the elastic force
applied by the deceleration spring is less than the elastic force
applied by the elastic member. While the second rail is being
operated and displaced in the first direction from the extended
position toward the retracted position, and the actuating portion
of the movable member is engaged with the stop portion, the movable
member drives the supporting member in response to the elastic
force applied by the elastic member. Thus, with the elastic force
applied by the deceleration spring counteracting the elastic force
applied by the elastic member, the movable member automatically and
slowly moves the second rail back to the retracted position.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism
includes a first rail, a second rail, and a self-closing mechanism,
in addition to the deceleration mechanism. The second rail can be
longitudinally displaced between a retracted position and an
extended position relative to the first rail and is provided with a
stop portion. The self-closing mechanism is mounted to the first
rail such that, in the last part of the retracting course of the
second rail, in which the second rail is displaced in a first
direction from the extended position toward the retracted position,
the self-closing mechanism automatically moves the second rail back
to the retracted position by means of the stop portion. The
self-closing mechanism includes a housing, a movable member, and an
elastic member. The housing includes an engaging portion. The
movable member is movably connected with the housing and includes
an actuating portion for engaging with the stop portion. The
elastic member serves to apply to the movable member an elastic
force in the first direction. When the actuating portion of the
movable member is engaged with the stop portion, and the second
rail is so operated as to be displaced in a second direction toward
the extended position, the movable member is driven by the second
rail into engagement with the engaging portion of the housing such
that the elastic member accumulates the elastic force in the first
direction. The deceleration mechanism includes a base, a supporting
member, and a deceleration spring. The supporting member is movably
connected with the base and has a portion corresponding to the
movable member of the self-closing mechanism. The deceleration
spring serves to apply to the supporting member an elastic force in
the second direction, wherein the elastic force applied by the
deceleration spring is less than the elastic force applied by the
elastic member. When the second rail is being so operated as to be
displaced in the first direction from the extended position toward
the retracted position, the actuating portion of the movable member
of the self-closing mechanism can be engaged with the stop portion,
causing the movable member to disengage from the engaging portion
and drive the supporting member in response to the elastic force
applied by the elastic member. Thus, with the elastic force applied
by the deceleration spring counteracting the elastic force of the
elastic member, the movable member automatically and slowly moves
the second rail back to the retracted position via the actuating
portion.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
self-closing mechanism capable of deceleration includes a housing,
a movable member, an elastic member, and a deceleration mechanism.
The movable member is movably connected with the housing. The
elastic member serves to apply an elastic force to the movable
member in a first direction. When the movable member is engaged
with the housing at a predetermined position thereof, the elastic
member accumulates the elastic force in the first direction. The
deceleration mechanism includes a base, a supporting member, and a
deceleration spring. The base is connected with the housing. The
supporting member is longitudinally movably connected with the base
and has a portion corresponding to the movable member. The
deceleration spring serves to apply to the supporting member an
elastic force in a second direction opposite the first direction,
wherein the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring is
less than the elastic force applied by the elastic member. When the
movable member drives the supporting member in response to the
elastic force applied by the elastic member, the elastic force
applied by the deceleration spring counteracts the elastic force
applied by the elastic member such that the movable member is moved
relative to the housing at a reduced speed.
[0010] One of the advantageous features of implementing the present
invention is that the second rail, when retracted with respect to
the first rail, is moved to the retracted position automatically
and slowly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention as well as a preferred mode of use and the
advantages thereof will be best understood by referring to the
following detailed description of some illustrative embodiments in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the first
embodiment of the self-closing slide rail assembly with a
deceleration mechanism according to the present invention, in which
the second rail is detached from the third rail;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the first
embodiment of the self-closing slide rail assembly with a
deceleration mechanism according to the present invention, in which
the self-closing mechanism corresponds to and is to be mounted to
the first rail while the second rail corresponds to the
self-closing mechanism;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing how the
self-closing mechanism and the deceleration mechanism in the first
embodiment of the present invention are mounted to the first
rail;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the self-closing
mechanism and the deceleration mechanism in the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing how the
supporting member of the deceleration mechanism in the first
embodiment of the present invention corresponds to and is mounted
to the base, the drawing also showing that the friction portion has
a rib and that the damping room has an internal groove
corresponding to the rib;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing how
the supporting member of the deceleration mechanism in the first
embodiment of the present invention corresponds to and is mounted
to the base, the drawing also showing the friction surface of the
friction portion and the friction surface in the damping room;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows that the supporting member in the first
embodiment of the present invention has an auxiliary portion
located in a longitudinal channel, and that the auxiliary portion
has a hook section for hooking to a wall surface of the base;
[0019] FIG. 8A shows that the friction portion of the supporting
member in the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted
in the damping room;
[0020] FIG. 8B is a schematic partial enlarged view of FIG. 8A,
showing the damping room filled with a cushioning medium;
[0021] FIG. 9A is a schematic drawing in which the second rail in
the first embodiment of the present invention is in a retracted
position relative to the first rail while the movable member of the
self-closing mechanism is engaged with the stop portion;
[0022] FIG. 9B is another schematic drawing of the state depicted
in FIG. 9A, showing that the elastic member applies to the movable
member an elastic force in the first direction such that the second
projection of the movable member is pressed against a stop wall in
an indirect manner (i.e., through the contact portion of the
supporting member), the drawing also showing that the deceleration
spring applies to the supporting member an elastic force in the
second direction;
[0023] FIG. 10A is a schematic drawing in which the second rail in
the first embodiment of the present invention is displaced from the
retracted position toward the extended position relative to the
first rail;
[0024] FIG. 10B is another schematic drawing of the state depicted
in FIG. 10A, showing that the elastic member accumulates an elastic
force in the first direction, and that the deceleration spring
applies to the supporting member an elastic force in the second
direction such that the supporting member is displaced and pressed
against the second projection of the movable member;
[0025] FIG. 11A is a schematic drawing in which the second rail in
the first embodiment of the present invention is displaced from the
retracted position toward the extended position relative to the
first rail, and in which the actuating portion of the movable
member is disengaged from the stop portion;
[0026] FIG. 11B is another schematic drawing of the state depicted
in FIG. 11A, showing that the second projection of the movable
member is engaged with the engaging portion, that the elastic
member accumulates more elastic force in the first direction, and
that the supporting member is displaced to a certain position in
response to the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring in
the second direction;
[0027] FIG. 12A is a schematic drawing in which the second rail in
the first embodiment of the present invention is displaced from the
extended position toward the retracted position relative to the
first rail, and in which the movable member has yet to engage with
the stop portion;
[0028] FIG. 12B is another schematic drawing of the state depicted
in FIG. 12A, showing that the elastic member accumulates an elastic
force in the first direction while the second projection of the
movable member is engaged with the engaging portion;
[0029] FIG. 13A is a schematic drawing in which the second rail in
the first embodiment of the present invention is displaced from the
extended position toward the retracted position relative to the
first rail, and in which the movable member is engaged with the
stop portion;
[0030] FIG. 13B is another schematic drawing of the state depicted
in FIG. 13A, showing that the second projection of the movable
member is disengaged from the engaging portion, and that the
elastic force released by the elastic member in the first direction
is counteracted by the elastic force provided by the deceleration
spring in the second direction;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of the
self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism
according to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the third embodiment of the
self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism
according to the present invention, in which the deceleration
spring is mounted between the connecting section of the first rail
and the supporting member;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing in which the deceleration
spring in the third embodiment of the present invention provides an
elastic force in a direction opposite the direction of the elastic
force accumulated in the elastic member;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a schematic drawing corresponding to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention, showing that the base of the
deceleration mechanism has a friction portion while the supporting
member has a damping room corresponding to the friction portion,
the drawing also showing how the deceleration spring is mounted
between the supporting member and the base; and
[0035] FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing in which the deceleration
spring in the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides
an elastic force in a direction opposite the direction of the
elastic force accumulated in the elastic member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the self-closing slide rail
assembly with a deceleration mechanism (hereinafter referred to as
the self-closing slide rail assembly for short) in the first
embodiment of the present invention includes a first rail 10, a
second rail 12, a self-closing mechanism 14, and a deceleration
mechanism 16. Preferably, the self-closing slide rail assembly
further includes a third rail 18.
[0037] The second rail 12 can be longitudinally displaced relative
to the first rail 10. Here, the second rail 12 is longitudinally
movably connected to the first rail 10 via the third rail 18. More
specifically, the third rail 18 is movably connected between the
first rail 10 and the second rail 12. Thanks to the third rail 18,
the distance by which the second rail 12 can be pulled out relative
to the first rail 10 is increased.
[0038] It should be pointed out that while the present embodiment
shows a three-section slide rail, the self-closing slide rail
assembly of the present invention is not limited to this
configuration. In an embodiment which is not shown herein, for
example, a two-section slide rail is formed instead.
[0039] The second rail 12 includes an end portion 20 corresponding
to the self-closing mechanism 14. In this embodiment, the second
rail 12 further includes a guide portion 22 and a stop portion 24,
both of which are adjacent to the end portion 20 of the second rail
12. The guide portion 22 has a curved guide surface 23. The stop
portion 24 can be formed by the second rail 12. In an embodiment
which is not shown herein, however, the guide portion 22 and the
stop portion 24 are fixed to the second rail 12 at positions
adjacent to the end portion 20 by an attaching means, such as
projection-recess engagement, threaded connection, or rivet
connection.
[0040] The self-closing mechanism 14 is mounted to the first rail
10. In practice, the self-closing mechanism 14 can be mounted to
the first rail 10 at a position adjacent to its end portion 28 by
threaded connection, rivet connection, projection-recess
engagement, or the like. The present invention imposes no
limitations on the mounting method to be used. Preferably, the
self-closing mechanism 14 has an end portion provided with at least
one cushioning portion 30 against which the third rail 18 can be
pressed when moved toward a retracted position relative to the
first rail 10, and which therefore provides cushioning protection
for the third rail 18.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the self-closing mechanism 14 and the
deceleration mechanism 16 are assembled together. However, the
self-closing mechanism 14 in FIG. 3 is but one illustrative
embodiment, to which implementation of the self-closing mechanism
is by no means limited. In one preferred embodiment, referring to
FIG. 4, the self-closing mechanism 14 includes a housing 32, an
elastic member 34, and a movable member 36.
[0042] The housing 32 is mounted to the first rail 10 at a position
adjacent to the end portion 28. The housing 32 includes a front end
portion 38, a rear end portion 40, a longitudinal room 42 extends
between the front end portion 38 and the rear end portion 40, a
longitudinal portion 44 parallel to the longitudinal room 42, an
engaging portion 46 extending transversely from the front end of,
and at an angle with respect to, the longitudinal portion 44, and a
stop wall 48 adjacent to the rear end portion 40. The longitudinal
room 42 has a mounting opening 50 adjacent to the rear end portion
40.
[0043] The elastic member 34 is inserted into the longitudinal room
42 through the mounting opening 50.
[0044] The movable member 36 is movably connected with the housing
32 and can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail
10. The movable member 36 includes a first side 54a and a second
side 54b opposite the first side 54a. The first side 54a has a
first projection 56 and a second projection 58. The second side 54b
includes an actuating portion 60. The first projection 56
corresponds to and is pressed by the elastic member 34 and is
located in the longitudinal room 42 of the housing 32 while the
second projection 58 is movably pressed against the longitudinal
portion 44. The movable member 36 can respond, through the first
projection 56, to the elastic force generated by the elastic member
34 such that the first projection 56 of the movable member 36 is
displaced in the longitudinal room 42 of the housing 32 and the
second projection 58 is displaced along the longitudinal portion 44
until the second projection 58 of the movable member 36 is pressed
against and hence stopped by the stop wall 48 of the housing 32
(see FIG. 3).
[0045] In one preferred embodiment, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5
in conjunction with FIG. 3, the deceleration mechanism 16 includes
a base 62, a supporting member 64, and a deceleration spring
66.
[0046] The base 62 is connected with the housing 32 of the
self-closing mechanism 14. For example, the base 62 is integrally
formed with the housing 32 of the self-closing mechanism 14, or, as
in an embodiment which is not shown herein, the base 62 and the
housing 32 are adjacent separate elements individually mounted to
the first rail 10. The base 62 includes a first longitudinal
section 68, a second longitudinal section 70 extending from the
first longitudinal section 68, and a supporting portion 72. In one
preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal section 68 at least
includes a first wall 74a, a second wall 74b, a front wall 74c, a
rear wall 74d and a bottom wall 74e extending between the first
wall 74a and the second wall 74b. The first wall 74a, the second
wall 74b, the front wall 74c, the rear wall 74d and the bottom wall
74e jointly define a damping room 76. The damping room 76 is
generally parallel to the longitudinal room 42 of the housing 32.
The second longitudinal section 70 defines a longitudinal channel
78.
[0047] The supporting portion 72 extends transversely from between
the first longitudinal section 68 and the second longitudinal
section 70 or from one of the first longitudinal section 68 and the
second longitudinal section 70. Preferably, the supporting portion
72 is transversely connected to and extends transversely from the
first longitudinal section 68.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the damping room 76 further
includes a friction surface 80 on the first wall 74a and a groove
82 in the second wall 74b. The friction surface 80 is, for example,
a serrated surface, a rough surface, or other resistance-providing
surface. While the friction surface 80 is depicted herein as a
serrated surface, it is understood that the friction surface 80 is
not necessarily designed as such.
[0049] The supporting member 64 is longitudinally movably connected
with the base 62. Here, by way of example, the supporting member 64
is movably connected with the first longitudinal section 68 and the
second longitudinal section 70 of the base 62, and the deceleration
spring 66 is mounted to the supporting member 64.
[0050] In one preferred embodiment, the supporting member 64
includes a friction portion 84, a retainer 86, a connecting portion
88, a contact portion 90, and an auxiliary portion 92. The friction
portion 84 is located on one side of the supporting member 64. The
retainer 86 is connected to and extends from, for example, a part
of the supporting member 64 that is adjacent to an end portion of
the supporting member 64. The connecting portion 88 is
longitudinally connected to and extends from, for example, the
retainer 86. The auxiliary portion 92 is located on one side of the
supporting member 64, wherein the auxiliary portion 92 and the
friction portion 84 are on the same side of the supporting member
64. Beside, a portion of the auxiliary portion 92 corresponds to
the rear wall 74d of the first longitudinal section 68.
[0051] The supporting member 64 is movably mounted to the damping
room 76 via the friction portion 84. Here, the friction portion 84
has a friction surface 94 on one side and a rib 96 on the other
side. The friction surface 94 is, for example, a serrated surface,
a rough surface, or other resistance-providing surface. While the
friction surface 94 of the friction portion 84 is depicted herein
as a serrated surface corresponding to the friction surface 80
(e.g., a serrated surface) in the damping room 76, the
configuration of the friction surface 94 is not limited to the
above. The rib 96 corresponds to the groove 82 in the damping room
76. The corresponding relationship between the rib 96 and the
groove 82 makes it possible for the friction portion 84 to move
stably in the damping room 76. In an embodiment which is not shown
herein, however, the friction portion 84 has a groove while the
damping room 76 includes a corresponding rib on the second wall
74b. This alternative design also enables stable movement of the
friction portion 84 in the damping room 76.
[0052] The connecting portion 88 is connected between the
supporting portion 72 and the retainer 86. One of the supporting
portion 72 and the retainer 86 has an aperture 98 through which the
connecting portion 88 extends. The deceleration spring 66 is
mounted to the connecting portion 88 and pressed between the
supporting portion 72 and the retainer 86. It should be pointed out
that while the connecting portion 88 is depicted herein as
integrally joined with the retainer 86 and the supporting portion
72 is depicted herein as having the aperture 98 through which the
connecting portion 88 extends, it is also feasible that the
connecting portion 88 is integrally joined with the supporting
portion 72 and that the retainer 86 has the aperture 98 through
which the connecting portion 88 extends, as in an embodiment which
is not shown herein.
[0053] The contact portion 90 corresponds to the second projection
58 of the movable member 36 such that the second projection 58 can
be pressed against the contact portion 90 (as shown in FIG. 9B) or
vice versa.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which provides a bottom
view of the base 62. The auxiliary portion 92 corresponds to and
can be displaced in the longitudinal channel 78. The second
longitudinal section 70 of the base 62 further includes a wall
surface 95 adjacent to the longitudinal channel 78 and an end wall
99. In one preferred embodiment, the auxiliary portion 92 further
has a hook section 93 to be hooked to the wall surface 95 of the
base 62 when the auxiliary portion 92 is in the longitudinal
channel 78, in order to increase the stability with which the
supporting member 64 can be displaced on the base 62.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the friction portion 84 of
the supporting member 64 is mounted in the damping room 76, and the
damping room 76 is filled with a cushioning medium 97 (e.g., a
viscous oil) to provide enhanced cushioning and deceleration when
the friction portion 84 of the supporting member 64 is displaced in
the damping room 76. For example, the cushioning medium 97 in the
damping room 76 covers the entire friction portion 84 of the
supporting member 64 (including the friction surface 94 and the rib
96).
[0056] FIG. 9A shows the second rail 12 in a retracted position
relative to the first rail 10, and FIG. 9B shows how in this state
the second projection 58 of the movable member 36 is pressed
against the contact portion 90 of the supporting member 64 of the
deceleration mechanism 16.
[0057] More specifically, when the second rail 12 is in the
retracted position relative to the first rail 10, and at least a
portion (e.g., the actuating portion 60) of the movable member 36
is in engagement with the stop portion 24, the elastic member 34
provides an elastic force which acts on the first projection 56 of
the movable member 36 in a first direction D1. And due to the
elastic force applied by the elastic member 34 in the first
direction D1, the second projection 58 of the movable member 36
presses the contact portion 90 against the stop wall 48. Meanwhile,
the deceleration spring 66 of the deceleration mechanism 16 applies
to the supporting member 64 an elastic force in a second direction
D2, wherein the elastic force in the second direction D2 acts in a
different direction from the elastic force in the first direction
D1 (e.g., the second direction D2 being opposite the first
direction D1). It should be noted that the elastic force applied by
the elastic member 34 in the first direction D1 is greater than the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring 66 in the second
direction D2. This ensures that the second rail 12 will stay in the
retracted position once fully retracted relative to the first rail
10.
[0058] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show the second rail 12 being
displaced in the second direction D2 from the retracted position
toward an extended position relative to the first rail 10.
[0059] More specifically, when the actuating portion 60 of the
movable member 36 is engaged with the stop portion 24, and the
second rail 12 is subjected to an external force F1 (e.g., the
force exerted by an operator) overcoming the elastic force in the
first direction D1 and is therefore moved in the second direction
D2 toward the extended position relative to the first rail 10, the
first projection 56 of the movable member 36 presses the elastic
member 34, which, in response to the pressing of the first
projection 56, accumulates an elastic force in the first direction
D1. In the meantime, the second projection 58 is displaced along
the longitudinal portion 44, and in response to the displacement of
the second projection 58, the deceleration spring 66 releases some
elastic force in the second direction D2. As a result, the
supporting member 64 is displaced in the second direction D2, and
the contact portion 90 of the supporting member 64 is pressed
against the second projection 58 of the movable member 36.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, as the external force F1
continues displacing the second rail 12 longitudinally in the
second direction D2 toward the extended position, the second
projection 58 of the movable member 36 is displaced along the
longitudinal portion 44 and, after turning by an angle, engages
with the engaging portion 46 (i.e., being retained at a
predetermined position). On the other hand, the actuating portion
60 of the movable member 36 is disengaged from the stop portion
24.
[0061] More specifically, while the movable member 36 is engaged
with the engaging portion 46, the elastic member 34 accumulates
more elastic force in the first direction D1. As the elastic force
acts on the first projection 56 of the movable member 36, the
second projection 58 of the movable member 36 is kept in engagement
with the engaging portion 46. Meanwhile, the supporting member 64
is displaced in response to the elastic force that the deceleration
spring 66 continues releasing in the second direction D2. The
supporting member 64 will stop displacing in the second direction
D2 once the auxiliary portion 92 of the supporting member 64 is
pressed against the rear wall 74d of the first longitudinal section
68 and/or the end wall 99 of the longitudinal channel 78.
[0062] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show how the second rail 12 is
displaced from the extended position toward the retracted position
relative to the first rail 10.
[0063] In the course in which the second rail 12 is moved from the
extended position toward the retracted position relative to the
first rail 10 by an external force F2 (e.g., the force applied by
an operator), the guide portion 22 of the second rail 12
corresponds to at least one portion (e.g., the actuating portion
60) of the movable member 36, and the second projection 58 of the
movable member 36 is located at the engaging portion 46.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, as the external force F2
continues moving the second rail 12 from the extended position
toward the retracted position relative to the first rail 10 (e.g.,
when the second rail 12 is in the last part of its retracting
course), the actuating portion 60 of the movable member 36 is
guided by the guide portion 22 of the second rail 12 and eventually
engages with the stop portion 24 such that the second projection 58
of the movable member 36 is no longer engaged with the engaging
portion 46. Now that the first projection 56 of the movable member
36 is subjected to the elastic force released by the elastic member
34 in the first direction D1, the movable member 36 is
automatically displaced toward the retracted position in response
to the elastic force of the elastic member 34. The second rail 12,
therefore, is driven by the actuating portion 60 of the movable
member 36 and moved automatically toward the retracted position
(see FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B).
[0065] In the process, the second projection 58 of the movable
member 36 pushes at least one portion (e.g., the contact portion
90) of the supporting member 64 and thereby displaces the
supporting member 64 in the first direction D1 along with the
movable member 36. It should be pointed out that the elastic force
provided by the elastic member 34 in the first direction D1 must be
able to overcome the elastic force provided by the deceleration
spring 66 and acting on the supporting member 64 in the second
direction D2 (i.e., the elastic force provided by the deceleration
spring 66 can be viewed as resistance against the elastic member 34
and serves to counteract the elastic force of the elastic member
34) in order for the movable member 36 to be displaced along the
longitudinal portion 44 in the first direction D1 at a reduced
speed and thus automatically and slowly moves the second rail 12
back to the retracted position after the second projection 58 of
the movable member 36 leaves the engaging portion 46.
[0066] In the process, the friction portion 84 of the supporting
member 64 provides further resistance as it is displaced relative
to the damping room 76 in the first direction D1, thanks to the
friction surface 80 in the damping room 76 or the friction surface
94 of the friction portion 84. This additional resistance lowers
the speed at which the second projection 58 of the movable member
36 is displaced from the engaging portion 46 to the longitudinal
portion 44, allowing the movable member 36 to move the second rail
12 back to the retracted position slowly as well as
automatically.
[0067] Moreover, the cushioning medium 97 (see FIG. 8B) in the
damping room 76 can effectively decelerate displacement of the
friction portion 84 relative to the damping room 76 in the first
direction D1 and reduce the sound generated by direct impact
between an end portion of the friction portion 84 of the supporting
member 64 and the inner wall of the damping room 76. In other
words, the cushioning medium 97 is effective in both deceleration
and noise reduction.
[0068] It can be known from the above that the deceleration force
provided by the deceleration mechanism (e.g., the resistance
provided by the deceleration spring 66 and the additional
resistance provided by the friction surface 80 or the friction
surface 94) is less than the elastic force provided by the elastic
member 34 of the self-closing mechanism, in order for the movable
member 36 to move the second rail 12 back to the retracted position
both automatically and slowly, allowing the second rail 12 to
decelerate when it has been pushed relative to the first rail 10 to
a position adjacent to the last part of its retracting course.
[0069] FIG. 14 shows the second embodiment of the self-closing
slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism according to the
present invention.
[0070] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment
generally in that the base 200 includes a first longitudinal
section 202 and a supporting portion 204 extending transversely
from the first longitudinal section 202 (i.e., the base 200 lacks
the second longitudinal section 70 in the first embodiment).
However, due to the deceleration spring 206, the friction surface
208 of the first longitudinal section 202, the friction surface
(not shown) of the supporting member 210, and the cushioning medium
in the damping room 212, the movable member 214 is equally capable
of automatically and slowly driving the second rail in the first
direction D1 to the retracted position. The deceleration spring
206, the friction surfaces, and the cushioning medium in this
embodiment are the same as their counterparts in the first
embodiment and, for the sake of simplicity, will not be described
repeatedly herein.
[0071] FIG. 15 shows the third embodiment of the self-closing slide
rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism according to the
present invention.
[0072] The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment
generally in that: the first rail 300 further includes a sidewall
302, the sidewall 302 has a connecting section 304, and the
deceleration spring 306 is longitudinally connected between the
connecting section 304 and a portion (e.g., a front portion 309) of
the supporting member 308.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when the second rail (not
shown) is in a retracted position relative to the first rail 300,
the deceleration spring 306 is stretched and thus accumulates an
elastic force in the second direction D2. In the course in which
the second rail is moved from the retracted position in the second
direction D2 toward an extended position relative to the first rail
300 by an external force, the movable member 312 of the
self-closing mechanism 310 is displaced in the second direction D2
along with the second rail and, after turning by an angle, engages
with the engaging portion 314. Meanwhile, the deceleration spring
306 releases the elastic force in the second direction D2, and the
supporting member 308 is therefore retained at a certain position
(see FIG. 16) in response to the elastic force released by the
deceleration spring 306. If, in this state, the second rail is
retracted in the first direction D1 toward the retracted position
relative to the first rail 300, the actuating portion 316 of the
movable portion 312 will engage with the second rail (e.g., by
means of the stop portion 24 in a way similar to that shown in FIG.
13A), causing the movable member 312 to disengage from the engaging
portion 314, and the elastic member 318 to release an elastic force
in the first direction D1. Then, in response to the elastic force
released by the elastic member 318, the movable member 312, which
has left the engaging portion 314, will be displaced along the
longitudinal portion 320 in the first direction D1 and thus
automatically and slowly move the second rail back to the retracted
position.
[0074] During the process, the deceleration spring 306 applies to
the supporting member 308 an elastic force in the second direction
D2, and when the movable member 312 is pressed against the contact
portion 322 of the supporting member 308 by the elastic force
applied by the elastic member 318 in the first direction D1, the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring 306 serves as
resistance against the elastic force applied by the elastic member
318. The movable member 312, therefore, is equally capable of
moving the second rail back to the retracted position automatically
and slowly.
[0075] In addition, the friction surface in the damping room, the
friction surface of the friction portion, and the cushioning medium
filled in the damping room provide further deceleration when the
second rail has been pushed relative to the first rail 300 into the
last part of its retracting course. This additional deceleration
effect has been disclosed in the first embodiment (with reference
to FIG. 13B, FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B) and, for the sake of simplicity,
will not be explained repeatedly herein.
[0076] FIG. 17 shows the fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0077] The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment
generally in that: the base 402 of the deceleration mechanism has a
friction portion 404; the friction portion 404 has a friction
surface 406 and a rib 408 opposite the friction surface 406; the
supporting member 410 is movably connected with the friction
portion 404; the supporting member 410 at least includes a first
wall 412a, a second wall 412b, and a bottom wall 412c extending
between the first wall 412a and the second wall 412b; and the first
wall 412a, the second wall 412b, and the bottom wall 412c define a
damping room 414 corresponding to the friction portion 404.
[0078] The first wall 412a of the supporting member 410 includes a
friction surface 416 located in the damping room 414 and
corresponding to the friction surface 406 of the friction portion
404 (e.g., the friction surfaces 416 and 406 being corresponding
serrated surfaces). The second wall 412b of the supporting member
410 includes a groove 418 corresponding to the rib 408 of the
friction portion 404. The damping room 414 can also be filled with
a cushioning medium (the principle of which can be understood with
reference to FIG. 8B and will not be stated repeatedly herein).
[0079] The base 402 of the deceleration mechanism further includes
at least one portion 420. The deceleration spring 422 is
longitudinally connected between the at least one portion 420 and a
portion (e.g., a rear portion 423) of the supporting member
410.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, when the movable member 424
is engaged with the engaging portion 426, the deceleration spring
422 applies to the supporting member 410 an elastic force in the
second direction D2 such that the supporting member 410 is retained
at a certain position in response to the elastic force applied by
the deceleration spring 422. If, in this state, the second rail
(now shown) is retracted in the first direction D1 toward a
retracted position relative to the first rail 428, the actuating
portion 430 of the movable member 424 will engage with the second
rail (e.g., by means of the stop portion 24 in a way similar to
that shown in FIG. 13A), causing the movable member 424 to
disengage from the engaging portion 426, and the elastic member 432
to release an elastic force in the first direction D1. Then, in
response to the elastic force applied by the elastic member 432,
the movable member 424, which has left the engaging portion 426,
will be displaced along the longitudinal portion 434 in the first
direction D1 and thus automatically and slowly move the second rail
back to the retracted position.
[0081] During the process, the deceleration spring 422 applies to
the supporting member 410 an elastic force in the second direction
D2, and when the movable member 424 is pressed against the contact
portion 436 of the supporting member 410 by the elastic force
applied by the elastic member 432 in the first direction D1, the
elastic force applied by the deceleration spring 422 serves as
resistance against the elastic force applied by the elastic member
432. The movable member 424, therefore, is equally capable of
moving the second rail back to the retracted position automatically
and slowly.
[0082] In addition, the supporting member 410, when driven by the
movable member 424, is displaced relative to the friction portion
404 and provides resistance through the friction surface 416 in the
damping room 414 and the friction surface 406 of the friction
portion 404. The cushioning medium filled in the damping room 414
can provide further deceleration when the second rail has been
pushed relative to the first rail 428 into the last part of its
retracting course.
[0083] While the present invention has been disclosed through the
foregoing preferred embodiments, it is understood that the
embodiments are not intended to be restrictive of the present
invention. The scope of patent protection sought is defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *