U.S. patent application number 15/335457 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for driving mechanism and driving method for furniture parts.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING SLIDE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD., KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Ken-Ching Chen, Ci-Bin Huang, Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Chun-Chiang Wang.
Application Number | 20170280872 15/335457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57485353 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170280872 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Ken-Ching ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
DRIVING MECHANISM AND DRIVING METHOD FOR FURNITURE PARTS
Abstract
A driving mechanism includes a first elastic member, a first
locking device, a second elastic member and a second locking
device. The first locking device is configured to allow the elastic
member to release a first elastic force in an unlocking state. The
second locking device is connected to the second elastic member.
When a first furniture part is moved a predetermined distance
relative to a second furniture part from an open position toward a
retracted position, the first locking member is switched from the
unlocking state to a locking state in order to accumulate the first
elastic force, and the first furniture part is moved from the open
position to the retracted position in response to a second elastic
force of the second elastic member.
Inventors: |
Chen; Ken-Ching; (Kaohsiung
City, TW) ; Liang; Hsiu-Chiang; (Kaohsiung City,
TW) ; Huang; Ci-Bin; (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: |
57485353 |
Appl. No.: |
15/335457 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/46 20170101;
A47B 2210/0048 20130101; A47B 88/49 20170101; A47B 2210/0094
20130101; A47B 88/47 20170101; A47B 88/483 20170101; A47B 2210/0056
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04; A47B 88/08 20060101 A47B088/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2016 |
TW |
105110554 |
Claims
1. A driving mechanism, configured to drive a first furniture part
to move relative to a second furniture part, the driving mechanism
comprising: a first elastic member; a first locking device
configured to releasably lock the first elastic member, wherein
when the first locking device locks the first elastic member, the
first elastic member accumulates a first elastic force; and when
the first locking device releases the first elastic member, the
first elastic member releases the first elastic force to drive the
first furniture part to move relative to the second furniture part
from a retracted position toward an open position along a first
direction; a second elastic member; and a second locking device
connected to the second elastic member, wherein when the first
furniture part is moved a predetermined distance relative to the
second furniture part from the open position toward the retracted
position along a second direction, the first locking device is
switched from an unlocking state to a locking state in order to
lock the first elastic member, and the second elastic member
generates a second elastic force, such that the first furniture
part is moved relative to the second furniture part from the open
position to the retracted position along the second direction in
response to the second elastic force.
2. The driving mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first locking
device comprises a first component, a second component and a
control member, the first component is movable on the second
furniture part, the second component is movably connected to the
first component, and the control member is configured to be
selectively in one of the locking state and the unlocking
state.
3. The driving mechanism of claim 2, wherein the control member has
a control part, when the control member is in the unlocking state,
the control part of the control member engages with the second
component; and when the control member is in the locking state, the
control part of the control member does not engage with the second
component.
4. The driving mechanism of claim 2, wherein the second furniture
part comprises an auxiliary track arranged along a longitudinal
direction of the second furniture part, and the first component is
movable along the auxiliary track.
5. The driving mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a first
base connected to the first furniture part, wherein one of the
first base and the control member has a control path, the control
path comprises a first path and a second path deflected relative to
the first path, the control path is configured to move the control
member to be in one of the locking state and the unlocking state,
and the predetermined distance is defined by the first path.
6. The driving mechanism of claim 5, further comprising a second
base arranged adjacent to the first base, wherein the second base
has a guiding path, the guiding path comprises a longitudinal path
and a transverse path deflected relative to the longitudinal path,
the second locking device comprises a capturing member and a
blocking member movably connected to the capturing member, the
capturing member and the blocking member are movable along the
longitudinal path of the guiding path, and the capturing member is
configured to capture a portion of the second furniture part.
7. The driving mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a
connecting member movable relative to the first furniture part,
wherein the first locking device is arranged on the connecting
member, the connecting member has a first mounting part and a
second mounting part, the first elastic member is mounted between
the first base and the first mounting part, and the second elastic
member is mounted between the blocking member and the second
mounting part.
8. The driving mechanism of claim 7, wherein the first base has a
fixing member, the connecting member is arranged with an extension
hole located at a position corresponding to the fixing member, the
connecting member is movable relative to the first base through the
extension hole, the fixing member passes through a portion of the
extension hole and is connected to the first furniture part.
9. The driving mechanism of claim 8, wherein the fixing member and
the extension hole respectively are a protrusion and a bounded
hole.
10. The driving mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a damping
device having a damping rod located at a position corresponding to
one of the blocking member and the capturing member.
11. The driving mechanism of claim 6, wherein the second base
further comprises a room, the driving mechanism further comprises
an auxiliary elastic member and a pushing member accommodated in
the room, the auxiliary elastic member is configured to provide an
elastic force to the pushing member, and the pushing member is
partially extended out of the room.
12. The driving mechanism of claim 2, wherein the control member is
pivoted relative to the second component.
13. The driving mechanism of claim 2, wherein the first locking
device further comprises at least one abutting member movably
mounted between the first component and the second component, the
first component has a first abutting part, the second component has
a second abutting part, an abutting space is defined by the first
abutting part and the second abutting part and configured to
accommodate the abutting member, when the abutting member is
located at a predetermined position, the abutting member abuts
against the first component and the second component, and when the
abutting member is moved away from the predetermined position, the
abutting member does not abut against the first component and the
second component.
14. A furniture assembly, comprising: a first furniture part; a
second furniture part, wherein the first furniture part is movable
relative to the second furniture part from a retracted position
toward an open position; and a driving mechanism comprising a first
locking device, the first locking device comprising: a first
component movable on the second furniture part; a second component
movably connected to the first component; and a control member
configured to be in one of a locking state and an unlocking state
relative to the second component; wherein when the control member
is in the locking state, the control member does not engage with
the second component, such that the first component can be moved
relative to the second furniture part from the retracted position
toward the open position along a first direction; wherein when the
control member is in the unlocking state, the control member
engages with the second component, such that the first component is
not movable relative to the second furniture part along a second
direction; wherein when the first furniture part is moved a
predetermined distance relative to the second furniture part from
the open position toward the retracted position along the second
direction, the control member is switched from the unlocking state
to the locking state.
15. The furniture assembly of claim 14, wherein the driving
mechanism further comprises a first base, one of the first base and
the control member has a control path, the control path comprises a
first path and a second path deflected relative to the first path,
the control path is configured to move the control member to be in
one of the locking state and the unlocking state, and the
predetermined distance is defined by the first path.
16. The furniture assembly of claim 15, wherein the driving
mechanism further comprises a first elastic member, when the first
furniture part is moved relative to the second furniture part from
the open position toward the retracted position along the second
direction, the first elastic member is configured to accumulate a
first elastic force in response to the control member being
switched from the unlocking state to the locking state, the first
elastic force is configured to drive the first furniture part to
move relative to the second furniture part from the retracted
position toward the open position along the first direction.
17. The furniture assembly of claim 16, wherein the driving
mechanism further comprises a second elastic member, the second
elastic member is configured to accumulate a second elastic force
in response to the control member being switched from the unlocking
state to the locking state, the second elastic force is configured
to drive the first furniture part to move relative to the second
furniture part from the open position toward the retracted position
along the second direction.
18. The furniture assembly of claim 17, wherein the driving
mechanism further comprises a second base and a second locking
device, the second base is arranged adjacent to the first base, the
second base has a guiding path, the guiding path comprises a
longitudinal path and a transverse path deflected relative to the
longitudinal path, the second locking device comprises a capturing
member and a blocking member movably connected to the capturing
member, the capturing member and the blocking member are movable
along the longitudinal path of the guiding path, the capturing
member is configured to capture a portion of the second furniture
part, the driving mechanism further comprises a connecting member
having a first mounting part and a second mounting part, the first
elastic member is mounted between the first base and the first
mounting part, and the second elastic member is mounted between the
blocking member and the second mounting part.
19. The furniture assembly of claim 18, wherein the driving
mechanism further comprises a damping device having a damping rod
located at a position corresponding to one of the blocking member
and the capturing member.
20. A driving method for moving a first furniture part relative to
a second furniture part, the first furniture part being movable
relative to the second furniture part from a retracted position
toward an open position along a first direction, the driving method
comprising: providing a first elastic member; providing a first
locking device configured to releasably lock the first elastic
member, wherein when the first furniture part is moved relative to
the second furniture part along a second direction by an external
force to allow the first locking device to unlock the first elastic
member, the first elastic member releases a first elastic force,
and the first furniture part is moved relative to the second
furniture part from the retracted position to the open position
along the first direction in response to the first elastic force;
and providing a second elastic member; wherein when the first
furniture part is moved a predetermined distance relative to the
second furniture part from the open position toward the retracted
position by an external force to allow the first locking device to
lock the first elastic member, the second elastic member is
configured to release a second elastic force, and the first
furniture part is moved relative to the second furniture part form
the open position to the retracted position along the second
direction in response to the second elastic force.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a driving mechanism and a
driving method, and more particularly, to a driving mechanism and a
driving method for furniture parts.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0002] In a furniture system, such as a drawer system, a drawer
usually can be opened or retracted relative to a cabinet through a
pair of slide rail assemblies. A product capable of facilitating a
drawer to open from a retracted position relative to a cabinet is
already provided in current market, and the product is so called a
push-open product. A product capable of automatically retracting a
drawer relative to a cabinet in an end process of retracting is
also provided in current market, and the product is so called a
self-closing product. However, according to different requirements
in the market, a product with both push-open and self-closing
functions becomes important in product development. U.S. Pat. No.
8,172,345 B2 discloses a self-moving device for movable furniture
parts, which comprises a movable part with self-opening and
self-closing functions relative to a stationary part. The case is
provided for reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The preset invention relates to a driving mechanism and a
driving method for furniture parts.
[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
driving mechanism is configured to drive a first furniture part to
move relative to a second furniture part. The driving mechanism
comprises a first elastic member, a first locking device, a second
elastic member and a second locking device. The first locking
device is configured to releasably lock the first elastic member.
Wherein, when the first locking device locks the first elastic
member, the first elastic member accumulates a first elastic force;
and when the first locking device releases the first elastic
member, the first elastic member releases the first elastic force
to drive the first furniture part to move relative to the second
furniture part from a retracted position toward an open position
along a first direction. The second locking device is connected to
the second elastic member. When the first furniture part is moved a
predetermined distance relative to the second furniture part from
the open position toward the retracted position along a second
direction, the first locking device is switched from an unlocking
state to a locking state in order to lock the first elastic member,
and the second elastic member generates a second elastic force,
such that the first furniture part is moved relative to the second
furniture part from the open position to the retracted position
along the second direction in response to the second elastic
force.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
furniture part comprises a first furniture part, a second furniture
part and a driving mechanism. The first furniture part is movable
relative to the second furniture part from a retracted position
toward an open position. The driving mechanism comprises a first
locking device. The first locking device comprises a first
component, a second component and a control member. The first
component is movable on the second furniture part. The second
component is movably connected to the first component. The control
member is configured to be in one of a locking state and an
unlocking state relative to the second component. Wherein when the
control member is in the locking state, the control member does not
engage with the second component, such that the first component can
be moved relative to the second furniture part from the retracted
position toward the open position along a first direction. Wherein
when the control member is in the unlocking state, the control
member engages with the second component, such that the first
component is not movable relative to the second furniture part
along a second direction. Wherein when the first furniture part is
moved a predetermined distance relative to the second furniture
part from the open position toward the retracted position along the
second direction, the control member is switched from the unlocking
state to the locking state.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the present invention provides a driving method for moving a first
furniture part relative to a second furniture part. The first
furniture part is movable relative to the second furniture part
from a retracted position toward an open position along a first
direction. The driving method comprises providing a first elastic
member; providing a first locking device configured to releasably
lock the first elastic member, wherein when the first furniture
part is moved relative to the second furniture part along a second
direction by an external force to allow the first locking device to
unlock the first elastic member, the first elastic member releases
a first elastic force, and the first furniture part is moved
relative to the second furniture part from the retracted position
to the open position along the first direction in response to the
first elastic force; and providing a second elastic member, wherein
when the first furniture part is moved a predetermined distance
relative to the second furniture part from the open position toward
the retracted position by an external force to allow the first
locking device to lock the first elastic member, the second elastic
member is configured to release a second elastic force, and the
first furniture part is moved relative to the second furniture part
form the open position to the retracted position along the second
direction in response to the second elastic force.
[0007] These and other objectives of the present invention will no
doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after
reading the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a drawer being opened relative
to a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the cabinet of FIG. 1 with the
drawer being removed.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a slide rail assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the slide rail assembly in a
retracted state according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a driving mechanism and a
carrying member according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the driving mechanism and the
carrying member of FIG. 5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of some of components of a first
locking device of the driving mechanism according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing two components abutting against
each other when an abutting member of the first locking device is
located at a predetermined position according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the abutting member of FIG. 8 in
another angle.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the abutting member of the
first locking device away from the predetermined position according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the abutting member of FIG. 10
in another angle.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the first locking device being
located adjacent to a first base and mounted to a connecting
member, wherein the first locking device has a control member
corresponding to a control path according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the first locking device being
in a locking state relative to the first base according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the first locking device of
FIG. 13 gradually moving away from the locking state.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the first locking device of
FIG. 14 being switched from the locking state to an unlocking
state.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first rail of the slide rail
assembly located at a retracted position relative to a second rail,
and a first elastic member of the first locking device accumulating
a first elastic force along a first direction due to the first
locking device being in the locking state according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 16 for
illustrating the first locking device being in the locking
state.
[0025] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of an area B of FIG. 16 for
illustrating a capturing member of a second locking device
capturing a portion of the second rail, and the driving mechanism
comprising a pushing member abutting against a blocking member of
the second locking device through an auxiliary elastic member.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the first rail of the slide
rail assembly being moved relative to the second rail along a
second direction by an external force according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 19 for
illustrating the first locking device being in the unlocking
state.
[0028] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of an area B of FIG. 19 for
illustrating the capturing member of the second locking device
capturing the portion of the second rail, and the pushing member
pressing the auxiliary elastic member to move a distance.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the first locking device of the
slide rail assembly being in the unlocking state, and the first
elastic member releasing an elastic force to drive the first rail
to move relative to the second rail along the first direction
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 22 for
illustrating the first base being located at an end part relative
to the first locking device.
[0031] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of an area B of FIG. 22 for
illustrating the capturing member of the second locking device
being deflected relative to the blocking member without capturing
the portion of the second rail.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the first rail of the slide
rail assembly being retracted relative to the second rail from an
open position along the second direction according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 25 for
illustrating the first base being moved a distance relative to the
first locking device and remaining in the unlocking state.
[0034] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of an area B of FIG. 25 for
illustrating the capturing member of the second locking device
being deflected relative to the blocking member.
[0035] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the first rail of the slide
rail assembly being further retracted relative to the second rail
from the open position along the second direction according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 28 for
illustrating the first base being moved relative to the first
locking device to be in the locking state, and the capturing member
of the second locking device being ready to capture the portion of
the second rail.
[0037] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the first rail of the slide
rail assembly being further retracted relative to the second rail
from the open position along the second direction according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 30 for
illustrating the first locking device being in the locking state,
and the capturing member of the second locking device capturing the
portion of the second rail to be deflected.
[0039] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the first rail of the slide
rail assembly being retracted relative to the second rail along the
second direction in response to the second elastic force of the
second elastic member according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 32 for
illustrating a damping device providing damping effect when the
first rail is retracted relative to the second rail along the
second direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a furniture assembly 20 at least comprising a
first furniture part 22, a second furniture part 24 and a pair of
slide rail assemblies 26 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. In the present embodiment, the first furniture part 22
is a drawer for example, and the second furniture part 24 is a
cabinet for example. The pair of the slide rail assemblies 26 is
mounted between the first furniture part 22 and the second
furniture part 24. In the present embodiment, the slide rail
assemblies 26 are undermount drawer slides, and are respectively
mounted to the first furniture part 22 to be adjacent to two sides
of a bottom of the first furniture part 22. According to the above
arrangement, the first furniture part 22 can be easily opened or
retracted relative to the second furniture part 24 through the pair
of slide rail assemblies 26.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the slide rail assembly 26
comprises a first rail 28 and a second rail 30. The second rail 30
is longitudinally and fixedly mounted to the second furniture part
24. As such, the second rail 30 can be seen as a portion of the
second furniture part 24. The first rail 28 is longitudinally
movable relative to the second rail 30. As such, the first rail 28
can be seen as a portion of the first furniture part 22.
Preferably, the slide rail assembly 26 further comprises a third
rail 32 movably mounted between the first rail 28 and the second
rail 30. The third rail 32 is configured to extend a traveling
distance of the first rail 28 relative to the second rail 30.
Preferably, the slide rail assembly 26 further comprises an
extension base 34 fixedly attached to the second rail 30. The
extension base 34 can be seen as a portion of the second rail 30,
and the extension base 34 is arranged along a longitudinal
direction of the second rail 30. Preferably, the slide rail
assembly 26 further comprises an auxiliary track 36 arranged along
a longitudinal direction of the extension base 34. In the present
embodiment, the auxiliary track 36 is a gear rack. The extension
base 34 further comprises an engagement feature 38. The engagement
feature 38 can be an independent component fixedly attached on the
extension base 34, or the engagement feature 38 can be formed from
the extension base 34.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the slide rail assembly 26 further
comprises a carrying member 40 mounted to the first rail 28. The
carrying member 40 can be seen as a portion of the first rail 28
(that is to say, the carrying member 40 can be seen as a portion of
the first furniture part 22), and is configured to be moved with
the first rail 28 relative to the second rail 30. The carrying
member 40 is movable relative to the extension base 34. FIG. 4 is a
diagram showing the first rail 28 being in a retracted state
relative to the second rail 30. In other words, the carrying member
40 is retracted relative to the extension base 34.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the present invention
provides a driving mechanism 42. The driving mechanism 42 is
arranged on the carrying member 40. In particular, the driving
mechanism 42 comprises a plurality of components, such as a
connecting member 44, a first base 46, a second base 48, a first
elastic member 50, a second elastic member 52, a first locking
device 54 and a second locking device 56.
[0045] The connecting member 44 is movable relative to the carrying
member 40 (or the first furniture part 22). Preferably, the
connecting member 44 is arranged with a first mounting part 58 and
a second mounting part 60.
[0046] The first base 46 is arranged adjacent to the second base
48. For example, the second base 48 is mounted to one side of the
first base 46, such that the first base 46 and the second base 48
can be seen as one piece. One of the first base 46 and the second
base 48 is connected to the carrying member 40. Preferably, the
first base 46 and the second base 48 are arranged with at least one
fixing member 62, such as a plurality of fixing members 62. On the
other hand, the connecting member 44 is arranged with at least one
extension hole 64, such as a plurality of extension holes 64
located at positions corresponding to the plurality of fixing
members 62. The plurality of extension holes 64 allows the
connecting member 44 to be movable relative to the first base 46 or
the second base 48. In particular, each of the fixing members 62
passes through a portion of a corresponding extension hole 64 and
is connected to the carrying member 40 (or the first furniture part
22). Wherein, the fixing member 62 and the extension hole 64
respectively are a protrusion and a bounded hole (such as a
longitudinal hole).
[0047] The first elastic member 50 is mounted to the connecting
member 44. Preferably, the first elastic member 50 can be mounted
between the first base 46 and the first mounting part 58 of the
connecting member 44. On the other hand, the second elastic member
52 is mounted between the connecting member 44 and the second
locking device 56.
[0048] The first locking device 54 is arranged on the connecting
member 44. The first locking device 54 is configured to releasably
lock the first elastic member 50. In addition, the first base 46
provides a space 66 for accommodating the first locking device
54.
[0049] The second locking device 56 comprises a capturing member 68
and a blocking member 70. In the present embodiment, the capturing
member 68 is movably connected, such as pivoted, to the blocking
member 70. Wherein, the blocking member 70 of the second locking
device 56 is connected to the second elastic member 52. For
example, the second elastic member 52 can be mounted between the
blocking member 70 of the second locking device 56 and the second
mounting part 60 of the connecting member 44. In the present
embodiment, the second locking device 56 is movably mounted to the
second base 48. In particular, the second base 48 has a guiding
path 72. The guiding path 72 comprises a longitudinal path 74 and a
transverse path 76 communicated with the longitudinal path 74 and
deflected relative to the longitudinal path 74. The capturing
member 68 and the blocking member 70 are movable along the
longitudinal path 74 of the guiding path 72. In the present
embodiment, the capturing member 68 and the blocking member 70
respectively have a first pin 71 and a second pin 73 movable in the
longitudinal path 74 of the guiding path 72.
[0050] Preferably, the driving mechanism 42 further comprises a
damping device 78. The damping device 78 comprises a cylinder 80
and a damping rod 82 movable relative to the cylinder 80. The
damping device 78 is well known to those skilled in the art,
therefore, no further illustration is provided. Wherein, the
damping rod 82 is located at a position corresponding to one of the
capturing member 68 and the blocking member 70. In the present
embodiment, the damping rod 82 is located at a position
corresponding to the blocking member 70 for example.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the first locking device 54 comprises a
first component 84 and a second component 86 movably connected to
the first component 84. In the present invention, the first
component 84 and the second component 86 are pivoted to each other
by a shaft 88. The first component 84 is movable on the second
furniture part 24. For example, the first component 84 is movable
along the auxiliary track 36. In particular, the first component 84
is meshed to the auxiliary track 36 of the extension base 34 of the
second rail 30 to be movable along the auxiliary track 36. The
second component 86 comprises two parts, such as a main body part
90 and a housing part 92. The main body part 90 and the housing
part 92 can be formed in one piece. Or, the main body part 90 can
have a mounting space (not shown) for accommodating the housing
part 92. As such, when the housing part 92 is mounted to the main
body part 90, the main body part 90 and the housing part 92 can be
seen as one piece. Wherein, the main body part 90 has a plurality
of engagement sections 94 separated from each other.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first locking device 54
further comprises at least one abutting member 96 movably mounted
between the first component 84 and the second component 86 (such as
the housing part 92). In particular, the first component 84 is
arranged with at least one first abutting part 98, and the second
component 86 (such as the housing part 92) is arranged with at
least one second abutting part 100. In addition, the first
component 84 has an inclined face 102. Wherein, an abutting space
104 is defined between the first abutting part 98 of the first
component 84 and the second abutting part 100 of the second
component 86 for accommodating the abutting member 96. Preferably,
the inclined face 104 is arranged on the first component 84 and
adjacent to the first abutting part 98. The abutting member 96 is
movable on the inclined face 102. For example, when the first
component 84 is rotated along a first moving direction, the
abutting member 96 is moved to a predetermined position on the
inclined face 102 to abut against the first abutting part 98 of the
first component 84 and the second abutting part 100 of the second
component 86, such that the first component 84 can drive the second
component 86 to move along the first moving direction through the
abutting member 96.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, when the first component 84
is rotated along a second moving direction (different from the
first moving direction), the abutting member 96 is driven by the
first abutting part 98 of the first component 84 to move, such that
the abutting member 96 is apart from the predetermined position on
the inclined face 102. Thus the first component 84 is not able to
drive the second component 86 to move along the second moving
direction through the abutting member 96.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 12, the first locking device 54 further
comprises a control member 106 movable relative to the second
component 86. In the present embodiment, the control member 106 is
pivoted relative to the second component 86. For example, a portion
of the control member 106 is pivoted to the connecting member 44 by
a pivoting member 85, so as to allow the control member 106 to
rotate and deflect relative to the second component 86. Preferably,
the control member 106 has a control part 108 corresponding to the
engagement section 94 of the second component 86. Preferably, one
of the control member 106 and the first base 46 is formed a control
path 110. In the present embodiment, the first base 46 is formed
with the control path 110 for example. The control path 110
comprises a first path 112 and a second path 114 communicated with
the first path 112 and deflected relative to the first path 112. On
the other hand, the control path 110 allows the control member 106
to move relative to the first base 46 or the second component 86.
Preferably, another portion of the control member 106 is arranged
with a guiding member 116 to cooperate with the control path 110.
Preferably, the first locking device 54 further comprises a rolling
member 117 in rolling contact with the first base 46 for reducing
friction caused by movement of the first base 46 relative to the
first locking device 54.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the control member
106 is configured to be selectively in one of a locking state L1
and an unlocking L2 state. That is to say, the first locking device
54 can be in the locking state L1 or the unlocking state L2. For
example, the control member 106 can be rotated and deflected
relative to the second component 86 (or the first locking device
54) from the locking state L1 to the unlocking state L2. In
particular, the control member 106 can be switched from the locking
state L1 to the unlocking state L2, or switched from the unlocking
state L2 to the locking state L1 through the first path 112 and the
second path 114 of the control path 110. In the present embodiment,
when the guiding member 116 is located in the second path 114 of
the control path 110 of the first base 46, the control member 106
is in the locking state L1. As such, the control part 108 of the
control member 106 does not engage with the engagement section 94
of the second component 86. When an external force is applied to
the first base 46, the control member 106 is deflected to allow the
guiding member 116 to enter the first path 112 from the second path
114 of the control path 110. As such, the control member 106 is in
the unlocking state L2 relative to the second component 86 (or the
first locking device 54), and the control part 108 of the control
member 106 engages with the engagement section 94 of the second
component 86. In other words, the control part 108 of the control
member 106 can selectively engage or not engage with the engagement
section 94 of the second component 86. On the other hand, a
predetermined longitudinal distance X is defined by the first path
112 of the control path 110.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the first rail 28
is located at a retracted position P1 relative to the second rail
30 (that is, the first furniture part 22 is located at a retracted
position P1 relative to the second furniture part 24). As such, the
control member 106 is in the locking state L1 due to the guiding
member 116 being located in the second path 114 of the control path
110 of the first base 46. When in the locking state L1, the control
part 108 of the control member 106 does not engage with the
engagement section 94 of the second component 86. In such state,
the first component 84 is movable on the auxiliary track 36 along a
first direction D1 and a second direction. Since the first
component 84 is movable on the auxiliary track 36 along the first
direction D1, the first component 84 is movable relative to the
second furniture part 24 from the retracted position P1 toward an
open position along the first direction D1. In addition, the
control member 106 is held in the locking state L1 to allow the
first elastic member 50 to accumulate a first elastic force (or a
first driving force) applied to the connecting member 44 along the
first direction D1. In other words, when the control member 106 of
the first locking device 54 locks the first elastic member 50, the
first elastic member 50 is configured to accumulate the first
elastic force. On the other hand, the capturing member 68 has a
capturing feature 118 configured to capture a portion of the second
rail 30 (or the second furniture part 24), such as capturing the
engagement feature 38. The capturing feature 118 can be a clasp or
recessed structure. Preferably, the second base 48 further
comprises a room 120. The driving mechanism further comprises an
auxiliary elastic member 122 and a pushing member 124 accommodated
in the room 120. The auxiliary elastic member 122 is configured to
provide an elastic force to the pushing member 124, for allowing
the pushing member 124 to be partially extended out of the room 120
to contact the blocking member 70. In addition, the damping rod 82
of the damping device 78 abuts against the blocking member 70.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 19, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, since the
capturing member 68 and the engagement feature 38 of the second
rail 30 engage with each other, when an external force along the
second direction D2 is applied to the first rail 28, the first rail
28 is moved relative to the second rail 30 from the retracted
position P1 along the second direction D2. The pushing member 124
then abuts against the blocking member 70 and presses the auxiliary
elastic member 122 in response to the external force, such that the
first rail 28 is moved a short distance relative to the second rail
30 along the second direction D2. The first base 46 further drives
the control member 106 to move from the locking state L1 to the
unlocking state L2 in response to the first rail 28 being moved
along the second direction D2, such that the control part 108 of
the control member 106 can engage with the engagement section 94 of
the second component 86 (please refer to FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG.
15 for the process of the control member 106 moving from the
locking state L1 to the unlocking state L2, no further illustration
is provided for simplification). In such state, the first component
84 is not movable relative to the auxiliary track 36 along the
second direction D2 (that is to say, the first component 84 is not
movable relative to the second furniture part 24 along the second
direction D2). In other words, in such state, the first component
84 is movable on the auxiliary track 36 only along the first
direction D1 (the direction opposite to the second direction
D2).
[0058] As shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, when the control
member 106 is in the unlocking state L2 (that is to say, the
guiding member 116 of the control member 106 is located in the
first path 112 of the control path 110) and the external force
along the second direction D2 no longer exists, the first elastic
member 50 releases the first elastic force to drive the first rail
28 to move relative to the second rail 30 from the retracted
position P1 along the first direction D1. In other words, when the
control member 106 of the first locking device 54 is in the
unlocking state L2, the first locking device 54 unlocks the first
elastic member 50, such that the first elastic member 50 releases
the first elastic force to allow the first base 46 and the second
base 48 to move with the first rail 28 along the first direction
D1. Briefly, the first rail 28 can be opened relative to the second
rail 30 in response to the first elastic force being released by
the first elastic member 50. Wherein, when the second base 48 is
moved along the first direction D1, the guiding path 72 of the
second base 48 is moved relative to the capturing member 68 to
allow the first pin 71 of the capturing member 68 to enter the
transverse path 76 from the longitudinal path 74 of the guiding
path 72. Accordingly, the capturing member 68 is deflected relative
to the blocking member 70 in order to detach the capturing feature
118 of the capturing member 68 from the engagement feature 38 on
the extension base 34. In addition, the damping rod 82 of the
damping device 78 is extended outward relative to the cylinder 80
to be in a damping ready state and corresponds to the blocking
member 70 of the second locking device 56.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, when the first
rail 28 is moved relative to the second rail 30 from an open
position P2 along the second direction D2 by an external force
(that is to say, the first furniture part 22 is moved relative to
the second furniture part 24 from the open position P2 along the
second direction D2 by the external force), the first base 46 and
the second base 48 are moved with the first rail 28 along the
second direction D2. Wherein, since the first locking device 54 is
in an engaging state (such as the abutting member 96 in FIG. 8
abutting against the first abutting part 98 of the first component
84 and the second abutting part 100 of the of the second component
86) with the control part 108 of the control member 106 engaging
with the engagement section 94 of the second component 86, the
first component 84 is not movable on the auxiliary track 36 along
the second direction D2. In such state, the first elastic member 50
accumulates a first elastic force in response to the external
force, and the second elastic member 52 also accumulates a second
elastic force in response to the external force. In particular,
when the first base 46 is moved relative to the second rail 30 in
response to the external force, the first elastic member 50 is
stretched by the first base 46 to accumulate the first elastic
force. On the other hand, since the first pin 71 of the capturing
member 68 is held in the transverse path 76 of the guiding path 72,
the second elastic member 52 is stretched by the second base 48 to
accumulate the second elastic force.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, when the first rail 28 is
moved a predetermined distance relative to the second rail 30 from
the open position P2 toward the retracted position P1 along the
second direction D2 (such as the first rail 28 being moved the
longitudinal distance X of the first path 112 of the control path
110), the first base 46 is moved to allow the guiding member 116 of
the control member 106 to return to the second path 114 from the
first path 112 of the control path 110, such that the control
member 106 is switched from the unlocking state L2 back to the
locking state L1 relative to the second component 86. Accordingly,
the control part 108 of the control member 106 does not engage with
the engagement section 94 of the second component 86. In such
state, the first elastic member 50 and the second elastic member 52
can respectively accumulate the first elastic force (or the first
driving force) and the second elastic force (or the second driving
force). In other words, the control member 106 of the first locking
device 54 is recovered to the state of locking the first elastic
member 50 in response to the first rail 28 being moved the
predetermined distance relative to the second rail 30. Wherein, the
second elastic force of the second elastic member 52 can be applied
to the connecting member 44 along the second direction D2. On the
other hand, the capturing member 68 is ready to capture the
engagement feature 38 of the second rail 30.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, in an end process of the
first rail 28 being retracted relative to the second rail 30 along
the second direction D2, the capturing feature 118 of the capturing
member 68 captures the engagement feature 38 of the second rail 30,
such that the first pin 71 of the capturing member 68 is moved away
from the transverse path 76 to the longitudinal path 74 of the
guiding path 72. That is to say, the capturing member 68 is
deflected relative to the blocking member 70 to be adjacent to the
blocking member 70.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, when the capturing member
68 captures the engagement feature 38 of the second rail 30, the
second elastic member 52 releases the second elastic force, such
that the first rail 28 is retracted relative to the second rail 30
to the retracted position P1 along the second direction D2 in
response to the second elastic force. In other words, the first
furniture part 22 can be moved relative to the second furniture
part 24 from the open position P2 to the retracted position P1
along the second direction D2 in response to the second elastic
force. In addition, since the damping rod 82 of the damping device
78 abuts against the blocking member 70, the damping member 78 is
configured to provide damping effect in the process of retracting
the first rail 28 to the retracted position P1 relative to the
second rail 30.
[0063] Moreover, the present invention further provides a driving
method for the first furniture part 22 and the second furniture
part 24. The driving method is disclosed in the aforementioned
embodiments. For simplification, no further illustration is
provided.
[0064] Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous
modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made
while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the
above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes
and bounds of the appended claims.
* * * * *