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(11) | EP 3 025 615 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Self-closing slide rail assembly with deceleration mechanism |
| (57) A self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism (16) includes first
and second rails (10, 12) and a self-closing mechanism (14), in addition to the deceleration
mechanism (16). The self-closing mechanism (14) is mounted to the first rail (10)
and includes an elastic member (34) for providing an elastic force in a first direction
(D1). The deceleration mechanism (16) includes a deceleration spring (66) for providing
an elastic force in an opposite second direction (D2). When the second rail (12) is
displaced from an extended position toward a retracted position relative to the first
rail (10), the self-closing mechanism (14) automatically drives the second rail (12)
toward the retracted position due to the elastic force applied by the elastic member
(34). Meanwhile, the elastic force of the deceleration spring (66) serves as a deceleration
force, allowing the second rail (12) to move slowly to the retracted position.
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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 US Patent Nos. 6,712,435; 6,733,097; 6,971,729; and 7,878,606.
[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:
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;
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;
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;
FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the self-closing mechanism and the deceleration mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention;
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;
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;
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;
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;
FIG. 8B is a schematic partial enlarged view of FIG. 8A, showing the damping room filled with a cushioning medium;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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
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
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] The elastic member 34 is inserted into the longitudinal room 42 through the mounting opening 50.
[0020] 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).
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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).
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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).
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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 D 1 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] FIG. 14 shows the second embodiment of the self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism according to the present invention.
[0046] 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.
[0047] FIG. 15 shows the third embodiment of the self-closing slide rail assembly with a deceleration mechanism according to the present invention.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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).
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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 D 1 and thus automatically and slowly move the second rail back to the retracted position.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
a housing (32);
a movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) movably connected with the housing (32);
an elastic member (34, 318, 432) for applying an elastic force to the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) in a first direction (D1), wherein when the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is engaged with the housing (32) at a predetermined position thereof, the elastic member (34, 318, 432) accumulates the elastic force in the first direction (D1); and
a deceleration mechanism (16) including:
a base (62, 200, 402);
a supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) movably connected with the base (62, 200, 402), the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) having a portion corresponding to the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424); and
a deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) for applying to the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) an elastic force in a second direction (D2) opposite the first direction (D1), wherein the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) is less than the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432);
wherein when the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) drives the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) in response to the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432), the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) counteracts the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432) such that movement of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) relative to the housing (32) is reduced in speed.
a first rail (10, 300, 428);
a second rail (12) longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail (10, 300, 428);
a stop portion (24) provided at the second rail (12); and
the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) according claim 1, wherein the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) is mounted to the first rail (10, 300, 428) such that, while the second rail (12) is being retracted in the first direction (D1) from an extended position toward a retracted position relative to the first rail (10, 300, 428), the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) automatically moves the second rail (12) back to the retracted position by means of the stop portion (24),
wherein the housing (32) of the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) further includes an engaging portion (43, 314, 426), while the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) of the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) further includes an actuating portion (60, 316, 430) for engaging with the stop portion (24);
wherein when the actuating portion (60, 316, 430) of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is engaged with the stop portion (24), and the second rail (12) is so operated as to be displaced in the second direction (D2) toward the extended position, the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is driven by the second rail (12) into engagement with the engaging portion (46, 314, 426) of the housing (32) such that the elastic member (34, 318, 432) accumulates the elastic force in the first direction (D1); and
wherein when the second rail (12) is being so operated as to be displaced in the first direction (D1) from the extended position toward the retracted position with the actuating portion (60, 316, 430) of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) of the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) being engaged with the stop portion (24), the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is driven to disengage from the engaging portion (46, 314, 426) and drives the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) in response to the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432) such that, with the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) that is able to counteract the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432), the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) automatically and slowly moves the second rail (12) back to the retracted position via the actuating portion (60, 316, 430).
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
a housing (32);
a movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) movably connected with the housing (32);
an elastic member (34, 318, 432) for applying an elastic force to the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) in a first direction (D1), wherein when the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is engaged with the housing (32) at a predetermined position thereof, the elastic member (34, 318, 432) accumulates the elastic force in the first direction (D1); and
a deceleration mechanism (16) including:
a base (62, 200, 402);
a supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) movably connected with the base (62, 200, 402), and
a deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) for applying to the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) an elastic force in a second direction (D2) opposite the first direction (D1), wherein the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) is less than the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432);
characterized in that the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) further includes a first side (54a) and a second side (54b) opposite the first side (54a), the first side (54a) having a first projection (56) and a second projection (58), and the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) having a contact portion (90) corresponding to the second projection (58) of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) such that the second projection (58) can be pressed against the contact portion (90);
wherein when the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) drives the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) in response to the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432), the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) counteracts the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432) such that movement of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) relative to the housing (32) is reduced in speed.
a first rail (10, 300, 428);
a second rail (12) longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail (10, 300, 428);
a stop portion (24) provided at the second rail (12); and
the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) according claim 1, wherein the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) is mounted to the first rail (10, 300, 428) such that, while the second rail (12) is being retracted in the first direction (D1) from an extended position toward a retracted position relative to the first rail (10, 300, 428), the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) automatically moves the second rail (12) back to the retracted position by means of the stop portion (24),
wherein the housing (32) of the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) further includes an engaging portion (43, 314, 426), while the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) of the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) further includes an actuating portion (60, 316, 430) for engaging with the stop portion (24);
wherein when the actuating portion (60, 316, 430) of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is engaged with the stop portion (24), and the second rail (12) is so operated as to be displaced in the second direction (D2) toward the extended position, the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is driven by the second rail (12) into engagement with the engaging portion (46, 314, 426) of the housing (32) such that the elastic member (34, 318, 432) accumulates the elastic force in the first direction (D1); and
wherein when the second rail (12) is being so operated as to be displaced in the first direction (D1) from the extended position toward the retracted position with the actuating portion (60, 316, 430) of the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) of the self-closing mechanism (14, 310) being engaged with the stop portion (24), the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) is driven to disengage from the engaging portion (46, 314, 426) and drives the supporting member (64, 210, 308, 410) in response to the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432) such that, with the elastic force applied by the deceleration spring (66, 206, 306, 422) that is able to counteract the elastic force applied by the elastic member (34, 318, 432), the movable member (36, 214, 312, 424) automatically and slowly moves the second rail (12) back to the retracted position via the actuating portion (60, 316, 430).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description