Split lock arm for three-piece slide assembly
A slide assembly including at least a first slide segment and a second slide segment. A bearing assembly is provided between the segments to facilitate sliding movement therebetween. A split lock arm attached to the first slide segment includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a notch, and the second arm has a notch and an angled portion. The notches receive and lock a stop of the second slide segment when the second slide segment is moved to a fully extended state relative to the first slide segment. The second slide segment is releasable from the fully extended state by actuating a spring-biased release member such that the release member engages the angled portion of the second arm. The release member is configured to bias the second arm such that the notch is moved out of alignment with the stop. Accordingly, retraction of the second slide within the first slide is permitted. Simultaneously, the notch on the first arm remains in alignment with the stop and prevents unintentional removal of the second slide segment from the first slide segment.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/525,582, filed Nov. 26, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/480,664, filed Jun. 23, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to slide assemblies and, more particularly, to a lock mechanism for a slide assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Computer servers for computer systems are often mounted in rack structures for convenience and to conserve floor space. Typically, several computer servers are spaced vertically and mounted in each rack structure. To facilitate access to the individual servers for maintenance or upgrades, each server is typically mounted on a pair of slide assemblies to allow the server to slide into and out of the rack structure.
Typical slide assemblies comprise two or more telescoping slide segments. An outer or stationary slide segment is mounted to a frame of the rack structure, and an inner or load-carrying slide segment is mounted to the server. The stationary slide segment is usually C-shaped and defines a channel in which the inner slide segment is slidable to extend or retract the slide assembly. A ball-bearing assembly may be positioned within the channel, between the inner and outer slide segments, to facilitate sliding movement of the inner slide segment with respect to the outer slide segment. In other arrangements, direct contact between the outer slide segment and the inner slide segment may occur, which is often referred to as a solid-bearing slide assembly.
Many slide assemblies additionally include an intermediate slide segment that interconnects the stationary slide segment and the load-carrying slide segment and allows a length of extension greater than the length of any individual segment, thus allowing a rack-mounted server to extend beyond the confines of the rack structure for increased access. Many slide assemblies further contain a lock-out mechanism to maintain the position of the server computer once the slide assembly is fully extended. The lock-out feature conveniently allows the slide assembly to remain securely extended while performing work on the computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of a preferred embodiment involves a slide assembly comprising a stationary, outer slide segment, an intermediate slide segment, and inner slide segment. Preferably, a bearing assembly is provided between the segments to reduce friction therebetween. A split lock arm is attached to the inner slide segment and includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm defines a first notch, and the second arm defines a second notch and an angled portion. Preferably, the first and second notches cooperate to receive an engagement surface of the intermediate slide segment when the inner slide segment is moved to a fully extended state relative to the intermediate slide segment. In one preferred embodiment, the inner slide segment is releasable from the fully extended state by actuating a release member to disengage the second arm from the engagement surface and permit the inner slide segment to be retracted relative to the intermediate slide segment. In one arrangement, the release member comprises an elongated member adapted to contact the angled portion of the second arm and bias the second arm away from the intermediate slide member to disengage the second notch from the engagement surface. While the inner slide segment may be retracted into the intermediate slide segment upon disengagement of the second arm from the engagement surface, the first notch on the first arm prevents removal of the inner slide segment from the intermediate slide segment. Accordingly, inadvertent removal of the inner slide segment from the slide assembly is avoided.
One preferred embodiment is a slide assembly including a first segment and a second segment telescopically engaged with the first segment. A stop is fixed for movement with the second segment. The stop defines a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The slide assembly further includes a controller which has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is secured to the first segment at a first end and extends in a first direction to a second end. The first arm defines a first engagement surface configured to contact the first stop surface to inhibit further movement of the first slide segment relative to the second slide segment in the first direction. The second arm is secured to the first segment at a first end and extends in the first direction to a second end. The second arm defines a second engagement surface configured to contact the second stop surface to inhibit further movement of the first slide segment relative to the second slide segment in the second direction.
In another embodiment, a slide assembly includes a first segment and a second segment telescopically engaged with the first segment. A stop is fixed for movement with the second segment, the stop defining a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The slide assembly further comprises a controller comprising a base, a first arm and a second arm. The base is secured to the first segment and each of the first arm and the second arm is integrally connected to the base and a first end and extends from the base to a second end. The first arm defines a first engagement surface configured to contact the first stop surface to inhibit further movement of the first slide segment relative to the second slide segment in a first direction. The second arm is secured to the first segment at a first end and defines a second engagement surface configured to contact the second stop surface to inhibit further movement of the first slide segment relative to the second slide segment in a second direction. The first and second arms are adapted to not overlap the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described with reference to drawings of a preferred embodiment, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present invention. The drawings include twenty-three (23) figures.
I. Reference to Prior Applications
A preferred embodiment of a slide assembly is illustrated in
II. Preferred Embodiment of a Slide Assembly
With reference to
The three-segment structure of the slide assembly 12 permits the server computer 10 to be extended beyond the confines of the server rack 14 and is particularly helpful in providing a secure position in which to perform maintenance on the server computer 10. It is to be noted, however, that the slide assembly 12 described herein is not adaptable solely to the operating environment depicted in
The intermediate slide segment 18 preferably also has a generally C-shaped cross-section and comprises an upper wall 40, a lower wall 42, and a side wall 44 extending between the upper and lower walls 40, 42. Each of the upper and lower walls 40, 42 of the intermediate slide segment 18 define an arcuate inner bearing surface 46 and an arcuate outer bearing surface 48. The inner bearing surfaces 46 face toward, and the outer bearing surfaces 48 face away from, the central longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12. A longitudinal channel 56 is defined by the inner bearing surfaces 46 and an inner surface of the side wall 44.
Like the outer slide segment 20 and the intermediate slide segment 18, the inner slide segment 16 preferably also has a generally C-shaped cross-section and comprises an upper wall 60, a lower wall 62, and a side wall 64 extending between the upper and lower walls 60, 62. Each of the upper and lower walls 60, 62 defines an arcuate bearing surface 68. The bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 face outward, or away from the central longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12.
The intermediate slide segment 18 is positioned in the channel 36 of the outer slide segment 20 so that the bearing surfaces 32 of the outer slide segment 20 are located adjacent to the outer bearing surfaces 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18. A bearing assembly 74 is positioned between each bearing surface 32 of the outer slide segment 20 and the adjacent to the outer bearing surface 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, each bearing assembly 74 comprises a thin, elongated, generally planar bearing spacer 76 and a number of spherical ball bearings 78. The ball bearings 78 are retained by the bearing spacer 76 in spaced-apart openings formed along the length of the bearing spacer 76. This is an example of one type of preferred bearing spacer, although bearing spacers having alternative configurations are contemplated. The ball bearings 78 roll against the bearing surfaces 32, 48 to facilitate longitudinal sliding movement of the intermediate slide segment 18 with respect to the outer slide segment 20. As will be appreciated, the bearings 78 are retained in the openings of the spacer 76 by the bearing surfaces 32, 48.
Referring still to
The bearing surfaces 32 of the outer slide segment 20, the inner and outer bearing surfaces 46, 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18, and the bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 desirably are concave. Such an arrangement prevents lateral separation of the intermediate slide segment 18 from the outer slide segment 20, and of the inner slide segment 16 from the intermediate slide segment 18.
A transverse ridge 98 extends between the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94, preferably at a forward end of the bearing retainer 84. Desirably, the transverse ridge 98 is defined by a surface of the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84 that faces the intermediate slide segment 18 and is offset toward the intermediate slide segment 18 relative to the remainder of the side portion 96. The ridge 98 may be an indented section of the side portion 96 or may comprise a thickened section of the side portion 96. The ridge 98 permits the bearing assembly 80 to be secured in a desired position relative to the intermediate slide segment 18, as is described in greater detail below. Alternative arrangements may be used in the place of the above-described ridge 98, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon review of the function of the ridge 98 described in greater detail below.
Preferably, each of the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94 comprises a number of tabs 97 that extend generally perpendicularly to the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84. Each tab 97 has a circular opening 100 provided therein to accommodate one of the ball bearings 86. The diameter of the openings 100 preferably is less than the diameter of the ball bearings 86 to trap the ball bearings 86 between the tabs 97 and the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18. The bearing assembly 80 desirably is movable along the length of the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18. This allows the ball bearings 86 to roll along the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18 as the inner slide segment 16 is moved within the channel 56.
III. Preferred Embodiment of a Split Lock Arm
Extending from the first end 172, the split lock arm 170 also includes a resilient first arm 234 and a resilient second arm 236 that angle slightly away from the side wall 64. The arms 234, 236 extend toward a forward end of the inner slide segment 16 to a second end 174 of the split lock arm 170. The first arm 234 includes a notch 237, preferably located near the second end 174 of the split lock arm 170. The notch 237 defines an engagement surface 237a, which faces a forward end of the inner slide segment 16.
The second arm 236 includes an angled portion 173, which is angled inwardly toward the inner surface of the side wall 64 and defines a contact surface, preferably configured for contact with a release member, as is described in greater detail below. The second arm 236 also defines a notch 238, which preferably is positioned to a rearward side of the angled portion 173 and faces the notch 237 of the first arm 234. Preferably, the notch 238 defines a pair of engagement surfaces 238a, 238b. The first engagement surface 238a faces a forward end of the inner slide segment 16 and the second engagement surface 238b faces a rearward end of the inner slide segment 16. The notches 237, 238 together form an opening 176 near the second end 174 of the split lock arm 170.
The arms 234, 236 of the split lock arm 170 desirably can each be flexed independently inwardly toward the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16, without affecting the other arm, and then allowed to resiliently return to its original position. An opening 178 is provided in the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16 adjacent to the second end 174 of the lock arm 170. When the arm 236 is fully flexed toward the side wall 64, preferably, the angled portion 173 of the split lock arm 170 extends into the opening 178.
Referring to
With reference to
Preferably, to permit retraction of the inner slide segment 16 relative to the intermediate slide segment 18, the arm 236 is moved toward the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16 so that the engagement surface 238b is no longer adjacent the stop surface 188a. As a result, retraction of the inner slide segment 16 is permitted. However, removal of the inner slide segment 16 from the intermediate slide segment 18 is inhibited due to the engagement surface 237a still being located adjacent the stop surface 188b. Accordingly, unintentional disconnection of the inner slide segment 16 from the remainder of the slide assembly 12 is prevented. To permit removal of the inner slide segment 16 from the intermediate slide segment 18, both arms 234, 236 are moved toward the inner slide segment 16 so that both the engagement surfaces 237a, 238a, 238b are no longer adjacent the stop surfaces 188a, 188b. A number of suitable actuator(s) may be provided to permit selective movement of the arms 234, 236 in the manner described above. Preferred actuators for moving only the arm 236, and for moving both arms 234, 236, are described in greater detail below.
IV. Preferred Embodiment of a Slide Lock Release Arrangement
As shown in
With reference to
The release member 200 further comprises a bottom sliding surface 206 having a longitudinal groove 204 formed therein. Preferably, the groove 204 spans the length of the release member 200. The longitudinal groove 204 provides a clearance space to permit the release member 200 to slidably pass over fasteners, such as rivets or screws, that may be mounted through the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16. In the illustrated arrangement, a front edge 208 of the release member 200 is chamfered such that a surface 210 facing the intermediate slide segment 18 is longer than the opposing surface 206.
The release member 200 includes an opening 309 with a flexible arm 313 supported therein, preferably in plane with the release member body 200. Preferably, the flexible arm 313 is formed during the molding of the release member body 200 such that the arm 313 and the release body 200 form a unitary member. However, in alternative arrangements, the arm 313 may be a separate member attached to the release member 200 by a suitable method.
As shown in
Preferably, the channel 317 is substantially linear and angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the inner slide segment 16 such that a forward end of the channel 317 is lower than a rearward end of the channel 317 (with respect to the orientation shown in
The forward end of the lower, cam surface of the channel 317 desirably includes a depression, or detent portion 323. The detent advantageously retains the elongated release member 200 in its forward position relative to the inner slide segment 16, as shown and discussed in connection with
Preferably, the cam follower 315 includes an enlarged, circular portion 315a. The circular portion 315a is offset from a plane occupied by the arm 313, in a direction toward the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16. Desirably, at least an upper portion of the circular portion 315a extends above the upper surface of the arm 313. Accordingly, the leaf spring 321 is prevented from moving out-of-plane with the arm 313, in a direction toward the inner slide segment 16, by the circular portion 315a. Advantageously, such an arrangement provides a cost-efficient, reliable biasing mechanism for the release member body 200.
With reference to FIGS. 9A-C, desirably, the release member 200 further includes a flange 214 on a forward end thereof. The flange 214 is configured to provide a push surface 216 providing an increased surface area to receive an actuating force 319 applied by a user of the slide assembly 12.
During initial assembly, the release member 200 is inserted into the inner slide segment channel 56. The draft angle of the side walls 202 and the correspondingly shaped inner slide segment upper and lower walls 60, 62 maintain the slide segment 200 in sliding engagement with the inner slide segment 16 and disallow removal except by sliding. That is, the release member 200 is inhibited from being removed from the inner slide segment 16 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the slide segment 16.
As the arm 236 is depressed, the notch 238 is biased away from the stop 188 (
It is to be noted that although the chamfered front edge 208 engages the angled portion 173 of the arm 236, allowing the inner slide segment 16 to be retracted into the intermediate slide segment 18, the notch 237 of the arm 234 remains in contact with the stop 188, preventing the inner slide segment 16 from being removed from the intermediate slide segment 18. Thus, applying the actuating force 319 to the release member 200 allows the inner slide segment 16 to be retracted into the intermediate slide segment 18, but, preferably, does not allow the inner slide segment 16 to be disconnected from the slide assembly 12.
Advantageously, the release member 200 provides access to the release mechanism at the front of the slide assembly 12, such that a user is not required to reach toward the rear of the inner slide segment 16. This offers a tremendous convenience because the technician can see the release flanges 214 while in front of the server computer 10 and does not have to reach around the server computer 10 and feel for the release flanges 214. Moreover, since the actuating force 319 required to operate the release mechanism is in the same direction as a retracting force on the server computer 10, by applying a sufficient force to each release member 200, a technician can unlock the slide assemblies 12 and retract the server computer 10 with a single motion.
Advantageously, the illustrated biasing arrangement 311 is configured to reset the release member 200 upon cessation of the actuating force 319. As illustrated in
Thus, a simple to manufacture, assemble, and operate front release mechanism is provided that preferably (1) is fully contained within the channels of the slide segments, (2) is accessible from the front of the slide assembly 12, and (3) resets automatically upon removal of the actuating force.
Although the illustrated slide assembly embodiments include an inner slide segment 16, an intermediate slide segment 18, and an outer slide segment 20, it is to be noted that the locking and release mechanisms described herein can be incorporated in slide assemblies having two or more slide segments. Thus, the locking and release mechanisms can be incorporated in slide assemblies having more than one intermediate slide segment, or no intermediate slide segment.
V. Preferred Embodiment of a Slide Controller Arrangement
With reference to
The latch 126 comprises a thin, planar, cantilevered secondary arm 138 having a raised locking portion 140 at a front end thereof. The locking portion 140 includes a generally planar sloping front face 142 and a generally planar sloping rear face 144. Desirably, the front face 142 extends a slightly greater distance above the planar surface of the secondary arm 138 than does the rear face 144. In the illustrated embodiment, a recess 146 is formed between the front face 142 and the rear face 144. The recess 146 is defined between a front locking surface 150 and a rear locking surface 152.
The controller 120 desirably is formed of a stiff yet flexible material to allow the primary and secondary arms 128, 138 to flex or bend, and resiliently return to position. Preferably, the controller 120 is formed of a resilient, durable, low-friction plastic material, such as acetal. Alternatively, however, other suitable materials may be used, including non-plastic materials, for example.
The forward end of the intermediate slide segment 18 is shown in
Referring again to
To ensure proper operation of the latch 126, the front face 142 desirably forms an angle α with a plane parallel to the plane of the side wall 44 of between 10 and 80 degrees when the latch 126 is in the first position illustrated in
One embodiment of the latch 126 serves to retain the bearing assembly 80 near the forward end of the channel 56 when the inner slide segment 16 is removed from the intermediate slide segment 18. When the latch 126 is in the first position illustrated in
With reference to
The illustrated guide member 153 includes a pair of generally cylindrical guide portions 154 extending lengthwise within upper and lower ends of the channel 66 defined by the intermediate slide segment 18. Each of the guide portions 154 preferably have a diameter of a similar dimension as a diameter of the ball bearings 86 and a length generally equal to the distance between the forward end of the bearing assembly 80 and the forward end of the intermediate slide segment 18. A bridge portion 155 interconnects, and properly spaces, the pair of guide portions 154. Preferably, the guide member 153 is constructed of a plastic material and is configured to snap into place within the channel 66 of the intermediate slide segment 18.
With reference to
As the inner slide segment 16 is moved forward in the channel 56, the bearing assembly 80 is moved toward the latch 126. When the inner slide segment 16 is removed from the channel 56, the transverse ridge 98 of the bearing retainer 84 contacts the rear face 144 of the latch 126, causing the latch 126 to move to the second latch position, wherein the secondary arm 138 is flexed away from the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. The transverse ridge 98 rides over the rear face 144 of the latch 126 and into the recess 146 to lock the bearing assembly 80 in place again.
In accordance with one embodiment, to remove the inner slide segment 16 from the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18, the arms 234, 236 of the split lock arm 170 are moved toward the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16, preferably by manually pressing the actuator 124 towards the split lock arm 170, as shown in
VI. Preferred Embodiment of a Slide Sequencing and Lock Arrangement
With reference to
With reference to
When the intermediate slide segment 18 and the inner slide segment 16, together, are fully extended with respect to the outer slide segment 20, as shown in
To release the pivot arm 390 from the stop surface 398, the inner slide segment 16 is retracted with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18, as illustrated in
With reference to
If the inner and intermediate slide segments 16, 18 are extended with respect to the outer slide segment 20 a sufficient distance, the tab 393 of the pivot arm 390 contacts the actuator 395. With further extension of the intermediate slide segment 18, the tab 393 rides over the sloping surface 397 of the actuator 395 and then rotates into abutting engagement with the stop surface 398. In this position, the intermediate slide segment 18 is locked in the fully extended state, as described above. Further, when the pivot arm 390 is rotated due to the tab 393 moving over the sloping surface 397, the hook 303 is withdrawn from the notch 161, thus allowing the inner slide segment 16 to be extended with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention.
Claims
1. A slide assembly, comprising:
- a first segment;
- a second segment telescopically engaged with said first segment;
- a stop fixed for movement with said second segment, said stop defining a first stop surface and a second stop surface;
- a controller comprising a first arm and a second arm, said first arm secured to said first segment at a first end and extending in a first direction to a second end, said first arm defining a first engagement surface configured to contact said first stop surface to inhibit further movement of said first slide segment relative to said second slide segment in said first direction, said second arm secured to said first segment at a first end and extending in said first direction to a second end, said second arm defining a second engagement surface configured to contact said second stop surface to inhibit further movement of said first slide segment relative to said second slide segment in said second direction.
2. The slide assembly of claim 1, said second arm including a third engagement surface configured to contact said first stop surface and cooperate with said first engagement surface of said first arm to inhibit movement of said first slide segment relative to said second slide segment in said first direction.
3. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second arm are interconnected by a base at said respective first ends.
4. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second arms are constructed from a resilient material and said second ends thereof are biased, in a relaxed position of said arms, relatively closer to said second slide segment than said first ends.
5. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said second arm includes a tab angled relative to a remainder of said second arm, said tab configured to contact said stop and bias said second arm toward said first slide segment to permit said second end of said second arm to pass over said stop.
6. The slide assembly of claim 1, further comprising a release actuator configured to move said second arm toward said first slide segment to release said second engagement surface from said second stop surface to permit said first slide segment to move in said second direction.
7. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said release actuator is moveable along a longitudinal axis of said first slide segment.
8. The slide assembly of claim 1, further comprising a release actuator configured to move toward said first slide segment to release said first engagement surface from said first stop surface to permit said first slide segment to further move in said first direction.
9. A slide assembly, comprising:
- a first segment;
- a second segment telescopically engaged with said first segment;
- a stop fixed for movement with said second segment, said stop defining a first stop surface and a second stop surface;
- a controller comprising a base, a first arm and a second arm, said base secured to said first segment and each of said first arm and said second arm integrally connected to said base and a first end and extending from said base to a second end, said first arm defining a first engagement surface configured to contact said first stop surface to inhibit further movement of said first slide segment relative to said second slide segment in a first direction, said second arm secured to said first segment at a first end and defining a second engagement surface configured to contact said second stop surface to inhibit further movement of said first slide segment relative to said second slide segment in a second direction, wherein said first and second arms do not overlap said base.
10. The slide assembly of claim 9, wherein said first and second arms extend from said base in a same direction.
11. The slide assembly of claim 9, wherein said first ends and said base are substantially coplanar.
12. The slide assembly of claim 9, said second arm including a third engagement surface configured to contact said first stop surface and cooperate with said first engagement surface of said first arm to inhibit movement of said first slide segment relative to said second slide segment in said first direction.
13. The slide assembly of claim 9, wherein said first and second arm are interconnected by a base at said respective first ends.
14. The slide assembly of claim 9, wherein said first and second arms are constructed from a resilient material and said second ends thereof are biased, in a relaxed position of said arms, relatively closer to said second slide segment than said first ends.
15. The slide assembly of claim 9, wherein said second arm includes a tab angled relative to a remainder of said second arm, said tab configured to contact said stop and bias said second arm toward said first slide segment to permit said second end of said second arm to pass over said stop.
16. The slide assembly of claim 9, further comprising a release actuator configured to move said second arm toward said first slide segment to release said second engagement surface from said second stop surface to permit said first slide segment to move in said second direction.
17. The slide assembly of claim 9, wherein said release actuator is moveable along a longitudinal axis of said first slide segment.
18. The slide assembly of claim 9, further comprising a release actuator configured to move toward said first slide segment to release said first engagement surface from said first stop surface to permit said first slide segment to further move in said first direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2005
Inventors: Paul Cirocco (Yorba Linda, CA), Cirile Regalado (Corona, CA)
Application Number: 10/873,418