Sliding lock mechanism

摘要

A sliding lock mechanism that utilizes a binding bar to prevent movement of a sliding member on a slide rail in at least one direction. A spring mechanism exerts a biasing force on the binding bar to maintain the locked position. The binding bar can be moved to an unlocking position by overcoming the bias of the spring. This then allows movement of the sliding member in two directions on the slide rail. An actuating rod moves the binding bar between the first and second positions. The mechanism can be added to a stowing mechanism for a laptop or other device that can secure different devices with varying widths within a compartment due to a drive spring mechanism. The addition of the locking mechanism allows for greater security of the laptop during periods of vibration and prevents backdriving of the spring mechanism.

主权项

1. A stowing mechanism for a device comprising:
an actuator; a first jack mechanism; a compartment formed between the jack mechanism and another structure for receiving the device; wherein the actuator is selectively movable to actuate the first jack mechanism between a secured position securing the device and an unsecured position allowing the device to be inserted into and removed from the compartment; a sliding carriage; a slide rail, with the sliding carriage slideably mounted on the slide rail; the sliding carriage including a ledge; a binding bar having a first end, a second end and an aperture for positioning over a portion of the slide rail, wherein the first end is positioned on the ledge such that the binding bar is pivotable with respect to the ledge, the binding bar being pivotable on the ledge to a locked first position pivoted away from perpendicular with respect to the slide rail to engage the slide rail in the first position and prevent movement of the sliding carriage in one direction within a set force range, the binding bar also being pivotable on the ledge to an unlocked second position generally perpendicular to the slide rail to release from the slide rail and allow the sliding carriage to move in two directions on the slide rail; a spring mechanism exerting a biasing force on the binding bar to bias the binding bar toward the first position; an actuating rod for engaging the binding bar to overcome the bias of the spring and move the binding bar between the locked first position and the unlocked second position.