CN115500630B

CN115500630B - Intelligent cabinet system and lock mechanism for same

Info

Publication number: CN115500630B
Application number: CN202110692960.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈庚金; 刘骏达; 苏信诚; 庄子德; 林淑珍
Original assignee: King Slide Works Co Ltd; King Slide Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: King Slide Works Co Ltd; King Slide Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-22
Filing date: 2021-06-22
Publication date: 2024-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-22
Also published as: CN115500630A

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent cabinet system and a lock mechanism for the system, wherein the lock mechanism is applicable to a first object and a second object which can move relatively. The second object can be in one of a folding position, a preset extending position and an opening position relative to the first object. The lock mechanism comprises a lock member and a driving device. The driving device is used for driving the lock piece to move from a first preset position to a second preset position; when the second object moves from the folding position to a direction relative to the first object, the lock piece at the second preset position can be used for stopping the second object at a preset extending position; the predetermined extended position is located between the retracted position and the open position.

Description

Intelligent cabinet system and lock mechanism for same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to intelligent cabinet systems, and more particularly to a lock mechanism for use with such systems.

Background

Generally, the track assembly may be used in a rack system of a home, office, or electronic device. The sliding rail assembly comprises a first rail and a second rail which are respectively arranged on a first object and a second object, such as a cabinet body and a drawer, so that the drawer can be opened or closed relative to the first rail and/or the cabinet body through the second rail.

Depending on the needs, it is sometimes undesirable for the market or user to have the second rail (second object) arbitrarily operated from a predetermined position relative to the first rail (first object) to leave the predetermined position.

U.S. patent publication No. 2020018098A1 discloses a lock mechanism that can be provided on one of a first object and a second object that are relatively movable. The lock mechanism comprises a driving device and a lock piece. The lock member can be driven by the driving device (such as a motor) to move from a first position to a second position in a non-rotating manner; when the lock is at one of the first position and the second position, the lock is used for locking the other of the first object and the second object; when the locking piece is positioned at the other of the first position and the second position, the locking piece does not lock the other of the first object and the second object.

US patent publication No. US 8,328,299B2 discloses a drawer slide and lock mechanism. The lock mechanism is an electronic lock. As can be seen from fig. 1 of the scheme, the drawer slide includes an outer rail and an inner rail. The inner rail can be in a folding position relative to the outer rail. Wherein the rear end of the inner rail is provided with a pin. In another aspect, a lock mechanism includes a latch receiver, a lever arm, and a motor. Wherein, as shown in fig. 1 and 2 of the document, the latch receiver can be in a first position, and in the first position, the latch receiver is in a state of being used for capturing the pin of the inner rail, and as shown in fig. 3 of the document, once the motor receives an electronic control signal, the motor can drive the lever arm to rotate, so that the top of the lever arm can be linked and push the latch receiver to rotate from the first position to the second position so as to lock the pin of the inner rail. According to this configuration, the inner rail can be locked in the retracted position relative to the outer rail.

Furthermore, the two patent documents use the motor to drive the lever arm, so if the motor is relied on to continuously turn on or off to control whether the lever arm rotates, the power consumption is usually relatively high, and particularly, the motor is consumed by both the on and off operations, which is not beneficial to long-term use of the battery; alternatively, it is sometimes undesirable to implement the lock function in this configuration, depending on market demand or the manner in which the structure is operated, and therefore, how to develop a product in a different manner is a non-negligible issue.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock mechanism that can be applied to relatively movable articles.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a smart cabinet system includes a first object, a second object, a lock mechanism, a controller, and an electronic device. The second object can move relative to the first object; the lock mechanism comprises a lock piece; the electronic device is used for being connected to the controller in a communication way, and can transmit a first control signal or a second control signal to the controller; the second object can move from a folding position to an opening position relative to the first object; when the electronic device transmits the first control signal to the controller, the controller can control the locking piece of the locking mechanism to move from a first preset position to a second preset position according to the first control signal; when the second object moves from the folding position to an opening direction relative to the first object, the lock piece of the lock mechanism is positioned at the second preset position, and the lock piece can be used for stopping the second object at a preset extending position; wherein the predetermined extended position is located between the retracted position and the open position.

Preferably, the first object is a cabinet and the second object is a drawer or a door.

Preferably, the electronic device and the controller are in communication connection with each other through a wireless transmission mode.

Preferably, the lock mechanism further comprises a sensor for detecting whether the second object is in the retracted position.

Preferably, when the second object is at the folding position, the lock is at the first preset position; when the second object leaves the folding position in the opening direction, the sensor generates a first sensing signal according to the first sensing signal, and the controller controls the locking piece of the locking mechanism to move from the first preset position to the second preset position according to the first control signal after judging that the second object leaves the folding position according to the first sensing signal, so as to stop the second object at the preset extending position.

Preferably, after the controller determines that the second object has left the folding position for a predetermined time according to the first sensing signal, the controller may send a notification signal to the electronic device.

Preferably, when the electronic device transmits the second control signal to the controller, the controller can control the locking member of the locking mechanism to be at the first predetermined position according to the second control signal, so that the second object is not blocked at the predetermined extending position by the locking member, and the second object is allowed to be displaced to the opening position in the opening direction.

Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system further comprises a power storage device, and the lock mechanism further comprises a driving device; the power storage device is used for providing electric energy to the driving device.

Preferably, when the controller receives the first control signal and the driving device is powered on, the driving device can be used for driving the lock to move from the first preset position to the second preset position; when the controller receives the second control signal, the driving device is not electrified, so that the lock piece is positioned at the first preset position.

Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system further comprises a lock catch, wherein the lock mechanism is arranged on one of the first object and the second object, and the lock catch is arranged on the other of the first object and the second object; when the locking piece of the locking mechanism is at the second preset position, the locking piece can be used for blocking the lock catch so as to stop the second object at the preset extending position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lock mechanism is adapted for a first object and a second object that are movable relative to each other, the second object being capable of being in one of a closed position, a predetermined extended position and an open position relative to the first object, the lock mechanism being disposed in one of the first object and the second object, and the lock mechanism comprising a lock and a driving device. The driving device is used for driving the lock piece to move from a first preset position to a second preset position; when the second object moves from the folding position to an opening direction relative to the first object, the lock piece is positioned at the second preset position and can be used for stopping the second object at a preset extending position; wherein the predetermined extended position is located between the retracted position and the open position.

Preferably, when the second object is displaced from the folding position to the opening direction relative to the first object, the second object is not blocked at the predetermined extending position by the locking piece through the locking piece at the first predetermined position, so as to allow the second object to be displaced to the opening position in the opening direction.

Preferably, the lock mechanism further comprises a power storage device for providing an electric power to the driving device.

Preferably, the lock mechanism is electrically connected to a controller, and the controller is used for receiving a first control signal or a second control signal of an electronic device; when the controller receives the first control signal and the second object leaves the folding position in the opening direction, the driving device is electrified, and the driving device can be used for driving the lock piece to move from the first preset position to the second preset position; when the controller receives the second control signal, the driving device is not electrified, so that the lock piece is positioned at the first preset position.

Preferably, the lock mechanism further comprises a rotating mechanism, and the driving device drives the lock piece to move from the first preset position to the second preset position through the rotating mechanism.

Preferably, the lock mechanism further comprises an elastic member, the driving device is not energized when the controller receives the second control signal, and the lock member is maintained at the first predetermined position in response to the elastic force of the elastic member.

Preferably, the lock mechanism further comprises a slider, and the driving device drives the lock to move from the first preset position to the second preset position through the slider.

Preferably, the lock mechanism further comprises a lock catch and a fixing seat, wherein the lock catch is arranged on the other of the first object and the second object; when the locking piece of the locking mechanism moves from the first preset position to the second preset position, the locking piece can be used for blocking the lock catch so that the second object is blocked at the preset extending position; the fixing seat is used for keeping the action direction of the locking piece perpendicular to the lock catch.

Drawings

For further explanation and to demonstrate the above noted objects, structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the intelligent cabinet system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a smart cabinet system according to the present invention, which is exemplified by a drawer system.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the intelligent cabinet system of the present invention, taking the drawer system as an example.

Fig. 4 shows a combined schematic view of the lock mechanism of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded schematic view of the lock mechanism of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the invention in a folded state relative to a first object.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention being slightly opened but locked with respect to the first object.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a completely opened state with respect to the first object.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an operation flow of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the first setting mode.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an operation flow of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the second setting mode.

Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a predetermined extended position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the retracted position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the predetermined extended position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the retracted position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the predetermined extended position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in the retracted position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in the predetermined extended position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in the retracted position relative to the lock mechanism.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic view of the second object of the intelligent cabinet system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in the predetermined extended position relative to the lock mechanism.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1, the intelligent cabinet system 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first object 22, at least one second object 24, at least one lock mechanism 26, a controller 28, and an electronic device 30. Preferably, a power storage device 32 is also included.

The first object 22 and the at least one second object 24 are movable relative to each other. Here, the first object 22 is taken as a cabinet, and the at least one second object 24 is taken as a drawer or a door, but the implementation is not limited thereto. Further, if the at least one second object 24 is a drawer, it is adapted to mate with the first object 22 with a retractable track assembly, such as a ball track assembly or a hidden track assembly; if the at least one second item 24 is a door, it is adapted for mating with the first item 22.

The electronic device 30 is communicatively connected to the controller 28, such that the electronic device 30 and the controller 28 can communicate information with each other. For example, the electronic device 30 can transmit at least one control signal to the controller 28, and the controller 28 can be configured to electrically control the at least one locking mechanism 26.

The power storage device 32 can be used to provide an electrical power to the controller 28 or other related electronic components electrically connected to the controller 28.

Preferably, the electronic device 30 and the controller 28 are communicatively coupled to each other via a wireless transmission. The wireless transmission method is, for example, WIFI, RFID, bluetooth, sub_1GHz, loRa or NFC, but is not limited in implementation.

Preferably, the electronic device 30 can be a mobile phone, a tablet or a smart watch, but is not limited in implementation.

Preferably, the power storage device 32 comprises a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery or various lithium batteries, wherein the rechargeable battery can be charged by an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) transformer or a wireless charging device, but is not limited in implementation.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first object 22 of the intelligent cabinet system 20 is a cabinet, and the second object 24 is a drawer. Preferably, the cabinet may be provided with a first rail (not shown) and the drawer may be provided with a second rail (not shown) by which the drawer may be facilitated to move relative to the cabinet. Wherein the first rail may be considered the first object 22 and the second rail may be considered the second object 24.

Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further comprises a lock catch 34, the lock mechanism 26 is disposed on one of the first object 22 and the second object 24, and the lock catch 34 is disposed on the other of the first object 22 and the second object 24. Here, the lock mechanism 26 is disposed on the first object 22, and the lock catch 34 is disposed on the second object 24, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the latch 34 includes a first portion 36, a second portion 38, and a space S between the first portion 36 and the second portion 38.

Preferably, the second portion 38 has a guiding feature 40, and the guiding feature 40 includes, for example, but is not limited to, a slope or a curved surface.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the lock mechanism 26 includes a lock member 42, preferably a drive device 44, a sensor 46, and a circuit board assembly 48. The driving device 44 and the sensor 46 are electrically connected to the circuit board assembly 48, and the driving device 44 can be used to drive the locking member 42.

Preferably, the driving device 44 comprises an electromagnet (solenoid) or a motor, but is not limited in implementation.

Preferably, the sensor 46 may be an electronic switch, such as a proximity switch or a micro switch, but is not limited in implementation. Here, the sensor 46 includes an elastic sensing portion 46a.

Preferably, the lock mechanism 26 further comprises a base plate 50, wherein the base plate 50 is used for carrying one of the circuit board assembly 48 and the driving device 44, and the base plate 50 is used for carrying the circuit board assembly 48 and the driving device 44, but is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the lock mechanism 26 further includes a fixing base 52 fixedly connected to the base 50, wherein the fixing base 52 has an arcuate profile as an example, but is not limited to practice. The fixing base 52 includes a space for the lock member 42 to penetrate, and the fixing base 52 can be used for maintaining or stabilizing the actuation direction of the lock member 42.

Preferably, the lock mechanism 26 further includes a connector 54 electrically connected to the circuit board assembly 48, and the connector 54 is electrically connected to associated electronic components, an external power source, or the controller 28; alternatively, in other possible embodiments, the controller 28 may be disposed on the circuit board assembly 48, but is not limited in implementation.

Preferably, the lock mechanism 26 further comprises a housing 56, and the housing 56 can be used to cover part or all of the lock 42, the driving device 44, the sensor 46 and the circuit board assembly 48, the base 50, the fixing base 52 and the connector 54, thereby protecting the related components.

As shown in fig. 6, 7 and 8 (and fig. 11, 12 and 13), the second object 24 may be located at one of a retracted position P1 (as shown in fig. 6 or 11), a predetermined extended position P2 (as shown in fig. 7 or 12) and an open position P3 (as shown in fig. 8 or 13) relative to the first object 22, and the predetermined extended position P2 is located between the retracted position P1 and the open position P3. For example, the predetermined extending position P2 may be any intermediate position between the retracted position P1 and the open position P3. Preferably, the folding position P1 is a fully folding position P1, and the opening position P3 is a fully opening position.

The lock mechanism 26 is disposed on the first object 22, and the lock catch 34 is disposed on the second object 24, wherein the main portion of the lock mechanism 26 is omitted in fig. 8. The electronic device 30 may transmit a first control signal or a second control signal to the controller 28 electrically connected to the driving device 44 of the lock mechanism 26. For example, the electronic device 30 may be provided with an Application (App), and the electronic device 30 may have a first setting mode or a second setting mode through the Application, so that the electronic device 30 may provide the first control signal or the second control signal to be communicatively connected to the controller 28, and through the sensor 46, the controller 28 and/or the sensor 46 may selectively drive the lock 42 of the lock mechanism 26.

In the first setting mode, when the electronic device 30 transmits the first control signal (e.g. the locking signal) to the controller 28, the controller 28 can control the locking member 42 of the locking mechanism 26 to move from a first predetermined position K1 (as shown in fig. 6 or 11) to a second predetermined position K2 (as shown in fig. 7 or 12) according to the first control signal and the sensing state of the sensor 46, so that when the second object 24 is displaced from the retracted position P1 to an opening direction D1 (as shown in fig. 6 or 11) relative to the first object 22, the locking member 42 of the locking mechanism 26 is at the second predetermined position K2, and the locking member 42 can be used to stop the second object 24 at the predetermined extended position P2 (as shown in fig. 7 or 12).

Preferably, the fixing base 52 is used to keep the actuating direction of the locking member 42 perpendicular to the locking buckle 34.

Preferably, when the locking member 42 of the locking mechanism 26 is in the second predetermined position K2, it can be used to block the first portion 36 of the lock catch 34 so that the second object 24 is blocked in the predetermined extended position P2.

Preferably, during the displacement of the second object 24 from the predetermined extension position P2 to a retracting direction D2, the locking member 42 is driven from the second predetermined position K2 back to the first predetermined position K1 by the guiding feature 40 of the second portion 38 of the locking buckle 34, so that the second object 24 can be returned to the retracting position P1.

It will be appreciated that in the first setting mode, when the intelligent cabinet system 20 encounters an earthquake or jolts due to external force, even if the second object 24 is opened from the closing position P1 toward the opening direction D1, such that the sensor 46 senses a displacement state to drive the lock 42 of the lock mechanism 26, the lock 42 can be used to stop the second object 24 at the predetermined extending position P2 by the lock 42 of the lock mechanism 26 at the second predetermined position K2, such that the second object 24 is only allowed to be opened relative to the first object 22 by a first predetermined distance W1 to be at the predetermined extending position P2 (as shown in fig. 7 or 12), thereby preventing the objects stored in the second object 24 (e.g. drawers) from falling out, or preventing the second object 24 from being suddenly opened by a second predetermined distance W2 longer than the first predetermined distance W1 to be at the opening position P3 (e.g. fully opened position, as shown in fig. 8 or 13) to hurt people or objects. Thus, in the first setting mode, the intelligent cabinet system 20 has a protection function and safety.

Alternatively, in the second setting mode, when the electronic device 30 transmits the second control signal (e.g. the unlock signal) to the controller 28, the controller 28 can control the lock 42 of the lock mechanism 26 to remain at the first predetermined position K1 (as shown in fig. 6 or 11) according to the second control signal and the sensing state of the sensor 46, and when the second object 24 is displaced from the retracted position P1 to the opening direction D1 relative to the first object 22, the second object 24 is not blocked by the lock 42 at the predetermined extended position P2, so as to allow the second object 24 to be directly displaced to the opening position P3 (as shown in fig. 8 or 13) in the opening direction D1. Alternatively, the second object 24 may be displaced from the open position P3 to the retracted position P1 in the retracting direction D2.

Preferably, the sensor 46 is configured to provide a first sensing signal or a second sensing signal. The sensor 46 can be used to detect whether the second object 24 is in the retracted position P1. For example, when the second object 24 is at the retracted position P1 relative to the first object 22, the second object 24 can press the elastic sensing portion 46a through the first portion 36 of the lock 34, so that the elastic sensing portion 46a accumulates an elastic force to generate the second sensing signal (as shown in fig. 6 or 11). Alternatively, when the second object 24 leaves the retracted position P1 in the opening direction D1, the first portion 36 of the lock catch 34 on the second object 24 no longer presses the elastic sensing portion 46a, so that the elastic sensing portion 46a releases the elastic force to generate the first sensing signal, and the controller 28 can determine that the second object 24 has left the retracted position P1 according to the first sensing signal (as shown in fig. 7 or 12).

Further, in the first setting mode, when the second object 24 is at the retracted position P1, the lock 42 is at the first predetermined position K1 (as shown in fig. 6 or 11); when the second object 24 moves away from the retracted position P1 in the opening direction D1, the sensor 46 generates the first sensing signal (as shown in fig. 7 or fig. 12) accordingly, and the controller 28 determines that the second object 24 has moved away from the retracted position P1 according to the first sensing signal, the controller 28 controls the lock 42 of the lock mechanism 26 to move from the first predetermined position K1 to the second predetermined position K2 according to the first control signal, so as to stop the second object 24 at the predetermined extended position P2 (as shown in fig. 7 or fig. 12).

Preferably, the power storage device 32 (see FIG. 1 for a portion thereof) is configured to provide an electrical power to the drive device 44. In the first setting mode, when the controller 28 receives the first control signal and the second object 24 leaves the closing position P1 in the opening direction D1, the driving device 44 (the electromagnet inside the driving device 44) is energized, so that the driving device 44 (or the driving device 44 via a driving member) can be used to drive the locking member 42 to move from the first predetermined position K1 to the second predetermined position K2; alternatively, in the second setting mode, the driving device 44 (the electromagnet inside the driving device 44) is not energized after the controller 28 receives the second control signal, so the driving device 44 does not drive the lock 42, and the lock 42 is kept at the first predetermined position K1. In this way, in the second setting mode, the driving device 44 is not energized, so that the service life of the power storage device 32 can be prolonged. Even in the first setting mode, the power storage device 32 does not consume power as long as the second object 24 is not opened and displaced in the opening direction D1. It is sufficient that both modes of operation are very power efficient.

Preferably, in the first setting mode, the controller 28 can set to send a notification signal to the electronic device 30 after the controller 28 can determine that the second object 24 has left the folding position P1 for a predetermined time according to the first sensing signal provided by the sensor 46. Thus, the user is informed via the electronic device 30 that the second object 24 has been opened by unexpected factors (e.g., encountering an earthquake, shaking by external force, or by others) to have a warning effect. The notification signal may be, but not limited to, an electronic message (e.g. a brief message or an email), a sound or a light change sent by the electronic device 30.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic flow chart of the operation of the intelligent cabinet system 20 in the first setting mode. In the first setting mode, the following steps may be included:

step S100: the first control signal is transmitted to the controller 28 via the electronic device 30.

Step S110: the controller 28 receives the first control signal.

Step S120: it is detected whether the sensor 46 generates the first sensing signal. In this step, the controller 28 may detect whether the sensor 46 generates the first sensing signal.

If not (i.e. the first sensing signal is not generated), step S130 is performed: the second object 24 is maintained in the retracted position P1 and the driving device 44 remains unpowered.

If yes (i.e. the first sensing signal is generated), step S140 is performed: the second object 24 is only allowed to be opened to the predetermined extended position P2 and the driving means 44 is energized. In this step, after the driving device 44 is energized, the driving device 44 can be used to drive the lock 42 to move from the first predetermined position K1 to the second predetermined position K2.

Step S150: the locking member 42 is at the second predetermined position K2 for stopping the second object 24 at the predetermined extended position P2.

Step S160: when the second object 24 is closed in the retracted position P1, the sensor 46 generates the second sensing signal.

Details of the implementation of these steps in the first setting mode are disclosed in fig. 1 to 8 and the description thereof, and are not repeated here for brevity.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic flow chart of the operation of the intelligent cabinet system 20 in the second setting mode. In the second setting mode, the method may comprise the steps of:

step S200: the second control signal is transmitted to the controller 28 via the electronic device 30.

Step S210: the controller 28 receives the second control signal.

Step S220: it is detected whether the sensor 46 generates the first sensing signal. In this step, the controller 28 may detect whether the sensor 46 generates the first sensing signal.

If not (i.e. the first sensing signal is not generated), step S230 is performed: the second object 24 is maintained in the retracted position P1 and the driving device 44 remains unpowered.

If yes (i.e. the first sensing signal is generated), step S240 is performed: the second object 24 is allowed to be opened to the open position P3 and the driving means 44 is not energized.

Step S250: the second object 24 is opened to the open position P3. In this step, since the driving device 44 is not energized, the lock member 42 is maintained at the first predetermined position K1 without stopping the second object 24, so that the second object 24 can be opened to the open position P3.

Step S260: when the second object 24 is closed in the retracted position P1, the sensor 46 generates the second sensing signal.

Details of the implementation of these steps in the second setting mode are disclosed in fig. 1 to 8 and the description thereof, and are not repeated here for brevity.

Fig. 14 and 15 show a lock mechanism 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The lock mechanism 200 of this second embodiment differs from the lock mechanism of the first embodiment essentially in that: the lock mechanism 200 further includes a rotation mechanism 202, and the driving device 204 is disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the lock catch 206.

Further, the rotating mechanism 202 is disposed between the driving device 204 and the locking member 207, and the rotating mechanism 202 includes a first contact portion 208, a second contact portion 210, and a connecting portion 212 pivotally connected to the base plate 214, wherein the connecting portion 212 is disposed between the first contact portion 208 and the second contact portion 210, and the first contact portion 208 corresponds to the locking member 206 and the second contact portion 210 corresponds to the driving member 216 of the driving device 204.

When the controller receives the first control signal and the driving device 204 is powered on, the driving device 204 can drive the lock 207 to move from the first predetermined position K1 (shown in fig. 14) to the second predetermined position K2 (shown in fig. 15) through the rotating mechanism 202. For example, when the controller receives the first control signal and the driving device 204 is powered on, the driving element 216 of the driving device 204 moves in a linear direction X (e.g. longitudinally) and contacts the second contact portion 210 of the rotating mechanism 202 accordingly, so that the rotating mechanism 202 rotates by a predetermined angle to drive the locking element 207 to move from the first predetermined position K1 to the second predetermined position K2 through the first contact portion 208.

Fig. 16 and 17 show a lock mechanism 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The lock mechanism 300 of this third embodiment differs from the lock mechanism 200 of the second embodiment essentially in that: the lock mechanism 300 further comprises an elastic member 302, when the controller receives the second control signal, the driving device 304 is not energized, and the lock 307 is maintained at the first predetermined position K1 in response to the elastic force of the elastic member 302. Therefore, by disposing the elastic member 302, the second portion 206b of the lock catch 206 can be omitted.

Fig. 18 and 19 show a lock mechanism 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The lock mechanism 400 of this fourth embodiment differs from the lock mechanism of the first embodiment essentially in that: the lock mechanism 400 further includes a slider 402, and the driving device 404 is disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the lock catch 406.

Further, the slider 402 is disposed between the driving device 404 and the locking member 407, the slider 402 is disposed on the driving member 416 of the driving device 404, and the slider 402 includes a guiding portion 408, where the guiding portion 408 includes a slope or an arc, for example. The driving device 404 can drive the locking member 407 to move from the first predetermined position K1 to the second predetermined position K2 through the slider 402.

Fig. 20 and 21 show a lock mechanism 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The lock mechanism 500 of this fifth embodiment differs from the lock mechanism 400 of the fourth embodiment essentially in that: the lock mechanism 500 further comprises an elastic member 502, and the driving device 504 is not energized when the controller receives the second control signal, and the lock member 507 is maintained at the first predetermined position K1 in response to the elastic force of the elastic member 502. Therefore, by disposing the elastic member 502, the second portion 406b of the lock catch 406 can be omitted.

From the above description, it can be seen that the enhancement effect and advantage of the present invention are:

a. the first setting mode has the advantage that when the intelligent cabinet system 20 encounters an earthquake or is shaken by an external force, even if the second object 24 is opened from the closing position P1 to the opening direction D1, the lock 42 of the lock mechanism 26 is still at the second predetermined position K2, and the lock 42 can be used to stop the second object 24 at the predetermined extending position P2, so that the second object 24 is only allowed to be opened by a first predetermined distance W1 to the first object 22 and is at the predetermined extending position P2 (as shown in fig. 7 or 12). Thus, in the first setting mode, the intelligent cabinet system 20 has a protection function and safety.

b. In both setting modes, the driving device 44 is not energized in the second setting mode, so that the use time of the power storage device 32 can be prolonged. In the first setting mode, the power storage device does not consume power as long as the second object is not opened and displaced in the opening direction. The first and second modes of operation are both very power efficient.

c. When the controller 28 determines that the second object 24 has left the retracted position P1 for a predetermined time according to the first sensing signal provided by the sensor 46, the controller 28 can send a notification signal to the electronic device 30. Thus, the user is informed via the electronic device 30 that the second object 24 has been opened by unexpected factors (e.g., encountering an earthquake, shaking by external force, or by others) to have a warning effect.

While the invention has been described with reference to the present specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are for illustration only, and that various equivalent changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and therefore, all changes and modifications to the above embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims of the present application as long as they come within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent cabinet system comprising a first object, a second object, a lock mechanism and a controller, wherein:

the second object can move relative to the first object;

the lock mechanism comprises a lock piece; and

the system also comprises an electronic device which is used for being connected with the controller in a communication way, and the electronic device can transmit a first control signal or a second control signal to the controller;

the second object can move from a folding position to an opening position relative to the first object;

when the electronic device transmits the first control signal to the controller, the controller can control the locking piece of the locking mechanism to move from a first preset position to a second preset position according to the first control signal;

when the second object moves from the folding position to an opening direction relative to the first object, the lock piece of the lock mechanism is positioned at the second preset position, and the lock piece can be used for stopping the second object at a preset extending position;

wherein the predetermined extended position is located between the retracted position and the open position.

2. The intelligent cabinet system of claim 1, wherein the first object is a cabinet and the second object is a drawer or a door.

3. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device and the controller are communicatively coupled to each other via a wireless transmission.

4. The intelligent cabinet system of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism further comprises a sensor for detecting whether the second object is in the stowed position.

5. The intelligent cabinet system of claim 4, wherein the lock is in the first predetermined position when the second object is in the stowed position; when the second object leaves the folding position in the opening direction, the sensor generates a first sensing signal according to the first sensing signal, and the controller controls the locking piece of the locking mechanism to move from the first preset position to the second preset position according to the first control signal after judging that the second object leaves the folding position according to the first sensing signal, so as to stop the second object at the preset extending position.

6. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 5, wherein the controller sends a notification signal to the electronic device after the controller determines that the second object has left the retracted position for a predetermined time according to the first sensing signal.

7. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 1, wherein when the electronic device transmits the second control signal to the controller, the controller controls the locking member of the locking mechanism to be at the first predetermined position according to the second control signal, so that the second object is not blocked by the locking member at the predetermined extended position, and the second object is allowed to be displaced to the open position in the opening direction.

8. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 7, further comprising a power storage device, and wherein the lock mechanism further comprises a drive device; the power storage device is used for providing electric energy to the driving device.

9. The intelligent cabinet system of claim 8, wherein the drive device is operable to drive the lock from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position when the controller receives the first control signal and the drive device is energized; when the controller receives the second control signal, the driving device is not electrified, so that the lock piece is positioned at the first preset position.

10. The intelligent cabinet system of claim 1, further comprising a lock catch, the lock mechanism being disposed on one of the first object and the second object, and the lock catch being disposed on the other of the first object and the second object; when the locking piece of the locking mechanism is at the second preset position, the locking piece can be used for blocking the lock catch so as to stop the second object at the preset extending position.

11. A lock mechanism adapted for use with a first object and a second object that are movable relative to each other, comprising:

the second object can be in one of a folding position, a preset extending position and an opening position relative to the first object, the lock mechanism is arranged on one of the first object and the second object, and the lock mechanism comprises:

a locking piece; and

a driving device for driving the lock member to move from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position;

when the second object moves from the folding position to an opening direction relative to the first object, the lock piece is positioned at the second preset position and can be used for stopping the second object at a preset extending position;

12. The lock mechanism of claim 11, wherein when the second object is displaced from the retracted position to the open position relative to the first object, the second object is not blocked by the lock in the predetermined extended position by the lock in the first predetermined position, so as to allow the second object to be displaced in the open direction to the open position.

13. The lock mechanism of claim 12, further comprising a sensor for detecting whether the second object is in the retracted position.

14. The lock mechanism of claim 13, further comprising a power storage device for providing an electrical power to the drive device.

15. The lock mechanism of claim 14, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a controller for receiving a first control signal or a second control signal of an electronic device; when the controller receives the first control signal and the second object leaves the folding position in the opening direction, the driving device is electrified, and the driving device can be used for driving the lock piece to move from the first preset position to the second preset position; when the controller receives the second control signal, the driving device is not electrified, so that the lock piece is positioned at the first preset position.

16. The lock mechanism of claim 15, further comprising a rotation mechanism, wherein the driving device drives the lock member from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position via the rotation mechanism.

17. The lock mechanism of claim 16, further comprising an elastic member, wherein the driving device is not energized when the controller receives the second control signal, and wherein the lock member is maintained in the first predetermined position in response to an elastic force of the elastic member.

18. The lock mechanism of claim 15, further comprising a slider, wherein the driving device drives the lock member to move from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position via the slider.

19. The lock mechanism of claim 18, further comprising an elastic member, wherein the driving device is not energized when the controller receives the second control signal, and wherein the lock member is maintained in the first predetermined position in response to an elastic force of the elastic member.

20. The lock mechanism of claim 11, further comprising a lock catch and a fixing base, the lock catch being disposed on the other of the first object and the second object; when the locking piece of the locking mechanism moves from the first preset position to the second preset position, the locking piece can be used for blocking the lock catch so that the second object is blocked at the preset extending position; the fixing seat is used for keeping the action direction of the locking piece perpendicular to the lock catch.