Slide Rail Kit

Abstract

To provide a slide rail kit applicable to a rack.SOLUTION: A slide rail kit 20 is applied to a rack 76. The slide rail kit includes a first rail 22 and a lock member 24. The first rail is arranged to include an attachment feature part 52. The lock member is arranged on the first rail. The attachment feature part is configured to attach the first rail to a fitting structure 82 of the rack. The lock member includes a lock part 58 and an operation part. The lock part is configured to be held in a state blocked by the rack in response to an elastic force F of an elastic structure 62. The operation part is configured to be operated in order to transfer the lock part from the state blocked by the rack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail, and more particularly to a slide rail kit applicable to a rack. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a rack system, items (such as electronic equipment) can be mounted on the rack via at least one slide rail. The rack has multiple support posts. Depending on the specifications and type of rack, the support posts have multiple different mounting features, and the multiple different mounting features attach multiple mounting portions of at least one slide rail. The mounting features and mounting portions usually require tools (such as screws and fasteners) to attach at least one slide rail to the rack.

[0003] Currently, there are products that allow slide rails to be attached to racks without tools. For example, U.S. Patent No. US11647836 discloses a slide rail kit that can be attached to a rack without tools. The rack includes at least one mounting structure, which has a first predetermined portion and a second predetermined portion. The first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion are located at different heights of the rack. The slide rail kit includes a rail member and a bracket. The bracket is disposed on the rail member and includes a first mounting feature and a second mounting feature. The first mounting feature is configured to be attached to the first predetermined portion of the rack. The bracket is higher than the rail member, thereby positioning the second mounting feature higher than the rail member and substantially corresponding to the second predetermined portion. The second mounting feature includes an elastic member and a mounting member. The mounting member is configured to be attached to the second predetermined portion of the rack from an outer surface of the bracket in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, it is important to develop a variety of slide rail products to meet the needs of different markets.

[0005] The present invention provides a slide rail kit that can be applied to a rack.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail kit applicable to a rack comprises: a first rail including a side wall and a mounting feature, the side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface facing the rack; a locking member disposed on the first rail and including a locking portion and an operating portion; the mounting feature configured to attach the first rail to a mounting structure of the rack; the locking portion configured to be held on the outer surface of the side wall of the first rail in response to the elastic force of the elastic structure to be blocked by the rack; and the operating portion configured to be operated to move the locking portion toward the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail, thereby preventing the locking portion from being blocked by the rack.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail kit applicable to a rack includes: a first rail including a first wall, a second wall, and a side wall connected between the first wall and the second wall, an aisle being defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the side wall, the side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface facing the rack, and a mounting feature being disposed on the outer surface; a second rail movably mounted within the aisle of the first rail; and a locking member disposed on the first rail, the locking member including a locking portion and an operating portion; the mounting feature being configured to mount the first rail to a mounting structure of the rack; the locking member being configured to be held in a blocked state by the rack in response to an elastic force of the elastic structure; and the operating portion being configured to be operated to move the locking portion from a blocked state by the rack; and the second rail being located on the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail, so that the second rail does not cover the operating portion when the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail.

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a slide rail kit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view of a slide rail kit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail kit including a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the first rail from a first viewing angle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a view showing the first rail when the locking member is in a locked state from a second viewing angle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a view showing the first rail when the locking member is in an unlocked state from a second viewing angle according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of attaching the slide rail kit to a rack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the slide rail kit attached to the rack with the locking member blocked by the rack in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the locking member is no longer blocked by the rack and the slide rail kit is in the rack. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a slide rail kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a slide rail kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view showing the first rail from a first viewing angle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a view showing the first rail when the locking member is in a locked state from a second viewing angle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the slide rail kit is attached to the rack with the locking member blocked by the rack according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the slide rail kit attached to the rack when the locking member is no longer blocked by the rack, viewed from a first viewing angle, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the present invention, from a second viewing angle, illustrating the slide rail kit attached to the rack with the locking member no longer blocked by the rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail kit 20 includes a first rail 22 (e.g., an outer rail) and a locking member 24. Preferably, the slide rail kit 20 further includes a bracket 26, a second rail 28 (e.g., an intermediate rail), and a third rail 30 (e.g., an inner rail). The first rail 22, the second rail 28, and the third rail 30 are longitudinally movable relative to one another. In this embodiment, the X axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length direction of the slide rail), the Y axis is the transverse direction (or the lateral direction of the slide rail), and the Z axis is the vertical direction (or the height direction of the slide rail).

[0011] The first rail 22 includes a sidewall 32. Preferably, the first rail 22 further includes a first wall 34a and a second wall 34b. The sidewall 32 of the first rail 22 is connected between the first wall 34a and the second wall 34b of the first rail 22. A passageway 36 is defined by the first wall 34a, the second wall 34b, and the sidewall 32 of the first rail 22. Preferably, the sidewall 32 of the first rail 22 has an outer surface L1 and an inner surface L2. The second rail 28 is movably mounted within the passageway 36 of the first rail 22, and the second rail 28 is located on the inner surface L2 of the sidewall 32 of the first rail 22. Furthermore, the third rail 30 is movably mounted within the passageway 38 of the second rail 28.

[0012] Bracket 26 is attached to first rail 22. In this embodiment, bracket 26 is secured to first rail 22 so that bracket 26 and first rail 22 appear as one piece, or in another embodiment, bracket 26 may be integral with first rail 22. However, the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0013] The locking member 24 is disposed on the first rail 22. Furthermore, the locking member 24 is movably attached to a bracket 26.

[0014] Preferably, the slide rail kit 20 further includes at least one first slide assist device 40, which is movably attached between the first rail 22 and the second rail 28 and configured to assist relative movement between the first rail 22 and the second rail 28. Preferably, the slide rail kit 20 of the first embodiment includes two first slide assist devices 40 disposed inside the passage 36 of the first rail 22 and adjacent to the first wall 34a and the second wall 34b, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Each first slide assist device 40 includes a plurality of balls 41. Note that, for convenience of the viewing angle, FIGS. 1 and 2 only show the first slide assist device 40 adjacent to the second wall 34b.

[0015] Preferably, slide rail kit 20 further includes second slide assist device 42, which is movably attached between second rail 28 and third rail 30 and configured to assist relative movement between second rail 28 and third rail 30. Second slide assist device 42 includes a ball holding portion 44 and a plurality of balls 46 attached to ball holding portion 44.

[0016] 3 and 4, bracket 26 includes a first edge 48a, a second edge 48b, and a side portion 50 connected between first edge 48a and second edge 48b. Side portion 50 of bracket 26 is fixed to outer surface L1 of side wall 32 of first rail 22 (shown in FIG. 3), and first edge 48a and second edge 48b of bracket 26 are configured to hold first wall 34a and second wall 34b of first rail 22, respectively, and are configured to improve the structural strength or support strength of first rail 22.

[0017] Additionally, the first rail 22 is configured with at least one mounting feature 52. In this embodiment, the mounting feature 52 is disposed on a side 50 of the bracket 26 of the first rail 22 (as shown in FIG. 3). The mounting feature 52 may be an insert structure. Preferably, the mounting feature 52 has a first predetermined section 54 and a second predetermined section 56. The first predetermined section 54 extends transversely (laterally) from the side 50 of the bracket 26. The second predetermined section 56 is angled relative to the first predetermined section 54. For example, the second predetermined section 56 is connected substantially perpendicular to the first predetermined section 54 and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first rail 22 (and bracket 26) (as shown in FIG. 3), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0018] The locking member 24 includes at least one locking portion 58 and an operating portion 60. The locking portion 58 is configured to be held against the outer surface L1 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22 (shown in FIG. 3 ) in response to the elastic force F of the elastic structure 62 (biasing structure 62). Furthermore, the locking member 24 is configured to be held in a locked state K1 in response to the elastic force F of the elastic structure 62, whereby the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 is held against the outer surface L1 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22.

[0019] Preferably, the locking member 24 is pivotally connected to the bracket 26 via a shaft member 64. In this embodiment, the locking member 24 is pivotally connected to at least one lug 65 of the bracket 26 via the shaft member 64.

[0020] Preferably, the elastic structure 62 includes a first elastic section 66, a second elastic section 68, and an intermediate section 70 connected between the first elastic section 66 and the second elastic section 68. The intermediate section 70 is attached to the shaft member 64. The first elastic section 66 abuts against one of the bracket 26 and the first rail 22. In this embodiment, the first elastic section 66 is connected to a predetermined section 72 of the bracket 26. The second elastic section 68 abuts against the locking member 24.

[0021] Preferably, the first rail 22 has opposite first and second ends 22a, 22b (e.g., front and rear ends). The locking member 24 is located adjacent to the first end 22a of the first rail 22.

[0022] Preferably, the first rail 22 is formed with a predetermined hole 74 that connects the outer surface L1 and the inner surface L2 of the side wall 32. The predetermined hole 74 is disposed at a position that corresponds at least to the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24 so that the user can easily operate the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24 with their finger.

[0023] 4 and 5, when a user attempts to operate the locking member 24 to move it from the locked state K1, the user can apply an operating force J to the locking member 24. For example, the user's finger can pass through the predetermined space 75 of the predetermined hole 74 from the inner surface L2 of the first rail 22 toward the outer surface L1 of the first rail 22, and apply the operating force J to the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24 in the direction opposite to the elastic force F, thereby overcoming the elastic force F and moving the locking member 24 from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 4) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 5). This moves the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 toward the inner surface L2 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the slide rail kit 20 may be mounted on a rack 76. The rack 76 includes at least one support, such as a first support 78 and a second support 80. However, the number of support is not limited. The first support 78 of the rack 76 includes a plurality of mounting structures 82 spaced apart from one another in the height direction of the rack 76. In this embodiment, the plurality of mounting structures 82 are mounting holes, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The rack 76 further includes a blocking wall 83. In this embodiment, the second support 80 includes the blocking wall 83, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 includes a guide section 84, which has an inclined surface or an arcuate surface.

[0025] Furthermore, the slide rail kit 20 is configured to be mounted to a rack 76 (shown in FIG. 7). During this mounting process, the mounting features 52 on the bracket 26 of the first rail 22 may be inserted laterally (sideways) into the mounting structure 82 (mounting holes). Meanwhile, the first rail 22 is in a predetermined position P1 relative to the rack 76 (shown in FIG. 6), with the guide section 84 of the locking portion 58 corresponding to or abutting against a lateral side of the blocking wall 83 of the rack 76. This causes the elastic structure 62 to accumulate an elastic force F (shown in FIG. 6).

[0026] The mounting feature 52 of the first rail 22 is configured to mount the first rail 22 to the mounting structure 82 of the rack 76 when the first rail 22 is moved relative to the rack 76 from a predetermined position P1 (shown in FIG. 6 ) in a first predetermined direction D1 to a mounting position P2 (shown in FIG. 7 ). Specifically, the mounting feature 52 of the first rail 22 is configured to be attached to the mounting structure 82 and blocked by the hole wall W of the mounting structure 82, preventing the first rail 22 from moving in the first predetermined direction D1 relative to the rack 76. In addition, when the first rail 22 is in the mounting position P2 relative to the rack 76 (shown in FIG. 7 ), the guide section 84 of the locking portion 58 no longer corresponds to (or no longer abuts) the lateral side of the blocking wall 83 of the rack 76. This causes the locking member 24 to be in the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 7 ) in response to the elastic force F released by the elastic structure 62. Furthermore, the locking portion 58 is configured to be held against the outer surface L1 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22 in response to the elastic force F of the elastic structure 62 and to be in a blocked state against the rack 76, whereby the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 is configured to be blocked by the blocking wall 83 of the second support post 80 of the rack 76. In other words, the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 is blocked by the blocking wall 83 of the rack 76 to prevent the first rail 22 from moving in the second predetermined direction D2 relative to the rack 76, and the mounting feature 52 of the first rail 22 cannot be removed from the mounting structure 82 (shown in FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, the second predetermined direction D2 is opposite to the first predetermined direction D1.

[0027] Preferably, when the first rail 22 is in the mounting position P2 relative to the rack 76 (as shown in FIG. 7 ), the first predetermined section 54 of the mounting feature 52 is blocked in the first predetermined direction D1 by the hole wall W of the mounting structure 82. The first predetermined section 54 of the mounting feature 52 is blocked in the height direction by the upper hole wall 77 and the lower hole wall 79 of the mounting structure 82, preventing the first rail 22 from moving in the height direction relative to the rack 76. Furthermore, the second predetermined section 56 of the mounting feature 52 is configured to retain a predetermined side surface 86 (see FIG. 6 ) adjacent the hole wall W.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , when a user wishes to remove the first rail 22 from the rack 76, the user can apply an operating force J to the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24 to move the locking member 24 from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 7 ) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 8 ). In other words, the operating portion 60 can be operated to move the locking portion 58 toward the inner surface L2 of the side wall 32, thereby preventing the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 from being blocked by the blocking wall 83 of the rack 76 (shown in FIG. 8 ). That is, the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 is no longer blocked by the blocking wall 83 of the rack 76. Therefore, the first rail 22 can be moved in the second predetermined direction D2 from the mounting position P2 relative to the rack 76, and the mounting feature 52 can be removed and separated from the mounting structure 82 of the rack 76 to remove the first rail 22 from the rack 76.

[0029] Preferably, when a user intends to remove the first rail 22 from the rack 76, the user can first remove the third rail 30 from the passage 38 of the second rail 28 (the third rail 30 is not shown in FIG. 8 ). When the third rail 30 is removed from the passage 38 of the second rail 28 and the second rail 28 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22 (as shown in FIG. 8 ), the second rail 28 does not cover the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24, so the user can easily operate the locking member 24 from the inner surface L2 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22. For example, the user's finger can pass through the predetermined space 75 of the predetermined hole 74 from the inner surface L2 of the first rail 22 toward the outer surface L1 of the first rail 22 and apply an operating force J to the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24, thereby moving the locking member 24 from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 7 ) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 8 ). This moves the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 from being blocked by the blocking wall 83 of the rack 76 .

[0030] 9 and 10 show a slide rail kit 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the slide rail kit 20 of the first embodiment, the locking member 204 of the slide rail kit 200 of the second embodiment has a different configuration.

[0031] Furthermore, first rail 202 includes a first wall 212a, a second wall 212b, and a side wall 214 connected between first wall 212a and second wall 212b. A passageway 216 is defined by first wall 212a, second wall 212b, and side wall 214 of first rail 202. Second rail 208 is movably mounted within passageway 216 of first rail 202, and second rail 208 is located on inner surface L2' of side wall 214 of first rail 202.

[0032] Preferably, the slide rail kit 200 further includes at least one first slide assist device 218, which is movably attached between the first rail 202 and the second rail 208 and configured to assist relative movement between the first rail 202 and the second rail 208. Preferably, the slide rail kit 200 of the second embodiment includes two first slide assist devices 218, which are respectively disposed inside the passage 216 of the first rail 202 and adjacent to the first wall 212a and the second wall 212b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each first slide assist device 218 includes a plurality of balls 220. For convenience of viewing angle, FIG. 10 only shows the first slide assist device 218 adjacent to the second wall 212b.

[0033] A third rail 210 is movably mounted within a passage 222 of the second rail 208. A second slide assist device 224 is movably mounted between the second rail 208 and the third rail 210 and configured to assist relative movement between the second rail 208 and the third rail 210. The second slide assist device 224 includes a ball holder 226 and a plurality of balls 228 attached to the ball holder 226.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the first rail 202 is configured with at least one attachment feature 223 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). In this embodiment, the attachment feature 223 is located on the outer surface L1′ of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202. The attachment feature 223 is an insert structure, although the invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the first rail 202 is configured with a support member 225 attached (e.g., fixed) to the outer surface L1′ of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202, such that the support member 225 and the first rail 202 appear as one piece (as shown in FIG. 12). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the support member 225 may be integral with the first rail 202. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The attachment feature 223 is located on the support member 225.

[0035] Preferably, the attachment feature 223 has a first predetermined section 227 and a second predetermined section 229. The first predetermined section 227 extends transversely (laterally) from a side of the support member 225. The second predetermined section 229 is angled relative to the first predetermined section 227. For example, the second predetermined section 229 is connected substantially perpendicular to the first predetermined section 227, and the second predetermined section 229 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first rail 202 (and the support member 225) (as shown in FIG. 12 ), although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] The locking member 204 includes a locking portion 230, an operating portion 232, and a resilient structure 234. The resilient structure 234 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the inner surface L2′ of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202 via a connecting member 236 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The resilient structure 234 has a predetermined longitudinal length. Preferably, the locking portion 230 is disposed on the resilient structure 234, and the operating portion 232 is operably connected to the locking portion 230. In this embodiment, the locking portion 230, the resilient structure 234, and the operating portion 232 are integrated with the locking member 204 as a single component. The locking portion 230 is configured to be retained on the outer surface L1′ of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202 (shown in FIG. 12 ) in response to the resilient force of the resilient structure 234. Furthermore, the locking member 204 is configured to be held in the locked state K1′ in response to the elastic force of the elastic structure 234, thereby holding the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 against the outer surface L1′ of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202.

[0037] Preferably, first rail 202 is formed with an auxiliary hole 238 connecting outer surface L1' and inner surface L2' of side wall 214 of first rail 202. Locking portion 230 of locking member 204 extends partially through auxiliary hole 238 from inner surface L2' of side wall 214 of first rail 202 to outer surface L1' of side wall 214 of first rail 202. Auxiliary member 225 has a corresponding hole 240 that corresponds to auxiliary hole 238. This corresponding hole 240 allows passage of locking portion 230 of locking member 204 and is configured to be located on outer surface L1' of side wall 214 of first rail 202 (shown in FIG. 12 ).

[0038] Preferably, first rail 202 is formed with a predetermined hole 242 that connects outer surface L1' and inner surface L2' of side wall 214 of first rail 202. Predetermined hole 242 is disposed at a position that corresponds at least to operating portion 232 of locking member 204 so that a user can easily operate operating portion 232 of locking member 204 with their finger.

[0039] Preferably, the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 includes a guide section 243. For example, the guide section 243 has an inclined surface or an arcuate surface (as shown in FIG. 12).

[0040] Preferably, second rail 208 has an opening 244. Ball holding portion 226 has a through hole 246 that corresponds to opening 244 of second rail 208 (shown in FIG. 10).

[0041] As shown in Fig. 13, the slide rail kit 200 is applied to a rack 248. The rack 248 includes a plurality of mounting structures 250. In this embodiment, the plurality of mounting structures 250 are mounting holes, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the mounting structures 250 is defined by a plurality of hole walls, such as a first hole wall W1 and a second hole wall W2. The first hole wall W1 and the second hole wall W2 are front and rear hole walls, respectively.

[0042] Furthermore, slide rail kit 200 is configured to be mounted to rack 248. During such an installation process, mounting feature 223 of first rail 202 may be inserted transversely (sideways) into mounting structure 250 (mounting hole). Mounting feature 223 of first rail 202 is configured to mount first rail 202 to mounting structure 250 of rack 248 when first rail 202 is moved relative to rack 248 from a predetermined position in second predetermined direction D2 to mounting position P2′. Specifically, mounting feature 223 of first rail 202 is configured to be attached to mounting structure 250 and blocked by first hole wall W1 of mounting structure 250, preventing first rail 202 from moving relative to rack 248 in second predetermined direction D2. In addition, when the first rail 202 is in the mounting position P2' relative to the rack 248, the guide section 243 of the locking portion 230 crosses a side surface adjacent to the second hole wall W2 of the rack 248. As a result, the locking member 204 is in a locked state K1' in response to the elastic force F' released by the elastic structure 234. Furthermore, the locking portion 230 is configured to be held against the outer surface L1' of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202 in response to the elastic force F' of the elastic structure 234 and to be in a blocked state against the rack 248, whereby the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 is configured to be blocked against the second hole wall W2 of the mounting structure 250 of the rack 248. In other words, the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 is blocked by the second hole wall W2 of the rack 248 to prevent the first rail 202 from being moved in the first predetermined direction D1 relative to the rack 248, and the mounting feature 223 of the first rail 202 cannot be removed from the mounting structure 250. Furthermore, the second predetermined direction D2 is opposite to the first predetermined direction D1.

[0043] Preferably, when the first rail 202 is in the mounting position P2' relative to the rack 248, the first predetermined section 227 of the mounting feature 223 is blocked in the second predetermined direction D2 by the first hole wall W1 of the mounting structure 250. The first predetermined section 227 of the mounting feature 223 is blocked in the height direction by the upper hole wall 252 and the lower hole wall 254 of the mounting structure 250, preventing the first rail 202 from moving in the height direction relative to the rack 248. Furthermore, the second predetermined section 229 of the mounting feature 223 is configured to retain a predetermined side surface 256 adjacent to the first hole wall W1.

[0044] 14 and 15, when a user attempts to remove the first rail 202 from the rack 248, the user can apply an operating force J' to the operating portion 232 of the locking member 204 (shown in FIG. 14), which moves the locking member 204 so as to switch from the locked state K1' to the unlocked state K2'. In other words, by operating the operating portion 232, the locking portion 230 can be moved toward the inner surface L2' of the side wall 214, which prevents the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 from being blocked by the second hole wall W2 of the rack 248 (shown in FIG. 15). In other words, the state in which the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 is blocked by the second hole wall W2 of the rack 248 is eliminated. Thus, the first rail 202 is movable in a first predetermined direction D1 from the mounting position P2' relative to the rack 248, and the mounting feature 223 may be removed and separated from the mounting structure 250 of the rack 248 to remove the first rail 202 from the rack 248.

[0045] Preferably, when a user intends to remove first rail 202 from rack 248, the user can first remove third rail 210 from passage 222 of second rail 208 (third rail 210 is not shown in FIG. 14 ). When third rail 210 is removed from passage 222 of second rail 208 and second rail 208 is in retracted position R′ relative to first rail 202 (as shown in FIG. 14 ), opening 244 of second rail 208 corresponds to operating portion 232 of locking member 204. In other words, second rail 208 does not cover operating portion 232 of locking member 204, and a user can easily operate locking member 204 from inner surface L2′ of side wall 214 of first rail 202 (as shown in FIG. 14 ). Preferably, through-hole 246 of ball holding portion 226 of second slide assist device 224 corresponds to opening 244 of second rail 208. Therefore, the operating portion 232 of the locking member 204 may be exposed, allowing a user to easily operate the locking member 204 from the inner surface L2' of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202 (shown in FIG. 14). For example, a user can easily apply an operating force J' to the operating portion 232 of the locking member 204 with a finger through the predetermined hole 242 from the inner surface L2' of the first rail 202, thereby moving the locking member 204 so as to switch from the locked state K1' to the unlocked state K2' (shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). This moves the locking portion 230 of the locking member 204 from the state in which it is blocked by the second hole wall W2 of the rack 248 (shown in FIG. 15). In this manner, the first rail 202 is movable in a first predetermined direction D1 from the mounting position P2' relative to the rack 248, and the mounting feature 223 may be removed and separated from the mounting structure 250 of the rack 248 to remove the first rail 202 from the rack 248.

[0046] Therefore, the slide rail kit (20, 200) according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.

[0047] 1. The slide rail kit (20, 200) can be quickly installed or removed from the rack (76, 248) by the user without tools.

[0048] 2. In the first embodiment, the locking member 24 is movable relative to the first rail 22 (or bracket 26). For example, the locking member 24 is pivotally connected to the bracket 26 on the first rail 22. When the first rail 22 is attached to the mounting structure 82 of the rack 76 via the mounting feature 52 on the first rail 22 (or bracket 26), the locking portion 58 of the locking member 24 is configured to be held against the outer surface L1 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22 in response to the elastic force F of the elastic structure 62 and to be in a blocked state by the rack 76. This prevents the mounting feature 52 of the first rail 22 from being removed from the mounting structure 82 of the rack 76.

[0049] 3. In the first embodiment, when the second rail 28 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the second rail 28 does not cover the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24, allowing a user to easily operate the locking member 24 from the inner surface L2 of the side wall 32 of the first rail 22. For example, a user can apply an operating force J to the operating portion 60 of the locking member 24 to move the locking member 24 and switch it from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2. Therefore, the locking member 24 is no longer blocked by the rack 76, allowing the mounting feature 52 of the first rail 22 to be removed from the mounting structure 82 of the rack 76. This arrangement allows the slide rail kit to meet different market requirements.

[0050] 4. In the second embodiment, the locking portion 230, the elastic structure 234, and the operating portion 232 are integrated into the locking member 204 as a single component. The locking member 204 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the first rail 202 via the elastic structure 234. The mounting feature 223 of the first rail 202 is configured to be attached to the mounting structure 250 of the rack 248, and the locking portion 230 of the locking member is configured to be held against the outer surface L1' of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202 in response to the elastic force F' of the elastic structure 234 and to be in a blocked state with respect to the rack 248. This prevents the mounting feature 223 of the first rail 202 from being removed from the mounting structure 250 of the rack 248.

[0051] 5. In the second embodiment, when the second rail 208 is in the retracted position R' relative to the first rail 202, the opening 244 of the second rail 208 corresponds to the operating portion 232 of the locking member 204. In other words, the second rail 208 does not cover the operating portion 232 of the locking member 204, and a user can easily operate the locking member 204 from the inner surface L2' of the side wall 214 of the first rail 202 to move the locking member 204 from the locked state K1' to the unlocked state K2'. This allows the mounting feature 223 of the first rail 202 to be detached from the mounting structure 250 of the rack 248. This arrangement allows the slide rail kit to meet different market needs.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications and variations of the apparatus and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the above disclosure be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A slide rail kit applicable to a rack, a first rail including a sidewall and having a mounting feature, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface facing the rack; a locking member disposed on the first rail and including a locking portion and an operating portion; the mounting feature is configured to attach the first rail to a mounting structure of the rack; the locking portion is configured to be held against the outer surface of the side wall of the first rail in response to an elastic force of an elastic structure and to be blocked by the rack; the operating portion is configured to be operated to move the locking portion toward the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail, thereby removing the locking portion from being blocked by the rack; further comprising a connecting means for connecting the operating portion to the side wall of the first rail so that the operating portion extends in the rail longitudinal direction of the first rail and is disposed on the inner surface of the first rail; A slide rail kit, wherein the operating portion is movable in an unlocking direction to unlock the locking portion, the unlocking direction being a direction that intersects the rail longitudinal direction and moves away from the inner surface.

2. the mounting structure of the rack is a mounting hole; The mounting feature of the first rail is configured to be mounted in the mounting hole and blocked by a hole wall of the mounting hole, preventing the first rail from moving relative to the rack in a first predetermined direction corresponding to the rail longitudinal direction; 2. The slide rail kit of claim 1, wherein when the locking portion is blocked by the rack, the locking portion is configured to prevent the first rail from moving relative to the rack in a second predetermined direction different from the first predetermined direction.

3. Further, a bracket attached to the first rail is provided, The slide rail kit of claim 1 , wherein the mounting feature is disposed on the bracket on the first rail, and the locking member is movably attached to the bracket on the first rail.

4. The connecting means includes an axial member, and the locking member is pivotally connected to the bracket on the first rail via the axial member; the elastic structure includes a first elastic section and a second elastic section, the first elastic section is configured to abut against one of the bracket and the first rail, and the second elastic section is configured to abut against the locking member; 4. The slide rail kit of claim 3, wherein the first rail has opposite first and second ends, and the locking member is located adjacent the first end of the first rail.

5. a predetermined hole is formed in the first rail, the predetermined hole communicating the outer surface and the inner surface of the side wall, the predetermined hole corresponding to at least the operating portion of the locking member; the first rail further includes a first wall and a second wall, the side wall being connected between the first wall and the second wall, a passageway being defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the side wall; The slide rail kit further includes a second rail movably mounted within the passage of the first rail, the second rail being positioned on the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail; When the second rail is in a retreated position relative to the first rail, the second rail does not cover the operation unit, The slide rail kit also includes: at least one first slide assist device attached between the first rail and the second rail and configured to assist relative movement between the first rail and the second rail; a third rail movably attached to the second rail; 2. The slide rail kit of claim 1, further comprising: a second slide assist device attached between the second rail and the third rail and configured to assist relative movement between the second rail and the third rail.

6. the first rail further includes a first wall and a second wall, the side wall being connected between the first wall and the second wall, a passageway being defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the side wall; The slide rail kit further includes a second rail movably mounted within the passage of the first rail, the second rail being positioned on the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail; 2. The slide rail kit according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion, the elastic structure, and the operating portion are integrated with the locking member, and the locking member is connected to the first rail via the elastic structure.

7. the locking portion of the locking member extends partially from the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail to the outer surface of the side wall of the first rail; a predetermined hole is formed in the first rail, connecting the outer surface and the inner surface of the side wall, the predetermined hole corresponding to at least the operating portion of the locking member; and the second rail has an opening. The slide rail kit according to claim 6 , wherein the opening of the second rail corresponds to the operating portion of the locking member when the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail.

8. further comprising at least one first slide assist device attached between the first rail and the second rail and configured to assist relative movement between the first rail and the second rail; The slide rail kit further includes a third rail movably attached to the second rail, and a second slide assist device attached between the second rail and the third rail and configured to assist relative movement between the second rail and the third rail, 8. The slide rail kit according to claim 7, wherein the second slide assist device includes a ball holding portion and a plurality of balls attached to the ball holding portion, and the ball holding portion has a through hole formed therein corresponding to the opening of the second rail.

9. A slide rail kit applicable to a rack, a first rail including a first wall, a second wall, and a side wall connected between the first wall and the second wall, wherein a passageway is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the side wall, the side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface facing the rack, and a mounting feature disposed on the outer surface; a second rail movably mounted within the passage of the first rail; a locking member disposed on the first rail and including a locking portion and an operating portion; the mounting feature is configured to attach the first rail to a mounting structure of the rack; the locking member is configured to be held in a blocked state by the rack in response to an elastic force of an elastic structure; the operating portion is configured to be operated to move the locking portion from a state in which the locking portion is blocked by the rack, the second rail is located on the inner surface of the side wall of the first rail, and when the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the second rail does not cover the operation unit; further comprising a connecting means for connecting the operating portion to the side wall of the first rail so that the operating portion extends in the rail longitudinal direction of the first rail and is disposed on the inner surface of the first rail; A slide rail kit, wherein the operating portion is movable in an unlocking direction to unlock the locking portion, the unlocking direction being a direction that intersects the rail longitudinal direction and moves away from the inner surface.

10. the mounting structure of the rack is a mounting hole; The mounting feature of the first rail is configured to be mounted in the mounting hole and blocked by a hole wall of the mounting hole, preventing the first rail from moving relative to the rack in a first predetermined direction corresponding to the rail longitudinal direction; 10. The slide rail kit of claim 9, wherein when the locking portion is in a blocked state by the rack, the locking portion is configured to prevent the first rail from moving relative to the rack in a second predetermined direction different from the first predetermined direction.

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