Slide rail assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly, comprising a first rail, a second rail and a third rail. The first rail comprises a supporting feature; the second rail can be displaced relative to the first rail; the third rail is movably arranged between the first rail and the second rail; when the slide rail assembly is in a predetermined state, the supporting feature exceeds an end of the third rail by a predetermined distance, and the supporting feature is used to support the second rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail, and more particularly to a slide rail which can provide additional support when the slide rail is in a folded position, so as to enhance the supporting strength of the structure, regardless of whether the slide rail is provided with a folding and locking mechanism or not. Background Art

[0002] For example, US Patent Publication No. US 6,820,954 B2 (hereinafter referred to as the '954 patent) discloses a slide rail assembly comprising an outer rail, a middle rail and an inner rail. When the outer rail, the middle rail and the inner rail extend relative to each other so that the slide rail assembly is in an extended state, the inner rail can be locked relative to the middle rail by a controller (as shown in the '954 patent). Figure 6 or Fig.16 However, the '954 patent does not disclose that the inner rail can be supported by the outer rail (or related components on the outer rail) when the inner rail is folded relative to the outer rail, and the '954 patent also does not disclose that the inner rail of the slide rail assembly has a locking mechanism when the inner rail is folded relative to the outer rail.

[0003] For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. US 10,244,868 B2 (hereinafter referred to as the '868 patent) discloses a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail that can move relative to each other. The second rail can be locked in a retracted position relative to the first rail (as shown in FIG. 17 of the '868 patent), which is beneficial to reducing the overall length of the slide rail assembly, so that the slide rail assembly can be used in a narrow space environment (as shown in FIG. 21 of the '868 patent). However, the '868 patent does not disclose that when the third rail is retracted relative to the first rail, the third rail can be supported by the first rail (or related components on the first rail), and the '868 patent also does not disclose that the third rail of the slide rail assembly has a locking mechanism when it is retracted relative to the first rail.

[0004] For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 10,631,639B2 (hereinafter referred to as the '639 patent) discloses a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail. When the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, an operating member and a stopper can prevent the second rail from moving from the retracted position to a first direction (opening direction) (as shown in the '639 patent). Figure 5 ). However, when the second rail is in the folded position relative to the first rail, the operating member is not supported by the first rail (or related components on the first rail), so there is still room for improvement in structural strength or support strength.

[0005] For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 8,282,176B1 (hereinafter referred to as the '176 patent) discloses a slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail. When the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail (as shown in the '176 patent), the third rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail. Figure 6 ), the second rail can be prevented from moving from the folded position to an open direction by blocking each other between a lock and a stopper, and an operating portion of a release member is pulled outward, so that the lock member pivots and can be disengaged from the stopper. However, when the second rail is in the folded position relative to the first rail, the release member is not supported by the first rail (or related components on the first rail), so there is still room for improvement in structural strength or support strength. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a slide rail assembly which can enhance the structural strength of the slide rail when the slide rail is in a folded position.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a slide rail assembly comprises a first rail, a second rail and a third rail. The first rail comprises a support feature; the second rail can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail; the third rail is movably disposed between the first rail and the second rail; wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a predetermined state, the support feature exceeds an end of the third rail by a predetermined longitudinal distance, and the support feature is used to support the second rail.

[0008] Preferably, the support feature is located adjacent an end of the first rail.

[0009] Preferably, the slide rail assembly further comprises a connecting member disposed on the second rail, and when the slide rail assembly is in the predetermined state, the supporting feature supports the second rail via the connecting member.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting member is connected to an end portion adjacent to the second rail.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting member includes an upper section, a lower section and a middle section located between the upper section and the lower section, and the supporting feature includes an upper supporting wall, a lower supporting wall and a middle wall connected between the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall, and the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature is used to support the lower section of the connecting member.

[0012] Preferably, the upper support wall of the support feature is used to support the upper section of the connector.

[0013] Preferably, the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature are used to at least partially cover the upper section and the lower section of the connecting member respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the first rail has a first wall, a second wall and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the first rail, and the first rail is configured with a support member, the support member has a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion and a longitudinal portion connected between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion of the support member; the first supporting portion, the second supporting portion and the longitudinal portion of the support member are adjacent to the first wall, the second wall and the longitudinal wall of the first rail respectively.

[0015] Preferably, the first wall, the second wall and the longitudinal wall of the first rail jointly define a first channel for accommodating the third rail, and the third rail has a plurality of walls jointly defining a second channel for accommodating the second rail.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a third rail and a lock. The first rail includes a support feature; the second rail can be displaced longitudinally relative to the first rail; the third rail is movably disposed between the first rail and the second rail; the lock can be movable relative to the second rail; wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a retracted state, the third rail is retracted relative to the first rail, the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the third rail, and the second rail can be locked relative to the first rail by being in a locked state through the lock to prevent the second rail from leaving the retracted position in an opening direction; wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in the retracted state, the support feature exceeds an end of the third rail by a predetermined longitudinal distance, and the support feature is used to support the second rail.

[0017] Preferably, when the lock is operated to switch from the locked state to an unlocked state, the second rail cannot be locked relative to the first rail, so as to allow the second rail to move away from the folded position in the opening direction.

[0018] Preferably, the slide rail assembly further includes a connecting member disposed on the second rail, the locking member is operably connected to the second rail and one of the connecting members, and when the slide rail assembly is in the folded state, the supporting feature supports the second rail through the connecting member.

[0019] Preferably, the lock element is operable to move in a receiving space of the connecting element; when the lock element is in one of the locked state and the unlocked state, at least one portion of the lock element is exposed outside the receiving space.

[0020] Preferably, a predetermined portion of the connecting member has at least one identification feature for a user to identify that the locking member is in one of the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0021] Preferably, the slide rail assembly further includes an operating member for operating the lock member to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0022] Preferably, the operating member is operable to move in a receiving space of the connecting member; when the locking member is in one of the locked state and the unlocked state, at least one portion of the operating member is exposed outside the receiving space.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting member has a main body, which includes an upper section, a lower section and a middle section located between the upper section and the lower section, and the supporting feature includes an upper supporting wall, a lower supporting wall and a middle wall connected between the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall; the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature are used to support the upper section and the lower section of the main body respectively.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting member further comprises an extension portion connected to a middle section of the main body, and the operating member is movably mounted on the extension portion of the connecting member.

[0025] Preferably, the first rail is provided with a support member, and one of the support member and the first rail is provided with a blocking portion, the blocking portion being used for locking the locking member when the locking member is in the locked state; the supporting feature is provided on the support member.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a slide rail assembly is suitable for a rack, and the slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail and a third rail. The first rail is mounted to the rack through a mounting member, and the first rail includes a support feature; the second rail can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail; the third rail is movably arranged between the first rail and the second rail; wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a retracted state, the third rail is retracted relative to the first rail, and the mounting member is adjacent to an end of the third rail; wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a retracted state, the support feature exceeds the end of the third rail by a predetermined longitudinal distance, and the support feature is used to support the second rail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] To further illustrate and verify the above-mentioned purpose, structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 The exploded schematic diagram shows a slide rail assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the assembly of a slide rail assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 show Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of area A.

[0031] Figure 4 The schematic partial cross-sectional view shows the slide rail assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention in a predetermined state.

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a first rail of a slide rail assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be mounted to a rack via a mounting member, and a load can be mounted to a third rail in a channel of the first rail via a second rail.

[0033] Figure 6 The schematic diagram shows the slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention being installed on the rack.

[0034] Figure 7 The exploded schematic diagram shows a slide rail assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 show Figure 7 A magnified schematic diagram of area A.

[0036] Fig. 9 The schematic diagram shows that the slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention is in the predetermined state, and the second rail can be locked relative to the first rail.

[0037] Fig.10 The schematic diagram shows that the slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention is in the predetermined state, and the second rail is not locked relative to the first rail.

[0038] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing that the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be displaced in an opening direction relative to the first rail.

[0039] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing that the second rail of the slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be displaced in a folding direction relative to the first rail.

[0040] Fig.13 A schematic diagram showing a slide rail assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the locking element in a locked state.

[0041] Fig.14 A schematic diagram showing a slide rail assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the locking element in an unlocked state.

[0042] Fig.15 A schematic diagram showing a slide rail assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the locking element in the locked state.

[0043] Fig.16 A schematic diagram showing a slide rail assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the locking element in an unlocked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a slide rail assembly 20 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first rail 22 (e.g., an outer rail), a second rail 24 (e.g., an inner rail), and a third rail 26 (e.g., a middle rail) movably disposed between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. The first rail 22, the second rail 24, and the third rail 26 all have a first end and a second end, such as a front end and a rear end, but the implementation is not limited. Further, the first rail 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b; the second rail 24 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b; and the third rail 26 has a first end 26a and a second end 26b. In addition, the length of the third rail 26 is less than the length of the first rail 22 and the length of the second rail 24, and the length of the first rail 22 is substantially the same as the length of the second rail 24, but the implementation is not limited. Among them, the first rail 22, the second rail 24, and the third rail 26 can be longitudinally displaced relative to each other. It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction (or the length direction or displacement direction of the slide rail), the Y-axis direction is the transverse direction (or the lateral direction of the slide rail), and the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction (or the height direction of the slide rail).

[0045] The first rail 22 includes a support feature 28. Preferably, the support feature 28 is located adjacent to an end portion (e.g., the first end portion 22a) of the first rail 22. Here, the first rail 22 is provided with a support member 30, the support member 30 is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the first rail 22 and can be regarded as a part of the first rail 22, and the support feature 28 is disposed on the support member 30. Here, the support feature 28 is integrated into the support member 30, and therefore, the first rail 22, the support member 30, and the support feature 28 can be regarded as a whole.

[0046] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the first rail 22 has a first wall 32a, a second wall 32b and a longitudinal wall 34 connected between the first wall 32a and the second wall 32b of the first rail 22. The support member 30 has a first support portion 36a, a second support portion 36b and a longitudinal portion 38 connected between the first support portion 36a and the second support portion 36b of the support member 30, and the first support portion 36a, the second support portion 36b and the longitudinal portion 38 of the support member 30 are adjacent to the first wall 32a, the second wall 32b and the longitudinal wall 34 of the first rail 22 respectively.

[0047] Preferably, the first wall 32 a , the second wall 32 b and the longitudinal wall 34 of the first rail 22 together define a first channel for accommodating the third rail 26 ; similarly, the third rail 26 has a plurality of walls together defining a second channel for accommodating the second rail 24 .

[0048] When the slide rail assembly 20 is in a predetermined state (eg Figure 2In the folded state shown in the figure, the third rail 26 is folded relative to the first rail 22, and the second rail 24 is in a folded position R relative to the third rail 26 or the first rail 22, wherein the support feature 28 extends beyond an end portion (e.g., the first end portion 26a) of the third rail 26 by a predetermined longitudinal distance L, and the support feature 28 is used to support the second rail 24.

[0049] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a connecting member 40 disposed on the second rail 24. For example, the connecting member 40 is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the second rail 24 and can be regarded as a part of the second rail 24, and the connecting member 40 is connected to an end portion (e.g., the first end portion 24a) adjacent to the second rail 24, wherein the connecting member 40 can be connected to the second rail 24 by means of snap connection, buckle connection, abutment connection, or riveting, but the implementation is not limited thereto; when the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state, the supporting feature 28 supports the second rail 24 (e.g., Figure 2 shown).

[0050] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the connecting member 40 includes an upper section 42a, a lower section 42b and a middle section 44 located between the upper section 42a and the lower section 42b, and the supporting feature 28 includes an upper supporting wall 46a, a lower supporting wall 46b and a middle wall 48 connected between the upper supporting wall 46a and the lower supporting wall 46b, and the lower supporting wall 46b of the supporting feature 28 is used to support the lower section 42b of the connecting member 40; or, the upper supporting wall 46a of the supporting feature 28 is used to support the upper section 42a of the connecting member 40.

[0051] It can be seen that when the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state (e.g., the folded state), since the length of the third rail 26 is less than the length of the second rail 24, the end of the second rail 24 (e.g., the first end 24a) and its adjacent rail segment cannot be supported by the third rail 26. In this case, the connecting member 40 can be supported by the supporting feature 28 so that the second rail 24 can also be supported when it is in the folded position R. Accordingly, the structural strength or stability of the slide rail assembly 20 when it is in the predetermined state can be ensured.

[0052] Preferably, the upper support wall 46a of the support feature 28 is used to at least partially cover the upper section 42a of the connecting member 40; or, the lower support wall 46b of the support feature 28 is used to at least partially cover the lower section 42b of the connecting member 40. Accordingly, when the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state (e.g., the folded state), the first rail 22 covers the connecting member 40 through the support feature 28, so that when the second rail 24 is in the folded position R, the connecting member 40 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or the lateral direction (Y-axis direction), so as to ensure the stability of the mechanism.

[0053] Further, the upper support wall 46a of the support feature 28 has a first support segment K1 and a second support segment K2 substantially vertically connected to the first support segment K1. The first support segment K1, the second support segment K2 and a first wall portion 48a of the intermediate wall 48 together define a first space 52 that can at least partially accommodate the upper segment 42a of the connecting member 40 (such as Figure 4 Alternatively, the lower support wall 46b of the support feature 28 has a third support segment K3 and a fourth support segment K4 substantially vertically connected to the third support segment K3. The third support segment K3, the fourth support segment K4 and a second wall portion 48b of the intermediate wall 48 together define a second space 54 that can at least partially accommodate the lower segment 42b of the connector 40 (as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown).

[0054] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the slide rail assembly 20 is suitable for a rack 56. In order to install the first rail 22 to the rack 56, at least one mounting feature 55 (such as a hole) must be provided at a predetermined position of (the longitudinal wall 34 of) the first rail 22. In this case, the length of the third rail 26 must be less than the length of the first rail 22 so that at least one mounting member 58 (such as a screw or bolt, but not limited to) can be inserted into the mounting feature 55 to fix the first rail 22 to a column 56a of the rack 56. It is worth mentioning that when the mounting member 58 is installed to the rack 56, the mounting member 58 does not block the displacement path of the third rail 26, that is, the third rail 26 can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail 22.

[0055] Further, when the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state (e.g., the folded state), the third rail 26 is folded relative to the first rail 22, and the mounting member 58 is adjacent to an end portion (the first end portion 26a) of the third rail 26. When the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state (e.g., the folded state), the third rail 26 is folded relative to the first rail 22, and the second rail 24 is in the folded position R relative to the third rail 26, wherein the support feature 28 exceeds the end portion (e.g., the first end portion 26a) of the third rail 26 by the predetermined longitudinal distance L, and the support feature 28 can support the second rail 24 through the connecting member 40, thereby ensuring the structural strength or stability of the slide rail assembly 20 when it is in the predetermined state. It is worth mentioning that the second rail 24 can be used to carry a load 60.

[0056] like Figures 7 to 9The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the slide rail assembly further includes a lock 202 that can move relative to the second rail 24, and one of the support member 30 and the first rail 22 is provided with a blocking portion 204, and the blocking portion 204 is used in conjunction with the lock 202. Here, the support feature 28 (middle wall 48) of the support member 30 is provided with the blocking portion 204 as an example (e.g. Figure 7 Preferably, the support feature 28 (the middle wall 48 ) of the support member 30 is provided with a predetermined structure 205 , and the predetermined structure 205 has the blocking portion 204 .

[0057] Preferably, the lock 202 is operably connected to the second rail 24 and one of the connecting members 40, and here, the lock 202 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24 via a shaft 206. The lock 202 has a lock portion 208a and a drive portion 208b, and the shaft 206 is located between the lock portion 208a and the drive portion 208b.

[0058] Preferably, the slide rail assembly also includes an elastic member 210 for providing elastic force to the lock member 202, and the elastic member 210 has a first elastic portion 212a, a second elastic portion 212b and a mounting portion 214 connected between the first elastic portion 212a and the second elastic portion 212b, and the mounting portion 214 is installed on the shaft member 206, wherein the second elastic portion 212b is adjacent to and contacts the driving portion 208b.

[0059] Preferably, the slide rail assembly further includes an operating member 216 for operating the locking member 202 to move.

[0060] Furthermore, when the slide rail assembly is in a retracted state, the third rail 26 is retracted relative to the first rail 22, and the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the third rail 26 (this part has been described in the first embodiment above). Figure 2 The second rail 24 is in a locked state S1 through the lock member 202, which can lock the blocking portion 204, so that the second rail 24 is locked relative to the first rail 22, so as to prevent the second rail 24 from leaving the folded position R (such as in the case of the first rail 22) in an opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 22. Fig. 9 In addition, when the slide rail assembly is in the folded state, the support feature 28 exceeds the end (e.g., the first end 26a) of the third rail 26 by the predetermined longitudinal distance L, and the support feature 28 is used to support the second rail 24 (this part has been described in the first embodiment above). Figure 2 For the sake of brevity, the description thereof is omitted).

[0061] Preferably, when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the upper support wall 46a and the lower support wall 46b of the support feature 28 can respectively support the upper section 42a and the lower section 42b of the connecting member 40, so that the second rail 24 is also supported when in the retracted position R, thereby ensuring the structural strength of the slide rail assembly 20 when in the predetermined state (such as Fig. 9 Or with Figure 4 ), and also helps the lock member 202 to lock the blocking portion 204 in the locked state S1 (as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 shown).

[0062] Preferably, when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the upper support wall 46a and the lower support wall 46b of the support feature 28 can respectively at least partially cover the upper section 42a and the lower section 42b of the connecting member 40 to prevent the connecting member 40 from moving in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or lateral direction (Y-axis direction) to ensure the stability of the mechanism (e.g. Fig. 9 Or with Figure 4 shown).

[0063] Preferably, when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R, the lock member 202 is able to maintain the locked state S1 by the first elastic portion 212a of the elastic member 210 contacting between the predetermined structure 205 and a wall 41 of the connecting member 40. At this time, the first elastic portion 212a of the elastic member 210 accumulates an elastic force (such as Fig. 9 On the other hand, the second elastic portion 212b of the elastic member 210 provides a second elastic force to the driving portion 208b of the lock member 20, and the driving portion 208b of the lock member 20 acts on the operating member 216 in response to the second elastic force, so that the operating member 216 is exposed outside the connecting member 40 of the second rail 24.

[0064] Preferably, if Figure 8 As shown, the connecting member 40 has a main body portion 40a and an extension portion 40b, wherein the main body portion 40a includes the upper section 42a, the lower section 42b and the middle section 44 located between the upper section 42a and the lower section 42b; the extension portion 40b is connected to the middle section 44 of the main body portion 40a, and the operating member 216 can be movably mounted on the extension portion 40b of the connecting member 40.

[0065] Preferably, the operating member 216 can be operated to move in a receiving space X of the connecting member 40 (eg Fig. 9When the lock member 202 is in the locked state S1, the locking portion 208a of the lock member 202 forms a locking relationship with the blocking portion 204, the operating member 216 is in a first position P1, and at least one portion 216a of the operating member 216 (e.g., the operating portion) is exposed to the outside of the accommodation space X (e.g., Fig. 9 ), for the user to identify that the lock 202 is in the locked state S1. For example, when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R, the user can determine that the lock 202 is in the locked state S1 and locks the blocking portion 204.

[0066] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, when the lock element 202 is changed from the locked state S1 (as shown in Fig. 9 When the unlocking state S2 is switched to an unlocking state S2 (as shown in Fig.10 ), the locking portion 208a of the locking member 202 is released from the locking relationship with the blocking portion 204, that is, the locking member 202 cannot lock the blocking portion 204, so that the second rail 24 cannot be locked relative to the first rail 22, so as to allow the second rail 24 to move away from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1. For example, the second rail 24 can move away from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22 (as shown in FIG. Fig.10 ) is longitudinally displaced in the opening direction D1 to an extended position E (as shown Fig.11 shown).

[0067] Preferably, the operating member 216 is used to operate the lock 202 to change from the locked state S1 to the unlocked state S2. For example, the user can apply a force F to the operating member 216 to move the operating member 216 from the first position P1 to a second position P2 and contact the driving portion 208b of the lock 202. At this time, the second elastic portion 212b of the elastic member 210 accumulates an elastic force, and the lock 202 changes from the locked state S1 (such as Fig. 9 As shown) pivots to an angle to the unlocked state S2 (as shown Fig.10 ), so that the locking portion 208a of the locking member 202 no longer locks the blocking portion 204. On the other hand, if the second rail 24 is not pulled out in the opening direction D1 at this time, and the force F originally applied to the operating member 216 is released, the second elastic portion 212b of the elastic member 210 releases the accumulated elastic force, so that the driving portion 208b of the locking member 20 responds to the elastic force and acts on the operating member 216, so that the operating member 216 is restored to be exposed outside the connecting member 40 of the second rail 24.

[0068] It is worth mentioning that when the second rail 24 is in the extended position E relative to the first rail 22 (eg Fig.11As shown), since the first elastic portion 212a of the elastic member 210 is no longer in contact between the predetermined structure 205 and the wall 41 of the connecting member 40, the first elastic portion 212a of the elastic member 210 releases the elastic force and the operating member 216 remains in the second position P2.

[0069] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, when the second rail 24 is relative to the first rail 22 from the extended position E (as shown in FIG. Fig.11 During the process of moving in a folding direction D2 to the folded position R, the first elastic portion 212a of the elastic member 210 contacts the predetermined structure 205 (as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown), the lock member 202 is again in contact with the predetermined structure 205 and the wall 41 of the connecting member 40 through the first elastic portion 212a of the elastic member 210 to accumulate the elastic force again (this part can be referred to in conjunction with Fig.10 ), so that the lock 202 is changed from the unlocked state S2 (as shown in Fig.10 As shown) returns to the locked state S1 (this part can be referred to in conjunction with Fig. 9 ), and the lock member 202 can drive the operating member 216 from the second position P2 (as shown) through the driving portion 208b. Fig.10 As shown) back to the first position P1 (as shown Fig. 9 Therefore, in the folded position, the user can judge whether the lock member 202 is in the locked state S1 or not in the locked state S1 according to the position of the operating member 216, and remind the user whether the folded position of the slide rail has been reached or not reached, and whether the slide rail is in the locked state.

[0070] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 The third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that the operating member 216 of the second embodiment is omitted. The lock member 300 of the third embodiment can be directly operated to change from the locked state S1 (such as Fig.13 ) to the unlocked state S2 (as shown) Fig.14 As shown), the lock element 300 has at least one portion 302 (such as an operating portion) connected to the driving portion 308b.

[0071] Specifically, the lock 300 is operable to move in the receiving space X of the connecting member 40; when the lock 300 is in the locked state S1 (eg Fig.13), the at least one portion 302 of the lock 300 is exposed outside the accommodation space X, and can also be used for the user to identify whether the lock 300 is in the locked state S1 or not in the locked state S1. Preferably, the at least one portion 302 of the lock 300 has an identification feature 304 (such as color, shape, text or symbol, but not limited to implementation), which allows the user to more easily identify whether the lock 300 is in the locked state S1 (such as Fig.13 ). In other words, the user can apply force F to the at least one portion 302 of the lock element 300 to change the lock element 300 from the locked state S1 (as shown in FIG. Fig.13 ) to the unlocked state S2 (as shown) Fig.14 shown).

[0072] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the operating member 216 of the second embodiment is omitted. The locking member 400 of the fourth embodiment can be directly operated to change from the locked state S1 (such as Fig.15 ) to the unlocked state S2 (as shown) Fig.16 As shown), the lock element 400 has at least one portion 402 (such as an operating portion) connected to the driving portion 408b.

[0073] Preferably, a predetermined portion of the connecting member 40 (eg, the extending portion 40 b ) has an opening 404 communicating with the accommodating space X of the connecting member 40 , and the at least one portion 402 of the locking member 400 is exposed to the outside of the accommodating space X through the opening 404 .

[0074] Preferably, the predetermined portion (e.g., the extension portion 40b) of the connecting member 40 has at least one identification feature (e.g., color, shape, text, or symbol, but not limited to this in practice) for the user to identify that the lock 400 is in one of the locked state S1 and the unlocked state S2, such as a first identification feature 406a and a second identification feature 406b. Specifically, when the lock 400 is in the locked state S1, the position of the at least one portion 402 (e.g., the operating portion) corresponds to the first identification feature 406a (e.g., the unlocked state S2). Fig.15 ), for the user to identify that the lock 400 is in the locked state S1; when the lock 400 is in the unlocked state S2, the position of the at least one portion 402 (such as the operating portion) corresponds to the second identification feature 406b (such as Fig.16 ), for the user to identify that the lock 400 is in the unlocked state S2. Further, the user can apply force F to at least one portion 402 of the lock 400 to change the lock 400 from the locked state S1 (as shown in FIG. Fig.15) to the unlocked state S2 (as shown) Fig.16 shown).

[0075] According to the above description, it can be seen that the improved effects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0076] 1. When the slide rail assembly 20 is in a predetermined state, the support feature 28 exceeds the end of the third rail 26 by a predetermined longitudinal distance L, and the support feature 28 is used to support the second rail 26 .

[0077] 2. The third rail 26 is movably disposed between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24 , and the length of the third rail 26 is shorter than the length of the first rail 22 and the length of the second rail 24 .

[0078] 3. When the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state (e.g., the folded state), the connecting member 40 can be supported by the supporting feature 28, so that the second rail 24 can also be supported when it is in the folded position R. Accordingly, the structural strength or stability of the slide rail assembly 20 in the predetermined state can be ensured, and the stability of the locking member 202 in locking the blocking portion 204 when it is in the locked state S1 can also be facilitated.

[0079] 4. When the slide rail assembly 20 is in the predetermined state (e.g., the folded state), the first rail 22 covers the connecting member 40 through the supporting feature 28, so that when the second rail 24 is in the folded position R, the connecting member 40 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or the lateral direction (Y-axis direction), thereby ensuring the stability of the mechanism.

[0080] 5. At least one portion 216a of the operating member 216 (eg, the operating portion) is exposed to the outside of the accommodation space X (eg, Fig. 9 ), for the user to identify whether the lock element 202 is in the locked state S1 or not in the locked state S1.

[0081] 6. In the case where the operating member 216 is omitted, the lock member (300; 400) can also be directly operated (such as Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 , Fig.16 ), and the lock element (300, 400) has an identification feature (304; 406a, 406b) for a user to identify that the lock element 202 is in the locked state S1 or the locked state S2.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and various equivalent changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, any changes and modifications to the above embodiments within the spirit of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A slide rail assembly, comprising a first rail, a second rail and a third rail, characterized in that: The first rail includes a support feature, the support feature being located adjacent an end of the first rail; The second rail is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail, and the second rail has an upper wall, a lower wall and an end; The third rail is movably disposed between the first rail and the second rail; and A connecting member is disposed at an end of the second rail; Wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a predetermined state, the support feature exceeds an end of the third rail by a predetermined longitudinal distance and supports the second rail through the connecting member; and the connecting member is connected to the end of the second rail in an embracing manner above, below and to the side of the end of the second rail; The connecting member comprises an upper section, a lower section and a middle section located between the upper section and the lower section, the supporting feature comprises an upper supporting wall, a lower supporting wall and a middle wall connected between the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall, the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature is used to support the lower section of the connecting member; the upper supporting wall of the supporting feature is used to support the upper section of the connecting member; The upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature are used to at least partially cover the upper section and the lower section of the connecting member respectively; The connector is configured such that the upper section of the connector is fixed between the upper supporting wall of the supporting feature and the upper wall of a portion of the second rail, the upper wall of the portion being located at an end of the second rail, and the lower section of the connector is fixed between the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature and the lower wall of a portion of the second rail, the lower wall of the portion being located at an end of the second rail, so that the supporting feature supports the second rail at the end of the second rail through the connector.

2. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rail has a first wall, a second wall and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the first rail, and the first rail is equipped with a support member, which has a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion and a longitudinal portion connected between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion of the support member; the first supporting portion, the second supporting portion and the longitudinal portion of the support member are adjacent to the first wall, the second wall and the longitudinal wall of the first rail respectively.

3. The slide rail assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first wall, the second wall and the longitudinal wall of the first rail jointly define a first channel for accommodating the third rail, and the third rail has a plurality of walls jointly defining a second channel for accommodating the second rail.

4. A slide rail assembly, comprising a first rail, a second rail, a third rail and a lock, characterized in that: The first rail includes a support feature, the support feature being located on the first rail; The second rail is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail, and the second rail has an upper wall, a lower wall and an end; The third rail is movably disposed between the first rail and the second rail; and A connecting member is disposed on the second rail; The locking element is movable relative to the second rail; Wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a retracted state, the third rail is retracted relative to the first rail, the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the third rail, and the second rail can be locked relative to the first rail by the lock element in a locked state to prevent the second rail from leaving the retracted position in an opening direction, and when the lock element is operated from the locked state to an unlocked state, the second rail cannot be locked relative to the first rail to allow the second rail to leave the retracted position in the opening direction; The connector is configured such that an upper section of the connector is fixed between an upper supporting wall of the supporting feature and a portion of the upper wall of the second rail, the upper wall of the portion being located at an end of the second rail, and a lower section of the connector is fixed between a lower supporting wall of the supporting feature and a portion of the lower wall of the second rail, the lower wall of the portion being located at an end of the second rail, so that the supporting feature supports the second rail at the end of the second rail through the connector; When the slide rail assembly is in the folded state, the support feature exceeds an end portion of the third rail by a predetermined longitudinal distance, and the support feature is used to support the second rail.

5. The slide rail assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting member disposed on the second rail, the locking member can operably connect the second rail and one of the connecting members, and when the slide rail assembly is in the folded state, the supporting feature supports the second rail through the connecting member.

6. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking element is operable to move in a receiving space of the connecting element; when the locking element is in one of the locked state and the unlocked state, at least one portion of the locking element is exposed outside the receiving space.

7. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: A predetermined portion of the connecting member has at least one identification feature for a user to identify that the locking member is in one of the locked state and the unlocked state.

8. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The invention also comprises an operating member for operating the lock member to switch from the locking state to the unlocking state.

9. The slide rail assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The operating member is operable to move in a receiving space of the connecting member; when the locking member is in one of the locking state and the unlocking state, at least one portion of the operating member is exposed outside the receiving space.

10. The slide rail assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting member has a main body, which includes an upper section, a lower section and a middle section located between the upper section and the lower section. The supporting feature includes an upper supporting wall, a lower supporting wall and a middle wall connected between the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall; the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature are used to support the upper section and the lower section of the main body respectively.

11. The slide rail assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connecting member further comprises an extension portion connected to the middle section of the main body, and the operating member is movably mounted on the extension portion of the connecting member.

12. The slide rail assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first rail is equipped with a support member, and one of the support member and the first rail is provided with a blocking portion, and the blocking portion is used for locking the locking member when the locking member is in the locking state; the supporting feature is provided on the support member.

13. A slide rail assembly, suitable for a rack, comprising a first rail, a second rail and a third rail, characterized in that: The first rail is mounted to the frame via a mounting member, the first rail including a support feature; The second rail is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first rail, the second rail having an upper wall, a lower wall and an end; and A connecting member is disposed on the second rail; The third rail is movably arranged between the first rail and the second rail; Wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a folded state, the third rail is folded relative to the first rail, and the mounting member is adjacent to an end portion of the third rail; Wherein, when the slide rail assembly is in a folded state, the support feature exceeds the end of the third rail by a predetermined longitudinal distance, and the support feature is used to support the second rail; and the connecting member is connected to the end of the second rail in an embracing manner above, below and to the side of the end of the second rail; The connecting member comprises an upper section, a lower section and a middle section located between the upper section and the lower section, the supporting feature comprises an upper supporting wall, a lower supporting wall and a middle wall connected between the upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall, the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature is used to support the lower section of the connecting member; the upper supporting wall of the supporting feature is used to support the upper section of the connecting member; The upper supporting wall and the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature are used to at least partially cover the upper section and the lower section of the connecting member respectively; The connector is configured such that the upper section of the connector is fixed between the upper supporting wall of the supporting feature and the upper wall of a portion of the second rail, the upper wall of the portion being located at an end of the second rail, and the lower section of the connector is fixed between the lower supporting wall of the supporting feature and the lower wall of a portion of the second rail, the lower wall of the portion being located at an end of the second rail, so that the supporting feature supports the second rail at the end of the second rail through the connector.

Images