Slide rail assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a slide rail assembly that allows one rail to be positioned at a different location relative to other rails. [Solution] The slide rail assembly 20 comprises a first rail 22, a second rail 24, a blocking member 34, and an operating member 36. Multiple assist structures 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d are arranged on the first rail. The second rail is displaceable relative to the first rail and can be positioned at different locations by blocking the blocking member with one of the multiple assist structures. The operating member is configured to operate the blocking member to terminate the blocking between the blocking member and one of the multiple assist structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly according to the preamble (preceding the characterizing part) of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 8,210,623 (Patent Document 2) discloses a damping device adapted to a slide rail assembly having a first rail and a second rail slidable relative to the first rail. The damping device includes a first support frame, a second support frame, a rack, and a damper. The first support frame is fixedly attached to the first rail. The second support frame is fixedly attached to the second rail. The rack is attached to the first support frame. The damper is attached to the second support frame. The damper includes a container and a gear pivotally connected to the container. A damping material, such as a thick and sticky liquid, is received in the container. When the second rail is displaced relative to the first rail, the gear of the damper is driven by the rack and rotatably cooperates with the damping material received in the container to generate a certain damping force to resist the relative movement of the second rail relative to the first rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in order to meet various requirements, providing an improved slide rail product becomes an important issue.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a slide rail assembly having a blocking mechanism that allows the second rail to be positioned at a different position from the first rail.

[0006] This is achieved by the slide rail assembly described in claim 1. Dependent claims relate to corresponding further development and improvement.

[0007] As will become clearer from the following detailed description, the slide rail assembly described in the claim comprises: a first rail; a second rail which is displaceable longitudinally relative to the first rail in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and is displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; a plurality of assist structures disposed on the first rail, wherein two adjacent assist structures are spaced apart from each other; a blocking member movably mounted on the second rail; and an operating member movably mounted on the second rail, which is configured to operate the blocking member to move from a first state to a second state; A blocking member in state 1 is configured to block one of a plurality of assist structures in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced from a predetermined position in a second direction; an operating member is configured to operate the blocking member to move from state 1 to state 2, thereby the blocking member not blocking one of the plurality of assist structures in order to allow the second rail to be displaced to a retracted position in the second direction; and each of the plurality of assist structures is configured to drive the blocking member to move from state 1 in order to allow the blocking member to pass over a corresponding one of the plurality of assist structures when the second rail is displaced in state 1.

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention will become undeniably clear to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description relating to preferred embodiments shown in various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly in which the operating member is in the first operating position, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly in which the operating member is in the second operating position, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which displacement of the second rail from a first predetermined position in a first or second direction is prevented. [Figure 6] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the second rail can be displaced from a first predetermined position in a first direction or a second direction. [Figure 7] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which displacement of the second rail from a second predetermined position in a second direction is prevented. [Figure 8] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the second rail is displaced from a second predetermined position in the first direction. [Figure 9] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the second rail is displaced in the first direction from the position shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which displacement of the second rail in the second direction is prevented from another predetermined position between the second predetermined position and the third predetermined position. [Figure 11] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the second rail is displaced in the first direction from another predetermined position. [Figure 12] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the second rail is displaced in the first direction from the position shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] A diagram showing that displacement of the second rail from a third predetermined position in a first direction or a second direction is prevented, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] A diagram showing that the second rail is displaced in a second direction from a third predetermined position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A diagram showing that the second rail is displaced in a second direction from the position shown in FIG. 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] A diagram showing that the second rail is displaced in a second direction from the position shown in FIG. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A diagram showing that displacement of the second rail from a fourth predetermined position in a second direction is prevented, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] A diagram showing that the second rail is displaced in a second direction from a fourth predetermined position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A diagram showing that a slide rail assembly is adapted to a first article and a second article, and displacement of the second rail from a third predetermined position in a first direction or a second direction is prevented, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] A diagram showing that a slide rail assembly is adapted to a first article and a second article, and displacement of the second rail from a first predetermined position in a first direction or a second direction is prevented, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented, are referred to in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. In this regard, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc. are used with reference to the orientation of the illustrated figures. The members of the present invention may be arranged in a number of different directions. Therefore, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are never limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as essentially illustrative and not restrictive. Also, when not specified, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Therefore, when a first device is connected to a second device, the connection may be by a direct mechanical connection or an indirect mechanical connection through other devices or connections.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22 and a second rail 24 that is displaceable longitudinally with respect to the first rail 22. A first positioning structure 26, at least one assist structure, and a second positioning structure 30 are disposed on the first rail 22. At least one assist structure is disposed between the first positioning structure 26 and the second positioning structure 30. In the present embodiment, as an example, a plurality of assist structures may be provided between the first positioning structure 26 and the second positioning structure 30. The plurality of assist structures includes a first assist structure 28a, a second assist structure 28b, a third assist structure 28c, and a fourth assist structure 28d. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and depends on practical requirements. For example, in another embodiment, only one of the first assist structure, the second assist structure, the third assist structure, and the fourth assist structure may be present.

[0013] Preferably, the first positioning structure 26 and the second positioning structure 30 may have substantially the same structure. The first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d may have substantially the same structure.

[0014] Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, for example, the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 may be arranged sequentially at equal intervals X in the longitudinal direction. In other words, two adjacent positions among the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 may be spaced a predetermined distance apart in the longitudinal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the first positioning structure, the first assist structure, the second assist structure, the third assist structure, the fourth assist structure, and the second positioning structure may be arranged sequentially at unequal intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] Preferably, the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 may be positioned directly or indirectly on the first rail 22.

[0016] Preferably, the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 may be protrusions.

[0017] The slide rail assembly 20 further includes a release member 32 movably mounted on the second rail 24, a blocking member 34 movably mounted on the second rail 24, and an operating member 36 movably mounted on the second rail 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the blocking member 34 and the release member 32 may be pivotally connected to the second rail 24 by a first shaft 40 and a second shaft 38, respectively.

[0018] The operating member 36 is configured to operate the release member 32 and the blocking member 34. The release member 32 may be configured to allow or restrict the displacement of the second rail 24 in a first direction D1 relative to the first rail 22. The blocking member 34 may be configured to allow or restrict the displacement of the second rail 24 in a second direction D2 relative to the first rail 22. To make it understandable, in another embodiment, if it is only desired to restrict the displacement of the second rail 24 in a second direction D2 relative to the first rail 22, the slide rail assembly may comprise a blocking member and an operating member configured to operate only the blocking member. That is, the release member may be omitted.

[0019] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further comprises a first elastic portion 44 and a second elastic portion 42, which are configured to elastically hold the blocking member 34 and the release member 32 in a first state S1, respectively. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, for example, the first elastic portion 44 and the second elastic portion 42 may be elastic arms or elastic legs integrally connected to the blocking member 34 and the release member 32, respectively. A first predetermined gap G1 may be formed between the second elastic portion 42 and the release member 32. A second predetermined gap G2 may be formed between the first elastic portion 44 and the blocking member 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the first elastic portion 44 and the second elastic portion 42 abut against a first predetermined portion 48 and a second predetermined portion 46 of the second rail 24, respectively. In this embodiment, for example, each of the first predetermined portion 48 and the second predetermined portion 46 may be a hole or a slot, and each of the first elastic portion 44 and the second elastic portion 42 may include a curved section. The curved section is inserted into the corresponding one of the first predetermined portion 48 and the second predetermined portion 46 and abuts against the corresponding wall of the first predetermined portion 48 and the second predetermined portion 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, each of the first predetermined portion and the second predetermined portion may be a wall or a projection.

[0020] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a return elastic member 50 configured to provide a return elastic force F' to the operating member 36.

[0021] Preferably, each of the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 includes two opposite ends, for example, a first end E1 and a second end E2.

[0022] Preferably, blocking structures may be provided at the first end E1 and second end E2 of the first positioning structure 26, and at the first end E1 and second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30. The blocking structures may be blocking walls or vertical walls. Furthermore, guide sections M may be provided adjacent to the first end E1 of each of the first assist structure 28a, second assist structure 28b, third assist structure 28c, and fourth assist structure 28d. Furthermore, blocking sections may be provided at the second end E2 of each of the first assist structure 28a, second assist structure 28b, third assist structure 28c, and fourth assist structure 28d. The guide sections M may be inclined surfaces or arc surfaces, and the blocking sections may be blocking walls or vertical walls.

[0023] Preferably, the first rail 22 includes a front end portion 22a and a rear end portion 22b. The second rail 24 includes a front end portion 24a and a rear end portion 24b. The first positioning structure 26 is positioned adjacent to the rear end portion 22b of the first rail 22. The second positioning structure 30 is positioned adjacent to the front end portion 22a of the first rail 22.

[0024] Preferably, the first rail 22 further includes a channel 29 for receiving the second rail 24. Furthermore, the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 are located inside the channel 29 of the first rail 22.

[0025] Preferably, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 are positioned adjacent to the rear end portion 24b of the second rail 24. The operating member 36 includes an operating section 52, a drive section 54, and an extension 56 connected between the operating section 52 and the drive section 54. The operating section 52 is positioned adjacent to the front end portion 24a of the second rail 24. For example, the operating section 52 may protrude beyond the front end portion 24a of the second rail 24 and may include an opening H to facilitate operation. The drive section 54 may include a first drive section 58 and a second drive section 60 configured to drive the release member 32 and the blocking member 34, respectively. The extension 56 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the second rail 24. To make it understandable, in another embodiment, the operating member is configured to operate only the release member or the blocking member. For example, if a blocking member is configured to drive a release member to move together with the blocking member, or if a release member is configured to drive a blocking member to move together with the release member, the drive unit may include one of a first drive section and a second drive section that drives the corresponding one of the release member and the blocking member.

[0026] Preferably, in this embodiment, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a plastic material. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, space J is defined between the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 and is configured to receive one of the first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30. The operating member 36 is configured to operate the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 to move them from the first state S1 shown in Figure 3 to the second state S2 shown in Figure 4. For example, when a force F is applied to the operating part 52 of the operating member 36 to drive the operating member 36 to move it from the first operating position K1 shown in Figure 3 to the second operating position K2 shown in Figure 4, the first driving section 58 and the second driving section 60 of the operating member 36 drive the release member 32 and the blocking member 34, causing them to rotate from the first state S1 shown in Figure 3 to the second state S2 shown in Figure 4, respectively. As a result, the return elastic member 50 is elastically deformed by the operating member 36, and the first elastic portion 44 and the second elastic portion 42 are elastically deformed by the first predetermined portion 48 and the second predetermined portion 46 of the second rail 24, respectively. It should be noted that when the operating portion 52 of the operating member 36 is released from the force F, the operating member 36 returns from the second operating position K2 shown in Figure 4 to the first operating position K1 shown in Figure 3 in response to the return elastic force F' provided by the elastically deformed return elastic member 50. In addition, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 return from the second state S2 shown in Figure 4 to the first state S1 shown in Figure 3 in accordance with the elastic forces provided by the elastically deformed second elastic portion 42 and the elastically deformed first elastic portion 44, respectively.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the first rail 22 may be mounted perpendicularly to an article not shown. In other words, the rear end portion 22b of the first rail 22 may face downward, for example, towards the ground surface, and the front end portion 22a of the first rail 22 may face upward. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the second rail 24 is in a first predetermined position P1 relative to the first rail 22, for example, a retracted position, the slide rail assembly 20 has a first length L1. The release member 32 and the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 block the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the first positioning structure 26, respectively, to create a bidirectional blocking effect in order to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in a first direction D1, for example, the opening direction, or in a second direction D2, for example, the retraction direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, at this point, the operating member 36 is held in the first operating position K1 in response to the return elastic force F' provided by the return elastic member 50. Preferably, the operating member 36 further includes an extension section 62 positioned corresponding to the restorative elastic member 50.

[0029] When a force F is applied to the operating part 52 of the operating member 36 in order to drive the operating member 36 and move it in the first direction D1 relative to the second rail 24 at the first predetermined position P1 from the first operating position K1 shown in Figure 5 to the second operating position K2 shown in Figure 6, the first driving section 58 and the second driving section 60 of the operating member 36 drive the release member 32 and the blocking member 34, respectively, causing them to pivot from the first state S1 shown in Figure 5 to the second state S2 shown in Figure 6. As a result, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 in the second state S2 do not block the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the first positioning structure 26, respectively, in order to allow the second rail 24 to be displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, at this point, the return elastic member 50 is elastically deformed by the extended section 62 of the operating member 36. The first elastic portion 44 and the second elastic portion 42 are elastically deformed by the first predetermined portion 48 and the second predetermined portion 46, respectively.

[0030] It should be noted that when the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1 and the operating member 36 is released from the force F, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 can return to the first state S1 in accordance with the elastic force provided by the second elastic portion 42 and the first elastic portion 44, respectively. Subsequently, when the second rail 24 is further displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 can pass over the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d until they are in positions corresponding to the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30, respectively. Preferably, while the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1 in the manner described above, each of the guide sections M facilitates the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 to pass over the corresponding one of the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d.

[0031] When the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1, for example to the second predetermined position P2 shown in Figure 7, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 can block the second end E2 of the second assist structure 28b in order to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the second rail 24 is in the second predetermined position P2, the slide rail assembly 20 has a second length L2.

[0032] For example, when the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2 in the first direction D1, and the operating member 36 is released from the force F that returns the operating member 36 from the second operating position K2 to the first operating position K1, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 return from the second state S2 to the first state S1. As a result, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 blocks the second end E2 of the second assist structure 28b, generating a unidirectional blocking effect to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in the second direction D2. As shown in Figure 7, it should be noted that at this point, the second rail 24 is only able to be displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in the second direction D2 if the operating member 36 is operated to drive the blocking member 34 to rotate from the first state S1 to the second state S2.

[0033] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the second rail 24 is in the second predetermined position P2, the second rail 24 is still able to be displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in the first direction D1 due to the unidirectional blocking effect. While the second rail 24 is displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in the first direction D1, the release member 32 abuts against the guide section M of the second assist structure 28b, causing the second elastic portion 42 to pivot and be elastically deformed so that it passes over the second assist structure 28b.

[0034] Furthermore, while the second rail 24 is displaced from the position shown in Figure 9 in the first direction D1 to another predetermined position shown in Figure 10, the release member 32 may be held in the first state S1 in response to the elastic force provided by the second elastic portion 42. The blocking member 34 in the first state S1 may be abutted against the guide section M of the third assist structure 28c so as to pass over the third assist structure 28c, causing the first elastic portion 44 to pivot and be elastically deformed. When the blocking member 34 passes over the third assist structure 28c and returns to the first state S1 in response to the elastic force provided by the first elastic portion 44, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 can block the second end E2 of the third assist structure 28c, thereby generating a unidirectional blocking effect to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced in the second direction D2 from another predetermined position shown in Figure 10. It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 10, the second rail 24 can only be displaced in the second direction D2 from another predetermined position if the operating member 36 is operated to drive the blocking member 34 and rotate it from the first state S1 to the second state S2.

[0035] As shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, the blocking member 34 includes a guide portion 63. For example, the guide portion 63 may be an inclined surface or an arcuate surface. While the second rail 24 is displaced in the first direction D1 from the position shown in Figure 11 to the third predetermined position P3 shown in Figure 13, for example, the extended position, the guide portion 63 of the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 abuts against the second positioning structure 30, driving the blocking member 34 to pivot and elastically deform the first elastic portion 44 so that it passes over the first end portion E1 of the second positioning structure 30. As shown in Figure 13, when the second rail 24 is at the third predetermined position P3 relative to the first rail 22, the blocking member 34 can return to the first state S1 in accordance with the elastic force provided by the first elastic portion 44, and blocks the second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30 in order to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when the second rail 24 is at the third predetermined position P3 relative to the first rail 22, the release member 32 is in the first state S1 and blocks the first end E1 of the second positioning structure 30 in order to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the first direction D1.

[0036] As described above, as shown in Figure 13, when the second rail 24 is at the third predetermined position P3 relative to the first rail 22, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 block the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30, respectively, thereby generating a bidirectional blocking effect to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when the second rail 24 is at the third predetermined position P3, the slide rail assembly 20 has a third length L3. As shown in Figures 13 and 7, the third length L3 is greater than the second length L2. As shown in Figures 7 and 5, the second length L2 is greater than the first length L1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 14, when the second rail 24 is in the third predetermined position P3, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 in the second state S2 do not block the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30, respectively. This allows the second rail 24 to be displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, for example, enabling the second rail 24 to move away from or backward relative to the first rail 22.

[0038] For example, when the second rail 24 is in the third predetermined position P3, the operating part 52 of the operating member 36 can apply a force F to drive the operating member 36 from the first operating position K1 to the second operating position K2 in order to drive the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 to move them from the first state S1 to the second state S2, respectively. This prevents the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 from blocking the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30, respectively, and allows the second rail 24 to be displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, for example, enabling the second rail 24 to move away from or backward relative to the first rail 22.

[0039] It should be noted that when the second rail 24 is displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the second direction D2, for example to the position shown in Figure 15, and the operating member 36 is released from the force F that returns it to the first operating position K1, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 can return to the first state S1 in accordance with the elastic force provided by the second elastic portion 42 and the first elastic portion 44. Subsequently, when the second rail 24 is further displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the second direction D2, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 is configured to block one of the second end E2s of the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d, thereby generating a unidirectional blocking effect. To terminate the unidirectional blocking effect, the operating member 36 needs to apply a force F to drive the blocking member 34 from the first state S1 to the second state S2. This allows the blocking member 34 in the second state S2 to not block one of the second end E2s of the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d, thereby allowing the second rail 24 to be displaced in the second direction D2 to the first predetermined position P1 shown in Figure 5, for example, the retracted position. As shown in Figure 5, when the second rail 24 is in the first predetermined position P1, the release member 32 in the first state S1 and the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 block the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the first positioning structure 26, respectively, generating a bidirectional blocking effect to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0040] For example, as shown in Figures 15 to 17, the release member 32 includes a guide feature portion 64, which may be an inclined surface or an arc surface. When the second rail 24 is displaced from the third predetermined position P3 in the second direction D2, for example to the position shown in Figure 15, and the operating member 36 is released from the force F that returns it to the first operating position K1, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 can return to the first state S1. While the second rail 24 is displaced from the position shown in Figure 15 to the fourth predetermined position shown in Figure 17, the guide feature portion 64 of the release member 32 abuts against the fourth assist structure 28d, causing the release member 32 to pivot so as to pass over the second end portion E2 of the fourth assist structure 28d. When the release member 32 passes over the second end E2 of the fourth assist structure 28d, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 blocks the second end E2 of the fourth assist structure 28d, generating a unidirectional blocking effect to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the fourth predetermined position P4 in the second direction D2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, if it is desired to terminate the blocking relationship between the blocking member 34 and the fourth assist structure 28d, the operating member 36 needs to be subjected to a force F to drive the blocking member 34 and move it from the first state S1 to the second state S2. This prevents the blocking member 34 from blocking the second end E2 of the fourth assist structure 28d, in order to allow the second rail 24 to be displaced from the fourth predetermined position P4 in the second direction D2 toward the first predetermined position P1.

[0042] Similarly, as shown in Figure 7, if it is desired to terminate the blocking relationship between the blocking member 34 and the second assist structure 28b, a force F must be applied to the operating member 36 in order to drive the blocking member 34 to move from the first state S1 to the second state S2. This allows the blocking member 34 to not block the second end E2 of the second assist structure 28b, thereby enabling the second rail 24 to be displaced from the second predetermined position P2 toward the first predetermined position P1 in the second direction D2.

[0043] As described above, if the operating member 36 is not operated to drive the blocking member 34 to move from the first state S1 to the second state S2 while the second rail 24 is displaced from the third predetermined position P3 to the first predetermined position P1, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 can block the second end E2 of any of the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d. This prevents the second rail 24 from making a non-stop direct displacement from the third predetermined position P3, for example, the extended position, to the first predetermined position P1, for example, the retracted position, in the second direction D2.

[0044] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the slide rail assembly 20 is fitted to a first article 66 and a second article 68. The first article 66 includes a receiving space 70 for receiving liquid, which is illustrated by dots. The second article 68 may be an article to be transported, such as a chassis. The slide rail assembly 20 is positioned vertically. For example, the rear end portion 22b of the first rail 22 faces downward, for example, toward the bottom B of the first article 66. The front end portion 22a of the first rail 22 faces upward. The first rail 22 is attached to or fixed to the first article 66 and is positioned inside the receiving space 70. The second rail 24 is configured to support the second article 68. The second article 68 may be positioned at different locations relative to the first article 66 by the slide rail assembly 20. For example, as shown in Figure 19, when the second rail 24 is in a third predetermined position P3 relative to the first rail 22, for example, in the extended position, the second article 68 can be in the highest usable position relative to the first article 66. At this point, it is possible to operate the operating member 36 to drive the blocking member 34. This causes the blocking member 34 to lower the second article 68 relative to the first article 66 without blocking the second end E2 of the second positioning structure 30, in order to allow the second rail 24 to be displaced in the second direction D2. While the second rail 24 is displaced from the third predetermined position P3 to the first predetermined position P1 in the second direction D2, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 can block one of the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, and the fourth assist structure 28d. This prevents the second rail 24 from undergoing a non-stop direct displacement from the third predetermined position P3 to the first predetermined position P1 due to gravity, thereby preventing collision damage to the second article 68.

[0045] To make it understandable, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in another embodiment, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure may be replaced with a fifth assist structure and a sixth assist structure, respectively, and the release member may be omitted. The fifth assist structure and the sixth assist structure may each be identical to the first assist structure, the second assist structure, the third assist structure, and the fourth assist structure, thereby allowing the second article to be displaced from a first predetermined position to a third predetermined position in the first direction relative to the first article without operating the operating member. The unidirectional blocking effect resulting from the blocking relationship between the blocking member and the second end of the corresponding assist structure makes it possible to support the second article at different positions.

[0046] In summary, the slide rail assembly 20 includes the following features:

[0047] 1. The first positioning structure 26, the first assist structure 28a, the second assist structure 28b, the third assist structure 28c, the fourth assist structure 28d, and the second positioning structure 30 enable the second rail 24 to be positioned at different locations, for example, the first predetermined position P1, the second predetermined position P2, the third predetermined position P3, and the fourth predetermined position P4. When the second rail 24 is at the first predetermined position P1 and the third predetermined position P3, a bidirectional blocking effect occurs to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Also, when the second rail 24 is at any other predetermined position, a unidirectional blocking effect occurs to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the operating member 36 is configured to terminate either the bidirectional blocking effect or the unidirectional blocking effect.

[0048] 2. When the slide rail assembly 20 is positioned vertically, the blocking member 34 in the first state S1 is configured to block one of the first assist structure 28a, second assist structure 28b, third assist structure 28c, and fourth assist structure 28d while the second rail 24 is displaced from the third predetermined position P3 to the first predetermined position P1 in the second direction D2. This prevents the second rail 24 from undergoing a non-stop direct displacement from the third predetermined position P3 to the first predetermined position P1 due to gravity, thereby preventing collision damage to the second article 68.

[0049] 3. In order to generate a bidirectional blocking effect, the release member 32 and the blocking member 34 are configured to block one of the first positioning structure 26 and the second positioning structure 30, respectively. However, if it is desired to suppress only the displacement of the second rail 24 in the second direction D2, the release member may be omitted in order to generate a unidirectional blocking effect.

[0050] 4. The release member 32 and the blocking member 34 may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a plastic material, to prevent metal chipping during the aforementioned operating process. Therefore, the present invention is suitable for use in liquid environments.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that numerous modifications and changes to the apparatus and method are possible while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure shall be construed as being limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. The first rail and The first positioning structure, at least one assist structure, and a second positioning structure are arranged on the first rail. A second rail that is displaceable relative to the first rail, A release member is movably attached to the second rail, A blocking member is movably attached to the second rail, The device comprises an operating member movably mounted on the second rail, which is configured to move from a first state to a second state by operating the release member and the blocking member, When the second rail is in a first predetermined position relative to the first rail, the release member and the blocking member in the first state block the two ends of the first positioning structure in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced from the first predetermined position in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the second rail is in a second predetermined position relative to the first rail, the blocking member in the first state blocks at least one of the two ends of the assist structure in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced in the second direction from the second predetermined position. When the second rail is in the third predetermined position, the release member and the blocking member in the first state block the two ends of the second positioning structure, respectively, in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced from the third predetermined position in the first or second direction. The second predetermined position is located between the first predetermined position and the third predetermined position. The blocking section is positioned immovably at one of the two ends of at least one of the assist structures, The blocking member blocks the blocking section and prevents the second rail from being displaced in the second direction from the second predetermined position until the blocking member is operated from the first state to the second state by the operating member. Slide rail assembly.

2. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the assist structures is disposed between the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure.

3. Furthermore, the slide rail assembly according to claim 1 comprises a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion configured to elastically hold the blocking member and the release member in the first state, respectively.

4. Furthermore, the slide rail assembly according to claim 1 is further provided with a return elastic member configured to provide a return elastic force to the operating member.

5. The guide section is positioned adjacent to the other of at least one of the two ends of the assist structure, Each of the first rail and the second rail includes a front end portion and a rear end portion, The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning structure is arranged adjacent to the rear end portion of the first rail, and the second positioning structure is arranged adjacent to the front end portion of the first rail.

6. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, wherein the release member and the blocking member are arranged adjacent to the rear end portion of the second rail.

7. The slide rail assembly according to claim 6, wherein the operating member includes an operating portion disposed adjacent to the front end portion of the second rail.

8. At least one of the release member and the blocking member is formed from a plastic material. The slide rail assembly is fitted to the first and second articles, and the slide rail assembly is positioned vertically. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first rail is attachable to the first article and positioned within a receiving space of the first article, and the second rail is capable of supporting the second article.

9. The first rail and The assist structure and positioning structure arranged on the first rail, A second rail is provided that is displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first rail, A blocking member is movably attached to the second rail, A first elastic portion configured to elastically hold the blocking member in a first state, The device comprises an operating member movably mounted on the second rail, which is configured to move from the first state to the second state by operating the blocking member, When the second rail is in the extended position relative to the first rail, the blocking member in the first state blocks the positioning structure in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced in the backward direction from the extended position. When a force is applied to the operating member, driving the blocking member to move from the first state to the second state, the blocking member does not block the positioning structure in order to allow the second rail to be displaced from the extended position in the retraction direction, and when the second rail is displaced from the extended position in the retraction direction and the operating member is released from the force, the blocking member returns to the first state from the second state and moves in accordance with the elastic force provided by the first elastic portion. When the second rail is displaced to a predetermined position in the backward direction relative to the first rail, the blocking member in the first state blocks the assist structure in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced from the predetermined position in the backward direction. When the second rail is in the predetermined position relative to the first rail, the operating member is configured to drive the blocking member to move from the first state to the second state, thereby allowing the blocking member to move the second rail to the retracted position in the retracted direction without blocking the end of the assist structure. The predetermined position is located between the extended position and the retracted position. The blocking section is positioned at the end of the assist structure in an immovable manner. The blocking member blocks the blocking section and prevents the second rail from being displaced in the backward direction from the predetermined position until the blocking member is operated from the first state to the second state by the operating member. Slide rail assembly.

10. The first rail and A plurality of assist structures arranged on the first rail, wherein two adjacent assist structures are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction, A second rail is displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first rail between a retracted position and an extended position, A blocking member is movably attached to the second rail, A first elastic portion configured to apply elastic force and elastically hold the blocking member in a first state, The device comprises an operating member movably mounted on the second rail, which is configured to move from the first state to the second state by operating the blocking member, The blocking member in the first state is configured to block one of the plurality of assist structures in order to prevent the second rail from being displaced backward from a predetermined position. The operating member is configured to operate the blocking member to move from the first state to the second state, thereby allowing the blocking member to move the second rail to the retracted position in the retracted direction without blocking one of the plurality of assist structures. The predetermined position is located between the extended position and the retracted position. The blocking section is positioned immovably at the end of one of the multiple assist structures. The blocking member blocks the blocking section and prevents the second rail from being displaced in the backward direction from the predetermined position until the blocking member is operated from the first state to the second state by the operating member. Slide rail assembly.

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