Slide rail mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a slide rail mechanism having two slide rails that can be moved synchronously by an operating member. [Solution] The slide rail mechanism 20 comprises a fixed rail 26, a movable rail 30, a support rail 32, an engaging member 42, a predetermined structure 44, and an operating member 56. The movable rail 30 and the support rail 32 are movable relative to the fixed rail 26. The engaging member 56 is movably attached to one of the support rail 32 and the movable rail 30. The predetermined structure is located on the other of the support rail 32 and the movable rail 30. When the operating member 56 is operated and moved from a first predetermined position P1 to a second predetermined position, the engaging member 42 moves to switch from a first state S1 to a second state. This causes the engaging member 42 to engage with the predetermined structure 44, enabling the movable rail 30 to drive the support rail 32 to move synchronously in a predetermined direction D1.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail mechanism, and more specifically to a slide rail mechanism having two slide rails that can be moved synchronously by an operating member. [Background Art]

[0002] Generally, a slide rail mechanism includes a first rail and a second rail. The first rail is configured to be attached to a rack or a cabinet, and the second rail is configured to support a specific conveyed object (such as an electronic device or a drawer).

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9763352 discloses an apparatus including a first hard drive drawer 160 and a second hard drive drawer 150. The first hard drive drawer 160 and the second hard drive drawer 150 are housed in a chassis and respectively arranged on a front side and a rear side of the chassis. The first hard drive drawer 160 and the second hard drive drawer 150 can be individually moved to the outside of the rack. However, when such a configuration is installed in an EIA standard rack or an OCP rack, and each layer of the chassis is completely occupied by electronic devices (such as hard drives, switches, and other electronic devices) on the front side and the rear side, after the front electronic device (for example, an electronic device having a height of 1 rack unit (U) or 1 open unit (OU)) is removed from the chassis for maintenance, it is difficult to pull the rear electronic device out to the front side. This is because the operation space of 1 rack unit (U) or 1 open unit (OU) in the chassis is extremely small. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of different markets, it is important to develop various slide rail products.

[0005] The present invention provides a slide rail mechanism having two slide rails that can be moved synchronously by an operating member.

[0006] According to embodiments of the present invention, the slide rail mechanism is Fixed rail and A movable rail and support rail that can move longitudinally relative to a fixed rail, An engaging member is movably attached to one of the support rails and the movable rail, A predetermined structure located on one of the support rails and the other movable rail, It includes an operating member, When the operating member is operated and moved from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position, the engaging member is configured to move in order to switch from the first state to the second state. This causes the engaging member to engage with a predetermined structure, enabling the movable rail to drive the support rail and move synchronously in a predetermined direction.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail mechanism is Fixed rail and A movable rail and support rail that are movable relative to a fixed rail, An engaging member is movably attached to one of the support rails and the movable rail, A predetermined structure located on one of the support rails and the other movable rail, It includes an operating member, When the movable rail and the support rail are retracted relative to the fixed rail, the movable rail and the support rail are in a first retracted position and a second retracted position, respectively, relative to the fixed rail. When the movable rail is in the first retracted position and the operating member is in the first predetermined position, the movable rail is movable in the opening direction from the first retracted position, but it is not possible to drive the support rail to move it synchronously in the opening direction from the second retracted position. When the movable rail is in the first retracted position and the operating member is operated to move from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, the engaging member is configured to move in order to switch from the first state to the second state. As a result, the engaging member engages with a predetermined structure, and when the movable rail is moved in the opening direction from the first retracted position, the movable rail drives the support rail, enabling it to move synchronously in the opening direction from the second retracted position.

[0008] These and other objectives of the present invention will become undoubtedly apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following drawings and illustrations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle, including a plurality of slide rail assemblies, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of the first slide rail assembly and the second slide rail assembly of a slide rail mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of a second slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of a first slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a slide rail mechanism from a second viewing angle, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of region A in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle when the operating member is in a first predetermined position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle when the operating member is in a second predetermined position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the slide rail mechanism from a second viewing angle when the operating member is in a second predetermined position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a second viewing angle, in a state where the support rail of the second slide rail assembly and the movable rail of the first slide rail assembly are synchronously moved in a predetermined direction. [Figure 12] It is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a second viewing angle when the operating member returns to the first predetermined position. [Figure 14] It is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle, in a state where the support rail of the second slide rail assembly and the movable rail of the first slide rail assembly are further synchronously moved in a predetermined direction. [Figure 16] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a second viewing angle, in a state where the support rail of the second slide rail assembly and the movable rail of the first slide rail assembly stop moving synchronously. [Figure 17] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle, in a state where the first slide rail assembly is in an extended state and the second slide rail assembly is in a retracted state at the operating position. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle when the second slide rail assembly is in an extended state. [Figure 19] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism from a first viewing angle, in a state where the first slide rail assembly is in an extended state and the second slide rail assembly is in a retracted state. [Figure 20] According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is a diagram showing the slide rail mechanism configured to be mounted on a rack, in a state where the first slide rail assembly supports a first conveyed object and the second slide rail assembly supports a second conveyed object. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the slide rail mechanism 20 includes a plurality of slide rail assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the slide rail mechanism 20 includes a first slide rail assembly 22 and a second slide rail assembly 24, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second slide rail assembly 24 is movably attached to the first slide rail assembly 22. The length of the first slide rail assembly 22 is greater than the length of the second slide rail assembly 24.

[0011] The first slide rail assembly 22 includes a fixed rail 26, a first intermediate rail 28, and a movable rail 30, which are movable in the longitudinal direction relative to each other. The first intermediate rail 28 is movably mounted between the fixed rail 26 and the movable rail 30. In the present embodiment, the X-axis (axial direction) is the longitudinal direction (or length direction) of the slide rail assembly, the Y-axis (axial direction) is the transverse direction (or lateral direction) of the slide rail assembly, and the Z-axis (axial direction) is the vertical direction (or height direction) of the slide rail assembly. Furthermore, the fixed rail 26 is formed with a rail passage that accommodates the first intermediate rail 28, and the first intermediate rail 28 is formed with a first intermediate rail passage that accommodates the movable rail 30. Preferably, the fixed rail 26 has a first end 26a and a second end 26b opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, and the predetermined portion 31 is disposed adjacent to the first end 26a of the fixed rail 26.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second slide rail assembly 24 includes a support rail 32, a second intermediate rail 34, and an auxiliary rail 36, which are longitudinally movable relative to each other. The second intermediate rail 34 is movably mounted between the support rail 32 and the auxiliary rail 36. The support rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24 is movably mounted to the fixed rail 26 of the first slide rail assembly 22. Furthermore, the support rail 32 is formed with a support passage, which is configured to accommodate the second intermediate rail 34. The second intermediate rail 34 is formed with a second intermediate rail passage, which is configured to accommodate the auxiliary rail 36.

[0013] Preferably, the second slide rail assembly 24 further includes a support member 38 connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the support rail 32, the support member 38 may be considered as part of the support rail 32. The support rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24 is movably attached to the fixed rail 26 of the first slide rail assembly 22 via the support member 38. Furthermore, the support member 38 has a pair of wing portions 40 configured to hold the fixed rail 26 of the first slide rail assembly 22. The length of the fixed rail 26 is greater than the length of the support rail 32.

[0014] The slide rail mechanism 20 further comprises an engaging member 42 and a predetermined structure 44. The engaging member 42 is movably mounted on the support rail 32, and the predetermined structure 44 is located on the movable rail 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0015] Preferably, the engaging member 42 is pivotally connected to the support rail 32 via a shaft 46, and the predetermined structure 44 is a projection. In this embodiment, the predetermined structure 44 is a protruding column or pin.

[0016] Preferably, the engaging member 42 includes a first extension 43a, a second extension 43b, and an engaging portion 47, each extending away from the shaft 46. The engaging portion 47 may be a hook, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0017] Preferably, the slide rail mechanism 20 further includes an elastic feature portion 48 located on the support rail 32, the elastic feature portion 48 configured to provide elastic force to the engaging member 42. The elastic feature portion 48 may be an elastic pin, an elastic sheet, a spring, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0018] Preferably, the support rail 32 has a first side L1 and a second side L2 that are opposite to each other, for example, a back side and a front side. The first side L1 of the support rail 32 faces the first slide rail assembly 22. The second intermediate rail 34 and the auxiliary rail 36 are located on the second side L2 of the support rail 32.

[0019] Preferably, the support rail 32 has a first end 32a and a second end 32b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end. The engaging member 42 is located on the first side L1 of the support rail 32 and is adjacent to the first end 32a of the support rail 32.

[0020] Preferably, the second slide rail assembly 24 further includes an actuation member 50 and an auxiliary elastic member 52. The actuation member 50 is movably mounted on the support rail 32. For example, the actuation member 50 is pivotally connected to the support rail 32 via a shaft portion 54, and the actuation member 50 is adjacent to the second end 32b of the support rail 32. The auxiliary elastic member 52 is configured to provide elastic force to the actuation member 50. The auxiliary elastic member 52 may be an elastic sheet, a spring, or the like, but is not limited to these in the present invention.

[0021] Preferably, the wing portion 40 of the support member 38 has a first end 40a and a second end 40b that are opposite to each other.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the slide rail mechanism 20 further includes an operating member 56. Specifically, the fixed rail 26 of the first slide rail assembly 22 has a first side L1' and a second side L2' that are opposite to each other, for example, a back side and a front side. The movable rail 30 (and the first intermediate rail 28) is located on the second side L2' of the fixed rail 26. The operating member 56 is attached to the fixed rail 26. For example, the operating member 56 is movably attached to the first side L1' of the fixed rail 26.

[0023] Preferably, the first slide rail assembly 22 further includes a bracket 58 connected to (e.g., fixedly connected to) the fixed rail 26 to improve the structural strength of the fixed rail 26. The bracket 58 may be considered as part of the fixed rail 26. The bracket 58 is comprised of a plurality of rack mounting features 59, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] Preferably, the operating member 56 is movably mounted between the fixed rail 26 and the bracket 58. The operating member 56 extends longitudinally, and the operating member 56 and the fixed rail 26 have corresponding restricting structures. For example, the operating member 56 is formed with a first longitudinal extension hole 62, and the fixed rail 26 is configured with a first projection member 60 (such as a nail or pin), the first projection member 60 passing through the first longitudinal extension hole 62 and connected to an extension frame 63 on the fixed rail 26 (such as a fixed connection). On the other hand, the bracket 58 and the operating member 56 have corresponding restricting structures. For example, the operating member 56 is formed with a longitudinal hole 66, and the bracket 58 has a projection 64 passing through the longitudinal hole 66. This allows the operating member 56 to move longitudinally within a limited range relative to the fixed rail 26 and the bracket 58.

[0025] The operating member 56 preferably has a first end 56a and a second end 56b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end. The first longitudinal extension hole 62 is positioned adjacent to the first end 56a of the operating member 56, and the operating member 56 is configured with a blocking feature portion 67 positioned adjacent to the second end 56b.

[0026] Preferably, the operating member 56 is further configured with at least one drive unit 33, the drive unit 33 being located between the first end 56a and the second end 56b of the operating member 56.

[0027] Preferably, the slide rail mechanism 20 further includes a return spring 84, which is configured to provide a restoring elastic force to the operating member 56. Both ends of the return spring 84 are connected to the operating member 56 and the bracket 58, respectively.

[0028] Preferably, the slide rail mechanism 20 further includes a button 68. The button 68 is configured to allow the user to operate the operating member 56.

[0029] Preferably, the movable rail 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end. The button 68 is movably mounted on the movable rail 30 and adjacent to the first end 30a of the movable rail 30. In this embodiment, the button 68 is movably mounted on the extension member 69 at the first end 30a of the movable rail 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bracket 58 is configured with a fastening member 70. The fastening member 70 may be an elastic sheet, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The fastening member 70 includes a connecting portion 72 and an elastic portion 74 extending from the connecting portion 72. The connecting portion 72 is connected to the bracket 58 (e.g., fixed connection), and the elastic portion 74 is configured with a fastening section 76 and a release section 78 adjacent to the fastening section 76. For example, the fastening section 76 is a hook, and the release section 78 is a projection. The release section 78 has a first guide feature portion 78a and a second guide feature portion 78b. Each of the first guide feature portion 78a and the second guide feature portion 78b has an inclined surface or an arc-shaped surface. On the other hand, the operating member 56 is configured with at least one auxiliary feature portion, at least one of which is configured to interact with the fastening section 76 of the fastening member 70. In this embodiment, the operating member 56 is configured with a first auxiliary feature portion 80 and a second auxiliary feature portion 82. The first auxiliary feature portion 80 and the second auxiliary feature portion 82 are each formed with holes or grooves defined by a plurality of walls, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0031] Preferably, the bracket 58 is configured with a locking member 86. The locking member 86 may be an elastic sheet, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking member 86 includes a fixing portion 88 and an elastic arm 90 extending from the fixing portion 88. The fixing portion 88 is connected to the bracket 58 (e.g., by a fixed connection), and the elastic arm 90 is configured with a locking portion 92.

[0032] Preferably, the bracket 58 is formed with a first space M1 and a second space M2. The elastic portion 74 of the fastening member 70 is positioned in a location corresponding to the first space M1, and the elastic arm 90 of the locking member 86 is positioned in a location corresponding to the second space M2. This allows the elastic portion 74 and the elastic arm 90 to move (e.g., swing) within the first space M1 and the second space M2, respectively.

[0033] Preferably, when the operating member 56 is in the first predetermined position P1, the drive unit 33 of the operating member 56 is adjacent to the elastic arm 90 of the locking member 86. The drive unit 33 has a guide section 93 that corresponds to or faces the elastic arm 90 of the locking member 86. The guide section 93 has an inclined surface or an arc-shaped surface (as shown in Figure 6).

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, the support rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24 is movably attached to the fixed rail 26 of the first slide rail assembly 22 via the wing portion 40 of the support member 38. In Figure 7, both the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 are in the retracted position. Furthermore, when the first slide rail assembly 22 and the second slide rail assembly 24 are in the retracted position, the movable rail 30 is in a first retracted position R1 relative to the fixed rail 26, and the support rail 32 is in a second retracted position R2 relative to the fixed rail 26. In addition, the button 68 is adjacent to the operating member 56 at a first predetermined position P1, thereby allowing the user to easily operate the operating member 56. The button 68 and the extension member 69 have corresponding restricting structures. For example, the button 68 is formed with a second longitudinal extension hole 87. The extension member 69 is configured with a second projection member 89 (such as a nail or pin), and the second projection member 89 is connected (fixed connection, etc.) to the extension member 69 on the movable rail 30 through a second longitudinal extension hole 87.

[0035] Furthermore, when the movable rail 30 and the support rail 32 are in a first retracted position R1 and a second retracted position R2, respectively, with respect to the fixed rail 26, and the operating member 56 is in a first predetermined position P1, the engaging member 42 is in a first state S1, and the engaging portion 47 of the engaging member 42 in the first state S1 is not engaged with the predetermined structure 44 on the movable rail 30.

[0036] Preferably, when the movable rail 30 and the support rail 32 are in a first retracted position R1 and a second retracted position R2, respectively, with respect to the fixed rail 26, and the operating member 56 is in a first predetermined position P1, the blocking feature portion 67 of the operating member 56 is configured to block the first extended portion 43a of the engaging member 42. As a result, the engaging member 42 is restricted and held in a first state S1. On the other hand, the elastic feature portion 48 is configured to accumulate elastic force.

[0037] Preferably, when the movable rail 30 and the support rail 32 are in a first retracted position R1 and a second retracted position R2, respectively, with respect to the fixed rail 26, and the operating member 56 is in a first predetermined position P1, the locking member 86 is in a locked state K1 and is configured to block one of the auxiliary rail 36 and the support rail 32. In this embodiment, the locking member 86 is configured to block the auxiliary rail 36. Furthermore, the auxiliary rail 36 is configured with a predetermined member 94. The predetermined member 94 may be an additional member connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the auxiliary rail 36, and the predetermined member 94 may be integrally formed with the auxiliary rail 36, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking portion 92 of the locking member 86 in the locked state K1 is configured to block the predetermined member 94 of the auxiliary rail 36, preventing the auxiliary rail 36 and the support rail 32 from moving in a predetermined direction D1, for example, in the opening direction (see Figure 6).

[0038] Preferably, when the operating member 56 is in the first predetermined position P1, the fastening section 76 of the fastening member 70 engages with the first auxiliary feature portion 80 (see also Figure 6).

[0039] As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the user can operate the operating member 56 to move from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, thereby enabling the synchronization function of the slide rail mechanism 20. For example, when the operating member 56 is operated to move from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, the engaging member 42 moves in response to the elastic force released from the elastic feature portion 48 (for example, by rotating in the first predetermined rotation direction r1 shown in Figure 8), and switches from the first state S1 to the second state S2. As a result, the engaging portion 47 of the engaging member 42 in the second state S2 engages with a predetermined structure 44 on the movable rail 30. This engagement allows the movable rail 30 to drive the support rail 32 and move synchronously from the second retracted position R2 to the predetermined direction D1 when the movable rail 30 is moved from the first retracted position R1 to the predetermined direction D1.

[0040] Preferably, when the operating member 56 is operated and moves from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, the blocking feature portion 67 of the operating member 56 ceases to block the first extension portion 43a of the engaging member 42. As a result, the engaging member 42 is no longer restricted and is configured to move in response to the elastic force of the elastic feature portion 48 to switch from the first state S1 to the second state S2. In this embodiment, the user can apply a force F to the button 68 (as shown in Figure 8), driving the operating member 56 to move from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2 in a predetermined direction D2 (e.g., the backward direction) opposite to the predetermined direction D1.

[0041] Preferably, when the operating member 56 is in the second predetermined position P2, the fastening section 76 of the fastening member 70 engages with the second auxiliary feature section 82, preventing the operating member 56 from returning from the second predetermined position P2 to the first predetermined position P1 in a predetermined direction D1 (as shown in Figure 10). On the other hand, the return spring 84 is configured to store restoring elastic force (as shown in Figure 9). Preferably, the fastening section 76 of the fastening member 70 has a guide surface (such as an inclined surface or an arc-shaped surface). This allows the fastening section 76 to easily detach from the first auxiliary feature section 80 via the guide surface during the process of the operating member 56 moving from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, and the fastening section 76 further engages with the second auxiliary feature section 82 in response to the elastic force of the elastic section 74.

[0042] Preferably, when the operating member 56 is operated and moves from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, the drive unit 33 of the operating member 56 is configured to drive the elastic arm 90 of the locking member 86 to move in a predetermined transverse direction T (or in the direction toward the second space M2). This switches from the locked state K1 (shown in Figures 6 and 7) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in Figures 8 and 10). As a result, the locking portion 92 of the locking member 86 no longer blocks the predetermined member 94 of the auxiliary rail 36, allowing the movable rail 30 to drive the support rail 32 and move synchronously in the predetermined direction D1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, during the process in which the movable rail 30 drives the support rail to move synchronously in a predetermined direction D1, one of the support rail 32 and the support member 38, for example, the first end 40a of the wing portion 40 of the support member 38 (however, the present invention is not limited thereto), is configured to contact the first guide feature portion 78a of the disengagement section 78 of the fastening member 70 (shown in Figure 12). Thus, the elastic portion 74 of the fastening member 70 is driven to move in a predetermined transverse direction T (or in the direction to the first space M1), thereby configuring the fastening section 76 to disengage from the second auxiliary feature portion 82, and enabling the operating member 56 to return from the second predetermined position P2 (shown in Figures 11 and 12) to the first predetermined position P1 (shown in Figures 13 and 14) in the predetermined direction D1.

[0044] Preferably, the operating member 56 is configured to return from a second predetermined position P2 (shown in Figures 11 and 12) to a first predetermined position P1 (shown in Figures 13 and 14) in a predetermined direction D1 in response to the restoring elastic force of the return spring 84.

[0045] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, during the process in which the movable rail 30 further drives the support rail 32 in a predetermined direction D1 to move synchronously, the second extension 43b of the engaging member 42 is configured to contact a predetermined portion 31 on the fixed rail 26. As a result, the engaging member 42 is driven to move (for example, by rotating in a second predetermined rotation direction r2 which is opposite to the first predetermined rotation direction r1), and switches from the second state S2 (shown in Figure 15) to the first state S1 (shown in Figure 16). As a result, the engaging portion 47 of the engaging member 42 disengages from the predetermined structure 44 on the movable rail 30, and the movable rail 30 ceases to drive the support rail 32 to move synchronously in the predetermined direction D1.

[0046] Preferably, the actuating member 50 is configured to abut against a wall surface 96 of either the bracket 58 or the fixed rail 26 in advance and is held in a first operating state W1 (shown in Figure 15). Meanwhile, the auxiliary elastic member 52 is configured to store auxiliary elastic force. One of the bracket 58 and the fixed rail 26 is configured with a positioning feature portion 98. The positioning feature portion 98 may be a hole or groove defined by a plurality of walls.

[0047] As shown in Figure 17, when the movable rail 30 is no longer driven by the support rail 32 to move synchronously in a predetermined direction D1, the movable rail 30 and the first intermediate rail 28 can be further moved and extended in a predetermined direction D1 relative to the fixed rail 26. For example, the movable rail 30 can be moved to a first extended position E1 (e.g., a fully extended position), thereby extending the first slide rail assembly 22. This allows the user to easily perform maintenance work on the movable rail 30 and the first transported object (see also Figure 20) supported by the movable rail 30. Meanwhile, the second slide rail assembly 24 remains in the retracted state. When the support rail 32 is moved to the operating position J in a predetermined direction D1, the operating member 50 is moved to switch from a first operating state W1 to a second operating state W2 in response to the auxiliary elastic force of the auxiliary elastic member 52. As a result, the operating portion 100 of the operating member 50 engages with the positioning feature portion 98, holding the support rail 32 in the operating position J.

[0048] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the movable rail 30 of the first slide rail assembly 22 can move further in a predetermined direction D1 from the first extended position E1 (shown in Figure 17) and detach from the first intermediate rail passage of the first intermediate rail 28 (shown in Figure 18).

[0049] On the other hand, when the support rail 32 of the second slide rail assembly 24 is held in the operating position J, the auxiliary rail 36 and the second intermediate rail 34 can be further moved in a predetermined direction D1 relative to the support rail 32 and extended. For example, the auxiliary rail 36 can be moved to a second extended position E2 (for example, a fully extended position), thereby extending the second slide rail assembly 24 (as shown in Figure 18). This allows the user to easily perform maintenance work on the auxiliary rail 36 and the second transported object supported by the auxiliary rail 36 (see also Figure 20).

[0050] Preferably, the auxiliary rail 36 of the second slide rail assembly 24 can be further moved in a predetermined direction D1 from the second extended position E2, thereby disengaging the second intermediate rail 34 from the second intermediate rail passage.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 19, when the synchronization function of the slide rail mechanism 20 is not required, there is no need to operate the operating member 56, and the operating member 56 is simply left in the first predetermined position P1. Furthermore, when the movable rail 30 is in the first retracted position R1 and the operating member 56 is in the first predetermined position P1 (as shown in Figure 7), the movable rail 30 can be moved from the first retracted position R1 to the first extended position E1 (as shown in Figure 19) in the predetermined direction D1 without driving the support rail 32 to move it from the second retracted position R2 to the predetermined direction D1. Preferably, the locking member 86 in the locked state K1 is configured to block the auxiliary rail 36 in order to prevent the support rail 32 from moving in the predetermined direction D1.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the synchronization function of the slide rail mechanism 20 is not required, the user does not need to operate the operating member 56 located at the first predetermined position P1. As a result, the movable rail 30 of the first slide rail assembly 22 can be moved from the first retracted position R1 to the first extended position E1 in a predetermined direction D1 relative to the fixed rail 26, and extended. On the other hand, the auxiliary rail 36 of the second slide rail assembly 24 is configured to be blocked by a locking member 86 in a locked state K1, thereby holding the support rail 32 at the second retracted position R2 (as shown in Figure 19).

[0053] As shown in Figure 20, the fixed rail 26 may be attached to at least one pair of columns 102 of a rack or cabinet via the rack mounting feature 59 of the bracket 58.

[0054] Furthermore, the movable rail 30 of the first slide rail assembly 22 is configured to support the first transported object 104, and the auxiliary rail 36 of the second slide rail assembly 24 is configured to support the second transported object 106. The first transported object 104 and the second transported object 106 may be electronic devices, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The slide rail mechanism 20 may allow the user to decide whether or not to enable the synchronization function of the slide rail mechanism 20, which moves the movable rail 30 and the support rail 32 in synchronous motion, by operating the operating member 56 as needed.

[0055] Accordingly, the slide rail mechanism 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features. That is, the user can decide whether or not to activate the synchronization function of the slide rail mechanism 20 by operating the operating member 56 as needed, and move the movable rail 30 and the support rail 32 in synchronization.

[0056] For example, when the movable rail 30 is in the first retracted position R1 and the operating member 56 is operated to move it from the first predetermined position P1 to the second predetermined position P2, the engaging member 42 is moved to switch from the first state S1 to the second state S2. As a result, the engaging member 42 engages with the predetermined structure 44, and when the movable rail 30 moves from the first retracted position R1 to the predetermined direction D1, the movable rail 30 drives the support rail 32 to move synchronously from the second retracted position R2 to the predetermined direction D1. Alternatively, when the movable rail 30 is in the first retracted position R1 and the operating member 56 is in the first predetermined position P1, the movable rail 30 can move independently from the first retracted position R1 to the predetermined direction D1. The movable rail 30 does not drive the support rail 32 to move from the second retracted position R2 to the predetermined direction D1.

[0057] According to the configuration of the present invention described above, when the slide rail mechanism 20 is applied to a cabinet, even if the operating space of one rack unit (U) or one open unit (OU) inside the cabinet is extremely small, the electronic equipment attached to the slide rail mechanism 20 inside the cabinet can be easily removed for maintenance.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the apparatus and method while maintaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be interpreted only within the scope of the limitations of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Fixed rail and A movable rail and a support rail that are movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed rail, An engaging member is movably attached to one of the support rail and the movable rail, A predetermined structure is disposed on the other of the support rail and the movable rail, It includes an operating member, When the operating member is operated and moved from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position, the engaging member is configured to move in order to switch from a first state to a second state, thereby engaging with the predetermined structure, and enabling the movable rail to drive the support rail and move synchronously in a predetermined direction. Slide rail mechanism.

2. When the movable rail and the support rail are retracted relative to the fixed rail, the movable rail and the support rail are in a first retracted position and a second retracted position, respectively, relative to the fixed rail. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member in the second state engages with the predetermined structure, and when the movable rail is moved from the first retracted position in the predetermined direction, the movable rail is configured to drive the support rail to move synchronously from the second retracted position in the predetermined direction.

3. The slide rail mechanism comprises a first slide rail assembly and a second slide rail assembly. The first slide rail assembly includes the fixed rail, the first intermediate rail, and the movable rail, wherein the first intermediate rail is movably mounted between the fixed rail and the movable rail. The second slide rail assembly includes the support rail, the second intermediate rail, and the auxiliary rail, the second intermediate rail being movably mounted between the support rail and the auxiliary rail. The support rail of the second slide rail assembly is movably attached to the fixed rail of the first slide rail assembly. The second slide rail assembly further includes a support member connected to the support rail, The support rail of the second slide rail assembly is movably attached to the fixed rail of the first slide rail assembly via the support member, and the length of the fixed rail is greater than the length of the support rail. The movable rail of the first slide rail assembly is configured to support the first transported object, and the auxiliary rail of the second slide rail assembly is configured to support the second transported object. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the first slide rail assembly further includes a bracket connected to the fixed rail, the bracket comprising a plurality of rack mounting features configured to be attached to a rack.

4. Furthermore, it is equipped with an elastic feature part, The operating member is configured with a blocking feature portion, and when the operating member is in the first predetermined position, the blocking feature portion is configured to block the engaging member. When the operating member is operated to move from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, the blocking feature portion ceases to block the engaging member, and as a result, the engaging member moves in response to the elastic force of the elastic feature portion to switch from the first state to the second state. The engaging member is pivotally connected to one of the support rail and the movable rail. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined structure is a projection, and the operating member is movably attached to the fixed rail.

5. One of the bracket and the operating member is configured with a fastening member, and the other of the bracket and the operating member is configured with an auxiliary feature part. When the operating member is in the second predetermined position, the fastening member is configured to engage with the auxiliary feature portion, preventing the operating member from returning from the second predetermined position to the first predetermined position. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising a return spring configured to provide a restoring elastic force to the operating member.

6. One of the bracket and the operating member is configured with a locking member, and when the locking member is in the locked state, the locking member is configured to block one of the auxiliary rail and the support rail from moving in the predetermined direction. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 3, wherein when the operating member is operated to move from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, the operating member is configured to drive the locking member and move it to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby enabling the movable rail to drive the support rail and move synchronously in the predetermined direction.

7. The fixed rail has a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, and a predetermined portion is arranged adjacent to the first end of the fixed rail. During the process in which the movable rail moves and drives the support rail to move synchronously in the predetermined direction, the predetermined portion is configured to contact the engaging member, and to drive the engaging member to return from the second state to the first state, As a result, the engaging member disengages from the predetermined structure, and the support rail ceases to move in sync with the movable rail. One of the bracket and the fixed rail is configured with a positioning feature, and the second slide rail assembly further includes an operating member. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the support rail is configured to engage with the positioning feature via the operating member when the support rail moves to the operating position in the predetermined direction.

8. Fixed rail and A movable rail and a support rail that are movable relative to the fixed rail, An engaging member is movably attached to one of the support rail and the movable rail, A predetermined structure is disposed on the other of the support rail and the movable rail, It includes an operating member, When the movable rail and the support rail are retracted relative to the fixed rail, the movable rail and the support rail are in a first retracted position and a second retracted position, respectively, relative to the fixed rail. When the movable rail is in the first retracted position and the operating member is in the first predetermined position, the movable rail is movable in the opening direction from the first retracted position, and it is not possible to drive the support rail to move it synchronously in the opening direction from the second retracted position. When the movable rail is in the first retracted position and the operating member is operated to move from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, the engaging member is configured to move in order to switch from the first state to the second state. As a result, the engaging member engages with the predetermined structure, and when the movable rail is moved from the first retracted position in the opening direction, the movable rail drives the support rail, enabling it to move synchronously from the second retracted position in the opening direction. Slide rail mechanism.

9. The slide rail mechanism comprises a first slide rail assembly and a second slide rail assembly. The first slide rail assembly includes the fixed rail, the first intermediate rail, and the movable rail, wherein the first intermediate rail is movably mounted between the fixed rail and the movable rail. The second slide rail assembly includes the support rail, the second intermediate rail, and the auxiliary rail, the second intermediate rail being movably mounted between the support rail and the auxiliary rail. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the support rail of the second slide rail assembly is movably attached to the fixed rail of the first slide rail assembly.

10. The first slide rail assembly further includes a bracket connected to the fixed rail, One of the bracket and the operating member is configured with a fastening member, and the other of the bracket and the operating member is configured with an auxiliary feature part. When the operating member is in the second predetermined position, the fastening member is configured to engage with the auxiliary feature portion, preventing the operating member from returning from the second predetermined position to the first predetermined position. The slide rail mechanism according to claim 9, further comprising a return spring configured to provide a restoring elastic force to the operating member.

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