Slide rail assembly

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly allowing users to unlock two rails from each other.SOLUTION: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a blocking feature, two operating members and a locking member. The second rail and the first rail are movable relative to each other. The blocking feature is disposed on the first rail. The two operating members and the locking member are movably mounted on the second rail. When the second rail is located at a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the locking member is in a locked state, the locking member and the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from moving from the predetermined position. When one of the two operating members is operated, the locking member is configured to be driven to move from the locked state to an unlocked state, allowing the second rail to move from the predetermined position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail mechanism, and more particularly to a slide rail assembly capable of unlocking two slide rails relative to each other at a predetermined position by operating one of two operating members.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. US6883884 discloses a latch assembly for a slide rail device. The slide rail device includes a first rail and a second rail that are movable relative to each other. The first rail is configured with a latch assembly, and the second rail is configured with a latch base. When the first rail is in a retracted position relative to the second rail, the latch assembly engages with the latch base, and the first rail is held in the retracted position. When the user attempts to unlock the latch assembly, the user needs to simultaneously press two operating members of the latch assembly. Thereby, the hooks of the corresponding two unlocking members no longer engage with the latch base, allowing the first rail to be moved from the retracted position relative to the second rail.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, for the requirements of different markets, it is important to develop a slide rail product that can unlock two slide rails relative to each other without the need for simultaneous operation of two operating members (or manipulation members).

[0004] The present invention provides a slide rail assembly capable of unlocking two slide rails relative to each other at a predetermined position by operating one of two operating members.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes a first rail; a second rail that is movable relative to the first rail; a blocking feature disposed on the first rail; two operating members movably attached to the second rail; a locking member movably attached to the second rail; and a driving member movably attached to the second rail. When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the locking member is in a locked state, the locking member and the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from moving from the predetermined position. When one of the two operating members is operated, the driving member is configured to be driven to move the locking member to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, whereby the locking member and the blocking feature no longer block each other to enable the second rail to move from the predetermined position.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes a first rail; a second rail that is movable relative to the first rail; a blocking feature disposed on the first rail; two operating members movably attached to the second rail; and a locking member movably attached to the second rail. When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the locking member is in a locked state, the locking member and the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from moving from the predetermined position. The slide rail assembly further includes a handle that is movable relative to the second rail. When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the handle is moved from a first operating position to a second operating position, the handle is configured to drive one of the two operating members and move the locking member to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state to enable the second rail to move from the predetermined position.

[0007] After reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown in the various figures and drawings, these and other objects of the present invention will become clearly apparent to those skilled in the art without doubt.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22 and a second rail 24 that are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a third rail 26 that is movably disposed between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. A passage 27 is formed in the third rail 26 and is configured to movably attach the second rail 24. In this embodiment, the X-axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length direction of the slide rail), the Y-axis is the transverse direction (or the lateral direction of the slide rail), and the Z-axis is the vertical direction (or the height direction of the slide rail).

[0010] Furthermore, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a blocking feature 28, a locking member 30, and two operating members (such as a first operating member 31 and a second operating member 32). The locking member 30 is configured to interact with the blocking feature 28.

[0011] The blocking feature portion 28 is disposed on one of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. In the present embodiment, the blocking feature portion 28 is disposed on the first rail 22 (shown in FIG. 2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The blocking feature portion 28 may be disposed directly or indirectly on the first rail 22. In the present embodiment, the blocking feature portion 28 is a wall around a groove or a hole. Alternatively, in an alternative embodiment, the blocking feature portion 28 may be a protrusion, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the first rail 22 has a first end portion 22a and a second end portion 22b on opposite sides of each other, for example, a front end portion and a rear end portion. The blocking feature portion 28 is disposed on the first rail 22 and adjacent to the first end portion 22a of the first rail 22.

[0012] The lock member 30, the first operation member 31, and the second operation member 32 are movably attached to the other one of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. In the present embodiment, the lock member 30, the first operation member 31, and the second operation member 32 are movably attached to the second rail 24. Preferably, the second rail 24 has a first end portion 24a and a second end portion 24b on opposite sides of each other, for example, a front end portion and a rear end portion. The lock member 30, the first operation member 31, and the second operation member 32 are movably attached to the second rail 24 and adjacent to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24.

[0013] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a drive member 33 that is movably attached to the other one of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. Further, the drive member 33 is movably attached to the second rail 24, for example, movably attached to the second rail 24 and adjacent to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24 (shown in FIG. 3).

[0014] Preferably, the second rail 24 is configured with a housing 34 (shown in FIG. 2). The housing 34 is connected (fixed, etc.) to the second rail 24 and is adjacent to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24. Thus, the housing 34 can be regarded as a part of the second rail 24. The housing 34 includes a first housing portion 34a and a second housing portion 34b that are connected to each other (the first housing portion 34a and the second housing portion 34b are shown in FIG. 2, and only the first housing portion 34a is shown in FIG. 3). Preferably, the first housing portion 34a and the second housing portion 34b are detachably attached to each other, and an accommodation space is defined between the first housing portion 34a and the second housing portion 34b. The lock member 30, the first operating member 31, the second operating member 32, and the drive member 33 are movably disposed in the first housing portion 34a at the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24 (shown in FIG. 3). Further, the first housing portion 34a and the second housing portion 34b are configured to accommodate and / or cover the lock member 30, the first operating member 31, the second operating member 32, and the drive member 33 for protection. Or, in another alternative embodiment, the lock member 30, the first operating member 31, the second operating member 32, and the drive member 33 are not disposed in the housing 34 but are directly disposed on the second rail 24 and may be adjacent to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (FIG. 4 shows only the first housing portion 34a and omits the second housing portion 34b), the drive member 33 includes a first contact portion 36, a second contact portion 38, and an intermediate portion 40 located between the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38. The intermediate portion 40 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24 via a first shaft 42 (for example, pivotally connected to the first housing portion 34a on the second rail 24).

[0016] Preferably, the locking member 30 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24 via a second shaft 44 (for example, pivotally connected to the first housing portion 34a in the second rail 24). The second shaft 44 and the first shaft 42 are arranged in a direction substantially the same as the transverse direction of the second rail 24 (or the lateral direction of the second rail 24, or the Y-axis direction).

[0017] Preferably, the first operating member 31 has a first corresponding feature portion 46 facing the first contact portion 36 of the driving member 33. The second operating member 32 has a second corresponding feature portion 48 facing the second contact portion 38 of the driving member 33. According to such an arrangement, when one of the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 is operated, the driving member 33 can be driven.

[0018] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes an elastic member 50. The locking member 30 is configured to be held in the locked state K1 in response to the elastic force of the elastic member 50, and the locking member 30 in the locked state K1 is configured to abut against one of the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38. Thereby, the driving member 33 can hold the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 in the first state S1. Specifically, the locking member 30 includes a locking portion 52, an auxiliary portion 54, and an intermediate section 56 located between the locking portion 52 and the auxiliary portion 54. The intermediate section 56 is pivotally connected to the first housing portion 34a in the second rail 24 via the second shaft 44. The locking member 30 in the locked state K1 is configured to abut against the first contact portion 36 via the auxiliary portion 54 (shown in FIG. 4). Thereby, through the first contact portion 36 and the second contact portion 38 that respectively contact the first corresponding feature portion 46 of the first operating member 31 and the second corresponding feature portion 48 of the second operating member 32, the driving member 33 can hold the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 in the first state S1 (see also FIG. 5).

[0019] Preferably, the elastic member 50 includes a first elastic part 51a, a second elastic part 51b, and an attachment part 53 connected between the first elastic part 51a and the second elastic part 51b. The first elastic part 51a is configured to contact the first housing part 34a on the second rail 24, and the second elastic part 51b is configured to contact the locking member 30. The attachment part 53 is attached to the second shaft rod 44.

[0020] Preferably, the second rail 24 includes at least one blocking part. In this embodiment, the second rail 24 includes a first blocking part 58 and a second blocking part 60, and the first blocking part 58 and the second blocking part 60 are configured to block the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 in the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 3), respectively.

[0021] Preferably, the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 each include a first guide structure 62 and a second guide structure 64 that match each other (matching, operating correspondingly, engaging). The relative movement direction of the first guide structure 62 and the second guide structure 64 is substantially the same as the height direction (or Z-axis direction) of the second rail 24. In this embodiment, the first guide structure 62 and the second guide structure 64 are a combination of a rib and a groove, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0022] Preferably, the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 each include a third guide structure 66 and a fourth guide structure 68 that match each other. The relative movement direction of the third guide structure 66 and the fourth guide structure 68 is substantially the same as the height direction (or Z-axis direction) of the second rail 24. In this embodiment, the third guide structure 66 and the fourth guide structure 68 are a combination of a rib and a groove, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0023] Preferably, the first corresponding feature portion 46 of the first operation member 31 is disposed adjacent to the end portion of the first guide structure 62, and the second corresponding feature portion 48 of the second operation member 32 is disposed adjacent to the end portion of the fourth guide structure 68 (see FIG. 5).

[0024] Preferably, the first operation member 31 and the second operation member 32 each include a first operation portion 70 and a second operation portion 72, and the first operation portion 70 and the second operation portion 72 are configured to be pressed by a user. The first operation portion 70 and the second operation portion 72 are disposed on opposite sides of each other. Specifically, the first operation portion 70 is disposed at a first height position (proximate to the position below the second rail 24), and the second operation portion 72 is disposed at a second height position (proximate to the position above the second rail 24).

[0025] Preferably, the first guide structure 62 and the third guide structure 66 extend from the first operation portion 70 of the first operation member 31, and the first guide structure 62 and the third guide structure 66 are disposed with a space therebetween. Similarly, the second guide structure 64 and the fourth guide structure 68 extend from the second operation portion 72 of the second operation member 32, and the second guide structure 64 and the fourth guide structure 68 are disposed with a space therebetween.

[0026] Preferably, the drive member 33 is disposed between the first operation member 31 and the second operation member 32.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, when the second rail 24 is at a predetermined position P (for example, a retracted position) with respect to the first rail 22 and the locking member 30 is in the locked state K1, in order to prevent the second rail 24 from moving from the predetermined position P, the locking portion 52 of the locking member 30 and the blocking feature portion 28 of the first rail 22 are configured to block each other. Specifically, when the locking member 30 is in the locked state K1, the blocking feature portion 28 is located in the movement path of the locking portion 52 in the longitudinal direction, and the locking portion 52 and the blocking feature portion 28 are configured to block each other.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when one of the first operation member 31 and the second operation member 32 (for example, the first operation member 31) is operated, the lock member 30 is configured to be driven to move from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 6), enabling the second rail 24 to move from the predetermined position P. For example, the second rail 24 is movable in a predetermined direction D1 from the predetermined position P.

[0029] Preferably, when the first operation member 31 is operated, the drive member 33 is configured to be driven to move accordingly (for example, the drive member 33 is configured to rotate by a predetermined angle). Thereby, in order to enable the second rail 24 to move from the predetermined position P, the drive member 33 can drive the lock member 30 to move, switching from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0030] Preferably, the first corresponding feature portion 46 of the first operation member 31 faces the first contact portion 36 of the drive member 33 in a first predetermined direction (for example, the upward direction). On the other hand, the second corresponding feature portion 48 of the second operation member 32 faces the second contact portion 38 of the drive member 33 in a second predetermined direction opposite to the first predetermined direction (for example, the downward direction).

[0031] Furthermore, the user can apply a first force F1 to one of the first operating member 31 (the first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31) and the second operating member 32 (the second operating portion 72 of the second operating member 32). For example, the user can apply the first force F1 to the first operating member 31 (the first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31), press the first operating member 31, and move it from the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the second state S2 (shown in FIG. 6). During such a process, in order to enable the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1, the first corresponding feature portion 46 of the first operating member 31 is configured to contact (such as press) the first contact portion 36 of the driving member 33 to move the driving member 33. The driving member 33 further drives the locking member 30 to move it from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 6). When the locking member 30 is in the unlocked state K2, the blocking feature portion 28 no longer lies in the movement path of the locking portion 52 in the longitudinal direction (for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking portion 52 and the blocking feature portion 28 are not aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction). Thereby, in order to enable the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1, the locking portion 52 and the blocking feature portion 28 no longer block each other (shown in FIG. 8). Also, when the locking member 30 is in the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 6), the elastic member 50 is in a state where elastic force is accumulated.

[0032] During the process in which the first operating member 31 is moved by the first force F1 and switched from the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the second state S2 (shown in FIG. 6), the first guide structure 62 of the first operating member 31 and the second guide structure 64 of the second operating member 32 are movable relative to each other. The third guide structure 66 of the first operating member 31 and the fourth guide structure 68 of the second operating member 32 are movable relative to each other. In other words, when the first operating member 31 is moved from the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the second state S2 (shown in FIG. 6), accordingly, the second operating member 32 is not driven to move.

[0033] Furthermore, when the lock member 30 is in the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 6), the second rail 24 is configured to be movable from a predetermined position P to another predetermined position (such as an open position not shown) in a predetermined direction D1 with respect to the first rail 22. When the user stops applying the first force F1 to the first operating member 31 (the first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31), the lock member 30 is configured to return from the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 6) to the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) in response to the elastic force of the elastic member 50. The lock member 30 in the locked state K1 is configured to abut against the first contact portion 36, and thereby, in order to hold the first operating member 31 in the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) again, the drive member 33 is configured to contact the first corresponding feature portion 46 via the first contact portion 36.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, when the second operating member 32 is operated, the lock member 30 can be further driven to move from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 7), enabling the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P. For example, it enables the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1.

[0035] Preferably, when the second operating member 32 is operated, accordingly, the drive member 33 is configured to be driven to move (for example, the drive member 33 is configured to rotate by a predetermined angle). Thereby, the drive member 33 is configured to be able to drive the lock member 30 to move and switch from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 7), enabling the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P.

[0036] Further, the user can apply a second force F2 (opposite to the first force F1) to the second operation member 32 (second operation portion 72 of the second operation member 32) to switch from the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the second state S2 (shown in FIG. 7). During such a process, the second corresponding feature portion 48 of the second operation member 32 is configured to come into contact (such as press) with the second contact portion 38 of the drive member 33 to move the drive member 33. In order to enable the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1, the drive member 33 further drives the lock member 30 to move from the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 7). When the lock member 30 is in the unlocked state K2, the blocking feature portion 28 no longer lies in the movement path of the locking portion 52 in the longitudinal direction (for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the locking portion 52 and the blocking feature portion 28 are not aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction). Thereby, in order to enable the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1, the locking portion 52 and the blocking feature portion 28 no longer block each other. Also, when the lock member 30 is in the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 7), the elastic member 50 is in a state where elastic force is accumulated.

[0037] During the process in which the second operation member 32 is moved by the second force F2 to be switched from the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the second state S2 (shown in FIG. 7), the first guide structure 62 of the first operation member 31 and the second guide structure 64 of the second operation member 32 are movable relative to each other. The third guide structure 66 of the first operation member 31 and the fourth guide structure 68 of the second operation member 32 are movable relative to each other. In other words, when the second operation member 32 is moved from the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) to the second state S2 (shown in FIG. 7), accordingly, the first operation member 31 is not driven to move.

[0038] Furthermore, when the lock member 30 is in the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 7), the second rail 24 is configured to be movable relative to the first rail 22 from a predetermined position P in a predetermined direction D1 to another predetermined position (such as an open position not shown). When the user stops applying the second force F2 to the second operating member 32 (the second operating portion 72 of the second operating member 32), the lock member 30 is configured to return from the unlocked state K2 (shown in FIG. 7) to the locked state K1 (shown in FIG. 5) in response to the elastic force of the elastic member 50. The lock member 30 in the locked state K1 is configured to abut against the first contact portion 36, whereby the drive member 33 is configured to contact the second corresponding feature portion 48 via the second contact portion 38 in order to hold the second operating member 32 in the first state S1 (shown in FIG. 5) again.

[0039] Therefore, the user can operate the first operating member 31 or the second operating member 32 to unlock the second rail 24 from the first rail 22 at the predetermined position P and enable the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of slide rail assemblies 20 are attached to the rack 74 (or the cabinet) in the height direction (such as the Z-axis direction), and the slide rail assemblies 20 have substantially the same structural configuration. Further, when the user attempts to operate the slide rail assembly 20 attached to the uppermost position of the rack 74 with the second rail 24 locked to the first rail 22 at the predetermined position P, it is difficult for the user's hand H to reach and operate the second operating member 32 (the second operating portion 72 of the second operating member 32) of the slide rail assembly 20 at the uppermost position. Therefore, in order to enable the second rail 24 of the slide rail assembly 20 at the uppermost position to be moved from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1, the user can operate the first operating member 31 (the first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31) to drive the lock member 30 to switch from the locked state K1 (see also FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (see also FIG. 6). Since such a configuration is disclosed above, further illustration is omitted for simplicity.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, when the user attempts to operate the slide rail assembly 20 attached to the lowermost position of the rack 74 with the second rail 24 locked to the first rail 22 at the predetermined position P, it is difficult for the user's hand H to reach and operate the first operating member 31 (the first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31) of the slide rail assembly 20 in the lowermost position. Therefore, in order to enable the second rail 24 of the slide rail assembly 20 in the lowermost position to move in the predetermined direction D1 from the predetermined position P, the user can operate the second operating member 32 (the second operating portion 72 of the second operating member 32) to drive the locking member 30 and switch from the locked state K1 (see also FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (see also FIG. 7). Such a configuration is disclosed above, and for simplicity, further illustration is omitted.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, the first rail 22 is configured with a bracket 76. The bracket 76 and the first rail 22 can be seen as being interconnected and integral. Preferably, the first rail 22 is configured to be attached to the rack 74 via the bracket 76. The second rail 24 is locked to the first rail 22 at the predetermined position P, and the second rail 24 is configured to convey the article 77 (such as a chassis, drawer, etc.) to be conveyed. Further, the article 77 to be conveyed is attached (for example, fixed) to the second rail 24 and can be seen as a part of the second rail 24. Such a configuration is well known to those skilled in the art, and for simplicity, further illustration is omitted.

[0043] The slide rail assembly 20 further includes a handle 78. The handle 78 is movable relative to the second rail 24. In the present embodiment, the handle 78 is pivotally connected to the article 77 to be conveyed (the bottom of the article 77 to be conveyed) via an auxiliary shaft rod 80, and the handle 78 is rotatable relative to the second rail 24. Alternatively, the second rail 24 includes a predetermined structure, and the handle 78 is rotatable relative to the second rail 24, and the handle 78 is directly pivotally connected to the predetermined structure of the second rail 24.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the second rail 24 is at a predetermined position P relative to the first rail 22, the user can operate the handle 78 to move (such as rotate) it from the first operation position M1 (shown in FIG. 10) to the second operation position M2 (shown in FIG. 11). During such a process, the handle 78 is configured to drive one of the first operation member 31 and the second operation member 32. For example, the handle 78 is configured to apply a first force F1 (shown in FIG. 11) to the first operation member 31 in order to drive the lock member 30 to move from the locked state K1 (see also FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (see also FIG. 6), enabling the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P.

[0045] Preferably, one of the handle 78 and the first operation member 31 (the first operation portion 70 of the first operation member 31) includes a guide feature 82 having an inclined surface or an arc surface. In this embodiment, the handle 78 includes the guide feature 82, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The handle 78 can more easily apply the first force F1 to the first operation member 31 via the guide feature 82, driving the lock member 30 to move from the locked state K1 (see also FIG. 5) to the unlocked state K2 (see also FIG. 6), enabling the second rail 24 to be moved from the predetermined position P.

[0046] Preferably, the handle 78 further includes a predetermined portion 83, and the predetermined portion 83 is arranged together with the guide feature 82. The first rail 22 includes a support feature 84. During the process of the handle 78 moving from the first operation position M1 to the second operation position M2, the predetermined portion 83 of the handle 78 is configured to contact one end 84a of the support feature 84 in order to generate an acting force (shown in FIG. 11) to drive the second rail 24 to move a predetermined distance in the predetermined direction D1 from the predetermined position P.

[0047] Therefore, the handle 78 can not only unlock the second rail 24 with respect to the first rail 22 at the predetermined position P, but also come into contact with the support feature 84 to generate an acting force. Thereby, it becomes convenient for the user to pull out the second rail 24 (or the article 77 to be conveyed) from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1 with respect to the first rail 22 (or the rack 74), or the labor is saved.

[0048] Therefore, the slide rail assembly 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.

[0049] 1. In the background art, the user has to press both operating members of the latch assembly simultaneously. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the second rail 24 is at the predetermined position P with respect to the first rail 22 and the locking member 30 is in the locked state K1, the locking member 30 and the blocking feature 28 are configured to block each other. The user only needs to operate (such as pressing or pushing) one of the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 to drive the locking member 30 to move from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2. Thereby, the locking member 30 (the locking portion 52 of the locking member 30) is no longer blocked by the blocking feature 28, and it becomes possible for the second rail 24 to move from the predetermined position P with respect to the first rail 22.

[0050] 2. The first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31 is configured to be pressed by the user with a first force F1 in the first direction, and the second operating portion 72 of the second operating member 32 is configured to be pressed by the user with a second force F2 in the second direction opposite to the first direction. The first operating member 31 or the second operating member 32 can be used to drive the locking member 30 to move from the locked state K1 to the unlocked state K2.

[0051] 3. The first operating portion 70 of the first operating member 31 is disposed at a first height position (proximate to the lower position of the second rail 24), and the second operating portion 72 of the second operating member 32 is disposed at a second height position (proximate to the upper position of the second rail 24).

[0052] 4. The handle 78 is movable with respect to the second rail 24. The user can operate the handle 78 to drive one of the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32, and unlock the second rail 24 with respect to the first rail 22 at a predetermined position P.

[0053] 5. During the process of operating to move the handle 78, the handle 78 is configured to contact the support feature 84 to generate a acting force, which facilitates or saves effort for the user to pull out the second rail 24 (or the article 77 to be conveyed) with respect to the first rail 22 (or the rack 74) from the predetermined position P in the predetermined direction D1.

[0054] It is easily understood by those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the apparatus and method while maintaining the teachings of the present invention. Therefore, the above disclosure is to be construed as being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a first rail, a second rail, wherein the second rail is movable relative to the first rail, a blocking feature disposed on the first rail, two operating members movably attached to the second rail, a locking member movably attached to the second rail, a driving member movably attached to the second rail, and when the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the locking member is in a locked state, the locking member and the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from moving from the predetermined position, when one of the two operating members is operated, the driving member is configured to be driven to move the locking member from the locked state to an unlocked state, whereby the locking member and the blocking feature are configured not to block each other to enable the second rail to be moved from the predetermined position, a slide rail assembly.

2. the second rail has a first end portion and a second end portion on opposite sides of each other, the two operating members are movably attached to the second rail and adjacent to the first end portion, the driving member includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and an intermediate portion located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the intermediate portion being pivotally connected to the second rail, the two operating members each have a first corresponding feature facing the first contact portion of the driving member and a second corresponding feature facing the second contact portion of the driving member, the first corresponding feature and the second corresponding feature being configured to drive and move the driving member when one of the two operating members is operated, the slide rail assembly according to Claim 1.

3. the first corresponding feature faces the first contact portion of the driving member in a first predetermined direction, the second corresponding feature faces the second contact portion of the driving member in a second predetermined direction opposite to the first predetermined direction, the locking member is pivotally connected to the second rail, the slide rail assembly further includes an elastic member, and the locking member is configured to be held in the locked state in response to the elastic force of the elastic member, The locking member in the locked state is configured to abut against one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion in order to hold the two operating members in the first state via the drive member. The slide rail assembly according to claim 2.

4. The second rail includes at least one blocking portion configured to block the two operating members in the first state. The two operating members each include a first guide structure and a second guide structure that match each other. The relative movement direction between the first guide structure and the second guide structure is substantially the same as the height direction of the second rail. The first guide structure and the second guide structure are a combination of a rib and a groove. The two operating members each include a first operating portion and a second operating portion configured to be pressed by a user. The slide rail assembly according to claim 3.

5. A first rail; A second rail movable relative to the first rail; A blocking feature disposed on the first rail; Two operating members movably attached to the second rail; And a locking member movably attached to the second rail. When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the locking member is in a locked state, the locking member and the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from moving from the predetermined position. The slide rail assembly further includes a handle movable relative to the second rail. When the second rail is in the predetermined position relative to the first rail and the handle is moved from the first operating position to the second operating position, the handle is configured to drive one of the two operating members and move the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state to enable the second rail to be moved from the predetermined position. Slide rail assembly.

6. The first rail includes a support feature. During the process of moving the handle from the first operating position to the second operating position, the handle contacts the support feature and drives the second rail to move in a predetermined direction from the predetermined position. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5.

7. Further, it includes a drive member movably attached to the second rail, When one of the two operating members is operated, the drive member is configured to be driven to switch the lock member from the locked state to the unlocked state in order to enable the second rail to be moved from the predetermined position. The drive member includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and an intermediate portion located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and the intermediate portion is pivotally connected to the second rail. The two operating members respectively have a first corresponding feature portion facing the first contact portion and a second corresponding feature portion facing the second contact portion. When one of the two operating members is operated, the first corresponding feature portion and the second corresponding feature portion are configured to drive and move the drive member. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5.

8. The lock member is pivotally connected to the second rail. The slide rail assembly further includes an elastic member, and the lock member is configured to be held in the locked state in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. The lock member in the locked state is configured to abut against one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion in order to hold the two operating members in the first state via the drive member. The second rail includes at least one blocking portion configured to block the two operating members in the first state. The two operating members respectively include a first guide structure and a second guide structure that match each other, and the relative movement direction between the first guide structure and the second guide structure is substantially the same as the height direction of the second rail. The slide rail assembly according to claim 7.

9. A first rail, A second rail, wherein the second rail is relatively movable with respect to the first rail, A blocking feature portion disposed on the first rail, Two operating members movably attached to the second rail, And a lock member movably attached to the second rail. When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail and the locking member is in a locked state, the locking member and the blocking feature are configured to block each other in order to prevent the second rail from moving from the predetermined position. When the first operating member of the two operating members is moved in a first direction by a first force, the locking member is moved so as to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. As a result, the locking member and the blocking feature no longer block each other, enabling the second rail to move from the predetermined position. When the second operating member of the two operating members is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a second force, the locking member is moved so as to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Thereby, the locking member and the blocking feature no longer block each other, enabling the second rail to move from the predetermined position. Slide rail assembly.

10. Furthermore, it includes a drive member movably attached to the second rail. The drive member is configured to be driven to move the locking member to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state in order to enable the second rail to move from the predetermined position when the two operating members are each operated. The slide rail assembly according to claim 9.

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