Slide rail assembly

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly which can be operated even in a narrow space.SOLUTION: A slide rail assembly 20 comprises a first rail 22, a second rail 24, an auxiliary member 57, a blocking member 58, and an operation member 60. The auxiliary member is arranged on the second rail. The blocking member is pivotally coupled to the second rail. When the second rail is at an extension position to the first rail, a blocking feature part 32 of the first rail blocks the blocking member in a first state S1, for preventing the second rail from displacing in a retreat direction D2 in a direction of separating from the extension position. When the operation member moves to a second operation position P2 from a first operation position P1 for driving the blocking member and moving the blocking member into a second state S2, the blocking feature part does not block the blocking member in the second state, and the operation member engages with a prescribed portion 100 of the auxiliary member for holding the operation member at the second operation position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 (preceding the characterising clause). [Background technology]

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,041,535 (Patent Document 1) discloses a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a locking member, and an operating member. The second rail is displaceable from a first position to a second position relative to the first rail. The third rail is displaceable relative to the second rail. The locking member is attached to the second rail. When the second rail is in the second position, the locking member is configured to engage with an engaging portion of the first rail to prevent the second rail from displacing from the second position to the first position relative to the first rail. The operating member is configured to be operated to move from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position relative to the second rail to disengage the locking member from the engaging portion of the first rail. However, another solution is needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,041,535 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 1,1246,410 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 11,406,187 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 1,1641,939 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 1,164,1940 Summary of the Invention

[0004] With this in mind, the present invention aims to provide a slide rail assembly that can be operated in tight spaces.

[0005] This is achieved by a slide rail assembly according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to corresponding further developments and improvements.

[0006] As will become more clearly apparent from the detailed description that follows, the claimed slide rail assembly includes: a first rail; a blocking feature disposed on the first rail; a second rail displaceable relative to the first rail; an auxiliary member disposed on the second rail, the auxiliary member including a resilient arm and a predetermined portion disposed on the resilient arm; a pivot shaft; a blocking member pivotally connected to the second rail by the pivot shaft, the blocking member being movably switchable between a first state and a second state relative to the second rail, the blocking member including a blocking portion and an abutment portion, the pivot shaft being disposed between the blocking portion and the abutment portion; and an operating member configured to operate the blocking member, the operating portion including an engagement feature. and a member; when the second rail is in a first extended position relative to the first rail, the blocking feature blocks the blocking portion of the blocking member in the first state to prevent the second rail from displacing in the retracted direction from the first extended position toward the retracted position; when the operating member moves from the first operating position to the second operating position, the abutting portion of the blocking member is driven by the operating member to switch the blocking member from the first state to the second state, thereby causing the blocking feature to unblock the blocking portion of the blocking member in the second state to allow the second rail to displace in the retracted direction from the first extended position toward the retracted position relative to the first rail; when the operating member is in the second operating position, the engagement feature engages with a predetermined portion of the auxiliary member to hold the operating member in the second operating position.

[0007] These and other objects of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly in an extended state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a partial view of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with an operating member in a first operating position. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged view of part A of the slide rail assembly shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is another partial view of the slide rail assembly with the operating member in the first operating position according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a partial view of the slide rail assembly in a state where the operating member is in a second operating position according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged view of part B of the slide rail assembly shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is another partial view of the slide rail assembly with the operating member in the second operating position according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram of a slide rail assembly fitted to a rack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second rail and operating member respectively in a first extended position and a first operating position. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second rail and operating member respectively in a first extended position and a second operating position. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second rail displaced in a retracted direction relative to the first rail from a first extended position toward a retracted position. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a slide rail assembly with the second rail in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a view of the slide rail assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the second rail is displaced in the open direction from the retracted position relative to the first rail. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second rail and operating member respectively in the second extended position and the first operating position. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a slide rail assembly with the third rail disconnected from the second rail in a second extended position, according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the third rail is displaced backward relative to the second rail, so that the blocking member and the positioning member are not driven away from the first state. [Figure 18] This is a diagram of a slide rail assembly in an embodiment of the present invention in which the third rail is displaced backward relative to the second rail, thereby driving the blocking member and the positioning member to move from the first state to the second state. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is another view of the slide rail assembly with the second rail and operating member in the second extended position and the first operating position, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1A and 1B are diagrams of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second rail and operating member respectively in a second extended position and a second operating position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used with reference to the orientation of the figures being described. Components of the present invention may be oriented in many different directions. As such, directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Additionally, unless specified, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Thus, when a first device is connected to a second device, the connection may be by way of a direct mechanical connection or an indirect mechanical connection via other devices or connections.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , slide rail assembly 20 includes first rail 22 and second rail 24. Preferably, slide rail assembly 20 further includes third rail 26. Second rail 24 is movably mounted between first rail 22 and third rail 26. In this embodiment, as an example, first rail 22, second rail 24, and third rail 26 may be an outer rail, a middle rail, and an inner rail, respectively, and first rail 22, second rail 24, and third rail 26 can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , when slide rail assembly 20 is in an extended state, for example, a fully extended state, second rail 24 is in a first extended position E1 relative to first rail 22, and third rail 26 is in an released position K relative to second rail 24.

[0012] In this embodiment, as an example, the longitudinal direction is defined by the length or displacement direction of the first rail 22, the second rail 24, or the third rail 26, and may be parallel to the X-axis. The transverse direction is defined by the lateral or width direction of the first rail 22, the second rail 24, or the third rail 26, and may be parallel to the Y-axis. The vertical direction is defined by the height direction of the first rail 22, the second rail 24, or the third rail 26, and may be parallel to the Z-axis.

[0013] The first rail 22 includes a first wall 28a, a second wall 28b, and a longitudinal wall 30 connected between the first wall 28a and the second wall 28b of the first rail 22. The first wall 28a, the second wall 28b, and the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 cooperatively define a first channel of the first rail 22 configured to at least partially accommodate the second rail 24. As shown in FIG. 2 , a blocking feature 32 is disposed on the first rail 22. Preferably, a positioning feature 36 and a release feature 38 are also disposed on the first rail 22. The blocking feature 32, the positioning feature 36, and the release feature 38 are disposed sequentially on the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 from front to rear in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] Preferably, first rail 22 includes a leading end portion 22a and a trailing end portion 22b. Release feature 38 is adjacent to trailing end portion 22b of first rail 22 than to blocking feature 32 and locating feature 36. Blocking feature 32 is adjacent to leading end portion 22a of first rail 22 than to locating feature 36 and release feature 38.

[0015] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a predetermined structure 40 disposed on the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. The predetermined structure 40 includes a blocking feature 32, a longitudinal portion 42, and a guide portion 44. The longitudinal portion 42 is disposed between the blocking feature 32 and the guide portion 44. In this embodiment, as an example, the blocking feature 32 may be a blocking wall or a standing wall, and the guide portion 44 may be an inclined surface or a circular arc surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0016] Preferably, in this embodiment, by way of example, the release feature 38 may be a protrusion that protrudes from the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 in a transverse or lateral direction of the first rail 22. The release feature 38 includes a guide section 45. The guide section 45 may be an inclined surface or an arcuate surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0017] Preferably, the first rail 22 further includes a first auxiliary portion 46 and a second auxiliary portion 48. The positioning feature 36 is defined between the first auxiliary portion 46 and the second auxiliary portion 48. The first auxiliary portion 46 and the second auxiliary portion 48 are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, as an example, the first auxiliary portion 46 may be a protrusion that protrudes from the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 in a transverse or lateral direction of the first rail 22. The first auxiliary portion 46 and the second auxiliary portion 48 may be substantially symmetrical in structure.

[0018] Preferably, the first auxiliary portion 46 and the second auxiliary portion 48 include a first guide structure 50 and a second guide structure 52, respectively. The first guide structure 50 is configured to guide the positioning member 62 so that the positioning member 62 passes over the first auxiliary portion 46. The second guide structure 52 is configured to guide the positioning member 62 so that the positioning member 62 passes over the second auxiliary portion 48. In this embodiment, as an example, the first guide structure 50 and the second guide structure 52 may be inclined surfaces or arcuate surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0019] The second rail 24 includes a first wall 54a, a second wall 54b, and a longitudinal wall 56 connected between the first wall 54a and the second wall 54b of the second rail 24. The first wall 54a, the second wall 54b, and the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 cooperate to define a second channel of the second rail 24 configured to at least partially accommodate the third rail 26. The longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 includes a first side L1 and a second side L2 opposite the first side L1. The first side L1 and the second side L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 are adjacent to the first rail 22 and the third rail 26, respectively.

[0020] The slide rail assembly 20 further includes an auxiliary member 57, a blocking member 58, and an operating member 60. Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a positioning member 62 and an elastic return member 64. The blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 are movably attached to the second rail 24. In this embodiment, the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 may be pivotally connected to the second side surface L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 by a pivot shaft 66. The extension direction of the pivot shaft 66 is parallel to the height direction or longitudinal direction of the second rail 24. That is, the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 are configured to pivot laterally or transversely relative to the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24.

[0021] Preferably, the second rail 24 includes at least one hole communicating between the first side L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 and the second side L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the second rail 24 includes a first hole H1 and a second hole H2. Furthermore, an auxiliary member 57 is disposed on the second rail 24 and configured to cooperate with an operating member 60. The blocking member 58 includes a blocking portion 68 extending through the first hole H1 toward the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22, the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 configured to cooperate with the blocking feature 32 of the first rail 22. Furthermore, the positioning member 62 includes a positioning portion 70 extending through the second hole H2 toward the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22, the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 configured to cooperate with the positioning feature 36 of the first rail 22.

[0022] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a predetermined article 72 (component 72) connected to the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. The predetermined article 72 includes a first resilient feature 74 and a second resilient feature 76 configured to apply a first resilient force and a second resilient force to the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62, respectively. In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined article 72 may be a resilient clip or any other resilient member. The first resilient feature 74 and the second resilient feature 76 may be two arms of the predetermined article 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] The operating member 60 is movably mounted on the second rail 24 and is configured to operate one of the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 .

[0024] Preferably, the operating member 60 is disposed on the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. The operating member 60 includes an operating portion 78, a drive portion 80, and an extension portion 82 connected between the operating portion 78 and the drive portion 80. The second rail 24 includes a front end portion 24a and a rear end portion 24b. The operating portion 78 is disposed adjacent to the front end portion 24a of the second rail 24.

[0025] Preferably, the operating portion 78 and the driving portion 80 are disposed adjacent to the front end 82a and the rear end 82b of the extension portion 82, respectively.

[0026] Preferably, the second rail 24 includes a through-hole 81 that communicates between a first side surface L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 and a second side surface L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. The operating portion 78 includes a corresponding space 83 that is disposed at a position corresponding to the through-hole 81. The size of the through-hole 81 is larger than the size of the corresponding space 83. In the present embodiment, as an example, the corresponding space 83 may be a recessed structure or a hollow structure that is configured to allow a user's finger to be inserted to easily operate the operating member 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0027] Preferably, the driver 80 is located adjacent to the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 .

[0028] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes at least one mounting feature and at least one connection feature configured to cooperate with the at least one mounting feature, allowing the operating member 60 to move within a limited longitudinal range relative to the second rail 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the first connection feature 86a and the second connection feature 86b may be two longitudinal holes disposed in the operating member 60 and the second rail 24, respectively. The first mounting feature 84a and the second mounting feature 84b may be two protruding pins disposed in the second rail 24 and the operating member 60, respectively, that pass through the first connection feature 86a and the second connection feature 86b, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0029] The elastic return member 64 is configured to apply an elastic return force F' to the operating member 60. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, as an example, both ends of the elastic return member 64 are connected to the first predetermined section 55 of the operating member 60 and the second predetermined section 77 of the second rail 24, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0030] Preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the operating member 60 includes an engagement feature 88. In this embodiment, by way of example, the engagement feature 88 is located on the drive portion 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0031] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, by way of example, the engagement feature 88 may be a hook portion and includes a first guide surface 96, such as a sloped or arcuate surface.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 are disposed adjacent to the rear end portion 24b of the second rail 24. The drive portion 80 and the extension portion 82 of the operating member 60 are disposed adjacent to the second side surface L2 and the first side surface L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in this embodiment, as an example, the drive portion 80 of the operating member 60 may be an independent member. The independent member is disposed adjacent to the second side surface L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24, and the independent member is fixedly connected to the rear end 82b of the extension portion 82 of the operating member 60, which is disposed adjacent to the first side surface L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. This is fixedly connected by a fixing member 97 extending from the second side surface L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24 through a restriction hole 95 to the first side surface L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, both the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 are configured to be located in a first state S1 with respect to the second rail 24. The operating member 60 is configured to be located in a first operating position P1 with respect to the second rail 24.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the auxiliary member 57 includes a resilient arm 98 and a predetermined portion 100 disposed on the resilient arm 98. Preferably, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the auxiliary member 57 further includes an attachment portion 102 connected to the first side L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. The resilient arm 98 extends from the attachment portion 102. The predetermined portion 100 extends from the first side L1 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24, through a predetermined hole 104 in the second rail 24, to the second side L2 of the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. The predetermined portion 100 is configured to cooperate with the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60.

[0034] Preferably, the predetermined portion 100 includes a second guide surface 106 , such as a sloped or arcuate surface, at a location corresponding to the first guide surface 96 of the engagement feature 88 .

[0035] Preferably, the blocking member 58 further includes an abutment portion 108, and the pivot shaft 66 is located between the blocking portion 68 and the abutment portion 108 of the blocking member 58. As shown in FIG. 4 , the abutment portion 108 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first drive section 110 of the drive unit 80 of the operating member 60 and is configured to abut against the first drive section 110 of the drive unit 80 of the operating member 60. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first elastic feature 74 is configured to apply a first elastic force to the blocking member 58, for example, the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58, to maintain the blocking member 58 in the first state S1, i.e., to urge the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 to move toward the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22.

[0036] Preferably, the positioning member 62 further includes an abutment section 112, and the pivot shaft 66 is located between the positioning portion 70 and the abutment section 112 of the positioning member 62. As shown in FIG. 4 , the abutment section 112 is located at a position corresponding to the second drive section 114 of the drive unit 80 of the operating member 60 and is configured to abut against the second drive section 114 of the drive unit 80 of the operating member 60. The second drive section 114 and the first drive section 110 are located at corresponding positions to each other and have substantially the same structure. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second elastic feature 76 is configured to apply a second elastic force to the positioning member 62, for example, the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62, in order to maintain the positioning member 62 in the first state S1, i.e., to urge the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 to move toward the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22.

[0037] Preferably, one of the abutment portion 108 of the blocking member 58 and the first drive section 110 of the operating member 60 includes a guide feature, for example, a sloped or arcuate surface, to facilitate cooperation between the first drive section 110 and the abutment portion 108 and the operating member 60 to drive the blocking member 58. Similarly, one of the abutment section 112 of the positioning member 62 and the second drive section 114 of the operating member 60 includes another guide feature, for example, a sloped or arcuate surface, to facilitate cooperation between the second drive section 114 and the abutment section 112 and the operating member 60 to drive the positioning member 62.

[0038] 6 to 8 , when the operating member 60, e.g., the operating portion 78 of the operating member 60, is operated to move relative to the second rail 24 from the first operating position P1 in the opening direction D1 to the second operating position P2 by an external force F in the opening direction D1, the operating member 60 drives the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 to pivot laterally or transversely from the first state S1 to the second state S2, e.g., by the first drive section 110 and the second drive section 114 of the drive section 80, respectively, thereby overcoming the first elastic force applied by the first elastic feature 74 and the second elastic force applied by the second elastic feature 76, respectively, thereby moving the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 and the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 from the first rail 22, e.g., the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22.

[0039] 7 and 8, when the operating member 60 is in the second operating position P2, the elastic return member 64 elastically deforms to generate an elastic return force F'. The engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 engages with a predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57 to hold the operating member 60 in the second operating position P2.

[0040] Preferably, when the operating member 60 moves from the first operating position P1 shown in FIG. 4 to the second operating position P2 shown in FIG. 7, the first guide surface 96 of the engagement feature 88 abuts against the second guide surface 106 of the predetermined portion 100 to guide the engagement feature 88 to engage with the blocking section 115 of the predetermined portion 100.

[0041] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operating member 60 is in the second operating position P2, the first drive section 110 and the second drive section 114 of the operating member 60 continue to press the abutment portion 108 of the blocking member 58 and the abutment section 112 of the positioning member 62, respectively, thereby maintaining the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 in the second state S2.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, slide rail assembly 20 is attached to rack 116 and is in a fully extended position. First rail 22 is configured to be attached to rack 116, e.g., configured to be fixed. Third rail 26 is configured to support an article (not shown) to be placed on it. In this manner, the article can be moved into and out of rack 116 by slide rail assembly 20. Rack 116 includes a front end 116a and a rear end 116b. Operating portion 78 projects forward beyond front end 116a of rack 116 for ease of operation.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 10 , slide rail assembly 20 is fully extended. Second rail 24 is in a first extended position E1 relative to first rail 22, and third rail 26 is in an open position K relative to second rail 24. Note that when second rail 24 and third rail 26 are in the first extended position E1 relative to first rail 22 and the open position K relative to second rail 24, respectively, slide rail assembly 20 has a first length J1, and a first distance X1 is formed between front end portion 26a of third rail 26 and article 122 (external object 122). However, first distance X1 is too narrow or too short to separate third rail 26 from second rail 24 in the open direction D1. 10 , when the second rail 24 is in the first extended position E1 relative to the first rail 22, the blocking feature 32 blocks the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 in the first state S1 to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced in the retracted direction D2 from the first extended position E1 relative to the first rail 22. The positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 in the first state S1 abuts against the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. Furthermore, at this point, the operating member 60 is in the first operating position P1. Therefore, the elastic return member 64 and the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 are in the states shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , i.e., the elastic return member 64 is not elastically deformed, and the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 is not engaged with the predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57.

[0044] 10 and 11 , when the operating portion 78 of the operating member 60 is operated by an external force F in the opening direction D1 to move from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2 relative to the second rail 24 in the opening direction D1, the operating member 60 drives the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62, respectively, by the first drive section 110 and the second drive section 114 of the drive unit 80 to move them from the first state S1 to the second state S2. When the blocking member 58 is in the second state S2, the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 is moved laterally or transversely from the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. Therefore, the first elastic feature 74 is elastically deformed by the blocking member 58 in the second state S2. The blocking feature 32 does not block the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 in the second state S2 to allow the second rail 24 to be displaced in the retracted direction D2 from the first extended position E1 relative to the first rail 22. When the positioning member 62 is in the second state S2, the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 is moved laterally or transversely from the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. Thus, the second resilient feature 76 is resiliently deformed by the positioning member 62 in the second state S2, and the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 is longitudinally misaligned with the positioning feature 36.

[0045] 12, the elastic return member 64 and the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 are in the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. That is, the elastic return member 64 elastically deforms to generate an elastic return force F' in the backward direction D2, and the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 engages with the blocking section 115 of the predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57 to hold the operating member 60 in the second operating position P2.

[0046] 12 and 13, when the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 disengages from the predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57, the operating member 60 moves from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1 in response to the elastic return force F' applied by the elastic return member 64. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the second rail 24 is displaced from the first extended position E1 to the retracted position R in the retracted direction D2 relative to the first rail 22, the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 in the second state S2 is longitudinally misaligned with the positioning feature 36. This allows the positioning member 62 to pass over the positioning feature 36 in the retracted direction D2 without any obstruction, i.e., the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 is prevented from engaging with the positioning feature 36. Furthermore, when the second rail 24 is displaced in the backward direction D2 from the position shown in FIG. 12 to the position shown in FIG. 13, the second guide surface 106 of the predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57 abuts against the guide section 45 of the release feature 38 on the first rail 22, and the elastic arm 98 of the auxiliary member 57 moves in the predetermined direction U to disengage the engagement feature 88 of the operating member 60 from the blocking section 115 of the predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57, allowing the operating member 60 to move in the backward direction D2 from the second operating position P2 shown in FIG. 12 to the first operating position P1 shown in FIG. 13 in response to the return elastic force F' applied by the return elastic member 64. Furthermore, when the operating member 60 is in the first operating position P1 shown in FIG. 13, the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 are in the state shown in FIG. 4, i.e., the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 move from the second state S2 to the first state S1 in response to the first elastic force applied by the first elastic feature portion 74 and the second elastic force applied by the second elastic feature portion 76, respectively.

[0047] Preferably, the first rail 22 further includes at least one blocking structure 124. In this embodiment, as an example, the blocking structure 124 may be a protrusion. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13 , when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the blocking structure 124 is configured to block the rear end portion 24b of the second rail 24 to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced in the retracted direction D2 from the retracted position R. In other words, the retracted position R may be a fully retracted position.

[0048] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the second rail 24 is displaced from the retracted position R to the second extended position E2 in the open direction D1 relative to the first rail 22, the positioning feature 36 is configured to engage with the positioning member 62 in the first state S1 to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the second extended position E2 in the retracted direction D2 or the open direction D1 relative to the first rail 22.

[0049] Furthermore, when the second rail 24 is displaced from the retracted position R to the second extended position E2 in the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 22, the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 abuts against the second guide structure 52 of the second auxiliary part 48, guiding the positioning member 62 to move from the first state and pass over the second auxiliary part 48. Thereafter, in response to the second elastic force provided by the second elastic feature 76, the positioning member 62 moves to return to the first state to engage the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 with the positioning feature 36. When the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 in the first state S1 engages with the positioning feature 36, the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 is blocked between the first auxiliary part 46 and the second auxiliary part 48 to prevent the second rail 24 from being displaced from the second extended position E2 in the retracted direction D2 or the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 22.

[0050] 15 and 16, when second rail 24 is in second extended position E2 relative to first rail 22, slide rail assembly 20 has second length J2 that is smaller than first length J1. A second distance X2 that is larger than first distance X1 is formed between front end portion 26a of third rail 26 and article 122. This makes it easier for third rail 26 to separate from second rail 24 in opening direction D1.

[0051] 17 and 18 , when it is desired to displace the second rail 24 relative to the first rail 22 from the second extended position E2 in the retracted direction D2 to the retracted position R or in the open direction D1 to the first extended position E1, the third rail 26 can be operated to displace in the retracted direction D2, for example, away from the open position K, so that the rear end portion 26b of the third rail 26 abuts against the abutment section 112 of the positioning member 62. To disengage the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 from the positioning feature 36, the positioning member 62 is moved from the first state S1 to allow the second rail 24 to be displaced relative to the first rail 22 from the second extended position E2 in the retracted direction D2 to the retracted position R or in the open direction D1 to the first extended position E1.

[0052] Preferably, while the third rail 26 undergoes the aforementioned displacement in the backward direction D2, the third rail 26 or a predetermined feature on the third rail 26, such as a protrusion, abuts against the abutment portion 108 of the blocking member 58 so as to move the blocking member 58 from the first state S1.

[0053] 19 and 20 , when the second rail 24 is in the second extended position E2 relative to the first rail 22, the positioning member 62 can be driven to move from the first state S1 not only by the displacement of the third rail 26 in the retraction direction D2 as described above, but also by the movement of the operating member 60 from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2. Specifically, when the second rail 24 is in the second extended position E2 relative to the first rail 22, the operating member 60 can be operated to move from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2 in the opening direction D1, thereby driving the positioning member 62 to move from the first state S1 to the second state S2 by the second drive section 114 to disengage the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 from the positioning feature 36. This allows the second rail 24 to be displaced relative to the first rail 22 from the second extended position E2 in the retracted direction D2 to the retracted position R, or in the open direction D1 to the first extended position E1. Furthermore, when the operating member 60 is in the second operating position P2, the engagement feature 88 engages with a predetermined portion 100 of the auxiliary member 57 to hold the operating member 60 in the second operating position P2.

[0054] In contrast to the prior art, the present invention has the following features:

[0055] 1. When the engagement feature 88 engages with the predetermined portion 100, the operating member 60 can be held in the second operating position P2. When the engagement feature 88 disengages from the predetermined portion 100, the operating member 60 can be released to move from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1 in response to the return elastic force F' applied by the return elastic member 64. Furthermore, the movement direction of the operating member 60 from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2 is the same as the release direction D1, so as to achieve a more intuitive operation of the operating member 60 from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2.

[0056] 2. The blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 share the same pivot axis 66, and the extension direction of the pivot axis 66 is parallel to the height direction or longitudinal direction. That is, the blocking member 58 and the positioning member 62 are configured to pivot laterally or transversely relative to the longitudinal wall 56 of the second rail 24. This configuration prevents adhesion between the blocking portion 68 of the blocking member 58 and the blocking feature 32, and between the positioning portion 70 of the positioning member 62 and the positioning feature 36, resulting in less resistance and reduced labor.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications and variations of the device and method are possible while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the above disclosure be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first rail; a blocking feature disposed on the first rail; a second rail displaceable relative to the first rail; an auxiliary member disposed on the second rail, the auxiliary member including a resilient arm and a predetermined portion disposed on the resilient arm; A pivot axis; a blocking member pivotally connected to the second rail by the pivot shaft, the blocking member being movably switchable between a first state and a second state relative to the second rail, the blocking member including a blocking portion and an abutting portion, the pivot shaft being disposed between the blocking portion and the abutting portion; an operating member configured to operate the blocking member, the operating member including an engagement feature; When the second rail is in a first extended position relative to the first rail, the blocking feature blocks the blocking portion of the blocking member in the first condition to prevent the second rail from displacing in a retracted direction from the first extended position toward a retracted position; when the operating member moves from a first operating position to a second operating position, the abutment portion of the blocking member is driven by the operating member to switch the blocking member from the first state to the second state, whereby the blocking feature does not block the blocking portion of the blocking member in the second state to allow the second rail to be displaced relative to the first rail from the first extended position in the retracted direction toward the retracted position; When the operating member is in the second operating position, the engagement feature engages with the predetermined portion of the auxiliary member to hold the operating member in the second operating position; the blocking member is pivotally connected to the second rail by the pivot shaft, the direction of the pivot shaft extending is parallel to a height direction of a longitudinal wall of the second rail, the height direction being along a width of the longitudinal wall and transverse to the retreat direction, and the blocking member is configured to pivot laterally relative to the longitudinal wall of the second rail; moreover, a locating feature disposed on the first rail; a positioning member movably attached to the second rail and switchable between a first state position and a second state position with respect to the second rail; the positioning member in the first state position is configured to engage the positioning feature; a first coupling means disposed at one end of the pivot shaft for coupling the pivot shaft and the blocking member; a second coupling means disposed at the other end of the pivot shaft and coupling the pivot shaft and the positioning member; the pivot shaft, the blocking member, and the positioning member are configured in an H-shape by the first connecting means and the second connecting means; Slide rail assembly.

2. 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the operating member is movably attached to the second rail, and when the operating member is in the second operating position, the operating member is configured to hold the blocking member in the second state.

3. A slide rail assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the operating member is configured to hold the positioning member in the second state position when the operating member is in the second operating position.

4. The slide rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member further includes a mounting portion connected to the second rail, and the resilient arm extends from the mounting portion.

5. Further, the device includes a restoring elastic member, a first elastic feature portion, and a second elastic feature portion, when the engagement feature disengages from the predetermined portion of the auxiliary member, the operating member moves from the second operating position to the first operating position in response to a restoring elastic force provided by the restoring elastic member; when the operating member is in the first operating position, the blocking member moves from the second state to the first state in response to a first resilient force provided by the first resilient feature; 4. The slide rail assembly of claim 3, wherein when the operating member is in the first operating position, the positioning member moves from the second state position to the first state position in response to a second elastic force provided by the second elastic feature.

6. further comprising a release feature disposed on the first rail; 6. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein when the second rail is displaced in the retracted direction from the first extended position to the retracted position, the resilient arm of the auxiliary member is driven by the release feature to disengage the engagement feature from the predetermined portion of the auxiliary member.

7. When the second rail is displaced relative to the first rail from the retracted position in an open direction to the second extended position, the positioning member in the first state position engages with the positioning feature to prevent the second rail from displacing relative to the first rail from the second extended position in the retracted direction; 6. The slide rail assembly of claim 3, wherein when the second rail is in the first extended position, the slide rail assembly has a first length, and when the second rail is in the second extended position, the slide rail assembly has a second length that is less than the first length.

8. and a third rail, the second rail being movably mounted between the first rail and the third rail; 8. The slide rail assembly of claim 7, wherein when the second rail is in the second extended position, the third rail is displaced in the retracted direction relative to the second rail from the open position to drive the positioning member out of the first state position and disengage the positioning member from the positioning feature to allow the second rail to be displaced in the retracted direction relative to the first rail from the second extended position.

9. when the second rail is in the second extended position, the operating member moving from the first operating position to the second operating position drives the positioning member to move from the first state position and disengage the positioning member from the positioning feature to allow the second rail to be displaced in the retracted direction from the second extended position relative to the first rail; The slide rail assembly of claim 7 , wherein when the operating member is in the second operating position, the engagement feature engages with the predetermined portion of the auxiliary member to hold the operating member in the second operating position.

10. 6. The slide rail assembly of claim 3, wherein the positioning member is pivotally connected to the second rail by the pivot axis, the positioning member being configured to pivot laterally relative to the longitudinal wall of the second rail.

Images