Slide rail assembly

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly having a handle.SOLUTION: A slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22, a second rail 24, a third rail 28, a first working member 90, a second working member 92, an operating member 94, and a handle 26. During the process in which the handle is moved to switch from a first state to a second state K2, the operating member is driven to move the second working member to switch from a first working state S1 to a second working state S2. When the second rail is moved to an extended position in an opening direction D1, a blocking feature part 44 and the first working member in the first working state block each other to prevent the second rail from being further moved in the opening direction. A second blocking wall 48 of the blocking feature part and the second working member in the second working state do not block each other to allow the second rail to be moved in a backward direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail mechanism, and more particularly to a slide rail assembly having a handle. [Background technology]

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 6,935,710 discloses a two-way retainer for a slide rail assembly. The bidirectional retainer includes a retaining mechanism attached to a first rail and a stop member attached to a second rail. The retaining mechanism includes at least two retaining arms that abut against each other and an elastic member. Each of the two retaining arms includes a corresponding inclined portion and an engaging portion. The stop member includes a stop portion. When the first rail is pulled to a predetermined operating position, the stop portion of the stop member on the second rail crosses one of the inclined portions of the retaining arms on the first rail and engages between the engaging portions of the retaining arms to provide bidirectional retention. To disable the bidirectional retention between the retaining arms and the stop portions on the second rail, a user can operate a latch release member to drive and rotate the two retaining arms. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The aforementioned patent discloses a latch release member for moving the two retaining arms. However, it is important to develop various slide rail products to meet the needs of different markets.

[0004] The present invention relates to a slide rail assembly having a handle.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail assembly includes: a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a third rail movably mounted between the first and second rails, the third rail configured with a blocking feature, the blocking feature having a first blocking wall and a second blocking wall; a first working member and a second working member movably mounted to the second rail, the first working member and the second working member configured to be in one of a first working state and a second working state; an operating member configured to drive and move the second working member; and a handle movable relative to the second rail to switch between the first state and the second state, wherein during the process of moving the handle to switch from the first state to the second state, The operating member is configured to be moved from the first operating position to the second operating position to further drive the second working member to move to switch from the first working state to the second working state; when the third rail is in a predetermined open position relative to the first rail and the second rail is moved to a fully extended position in an opening direction relative to the third rail, the first working member in the first working state and the first blocking wall of the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from being further moved in the opening direction from the fully extended position; and the second working member and the second blocking wall of the blocking feature are not configured to block each other in the second working state to allow the second rail to move in a retracted direction from the fully extended position.

[0006] 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]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B illustrate a slide rail assembly according to 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]10 is a view showing the second rail with the handle in a first state according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a view showing the second rail from another angle with the handle in the first state according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a view showing the second rail with the handle in a second state according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a view showing the second rail from another angle with the handle in the second state according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a slide rail assembly in a retracted position when the handle is in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10A is a diagram illustrating the slide rail assembly in a retracted position with the handle in a second position according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing the slide rail assembly in an extended state when a working member on the second rail is not blocked by the third rail, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing the slide rail assembly in an extended state when a working member on the second rail is blocked by the third rail, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22 (e.g., an outer rail), a second rail 24 (e.g., an inner rail), and a handle 26. Preferably, slide rail assembly 20 further includes a third rail 28 (e.g., an intermediate rail) movably mounted between first rail 22 and second rail 24. Second rail 24 is in a retracted position R relative to first rail 22 as shown in FIG. 1. Second rail 24, third rail 28, and first rail 22 are longitudinally movable relative to one another. In the drawings, the X axis is the longitudinal direction (or the length or movement 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).

[0009] The first rail 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b, e.g., a front end and a rear end, opposite each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first rail 22 includes a first wall 30a, a second wall 30b, and a longitudinal wall 32 connected between the first wall 30a and the second wall 30b of the first rail 22. Preferably, the first rail 22 further includes a blocking portion 34. In this embodiment, the blocking portion 34 is a protruding protrusion on the longitudinal wall 32 of the first rail 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The blocking portion 34 is disposed adjacent to the first end 22a of the first rail 22. The blocking portion 34 includes a blocking section 36 and a guide section 38 opposite each other. The blocking section 36 is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the blocking section 34, and the guide section 38 is disposed adjacent to the front end of the blocking section 34. The guide section 38 has an inclined or arcuate surface.

[0010] The third rail 28 has opposite first and second ends 28a and 28b, e.g., a front end and a rear end, but the invention is not limited thereto. The third rail 28 includes a first wall 40a, a second wall 40b, and a longitudinal wall 42 connected between the first and second walls 40a and 40b of the third rail 28. Preferably, the third rail 28 further includes a blocking feature 44. In this embodiment, the blocking feature 44 is a protruding protrusion on the longitudinal wall 42 of the third rail 28, but the invention is not limited thereto. The blocking feature 44 is disposed adjacent to the first end 28a of the third rail 28. The blocking feature 44 has opposite first and second blocking walls 46 and 48. For example, the first blocking wall 46 is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the blocking feature 44, and the second blocking wall 48 is disposed adjacent to the front end of the blocking feature 44.

[0011] The second rail 24 has opposite first and second ends 24a and 24b, e.g., a front end and a rear end, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The second rail 24 includes a first wall 50a, a second wall 50b, and a longitudinal wall 52 connected between the first and second walls 50a and 50b of the second rail 24. Preferably, a housing 54 is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the second rail 24 so as to be viewable as part of the second rail 24. The housing 54 includes a first housing portion 54a and a second housing portion 54b configured to cover most of the associated components disposed within the housing 54 for protection. Preferably, the housing 54 is adjacent to the first end 24a of the second rail 24.

[0012] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 54 is omitted from Figure 3. The relevant components disposed on the housing 54 are the handle 26, the support member 56, and the resilient feature 58. Preferably, a gear rack 60, a working member 62, and a shaft member 64 are also disposed on the housing 54.

[0013] The handle 26 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24 via a shaft member 64. In this embodiment, the shaft member 64 is configured to pivotally connect the handle 26 and the housing 54, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The shaft member 64 is disposed relative to the first rail 22 in a direction substantially identical to the length direction or movement direction (e.g., longitudinal direction) of the second rail 24.

[0014] 3 and 4, the auxiliary member 56 is disposed on the second rail 24. For example, the auxiliary member 56 is disposed in the housing 54 on the second rail 24 (see further FIG. 2). Preferably, the shaft member 64 is configured to pass through the auxiliary member 56, thereby allowing the auxiliary member 56 to move (longitudinally) relative to the shaft member 64. The resilient feature 58 is configured to provide a resilient force to the auxiliary member 56. The resilient feature 58 is configured to abut between the auxiliary member 56 and the housing 54.

[0015] Preferably, the gear rack 60 is movable relative to the second rail 24. For example, the gear rack 60 is movably attached to the housing 54 by the second rail 24. Furthermore, the gear rack 60 is movable in height relative to the second rail 24 (or the housing 54). The handle 26 is configured with a gear structure 66 configured to mesh with the gear rack 60.

[0016] Preferably, the actuating member 62 is movable relative to the second rail 24. For example, the actuating member 62 is pivotally connected to the housing 54 on the second rail 24 via a shaft portion 68. The shaft portion 68 is oriented in a direction substantially the same as the transverse (or lateral) direction of the second rail 24.

[0017] Preferably, slide rail assembly 20 further includes a drive member 70 that is movable relative to second rail 24. Drive member 70 and second rail 24 are capable of relative movement within a limited range due to interaction of first limiting feature 72 and second limiting feature 74. For example, first limiting feature 72 is a longitudinally elongated hole (or longitudinally elongated slot), and second limiting feature 74 is a connecting member (or connecting pin) that passes through a portion of the longitudinally elongated hole.

[0018] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a resilient member 76. In this embodiment, the resilient member 76 is connected between the drive member 70 and the second rail 24, but the invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, both ends of the resilient member 76 are connected to an attachment section 78 provided on the drive member 70 and a second limiting feature 74 provided on the second rail 24, respectively.

[0019] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a locking member 80 movably mounted on the second rail 24. For example, the locking member 80 is pivotally connected to at least one lug 84 on the second rail 24 via an auxiliary shaft 82. The auxiliary shaft 82 is disposed in a direction substantially identical to the height direction of the second rail 24.

[0020] Preferably, the locking member 80 and the drive member 70 each have a first corresponding feature 86 and a second corresponding feature 88 configured to interact with each other. At least one of the first corresponding feature 86 and the second corresponding feature 88 has an angled or arcuate surface to facilitate relative movement between the first corresponding feature 86 and the second corresponding feature 88.

[0021] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a first working member 90, a second working member 92, and an operating member 94, each movably mounted on the second rail 24. The first working member 90 and the second working member 92 are pivotally connected to the second rail 24 (the longitudinal wall 52 of the second rail 24) via a first mounting shaft 96 and a second mounting shaft 98, respectively. The slide rail assembly 20 further includes at least one auxiliary elastic member 99. The first working member 90 and the second working member 92 are configured to be held in the first working state S1 in response to the elastic forces of a first elastic section 99a and a second elastic section 99b of the auxiliary elastic member 99, respectively. The operating member 94 is configured to drive and move the second working member 92. The operating member 94 further includes a driving section 100, an operating section 102, and a longitudinal section 104 connected between the driving section 100 and the operating section 102. The drive section 100 corresponds to the second working member 92. For example, the drive section 100 is operatively connected to the second working member 92 and drives and moves the second working member 92. On the other hand, the operating section 102 is connected to the drive member 70, whereby the operating member 94 is configured to move together with the drive member 70.

[0022] 3 and 4, the auxiliary member 56 includes an engagement feature 106 such as a protrusion or an extension, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The handle 26 is in a first state K1 relative to the second rail 24. On the other hand, when a force F is applied to the auxiliary member 56 or when the auxiliary member 56 hits an object (such as the first rail 22), the auxiliary member 56 is configured to be in a first auxiliary position C1 relative to the second rail 24, and the elastic feature 58 is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force J. When the auxiliary member 56 is in the first auxiliary position C1, the engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 is in a position corresponding to the predetermined space M (shown in FIG. 4) of the handle 26 in the first state K1. In this manner, the handle 26 can be moved by a user so that it is no longer in the first state K1.

[0023] 5 and 6 , the handle 26 is switched from the first state K1 to the second state K2 (e.g., rotated 90 degrees) by being moved (e.g., pulled) by the user. On the other hand, when the force F is no longer applied to the auxiliary member 56 or when the auxiliary member 56 is moved away from an article (e.g., the first rail 22), the elastic feature 58 is configured to release the predetermined elastic force J that it attempts to apply to the auxiliary member 56, thereby driving the auxiliary member 56 to move from the first auxiliary position C1 to the second auxiliary position C2 relative to the second rail 24 (e.g., the auxiliary member 56 is moved toward the second end 24b of the second rail 24 to the second auxiliary position C2, but the present invention is not limited thereto). The engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 is moved from the predetermined space M of the handle 26 and engaged with (or blocked by) a predetermined portion 108 of the handle 26. In other words, the engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 is configured to block the movement path of the handle 26 to prevent the handle 26 from returning from the second state K2 to the first state K1, thereby holding the handle 26 in the second state K2.

[0024] Further, reference is made to Figures 3 and 5. During the process of moving the handle 26 to switch from the first state K1 (shown in Figure 3) to the second state K2 (shown in Figure 5), the handle 26 is configured to drive to rotate the actuating member 62 via the gear structure 66 meshing with the gear rack 60, and the actuating member 62 is configured to further push the drive member 70 to move from the first drive position N1 (shown in Figure 3) to the second drive position N2 (shown in Figure 5) in the longitudinal direction (or linear direction) and in the direction toward the second end 24b of the second rail 24. As a result, the drive member 70 is configured to drive to move (e.g., rotate) the locking member 80 to switch from the locked state L1 (shown in Figure 3) to the unlocked state L2 (shown in Figure 5) through the interaction of the first corresponding feature 86 with the second corresponding feature 88.

[0025] Furthermore, during the process of the drive member 70 being moved from the first drive position N1 to the second drive position N2, in order to further drive the second working member 92 and move it from the first working state S1 (shown in FIG. 3) to the second working state (shown in FIG. 5), the drive member 70 is configured to drive the operating member 94 to move from the first operating position B1 (shown in FIG. 3) to the second operating position B2 (shown in FIG. 5) relative to the second rail 24. In this state, the second elastic section 99b is configured to accumulate an elastic force (shown in FIG. 5).

[0026] Furthermore, the handle 26, gear rack 60, actuating member 62, drive member 70, locking member 80, operating member 94, and second working member 92 are configured to interact with one another. When the auxiliary member 56 is in the second auxiliary position C2, the locking feature 106 (engagement feature 106) of the auxiliary member 56 engages with a predetermined portion 108 of the handle 26, thereby holding the handle 26 in the second state K2 (shown in FIG. 6 ). In this manner, the positions or states of the gear rack 60, actuating member 62, drive member 70, locking member 80, operating member 94, and second working member 92 are all maintained. The elastic member 76 is configured to accumulate an elastic force Q in response to the drive member 70 being held in the second drive position N2 (as shown in FIG. 5 , the elastic member 76 accumulates a restoring elastic force). In other words, when the auxiliary member 56 is moved from the second auxiliary position C2 (shown in FIG. 5) back to the first auxiliary position C1 (shown in FIG. 3), the engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 no longer engages with the predetermined portion 108 of the handle 26 (e.g., the engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 is again in a position corresponding to the predetermined space M of the handle 26), thereby causing the elastic member 76 to release the elastic force Q and drive the handle 26, gear rack 60, actuating member 62, drive member 70, locking member 80, operating member 94, and second working member 92 to return to their initial positions or states (shown in FIG. 3).

[0027] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8 (housing 54 is omitted from Figures 7 and 8). Preferably, slide rail assembly 20 further includes an auxiliary elastic member 110, and locking member 80 is configured to be held in locked state L1 in response to the elastic force (80) of extension section 112 of auxiliary elastic member 110. Slide rail assembly 20 is shown in a retracted state in Figures 7 and 8. First rail 22 is configured to be attached to a rack (or cabinet), and second rail 24 is configured to transport an article to be transported. Such configurations are well known to those skilled in the art, and for the sake of simplicity, further illustrations are omitted.

[0028] Preferably, when the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the locking portion 90 of the locking member 80 in the locked state L1 (see FIG. 3 ) is blocked by the blocking section 36 of the blocking portion 34 of the first rail 22 (see FIG. 2 ) to prevent the second rail 24 from moving in the opening direction D1 from the retracted position R. The auxiliary member 56 abuts against a part of the first rail 22 (for example, abuts against the first end 22 a of the first rail 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto) to generate an acting force as a force F applied to the auxiliary member 56, and the elastic feature portion 58 accumulates a predetermined elastic force J.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 , when the handle 26 is moved by a user to switch from the first state K1 to the second state K2, the second rail 24 is movable from the retracted position R (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) in the open direction D1 to a predetermined extended position P1 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ). When the second rail 24 is in the predetermined extended position P1 relative to the first rail 22, the elastic feature 58 is configured to release a predetermined elastic force J on the auxiliary member 56. This moves the auxiliary member 56 from the first auxiliary position C1 (shown in FIG. 8 ) to the second auxiliary position D2 (shown in FIG. 10 ). In addition, the engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 is configured to engage with the handle 26 (a predetermined portion 108 of the handle 26) to hold the handle 26 in the second state K2 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ).

[0030] Preferably, in this embodiment, the locking member 80 in the locked state L1 is configured to be blocked by the blocking portion 34 (the blocking section 36 of the blocking portion 34). When a user intends to move the second rail 24 from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the user can move (or rotate) the handle 26 from the first state K1 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) to the second state K2 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) by operating (e.g., pulling) the handle 26. During the process of moving the handle 26 from the first state K1 to the second state K2, the handle 26, the gear rack 60, the actuating member 62, and the drive member 70 are configured to interact with one another (such configurations are disclosed in FIGS. 3 to 6 and the related description, and further illustrations are not provided for simplicity). In this manner, the driving member 70 is configured to further drive the locking member 80 to overcome the elastic force of the extension section 112 of the auxiliary elastic member 110, and move the locking member 80 to switch from the locked state L1 (shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8) to the unlocked state L2 (shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10). As a result, the locking member 80 (the locking portion 90 of the locking member 80) is no longer blocked by the blocking portion 34 (the blocking section 36 of the blocking portion 34). For example, to allow the second rail 24 to move in the opening direction D1 from the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, e.g., to the predetermined extension position P1, the locking member 80 (the locking portion 90 of the locking member 80) is offset in the transverse direction (sideward) from the blocking portion 34 (the blocking section 36 of the blocking portion 34) (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0031] Furthermore, when the second rail 24 is in the predetermined extended position P1 relative to the first rail 22 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ), the auxiliary member 56 no longer abuts against the first rail (the first end 22 a of the first rail 22). That is, the force F is no longer applied to the auxiliary member 56, causing the auxiliary member 56 to move from the first auxiliary position C1 to the second auxiliary position C2 in response to the predetermined force J released by the elastic feature 58. The engagement feature 106 of the auxiliary member 56 is configured to engage with the handle 26 (a predetermined portion 108 of the handle 26) to hold the handle 26 in the second state K2 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ). This maintains the positions or states of the gear rack 60, the actuating member 62, the drive member 70, the locking member 80, the operating member 94, and the second working member 92. For example, the drive member 70 is held in the second drive position N2, the lock member 80 is held in the unlocked state L2, the operating member 94 is held in the second operating position B2, and the second working member 92 is held in the second working state S2 (shown in Figures 9 and 10). Meanwhile, the elastic member 76 is configured to accumulate an elastic force Q (see further Figure 5).

[0032] 11, third rail 28 is in a predetermined open position E relative to first rail 22, such that first end 28a of third rail 28 extends a predetermined distance beyond first end 22a of first rail 22. Third rail 28 is configured to be held in the predetermined open position E relative to first rail 22 by a positioning mechanism (this configuration is well known to those skilled in the art and is not further illustrated for simplicity).

[0033] Additionally, when the second rail 24 is further moved in the opening direction D1 relative to the third rail 28 (or first rail 22) to the fully extended position P2, the first working member 90 and the first blocking wall 46 of the blocking feature 44 in the first working state S1 are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail 24 from being moved further from the fully extended position P2 in the opening direction D1. Furthermore, the second working member 92 and the second blocking wall 48 of the blocking feature 44 in the second working state S2 are not blocked from each other to allow the second rail 24 to be moved in the retraction direction D2 from the fully extended position P2. When the second rail 24 is in the fully extended position P2 relative to the third rail 28 (or first rail 22), the first end 24a of the second rail 24 extends beyond the first end 28a of the third rail 28 by a predetermined distance.

[0034] 11 and 12 , when second rail 24 is in fully extended position P2 relative to third rail 28, and when a user intends to maintain second rail 24 in fully extended position P2 relative to third rail 28, the user can apply force F to auxiliary member 56 (e.g., the user can push auxiliary member 56) to move auxiliary member 56 back from second auxiliary position C2 (shown in FIG. 11 ) to first auxiliary position C1 (shown in FIG. 12 ), such that auxiliary member 56 is no longer engaged with handle 26. For example, engagement feature 106 of auxiliary member 56 is in a position corresponding to predetermined space M of handle 26 (see further FIG. 4 and related description), such that handle 26 is configured to return from second state K2 (shown in FIG. 11 ) to first state K1 (shown in FIG. 12 ) in response to elastic force Q released by elastic member 76. The drive member 70 is configured to drive the operating member 94 to move from the second operating position B2 (shown in FIG. 11 ) back to the first operating position B1 (shown in FIG. 12 ) in response to the elastic force Q released by the elastic member 76, thereby enabling the second working member 92 to be moved to switch from the second working state S2 (shown in FIG. 11 ) to the first working state S1 (shown in FIG. 12 ). Preferably, the second working member 92 is configured to be moved to switch from the second working state S2 to the first working state S1 in response to the elastic force released by the second elastic section 99 b. The second working member 92 in the first working state S1 and the second blocking wall 48 of the blocking feature 44 are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail 24 from moving in the retraction direction D2 (shown in FIG. 12 ) from the fully extended position P2. In other words, the first working member 90 in the first working state S1 and the second working member 92 in the first working state S1 are configured to be blocked by the first blocking wall 46 and the second blocking wall 48 of the blocking feature 44, respectively, to prevent the second rail 24 from being moved from the fully extended position P2 (shown in FIG. 12).

[0035] Furthermore, when the user wishes to move the second rail away from the fully extended position P2, the user can operate the operating member 94 to drive the second working member 92 and cause it to switch from the first working state S1 (shown in FIG. 12) to the second working state S2 (shown in FIG. 11), allowing the second rail 24 to move in the backward direction D2 from the fully extended position P2. Alternatively, the user can operate another operating member 95 to drive the first working member 90 and cause it to switch from the first working state S1 to the second working state S2, allowing the second rail 24 to move in the release direction D1 from the fully extended position P2 and further decouple from the third rail 28.

[0036] Additionally, when the second rail 24 is moved in the retracted direction D2 from an extended position (such as the predetermined extended position P1 or the fully extended position P2 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ) back to the retracted position R without applying force F to the auxiliary member 56, the auxiliary member 56 is configured to again abut against the first rail 22, moving from the second auxiliary position C2 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ) back to the first auxiliary position C1 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ). This causes the elastic feature 58 to again accumulate the predetermined elastic force J, and the auxiliary member 56 no longer engages the handle 26, allowing the handle 26 to return from the second state K2 to the first state K1. Preferably, the handle 26 is configured to return from the second state K2 to the first state K1 in response to the elastic force Q released by the elastic member 76. The locking member 80 is configured to be re-blocked by the blocking portion 34 to prevent the second rail 24 from being moved from the retracted position R (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0037] Preferably, the second rail 24 has opposite outer and inner surfaces. The outer surface of the second rail 24 is adjacent to or faces the first rail 22. The handle 26 includes a first end 27a, a second end 27b, and an operating section 27c connected between the first end 27a and the second end 27b (shown in FIG. 8 or 10). The shaft member 64 is disposed adjacent to the first end 27a. When the handle 26 is in the second state K2, the operating section 27c of the handle 26 extends beyond the inner surface of the second rail 24 by a predetermined distance W (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), allowing a user to easily hold the handle 26 and pull the second rail 24 in the opening direction D1 relative to the first rail 22.

[0038] Preferably, when the handle 26 is in the first state K1 (shown in FIG. 7), the handle 26 is arranged in a direction that is substantially the same as the height direction (such as the Z axis) of the second rail 24. When the handle 26 is in the second state K2 (shown in FIG. 9), the handle 26 is arranged in a direction that is substantially the same as the transverse direction (such as the Y axis) of the second rail 24.

[0039] Preferably, the direction of movement of second rail 24 relative to first rail 22, the height direction of second rail 24, and the transverse direction of second rail 24 are perpendicular to each other.

[0040] Therefore, the slide rail assembly 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.

[0041] 1. The operating member 92 and the handle 26 are configured to interact with each other to enhance the usability and functionality of the slide rails of the slide rail assembly 20.

[0042] 2. When the second rail 24 is in the fully extended position P2 relative to the third rail 28, the user can apply a force F pressing the auxiliary member 56, which moves the auxiliary member 56 from the second auxiliary position C2 to the first auxiliary position C1, and the auxiliary member 56 is no longer engaged with the handle 26. The handle 26 is configured to return from the second state K2 to the first state K1 in response to the elastic force Q of the elastic member 76. To enable the second working member 92 to move from the second working state S2 to the first working state S1, the drive member 70 is configured to drive the operating member 94 to move from the second operating position B2 to the first operating position B1 in response to the elastic force Q of the elastic member 76. The second working member 92 in the first working state S1 and the second blocking wall 48 of the blocking feature 44 are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail 24 from moving from the fully extended position P2 in the rearward direction D2.

[0043] 3. When the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the auxiliary member 56 is configured to abut against the first rail 22 and be in the first auxiliary position C1. This causes the elastic feature 58 to accumulate a predetermined elastic force J. When the handle 26 is moved to switch from the first state K1 to the second state K2, the second rail 24 is movable from the retracted position R in the open direction D1 to the predetermined extended position P1. When the second rail 24 is in a predetermined extended position (such as the predetermined extended position P1) relative to the first rail 22, the elastic feature 58 is configured to release the predetermined elastic force J that it applies to the auxiliary member 56. This causes the auxiliary member 56 to move from the first auxiliary position C1 to the second auxiliary position C2 and engage with the handle 26, maintaining the auxiliary member 56 in the second state K2.

[0044] 4. When the second rail 24 is moved in the retraction direction D2 from an extended position (such as a predetermined extended position P1 or a fully extended position P2) to return to the retracted position R, the auxiliary member 56 is configured to again abut against the first rail 22 to move from the second auxiliary position C2 to the first auxiliary position C1 and return. This causes the elastic feature 58 to accumulate a predetermined elastic force J, and the auxiliary member 56 no longer engages the handle 26 to allow the handle 26 to return from the second state K2 to the first state K1. Preferably, the handle 26 is configured to return from the second state K2 to the first state K1 in response to the elastic force Q of the elastic member 76.

[0045] 5. When the second rail 24 is in the retracted position R relative to the first rail 22, the locking member 80 is configured to be blocked by the blocking portion 34 and prevent the second rail 24 from moving from the retracted position R in the opening direction D1.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications and variations of the apparatus and method may be made 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 second rail movable relative to the first rail; a third rail movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail, the third rail configured with a blocking feature, the blocking feature having a first blocking wall and a second blocking wall; a first working member and a second working member movably attached to the second rail and configured to be in one of a first working state and a second working state; an operating member configured to drive and move the second working member; a handle movable relative to the second rail to switch between a first state and a second state; During a process in which the handle is moved to switch from the first state to the second state, the operating member is configured to be moved from a first operating position to a second operating position to further drive the second working member to move to switch from the first working state to the second working state; when the third rail is in a predetermined open position relative to the first rail and the second rail is moved in an opening direction relative to the third rail to a fully extended position, the first working member in the first working state and the first blocking wall of the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from being further moved in the opening direction from the fully extended position; the second work member and the second blocking wall of the blocking feature in the second work condition do not block each other to allow the second rail to move in a retracted direction from the fully extended position; The handle is pivotally connected relative to the second rail via a shaft member; the handle has a first end, a second end, and an operating section connected between the first end and the second end, the shaft member being disposed adjacent to the first end; The shaft member is arranged in the same direction as the movement direction of the second rail relative to the first rail. Slide rail assembly.

2. further comprising a support member disposed on the second rail; and a resilient feature; When the second rail is in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the auxiliary member is configured to abut against the first rail so as to be in a first auxiliary position relative to the second rail, and the elastic feature is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force; When the handle is moved to switch from the first state to the second state, the second rail is movable from the retracted position to a predetermined extended position in the opening direction, 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the elastic feature is configured to release the predetermined elastic force on the auxiliary member when the second rail is in the predetermined extended position relative to the first rail, thereby driving the auxiliary member to move from the first auxiliary position to the second auxiliary position relative to the second rail so as to engage the handle to hold the handle in the second state.

3. when the second rail is in the fully extended position relative to the third rail and a force is applied to the auxiliary member to move the auxiliary member back from the second auxiliary position to the first auxiliary position, the auxiliary member does not engage with the handle, thereby causing the handle to return from the second state to the first state in response to the elastic force of an elastic member; the operating member is driven to return from the second operating position to the first operating position, allowing the second working member to be moved to switch from the second working state to the first working state; the second work member in the first working state and the second blocking wall of the blocking feature are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail from being moved in the retracted direction from the fully extended position; 3. The slide rail assembly of claim 2, further comprising at least one auxiliary elastic portion, wherein the first working member and the second working member are configured to be maintained in the first working state in response to the elastic force of the at least one auxiliary elastic portion.

4. When the second rail returns from the predetermined extended position to the retracted position in the retraction direction, the auxiliary member is configured to abut against the first rail again to move from the second auxiliary position to the first auxiliary position relative to the second rail, thereby causing the elastic feature to accumulate the predetermined elastic force; 3. The slide rail assembly of claim 2, wherein the auxiliary member disengages from the handle to allow the handle to return from the second state to the first state.

5. the first rail includes a blocking portion, and the slide rail assembly further includes a locking member movably mounted to the second rail; When the second rail is in the retracted position relative to the first rail, the locking member is configured to be blocked by the blocking portion to prevent the second rail from moving in the opening direction from the retracted position, The slide rail assembly further includes an actuating member movable relative to the second rail; During the process of moving the handle to switch from the first state to the second state, the handle is configured to drive and move the actuating member to allow the second rail to be moved from the retracted position in the opening direction, and to further move the locking member so that it is no longer blocked by the blocking portion; When the second rail is moved in the retracted direction from the predetermined extended position to the retracted position and returned, the auxiliary member is configured to abut against the first rail again to move from the second auxiliary position to the first auxiliary position and return, thereby causing the elastic feature to accumulate the predetermined elastic force; the auxiliary member disengages from the handle to allow the handle to return from the second condition to the first condition; 5. The slide rail assembly of claim 4, wherein the locking member is configured to be re-blocked by the blocking portion to prevent the second rail from being moved from the retracted position.

6. Further, a drive member movable relative to the second rail is provided, During the process of the handle being moved to switch from the first state to the second state, the handle is configured to drive the actuation member to move; the actuating member is configured to further drive the locking member to move via the drive member, whereby the locking member is no longer blocked by the blocking portion to allow the second rail to be moved in the opening direction from the retracted position; the operating member is connected to the drive member, and the operating member includes a drive section, an operating section, and a longitudinal section connected between the drive section and the operating section; 6. The slide rail assembly of claim 5, wherein the drive section is configured to drive and move the second working member, and the operating section of the operating member is connected to the drive member.

7. Further, a gear rack is provided which is movable relative to the second rail, and the handle is configured with a gear structure; During the process of the handle being moved to switch from the first state to the second state, the handle is configured to drive the actuating member to move through the gear structure that meshes with the gear rack; 7. The slide rail assembly of claim 6, wherein the actuating member is configured to further drive the locking member to move via the drive member, whereby the locking member is no longer blocked by the blocking portion to allow the second rail to be moved in the open direction from the retracted position.

8. The second rail has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite each other, the outer surface of the second rail facing the first rail, When the handle is in the second state, the operating section of the handle extends beyond the inner surface of the second rail by a predetermined distance, When the handle is in the first state, the handle is disposed in the same direction as the height direction of the second rail, and when the handle is in the second state, the handle is disposed in the same direction as the transverse direction of the second rail; 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the direction of movement of the second rail relative to the first rail, the height direction of the second rail, and the transverse direction of the second rail are perpendicular to each other.

9. 7. The slide rail assembly of claim 6, wherein during the process of the handle being moved to switch from the first state to the second state, the drive member is driven to move to drive the second working member to move to switch from the first working state to the second working state, and further drives the operating member to move from the first operating position to the second operating position.

10. 6. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking member is pivotally connected to the second rail via an auxiliary shaft, the auxiliary shaft being disposed in the same direction as the height direction of the second rail.

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