Slide rail assembly

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly capable of releasing a blocking relationship between a first rail and a second rail.SOLUTION: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail and a second rail. A first operating member, a second operating member, an auxiliary member, and a locking member are movably located on the second rail. A blocking feature is configured to block the locking member for preventing the second rail from displacing from a predetermined position. The auxiliary member is configured to block the first operating member, thereby preventing the first operating member from driving the locking member. The second operating member is configured to be operated to drive the auxiliary member to prevent the auxiliary member from blocking the first operating member, thereby allowing the first operating member to drive the locking member for allowing the second rail to displace from the predetermined position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

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

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 6,883,884 discloses a latch assembly adapted to a slide rail device. The slide rail device includes a first rail and a second rail that are displaceable relative to each other. The latch assembly is disposed on the first rail, and the latch sheet is disposed on the second rail. When the first rail is in a retracted position relative to the second rail, the latch assembly engages with the latch sheet to hold the first rail in the retracted position. Further, the latch assembly includes two actuating members, for example, a first actuating member and a second actuating member. The first actuating member and the second actuating member each include a first hook and a second hook. When only the first actuating member is pushed, the first hook is disengaged from the latch sheet, but the second hook remains engaged with the latch sheet, thereby still preventing the first rail from being displaced away from the retracted position relative to the second rail. Conversely, when only the second actuating member is pushed, the second hook is disengaged from the latch sheet, but the first hook remains engaged with the latch sheet, still preventing the first rail from being displaced away from the retracted position relative to the second rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] From the above, it is understood that in order to allow the first rail to be displaced away from the retracted position relative to the second rail, it is necessary to push both the first and second actuation members to disengage the first and second hooks from the latch seat.

[0005] However, in order to meet various demands, providing alternative slide rail products becomes an important issue.

[0006] With this in mind, the present invention aims to provide a slide rail assembly that allows the blocking relationship between two slide rails to be released by operating two operating members when one of the two slide rails is in a predetermined position relative to the other slide rail.

[0007] This is achieved by the slide rail assembly described in claim 1. Dependent claims relate to corresponding further developments and improvements.

[0008] As will become clearer from the following detailed description, the slide rail assembly described in the claim is The first rail and A second rail that is displaceable relative to the first rail, Blocking feature section located on the first rail, A first operating member is movably positioned on the second rail, A second operating member is movably positioned on the second rail, A movably positioned auxiliary member on the second rail, It comprises a locking member that is movably positioned on the second rail, When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail, the blocking feature is configured to block the locking member in a locked state, preventing the second rail from being displaced away from the predetermined position. When the auxiliary member is in the first state, the auxiliary member is configured to block the first operating member, thereby preventing the first operating member from being operated in order to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state. The second operating member is configured to be operated to drive the auxiliary member from the first state to the second state, and prevents the first operating member from being blocked by the auxiliary member. As a result, the first operating member is configured to be operated to drive the locking member from a locked state to an unlocked state, thereby enabling the second rail to be displaced away from a predetermined position.

[0009] In short, the present invention uses an auxiliary member as a safety lock, and prevents the first operating member from being operated in order to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state if the second operating member is not operated properly. Therefore, the first operating member can be operated to drive the locking member to the unlocked state only after the auxiliary member has been driven by operating the second operating member. This ensures operational safety.

[0010] After reading the following detailed description relating to preferred embodiments shown in various figures and drawings, these and other objects of the present invention will be obvious without doubt to those skilled in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This relates to an embodiment of the present invention and is an enlarged view of part A of the slide rail assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4]This is an enlarged exploded view of a slide rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly relating to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which both the first operating member and the second operating member are in a first predetermined state and the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail. [Figure 6] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly relating to an embodiment of the present invention, showing both the first operating member and the second operating member in a first predetermined state and a second predetermined state, respectively, where the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail. [Figure 7] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly relating to an embodiment of the present invention, showing both the first operating member and the second operating member in a second predetermined state, with the second rail in a predetermined position relative to the first rail. [Figure 8] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly relating to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the second rail is positioned at a predetermined location other than the first rail. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments will refer to the accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this specification and illustrate specific embodiments that enable the implementation of the present invention. In this regard, directional terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back” are used with reference to the orientation of the figures described. The components of the present invention may be arranged in numerous different directions. Therefore, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and description are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Also, where not specified, the term “connecting” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Thus, when the first device is connected to the second device, the connection may be via a direct mechanical connection or via an indirect mechanical connection through other devices or connections.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slide rail assembly 20 includes a first rail 22 and a second rail 24 that is displaceable relative to the first rail 22 in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a third rail 26 that is movably attached between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. The third rail 26 includes a channel 28 for movably attaching the second rail 24. In this embodiment, by way of example, the longitudinal direction is defined by the length direction of the slide rail, for example, 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 direction or the width direction of the slide rail, for example, 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 slide rail, for example, the first rail 22, the second rail 24, or the third rail 26, and may be parallel to the Z-axis.

[0015] Furthermore, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a blocking feature 30, a locking member 32, an auxiliary member 34, and two operating members. The locking member 32 is configured to cooperate with the blocking feature 30. The two operating members may be, for example, a first operating member 36 and a second operating member 38.

[0016] The blocking feature portion 30 is located on one of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in Figure 2, the blocking feature portion 30 is located on the first rail 22. The blocking feature portion 30 may be located directly or indirectly on the first rail 22. In this embodiment, as an example, the blocking feature portion 30 may be a slot wall or a hole wall. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the blocking feature portion 30 may be a projection. Preferably, the first rail 22 includes a first end portion 22a and a second end portion 22b opposite to the first end portion 22a. For example, the first end portion 22a and the second end portion 22b of the first rail 22 may be the front end portion and the rear end portion of the first rail 22, respectively. The blocking feature portion 30 is located on the first rail 22 and is located adjacent to the first end portion 22a of the first rail 22.

[0017] The locking member 32, the auxiliary member 34, the first operating member 36, and the second operating member 38 are movably arranged on the other of the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the locking member 32, the auxiliary member 34, the first operating member 36, and the second operating member 38 are movably arranged on the second rail 24. Preferably, the second rail 24 includes a first end 24a and a second end 24b opposite to the first end 24a. For example, the first end 24a and the second end 24b of the second rail 24 may be the front end and rear end of the second rail 24, respectively. The locking member 32, the auxiliary member 34, the first operating member 36, and the second operating member 38 are movably attached to the second rail 24 and are arranged adjacent to the first end 24a of the second rail 24.

[0018] Preferably, the shell member 40 is disposed on the second rail 24. Since the shell member 40 is connected, for example, fixedly connected to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24, it may be regarded as a part of the second rail 24. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shell member 40 includes a first shell portion 40a and a second shell portion 40b that can be connected to the first shell portion 40a. Preferably, a receiving space is defined between the first shell portion 40a and the second shell portion 40b. The locking member 32, the auxiliary member 34, the first operating member 36, and the second operating member 38 are movably disposed on the first shell portion 40a connected to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24. Further, the first shell portion 40a and the second shell portion 40b are configured to receive and / or cover at least a part of the locking member 32, the auxiliary member 34, the first operating member 36, and / or the second operating member 38, thereby obtaining a protection effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the locking member 32, the auxiliary member 34, the first operating member 36, and the second operating member 38 may be directly disposed on the second rail 24 without requiring the shell member 40, and are disposed adjacent to the first end portion 24a of the second rail 24.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the auxiliary member 34 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24. Specifically, the auxiliary member 34 includes a main body portion 42, a blocking portion 44, and an operating portion 46. For example, the main body portion 42 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24 by a first shaft 48 through a first shell portion 40a connected to the second rail 24. The blocking portion 44 and the operating portion 46 are disposed on the main body portion 42. In this embodiment, as an example, the blocking portion 44 and the operating portion 46 extend from the main body portion 42 and are spaced apart from each other at a certain distance, and both the blocking portion 44 and the operating portion 46 are protruding portions. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0020] Preferably, the locking member 32 is pivotally connected to the second rail 24 by a second shaft 50, for example, via a first shell portion 40a connected to the second rail 24. The second shaft 50 and the first shaft 48 are oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse or lateral direction of the second rail 24, i.e., the Y-axis.

[0021] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes an elastic member 52 that, in response to the elastic force provided by this elastic member 52, can hold the locking member 32 in a locked state L1. The locking member 32 in the locked state L1 is configured to support the first operating member 36 in order to hold the first operating member 36 in a first predetermined state M1.

[0022] Specifically, the locking member 32 includes a locking portion 54, a functional portion 56 (working portion 56), and an intermediate portion 58 positioned between the locking portion 54 and the functional portion 56. The intermediate portion 58 is pivotally connected to the first shell portion 40a by a second shaft 50. The first shell portion 40a is connected to the second rail 24. The functional portion 56 of the locking member 32 in the locked state L1 is configured to support a predetermined portion 60 of the first operating member 36 by abutting against it, for example, and holds the first operating member 36 in a first predetermined state M1.

[0023] Preferably, the elastic member 52 includes a first elastic portion 62a, a second elastic portion 62b, and a mounting portion 64 connected between the first elastic portion 62a and the second elastic portion 62b. The first elastic portion 62a abuts against a shell member 40 connected to the second rail 24, for example, the first shell portion 40a or the second shell portion 40b. The second elastic portion 62b abuts against the locking member 32. The mounting portion 64 is attached to the second shaft 50.

[0024] Preferably, the auxiliary member 34 is held in a first state S1 by an elastic force provided by the elastic feature portion 65. In the first state S1, the auxiliary member 34, for example, the operating portion 46 of the auxiliary member 34, is configured to support the second operating member 38, thereby holding the second operating member 38 in a first predetermined state M1. In this embodiment, as an example, the elastic feature portion 65 is an elastic arm extending from the main body portion 42 away from the blocking portion 44 and the operating portion 46, and the elastic feature portion 65 abuts against the shell member 40 on the second rail 24, for example, the first shell portion 40a or the second shell portion 40b. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the elastic feature portion 65 may be a torsion spring, an extension spring, a compression spring, or any other elastomer (elastic material).

[0025] Preferably, the elastic force provided by the elastic member 52 is greater than the elastic force provided by the elastic feature portion 65.

[0026] Preferably, the second rail 24 includes at least one restricting portion. In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in Figure 3, a shell member 40 connected to the second rail 24, for example, a first shell portion 40a, includes a first restricting portion 66 and a second restricting portion 68. The first restricting portion 66 and the second restricting portion 68 are configured to restrict the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 to a first predetermined state M1, respectively.

[0027] Preferably, the first operating member 36 includes a first operating section 70 that enables pressing of the first operating member 36. The second operating member 38 includes a second operating section 72 that enables pressing of the second operating member 38. The first operating section 70 and the second operating section 72 are located on opposite sides of each other. Specifically, the first operating section 70 is located adjacent to a first height position, for example, a low position, with respect to the second rail 24, and the second operating section 72 is located adjacent to (corresponding to) a second height position, for example, a high position, with respect to the second rail 24.

[0028] Preferably, a part of the auxiliary member 34, for example, the main body portion 42, is located in a predetermined space K defined between the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, both the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 are in a first predetermined state M1. When the second rail 24 is in a predetermined position P1, such as the retracted position shown in Figure 5, relative to the first rail 22, the locking portion 54 of the locking member 32, which is in a locked state L1, can be blocked by the blocking feature portion 30 on the first rail 22. This prevents the second rail 24 from being displaced away from the predetermined position P1 in the opening direction D1, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction. Specifically, when the locking member 32 is in a locked state L1, the locking portion 54 and the blocking feature portion 30 correspond to each other or are aligned along the longitudinal direction, i.e., the X-axis. This allows the blocking feature portion 30 to block the locking portion 54.

[0030] Furthermore, when the auxiliary member 34 is in the first state S1, the blocking portion 44 of the auxiliary member 34 blocks the corresponding portion 74 of the first operating member 36, thereby preventing the first operating member 36 from being operated, for example, by being pressed in a first predetermined direction Q1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in order to drive the locking member 32 away from the locked state L1. Specifically, when the auxiliary member 34 is in the first state S1, the blocking portion 44 of the auxiliary member 34 and the corresponding portion 74 of the first operating member 36 correspond to each other or are aligned along the height direction, i.e., the Z-axis. As a result, the blocking portion 44 of the auxiliary member 34 can block the corresponding portion 74 of the first operating member 36.

[0031] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the second operating member 38 is operated, for example, by pressing, in a second predetermined direction Q2 which is opposite to the first predetermined direction Q1 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, to move from a first predetermined state M1 (shown in Figure 5) to a second predetermined state M2 (shown in Figure 6), the second operating member 38 abuts against the operating part 46 using the drive unit 76, and the rotation of the main body 42 in the first rotation direction r1 drives the auxiliary member 34 to move from the first state S1 (shown in Figure 5) to the second state S2 (shown in Figure 6). As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the corresponding part 74 of the first operating member 36 is prevented from being blocked by the blocking part 44 of the auxiliary member 34. For example, when the auxiliary member 34 is in the second state S2, the blocking portion 44 of the auxiliary member 34 does not correspond to or align with the corresponding portion 74 of the first operating member 36 in the height direction. As a result, the blocking portion 44 of the auxiliary member 34 no longer blocks the corresponding portion 74 of the first operating member 36.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the blocking portion 44 of the auxiliary member 34 ceases to block the corresponding portion 74 of the first operating member 36, the first operating member 36 can be operated in a first predetermined direction Q1, for example by pressing the first operating member 36, to move from a first predetermined state M1 to a second predetermined state M2 (shown in Figure 7), thereby pressing the operating portion 56 of the locking member 32 with the predetermined portion 60. This drives the locking member 32, allowing it to move from a locked state L1 to an unlocked state L2 (shown in Figure 7) in a predetermined rotational direction r. When the locking member 32 is in the unlocked state L2, the blocking feature portion 30 on the first rail 22 ceases to block the locking portion 54 of the locking member 32, thereby allowing the second rail 24 to be displaced away from a predetermined position P1 in the opening direction D1. Specifically, when the locking member 32 is in the unlocked state L2, the locking portion 54 does not correspond to the blocking feature portion 30 along the longitudinal direction, i.e., the X-axis, or is not aligned with the blocking feature portion 30, so that the blocking feature portion 30 does not block the locking portion 54. Furthermore, when both the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 remain pressed in the second predetermined state M2 (shown in Figure 7), the elastic member 52 and the elastic feature portion 65 continue to accumulate elastic force.

[0033] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the locking member 32 is in the unlocked state L2, the second rail 24 can be displaced relative to the first rail 22 in the opening direction D1 so as to move away from the predetermined position P1. For example, the second rail 24 can be displaced from the predetermined position P1 in the opening direction D1 to another predetermined position P2, such as the open position shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, when the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 are released (for example, when the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 are no longer pressed in the first predetermined direction Q1 and the second predetermined direction Q2, respectively), the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 can return from the second predetermined state M2 to the first predetermined state M1 in response to the elastic force provided by the elastic member 52 and the elastic feature portion 65, respectively.

[0034] It is noteworthy that the configuration in which the elastic force provided by the elastic member 52 is greater than the elastic force provided by the elastic feature portion 65 allows the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 to be pressed with different forces using two fingers. This creates a time delay between the pressing operations of the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 in order to facilitate the sequential operation of the second operating member 38 and the first operating member 36. For example, only after the second operating member 38 has been operated to drive the auxiliary member 34, preventing the auxiliary member 34 from blocking the first operating member 36, can the first operating member 36 be pressed to drive the locking member 32, thereby preventing the blocking feature portion 30 from blocking the locking member 32.

[0035] Preferably, the guide section 78 is located on either the blocking section 44 or the corresponding section 74. For example, the guide section 78 may be an arcuate surface or an inclined surface. In this embodiment, as an example, the guide section 78 is located on the blocking section 44. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. When the main body 42 rotates in a second rotation direction r2 opposite to the first rotation direction r1, causing the auxiliary member 34 to return from the second state S2 to the first state S1, the guide section 78 is configured to facilitate the auxiliary member 34 moving to the first state S1 by passing over the corresponding section 74.

[0036] Based on the above, the slide rail assembly 20 of the present invention has the following features.

[0037] 1. If the second operating member 38 is not properly operated, the auxiliary member 34 acts as a safety lock that blocks the first operating member 36, thereby preventing the first operating member 36 from being operated to drive the locking member 32. Therefore, the first operating member 36 can only be operated to drive the locking member 32 from the locked state L1 to the unlocked state L2 after the second operating member 38 has been operated to drive the auxiliary member 34 from the first state S1 to the second state S2, thereby preventing the first operating member 36 from being blocked by the auxiliary member 34. As a result, the locking portion 54 of the locking member 32 is prevented from being blocked by the blocking feature portion 30, thereby allowing the second rail 24 to be displaced relative to the first rail 22 so as to move away from a predetermined position P1 in the opening direction D1. Since the locking member 32 can only be moved from the locked state L1 to the unlocked state L2 by sequential operation of the second operating member 38 and the first operating member 36, the slide rail assembly 20 ensures operational safety.

[0038] 2. Thus, the configuration in which the elastic force applied by the elastic member 52 is greater than the elastic force applied by the elastic feature portion 65 creates a time delay between the operation of pressing the first operating member 36 and the second operating member 38 with two fingers using forces of different magnitudes, thereby facilitating the sequential operation of the second operating member 38 and the first operating member 36.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that numerous modifications and changes to the apparatus and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure shall be construed as being limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. The first rail and A second rail that is displaceable relative to the first rail, The blocking feature portion arranged on the first rail, A first operating member is movably disposed on the second rail, A second operating member is movably disposed on the second rail, An auxiliary member movably disposed on the second rail, The second rail comprises a locking member that is movably disposed therein, When the second rail is in a predetermined position relative to the first rail, the blocking feature is configured to block the locking member in a locked state, preventing the second rail from being displaced away from the predetermined position. When the auxiliary member is in the first state, the auxiliary member is configured to block the first operating member, thereby preventing the first operating member from being operated in order to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state. The second operating member is configured to be operated to drive the auxiliary member from the first state to the second state, and prevents the first operating member from being blocked by the auxiliary member. As a result, the first operating member is configured to be operated to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state, and to allow the second rail to be displaced away from the predetermined position. Slide rail assembly.

2. The second rail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, The first operating member, the second operating member, the auxiliary member, and the locking member are movably mounted on the second rail and adjacent to the first end of the second rail, The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third rail movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail.

3. The auxiliary member includes a main body, a blocking portion, and an operating portion. The main body is pivotally connected to the second rail and positioned between the first operating member and the second operating member, and the blocking portion and the operating portion are positioned within the main body. When the auxiliary member is in the first state, the blocking portion of the auxiliary member is configured to block the corresponding portion of the first operating member, thereby preventing the first operating member from being operated in order to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second operating member is configured to be operated to abut against the operating portion so as to drive the auxiliary member from the first state to the second state, thereby preventing the corresponding portion of the first operating member from being blocked by the blocking portion of the auxiliary member, and thereby enabling the first operating member to be operated to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state.

4. The slide rail assembly according to claim 3, wherein the guide section is located on one of the blocking portion and the corresponding portion, and is configured to facilitate the auxiliary member passing over the corresponding portion when the auxiliary member moves from the second state to the first state.

5. Furthermore, it includes an elastic feature portion configured to provide an elastic force that elastically holds the auxiliary member in the first state, The slide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary member in the first state is configured to support the second operating member in order to hold the second operating member in a first predetermined state.

6. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking member is pivotally connected to the second rail.

7. Furthermore, the locking member is provided with an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force that elastically holds the locking member in the locked state. The locking member in the locked state is configured to support the first operating member in order to hold the first operating member in a first predetermined state. The slide rail assembly according to claim 5, wherein the elastic force provided by the elastic member is greater than the elastic force provided by the elastic feature portion.

8. The first operating member includes a first operating section that enables the pressing operation of the first operating member, The second operating member includes a second operating section that enables the pressing operation of the second operating member, The slide rail assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first operating section and the second operating section are arranged adjacent to the second rail at a first height position and a second height position, respectively.

9. The first operating member is configured to be pressed in a first predetermined direction, and the second operating member is configured to be pressed in a second predetermined direction opposite to the first predetermined direction. The second rail is displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first rail, and the first predetermined direction and the second predetermined direction are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When the auxiliary member is in the first state, the auxiliary member is configured to block the first operating member, thereby preventing the first operating member from being pressed in the first predetermined direction in order to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state. The slide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the second operating member is pressed in the second predetermined direction, the second operating member is configured to drive the auxiliary member from the first state to the second state, thereby enabling the first operating member to be pressed in the first predetermined direction to drive the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state.

10. The slide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second rail includes a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion, and the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion are configured to restrict the first operating member and the second operating member to a first predetermined state, respectively.

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