Slide rail assembly

Abstract

To provide a slide rail assembly that offers operational flexibility to facilitate the handling or maintenance of transported objects. [Solution] The slide rail assembly 20 comprises a first rail 22 having a predetermined feature portion, a second rail 24, an elastic member disposed on the second rail 24, and an operating member movable relative to the second rail. The operating member in the first operating position is configured to abut against the elastic member to prevent the elastic member from being blocked by the predetermined feature portion, and allows the elastic member to pass over the predetermined feature portion when the second rail 24 is displaced in a first direction relative to the first rail 22. The operating member in the second operating position is configured not to abut against the elastic member to allow the elastic member to be blocked by the predetermined feature portion, and stops the second rail 24 at the working position when the second rail 24 is displaced in a first direction relative to the first rail 22 and reaches the working position.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a slide rail assembly is a device adapted to a rack or cabinet and configured to support a conveyance such as an electronic device or a drawer. The slide rail assembly usually includes an outer rail and an inner rail that are displaceable with respect to the outer rail between a retracted position and an extended position. Preferably, in order to extend the moving distance of the inner rail with respect to the outer rail, the slide rail assembly may further include an intermediate rail that is movably attached between the outer rail and the inner rail.

[0003] With the development of the slide rail industry, in order to prevent relative displacement between two slide rails, such as relative displacement between the inner rail and the intermediate rail or relative displacement between the intermediate rail and the outer rail when one of the two slide rails is in a predetermined position with respect to the other, it has generally become common to use a blocking mechanism or a positioning mechanism.

[0004] For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,935,710 (Patent Document 1) discloses a slide rail assembly that includes a first rail such as an inner rail, a second rail such as an intermediate rail, and a third rail such as an outer rail. When the first rail is displaced to reach an extended position with respect to the second rail, the first rail is blocked and stopped at the extended position with respect to the second rail by two holding arms. However, such a blocking mechanism or function is not essential. In other words, when the first rail is displaced to reach an extended position with respect to the second rail, the first rail must always be blocked and stopped at the extended position.

[0005] Furthermore, U.S. Patent No. 10743660 (Patent Document 2) discloses a first rail, such as an intermediate rail, a second rail, such as an inner rail, and a third rail, such as an outer rail. When the second rail is displaced and reaches a first extended position relative to the first rail, the second rail must be blocked and stopped at the first extended position by two members, such as a first blocking member and a second blocking member. When the second rail is displaced and reaches a second extended position relative to the first rail, the second rail must be blocked and stopped at the second extended position by two other members, such as a third blocking member and a fourth blocking member. However, such blocking mechanisms or functions are also essential. In other words, when the second rail is displaced and reaches a first extended position relative to the first rail, the second rail must always be blocked and stopped at the first extended position by the first blocking member and the second blocking member. When the second rail is displaced and reaches the second extended position relative to the first rail, the second rail must always be blocked and stopped at the second extended position by the second blocking member and the third blocking member. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6935710 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 10743660 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] The blocking mechanism or function described in the above patent is essential and unavoidable. However, providing different slide rail products to meet various requirements is a crucial challenge.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by the slide rail assembly described in claim 1. Dependent claims relate to corresponding further development and improvement.

[0009] As can be understood more clearly from the following detailed description, the slide rail assembly described in the claim is: A first rail including a predetermined characteristic part, A second rail that is displaceable relative to the first rail, An elastic member positioned on the second rail, It includes an operating member that is movable relative to a second rail between a first operating position and a second operating position, The operating member in the first operating position is configured to abut against the elastic member in order to prevent the elastic member from being blocked by a predetermined feature portion, thereby allowing the elastic member to pass over the predetermined feature portion when the second rail is displaced relative to the first rail in the first direction or in the second direction opposite to the first direction. The operating member in the second operating position is configured not to abut against the elastic member in order to allow the elastic member to be blocked by a predetermined feature portion. This stops the second rail at the working position when the second rail is displaced in the first or second direction relative to the first rail and reaches the working position.

[0010] In summary, the slide rail assembly of the present invention includes an operating member, which is configured to enable or disable a blocking function that stops the second rail at the working position relative to the first rail when the second rail has been displaced and reached the working position relative to the first rail. Thus, the present invention provides convenience and flexibility of operation.

[0011] 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 undoubtedly obvious to those skilled in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a partially exploded view of a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly in which the operating member is in a first operating position, as seen from the first perspective view, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly in which the operating member is in a first operating position, as seen from the second perspective view, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly in which the operating member is in the second operating position, as seen from the first perspective view, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a partial view of a slide rail assembly in which the operating member is in the second operating position, as seen from the second perspective view, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and, as viewed from the second perspective view, shows a slide rail assembly in which the first rail is in the retracted position and the operating member is in the first operating position. [Figure 10] This diagram relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and shows a slide rail assembly in which the first rail is in a retracted position and the operating member is in a second operating position, as viewed from the second perspective view. [Figure 11] This diagram relates to a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a slide rail assembly in which the first rail is in a retracted position and the operating member is in a second operating position, as viewed from the first perspective view. [Figure 12] This diagram relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and shows a slide rail assembly in which the first rail is in the working position and the operating member is in the second operating position, as viewed from the first perspective view. [Figure 13] This diagram relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and shows a slide rail assembly in which the first rail is in the working position and the operating member is in the second operating position, as viewed from the second perspective view. [Figure 14]This is a view of a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the first rail is in the working position and the operating member is in the first operating position, as seen from the second perspective view. [Figure 15] This is a view of a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the first rail is in the working position and the operating member is in the first operating position, as seen from the first perspective view. [Figure 16] This is a view showing a slide rail assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the first rail is in the fully extended position and the operating member is in the first operating position. [Figure 17] This is a view showing a slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the operating member is in the first operating position. [Figure 18] This is a view showing a slide rail assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the operating member is in the second operating position.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification will be referred to in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. In this regard, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc. are used with reference to the orientation of the illustrated figures. The components of the present invention may be arranged in a number of different orientations. Therefore, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, unless otherwise specified, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Therefore, when a first device is connected to a second device, the connection may be through a direct mechanical connection or through an indirect mechanical connection via other devices or connections.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the first embodiment, the slide rail assembly 20 comprises a first rail 22 and a second rail 24. Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further comprises a third rail 26 that is movably mounted between the first rail 22 and the second rail 24. The first rail 22, the second rail 24, and the third rail 26 are displaceable from each other in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction is defined by the length direction of the slide rail, e.g., 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 slide rail, e.g., the first rail 22, the second rail 24, or the third rail 26, and may be parallel to the Y-axis. The vertical direction may be defined by the height direction of the slide rail, e.g., the first rail 22, the second rail 24, or the third rail 26. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the first rail 22, the second rail 24, and the third rail 26 are, for example, an outer rail, an inner rail, and an intermediate rail, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0016] 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 cooperate to define a first channel 32 configured to receive the third rail 26 and a portion of the second rail 24. The first rail 22 includes a first end 22a and a second end 22b opposite to the first end 22a. For example, the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the first rail 22 may be the front end and rear end of the first rail 22, respectively. Furthermore, the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 includes a predetermined feature portion 34. Preferably, the predetermined feature portion 34 is located adjacent to the first end 22a of the first rail 22. In this embodiment, for example, the predetermined feature portion 34 may be an opening defined by a plurality of wall sections. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0017] The third rail 26 includes a first wall 36a, a second wall 36b, and a longitudinal wall 38 connected between the first wall 36a and the second wall 36b of the third rail 26. The first wall 36a, the second wall 36b, and the longitudinal wall 38 of the third rail 26 cooperate to define a second channel 40 configured to receive the second rail 24. The third rail 26 includes a first end 26a and a second end 26b opposite to the first end 26a. For example, the first end 26a and the second end 26b of the third rail 26 may be the front end and rear end of the third rail 26, respectively. Preferably, the third rail 26 further includes an auxiliary feature 42. In this embodiment, for example, the auxiliary feature 42 may be a projection located adjacent to the first end 26a of the third rail 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the auxiliary feature section 42 may be directly or indirectly positioned on the longitudinal wall 38 of the third rail 26.

[0018] The second rail 24 includes a first wall 44a, a second wall 44b, and a longitudinal wall 46 connected between the first wall 44a and the second wall 44b of the second rail 24. 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 the rear end of the second rail 24, respectively. The second rail 24 also includes a first side L1 and a second side L2 opposite to the first side L1. For example, the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second rail 24 may be the outer side and the inner side of the second rail 24, respectively, and the first side L1 of the second rail 24 may face the first rail 22 and / or the third rail 26.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 9, 10, 13, and 14, a mechanical control device is provided on the second rail 24 to enable or disable a blocking function that stops the second rail 24 at the working position W (shown in Figures 13 and 14) when the second rail 24 is displaced from a first predetermined position P1 (shown in Figures 9 and 10), for example, a retracted position, and reaches the working position W (shown in Figures 13 and 14). In this embodiment, the mechanical control device may include an elastic member 48 and an operating member 50. The elastic member 48 is connected to the second rail 24, and the operating member 50 is movable relative to the second rail 24.

[0020] Preferably, in this embodiment, the elastic member 48 may be, for example, an elastic clip. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The second rail 24 has predetermined holes 52 communicating with the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second rail 24. The elastic member 48 has a connecting portion 54 and an elastic arm 56 extending from the connecting portion 54. The connecting portion 54 is fixedly connected, for example, to the first side L1 of the second rail 24. The predetermined holes 52 of the second rail 24 are located at positions corresponding to the elastic arm 56 to provide space for the elastic arm 56 to move. An auxiliary portion 58 is arranged on the elastic arm 56. In this embodiment, the auxiliary portion 58 may be, for example, a projection or a protruding structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0021] Preferably, the extension member 60 is positioned on the second rail 24. Furthermore, the extension member 60 is connected to the first side L1 of the second rail 24 and may be considered as part of the second rail 24. The extension member 60 is positioned adjacent to the first end 24a of the second rail 24. Specifically, the extension member 60 includes a first extension 62 and a second extension 64, with a mounting space 66 defined between the first extension 62 and the second extension 64. Furthermore, the first extension 62 and the second extension 64 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction to form the mounting space 66. The first extension 62 includes a corresponding hole 68. The elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 extends longitudinally into the mounting space 66. The auxiliary portion 58 is transversely aligned with the corresponding hole 68. The first extension 62 and the second extension 64 are configured to restrict the elastic movement of the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 within a limited range. The operating member 50 is movably attached to the extension member 60 of the second rail 24.

[0022] Preferably, the operating member 50 is movable longitudinally relative to the second rail 24. Furthermore, a plurality of longitudinal holes 70 are formed in one of the operating member 50 and the extension member 60 of the second rail 24, and a plurality of protruding objects 72 are arranged in the other of the operating member 50 and the extension member 60 of the second rail 24. Each of the plurality of protruding objects 72 is configured to pass through a corresponding portion of the plurality of longitudinal holes 70 in order to restrict the movement of the operating member 50 relative to the second rail 24 within a limited range. In this embodiment, for example, the plurality of protruding objects 72 may be connected to the extension member 60 of the second rail 24, and the plurality of longitudinal holes 70 may be formed in the operating member 50.

[0023] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further includes a restorative elastic member 74 configured to provide a restorative elastic force to the operating member 50.

[0024] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further comprises a button member 76 and an auxiliary elastic member 78. The button member 76 is movably mounted on the extension member 60 of the second rail 24, and the auxiliary elastic member 78 is configured to provide elastic force to the button member 76.

[0025] Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further comprises a first shell body 80 and a second shell body 82. The first shell body 80 and the second shell body 82 are configured to ensure the stability and reliability of, for example, an operating member 50 and / or a button member 76 when attached to the extension member 60 of the second rail 24. Specifically, the first shell body 80 includes a first mounting feature 84 configured to connect to a second mounting feature 86 of the extension member 60 of the second rail 24. In this embodiment, for example, the first mounting feature 84 and the second mounting feature 86 may be connected by a rivet member or a screw member. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The first shell body 80 and the second shell body 82 are detachably connected by a first mounting feature 88 and a second mounting feature 90. In this embodiment, for example, the first mounting feature 88 and the second mounting feature 90 may each be an engaging projection and an engaging recess configured to engage with the engaging projection. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the operating member 50 further includes a first predetermined portion 92, which is configured to penetrate a predetermined space 93 of the second shell body 82 in order to cooperate with a second predetermined portion 94 of the button member 76. The second shell body 82 also further includes an auxiliary hole 96 for the button member 76 to pass through (shown in Figure 1). The inner wall of the second shell body 82 is configured to abut against the button member 76 and restrict the movement of the button member 76 within a limited range.

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the operating member 50 includes a first end 50a and a second end 50b. For example, the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the operating member 50 may be the front end and rear end of the operating member 50, respectively. The operating member 50 further includes an operating section 98 and a projection 100. The operating section 98 is connected adjacent to the first end 50a of the operating member 50, and the projection 100 is connected adjacent to the second end 50b of the operating member 50. One of the projection 100 and the elastic member 48 includes a guide section 102. In this embodiment, for example, the projection 100 may include a guide section 102, and the guide section 102 may be an inclined surface or an arc surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0027] Furthermore, the operating member 50 is movable to a first operating position K1 relative to the second rail 24. As shown in Figure 6, when the operating member 50 is in the first operating position K1, for example, the protruding portion 100 of the operating member 50 and the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 come into contact, so that the protruding portion 100 of the operating member 50 supports the elastic member 48 and maintains the elastic member 48 in a first predetermined state S1. As a result, the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 accumulates an elastic force F1 directed toward the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. Also, as shown in Figure 5, when the elastic member 48 is in the first predetermined state S1, the auxiliary portion 58 is partially located within the corresponding hole 68 and does not protrude from the corresponding hole 68.

[0028] Preferably, the first predetermined portion 92 of the operating member 50 extends from the operating section 98. As shown in Figure 6, when the operating member 50 is in the first operating position K1, the operating member 50 is configured to hold the button member 76 in a non-blocking state B1, so that, for example, the first predetermined portion 92 of the operating member 50 and the second predetermined portion 94 of the button member 76 come into contact, causing the auxiliary elastic member 78 to accumulate an auxiliary elastic force F2 directed in the opposite direction to the elastic force F1.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the operating member 50 is further movable to a second operating position K2 relative to the second rail 24. For example, the operating member 50 can be moved longitudinally from a first operating position K1 (shown in Figure 6) to a second operating position K2 (shown in Figure 8) by operating the operating part 98 of the operating member 50 with a predetermined force M in a first predetermined operating direction. As shown in Figure 8, when the operating member 50 is in the second operating position K2, the recovery elastic member 74 accumulates a recovery elastic force F3, and the protruding part 100 of the operating member 50 no longer supports the elastic member 48. For example, the protruding part 100 of the operating member 50 and the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 separate from each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the elastic member 48 moves away from the first predetermined state S1 in response to the elastic force F1, for example, to a second predetermined state S2 (shown in Figure 8), and the auxiliary part 58 protrudes from the corresponding hole 68 (shown in Figure 7).

[0030] Preferably, when the operating member 50 is in the second operating position K2, the first predetermined portion 92 of the operating member 50 does not come into contact with the second predetermined portion 94 of the button member 76, thereby allowing the button member 76 to move transversely from a non-blocking state B1 to a blocking state B2 (shown in Figure 10) in response to the auxiliary elastic force F2 provided by the auxiliary elastic member 78. When the operating member 50 is in the second operating position K2 and the button member 76 is in the blocking state B2, the second predetermined portion 94 of the button member 76 is configured to block the first predetermined portion 92 of the operating member 50 in the longitudinal direction, thereby maintaining the operating member 50 in the second operating position K2 and allowing the recovery elastic member 74 to continue accumulating a recovery elastic force F3.

[0031] When the slide rail assembly 20 is in the state shown in Figure 9, the second rail 24 is in a first predetermined position P1 relative to the first rail 22, for example, a retracted position, and the operating member 50 is in a first operating position K1. In other words, when the slide rail assembly 20 is in the state shown in Figure 9, for example, the protruding portion 100 of the operating member 50 and the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 come into contact, so that the protruding portion 100 of the operating member 50 supports the elastic member 48 and maintains the elastic member 48 in a predetermined state S1. As a result, the elastic arm 56 accumulates an elastic force F1 directed toward the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 (shown in Figures 6 and 9).

[0032] Furthermore, in order to enable a blocking function that stops the second rail 24 at the working position W (shown in Figure 12) when the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1, for example, the retracted position (shown in Figure 9), to reach the working position W, the operating member 50 is movably moved to the second operating position K2.

[0033] As shown in Figure 9, when the second rail 24 is at a first predetermined position P1 relative to the first rail 22 and the operating member 50 is at a first operating position K1, the blocking function that stops the second rail 24 at the working position W is disabled, that is, the mechanical control device does not cooperate with the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the operating part 98 of the operating member 50 is operated with a predetermined force M to move the operating member 50 from the first operating position K1 to the second operating position K2 in the longitudinal direction, the recovery elastic member 74 accumulates a recovery elastic force F3. The protruding part 100 of the operating member 50 no longer supports the elastic member 48, and for example, the protruding part 100 of the operating member 50 and the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 separate from each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the elastic member 48 separates from the first predetermined state S1 in response to the elastic force F1, and drives the auxiliary portion 58 of the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 to abut against the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22.

[0034] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the operating member 50 is in the second operating position K2, the blocking function that stops the second rail 24 at the working position W becomes effective, meaning that the mechanical control device can cooperate with the predetermined feature portion 34 of the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. Specifically, when the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1 and reaches the working position W between the first predetermined position P1 and the second predetermined position P2, for example, the fully extended position, the auxiliary portion 58 of the elastic member 48 is blocked by the first wall section 104 of the predetermined feature portion 34, stopping the second rail 24 at the working position W, thereby preventing the second rail 24 from being displaced from the working position W to the second predetermined position P2. Specifically, when the second rail 24 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 in the first direction D1 and reaches the working position W, the elastic member 48 moves to the second predetermined state S2 in response to the elastic force F1. As a result, the auxiliary part 58 protrudes from the corresponding hole 68 and extends into the predetermined feature portion 34 of the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22. The auxiliary part 58 is blocked by the first wall section 104 of the predetermined feature portion 34, thereby stopping the second rail 24 at the working position W (as shown in Figures 12 and 13).

[0035] Preferably, the predetermined feature section 34 further includes a second wall section 106 opposite to the first wall section 104. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the second rail 24 is in the working position W and the operating member 50 is in the second operating position K2, the auxiliary section 58 extending into the predetermined feature section 34 of the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22 is blocked by the second wall section 106 of the predetermined feature section 34. This prevents the second rail 24 from being displaced from the working position W to the first predetermined position P1 in the second direction D2, which is opposite to the first direction D1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, if it is desired to terminate the blocking relationship between the auxiliary portion 58 of the elastic member 48 and the predetermined feature portion 34 of the first rail 22 in the second predetermined state S2, the button member 76 can be operated with a force Q exceeding the auxiliary elastic force F2. This prevents the first predetermined portion 92 of the operating member 50 from being blocked by the second predetermined portion 94 of the button member 76, allowing the operating member 50 to return from the blocking state B2 (shown in Figures 12 and 13) to the non-blocking state B1 (shown in Figures 14 and 15). As a result, the operating member 50 can return from the second operating position K2 to the first operating position K1 in response to the recovery elastic force F3 provided by the recovery elastic member 74. When the operating member 50 returns from the second operating position K2 to the first operating position K1, the operating member 50 drives the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 with the guide section 102 and supports the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48 with the protrusion 100. As a result, the auxiliary part 58 is disengaged from the predetermined feature part 34 and is not blocked by the first wall section 104 and the second wall section 106 of the predetermined feature part 34, thereby displacing the second rail 24 from the working position W to, for example, the second predetermined position P2 in the first direction D1, or the first predetermined position P1 in the second direction D2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 16, the slide rail assembly 20 further comprises a first predetermined member 108 and a second predetermined member 110. The first predetermined member 108 and the second predetermined member 110 are movably mounted on the second rail 24 and connected, for example, pivotally. Preferably, the slide rail assembly 20 further comprises at least one elastic section. In this embodiment, for example, the slide rail assembly 20 comprises a first elastic section 112 and a second elastic section 114, which are configured to impart elastic force to the first predetermined member 108 and the second predetermined member 110, respectively.

[0038] It should be noted that if it is not necessary to stop the second rail 24 at the working position W, it is not necessary to operate the operating member 50 to the second operating position K2. Furthermore, the protruding portion 100 of the operating member 50 at the first operating position K1 is configured to abut against and support the elastic arm 56 of the elastic member 48, positioning the elastic member 48 in the first predetermined state S1 and preventing the auxiliary portion 58 from being blocked by the first wall section 104 of the predetermined feature portion 34. This allows the elastic member 48 to pass over (move forward) the predetermined feature portion 34 when the second rail 24 is displaced in the first direction D1 relative to the first rail 22. When the second rail 24 is displaced in the first direction D1 and reaches the second predetermined position P2 via the working position W, the first predetermined member 108 and the second predetermined member 110 are configured to engage with the auxiliary feature portion 42 of the third rail 26 in order to maintain the second rail 24 at the second predetermined position P2. Furthermore, in order to enable the second rail 24 to be displaced from the second predetermined position P2, the first predetermined member 108 and the second predetermined member 110 are configured to be operated to disengage from the auxiliary feature portion 42 of the third rail 26 by the first connecting member 116 and the second connecting member 118, respectively.

[0039] Preferably, when the second rail 24 is at the working position W relative to the first rail 22, the first end 24a of the second rail 24 protrudes from the first end 22a of the first rail 22 by a first predetermined distance X1 (shown in Figure 12). When the second rail 24 is at a second predetermined position P2 relative to the first rail 22, the first end 24a of the second rail 24 protrudes from the first end 22a of the first rail 22 by a second predetermined distance X2 (shown in Figure 16) which is greater than the first predetermined distance X1.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 16, when the second rail is in a second predetermined position P2 and the operating member 50 is in a second operating position K2, the elastic member 48 can enter a second predetermined state S2 in response to an elastic force F1. At least one of the first rail 22 and the elastic member 48 includes a guide portion, which is configured to abut against the other of the first rail 22 and the elastic member 48 in order to drive the elastic member 48 to move from the second predetermined state S2 to the first predetermined state S1, and to allow the second rail 24 to be displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in a second direction D2 toward the working position W. In this embodiment, for example, the first end 22a of the first rail 22 and the rear end of the auxiliary portion 58 of the elastic member 48 include a guide portion 23 and a second guide portion 59, which are configured to abut each other and drive the elastic member 48 to move from a second predetermined state S2 to a first predetermined state S1, allowing the auxiliary portion 58 of the elastic member 48 to pass over (penetrate) the first end 22a of the first rail 22 in a second direction, thereby allowing the second rail 24 to be displaced from a second predetermined position P2 in a second direction D2 toward the working position W. When the second rail 24 is displaced from the second predetermined position P2 in a second direction D2 and reaches the working position W, the elastic member 48 returns to the second predetermined state S2, and as a result the auxiliary portion 58 protrudes from the corresponding hole 68 and extends into a predetermined feature portion 34 of the longitudinal wall 30 of the first rail 22, stopping the second rail 24 at the working position W. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second guide portion 59 may be an inclined surface or an arcuate surface, and the first guide portion 23 may be a flat surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, both the first guide portion 23 and the second guide portion 59 may be inclined surfaces or arcuate surfaces. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first guide portion 23 may be an inclined surface or an arcuate surface, and the second guide portion 59 may be a flat surface.

[0041] As shown in Figure 17, in the second embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment, the slide rail assembly 200 does not include the button member 76 and the recovery elastic member 74 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the operating member 202 is in the first operating position K1', the protrusion 204 of the operating member 202 is configured to support the elastic arm 208 of the elastic member 206 and maintain the elastic member 206 in a first predetermined state S1', thereby causing the elastic member 206 to accumulate an elastic force F1' directed toward the longitudinal wall 209 of the first rail 205.

[0042] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, when the operating portion 210 of the operating member 202 is operated with a first predetermined force M1' in a first predetermined operating direction to drive the operating member 202 and move it longitudinally from the first operating position K1' to the second operating position K2', the protruding portion 204 of the operating member 202 no longer supports the elastic arm 208 of the elastic member 206, and as a result, the elastic member 206 moves from the first predetermined state S1' in response to the elastic force F1'. Therefore, when the second rail 212 is displaced from the first predetermined position P1 and reaches the working position, the auxiliary portion of the elastic member 206 can be blocked by the predetermined feature portion of the first rail 205. The blocking relationship between the auxiliary portion of the elastic member 206 and the predetermined feature portion of the first rail 205 in the second embodiment is the same as the blocking relationship between the auxiliary portion 58 of the elastic member 48 and the predetermined feature portion 34 in the first embodiment. For simplicity, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0043] Furthermore, since the slide rail assembly 200 does not have a button member or a recovery elastic member, the operating member 202 must be manually operated with a second predetermined force M2 in the second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction in order to return from the second operating position K2' (shown in Figure 18) to the first operating position K1' (shown in Figure 17). This allows the elastic member 206 to return to the first predetermined state S1'.

[0044] Based on the above, the slide rail assembly 20 or 200 of the present invention has the following features. The operating member 50 or 202 can be moved to a first operating position K1 or K1' to disable the blocking function that stops the second rail 24 or 212 at the working position, depending on the actual need, and can be moved to a second operating position K2 or K2' to enable the blocking function that stops the second rail 24 or 212 at the working position. Accordingly, the present invention provides operational flexibility that facilitates the operation or maintenance of the slide rail assembly and / or the transported object supported by the slide rail assembly.

[0045] 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. A first rail including a predetermined characteristic part, A second rail that is displaceable relative to the first rail, An elastic member disposed on the second rail, The system includes an operating member that is movable relative to the second rail between a first operating position and a second operating position, The operating member in the first operating position is configured to abut against the elastic member in order to prevent the elastic member from being blocked by the predetermined feature portion, thereby allowing the elastic member to pass over the predetermined feature portion when the second rail is displaced relative to the first rail in the first direction or in the second direction opposite to the first direction. The operating member in the second operating position is configured not to abut the elastic member in order to allow the elastic member to be blocked by the predetermined feature portion, thereby stopping the second rail at the working position when the second rail is displaced in the first or second direction relative to the first rail and reaches the working position. Slide rail assembly.

2. The operating member is movably mounted on the second rail, and the second rail is displaceable relative to the first rail from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position in the first direction, or from a second predetermined position to a first predetermined position in the second direction. The aforementioned working position is located between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the first rail and the elastic member includes a guide portion, the guide portion is configured to abut against the other of the first rail and the elastic member, and the elastic member is driven to displace the second rail from the second predetermined position in the second direction to the working position.

3. The second rail includes a corresponding hole, and the elastic member includes an auxiliary portion that is aligned with the corresponding hole in a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. In order to prevent the auxiliary portion from blocking the predetermined feature portion when the elastic member is in a first predetermined state, the auxiliary portion is partially located within the corresponding hole and does not protrude from the corresponding hole. When the second rail is displaced and reaches the working position in the first or second direction relative to the first rail, the auxiliary portion protrudes from the corresponding hole, extends into the predetermined feature portion, and is blocked by the predetermined feature portion. The predetermined characteristic portion includes a first wall section and a second wall section opposite to the first wall section, When the second rail is in the working position relative to the first rail, the operating member in the second operating position is configured not to abut against the elastic member, thereby allowing the elastic member to move from the predetermined state in response to the elastic force, blocking the auxiliary part with the first wall section of the predetermined feature part, and preventing the second rail from being displaced in the first direction from the working position. The slide rail assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the second rail is in the working position relative to the first rail, the operating member in the second operating position is configured not to abut against the elastic member, thereby allowing the elastic member to move from the predetermined state in response to the elastic force, blocking the auxiliary part with the second wall section of the predetermined feature part, and preventing the second rail from being displaced in the second direction from the working position.

4. When the second rail is in the working position relative to the first rail, the operating member in the first operating position is configured to abut against the elastic member. As a result, the elastic member accumulates elastic force in the predetermined state, preventing the auxiliary portion from being blocked by the first wall section and the second wall section of the predetermined feature portion, and enabling the second rail to be displaced from the working position in the first or second direction, as described in claim 3.

5. Each of the first rail and the second rail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, When the second rail is in the working position relative to the first rail, the first end of the second rail protrudes from the first end of the first rail by a first predetermined distance. The slide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the second rail is in a second predetermined position relative to the first rail, the first end of the second rail protrudes from the first end of the first rail by a second predetermined distance greater than the first predetermined distance.

6. The slide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating member is movably mounted on the second rail and is movable relative to the second rail in the first or second direction.

7. Furthermore, it comprises a resilient recovery member and a button member movably attached to the second rail, The operating member moves from the second operating position to the first operating position in response to the restorative elastic force provided by the restorative elastic member, and the button member is movable between a blocking state and an unblocking state. When the operating member is in the second operating position, the button member in the blocking state is configured to block the operating member. As a result, the operating member is maintained in the second operating position so that the recovery elastic member continues to accumulate recovery elastic force, and the operating member in the first operating position is configured to hold the button member in the non-blocking state, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. Furthermore, the slide rail assembly according to claim 7 is further provided with an auxiliary elastic member configured to impart elastic force to the button member.

9. The slide rail assembly according to claim 7, wherein the direction of movement of the operating member is parallel to the first direction and the second direction, and the direction of movement of the button member is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

10. The operating member includes a protruding portion, and one of the protruding portion of the operating member and the elastic member includes a guide section. The slide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the operating member moves from the second operating position to the first operating position, the operating member drives the elastic member by the guide section and supports the elastic member by the protruding portion to prevent the elastic member from being blocked by the predetermined feature portion.

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