Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, a third rail and a blocking mechanism. When the second rail moves relative to the first rail along a retracting direction from a first extended position to a second extended position, the blocking mechanism can prevent the second rail from leaving away from the second extended position, so as to reduce an overall length of the slide rail assembly for facilitating detachment of the third rail from the second rail in a limited environment.

However, the blocking mechanism disclosed by <CIT> is incompatible with a slide rail assembly having four or more rails. To meet different requirements, it becomes an important topic to provide a slide rail assembly having at least four rails and suitable for use in a limited environment.

For example, in <CIT>, it discloses a slide assembly including an inner slide segment, an outer slide segment and an intermediate slide segment between the inner slide segment and the outer slide segment. The outer slide segment is constructed from a bent piece of material having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The outer slide segment is formed to have a wall portion, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper portion and lower portion include two layers of the piece of material. It further discloses a mounting assembly for a slide assembly includes at least one bracket having a first pin and a second pin movable relative to the first pin. The second pin can surround and slide upon the first pin and can be biased to a first position and movable to a second position relative to the first pin.

Furthermore, in <CIT>, it discloses a slide rail assembly including a first rail, a second rail, a mounting member, a third rail, a fourth rail and a synchronizing member. The first rail includes a disengaging feature. The third rail and the fourth rail are arranged on two side of the mounting member, and the synchronizing member is arranged on the mounting member. The third rail is movable relative to the first rail and the second rail is movable relative to the fourth rail. When the second rail is moved from a retracted position along a direction, the second rail and the mounting member are synchronously moved through the synchronizing member. When the second rail and the mounting member are moved to a predetermined position, the synchronizing member is driven by the disengaging member of the first rail to be no longer synchronously moved.

This is mind, the present invention aims at providing a slide rail assembly having at least four rails and suitable for use in a limited environment.

This is achieved by a slide rail assembly according to claim <NUM>. The dependent claims pertain to corresponding further developments and improvements.

As will be seen more clearly from the detailed description following below, the claimed slide rail assembly includes a supporting frame, a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a first working member and a second working member. A blocking structure and a positioning structure are arranged on the supporting frame. The first rail is movable relative to the supporting frame. A blocking feature and a positioning feature are arranged on the first rail. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The third rail is movable relative to the second rail, and the second rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the third rail. The first working member is movably mounted on the first rail and switchable between a first state and a second state relative to the first rail. The second working member is movably mounted on the first rail and switchable between a third state and a fourth state relative to the first rail. When the first rail is located at a first predetermined position relative to the supporting frame, the blocking structure blocks the first working member in the first state for preventing the first rail from moving along a retracting direction from the first predetermined position. When the first rail is located at a second predetermined position, the second working member in the third state engages with the positioning structure for preventing the first rail from moving along an opening direction from the second predetermined position. When the first rail is located at the second predetermined position relative to the supporting frame and the third rail is located at a retracted position relative to the first rail, the third rail is configured to support the second working member, such that the second working member is retained in the fourth state and does not engage with the positioning structure for allowing the first rail to move along the opening direction from the second predetermined position.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. The members of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations. As such, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. Also, if not specified, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Thus, if a first device is connected to a second device, that connection may be through a direct mechanical connection, or through an indirect mechanical connection via other devices and connections.

As shown in <FIG>, a slide rail assembly <NUM> can be a multi-section rail assembly. In this embodiment, the slide rail assembly <NUM> can be a four-section rail assembly. Specifically, the slide rail assembly <NUM> includes a supporting frame <NUM>, a first rail <NUM>, a second rail <NUM> and a third rail <NUM>. The second rail <NUM> is movably mounted between the first rail <NUM> and the third rail <NUM>. For example, the first rail <NUM> can be an outer rail. The second rail <NUM> can be a middle rail. The third rail <NUM> can be an inner rail. The supporting frame <NUM> can be a fourth rail, which is used as a reinforced rail or a fixed rail. The supporting frame <NUM>, the first rail <NUM>, the second rail <NUM> and the third rail <NUM> can move relative to one another longitudinally. When the slide rail assembly <NUM> is in an extended state, e.g., a fully extended state, the first rail <NUM> is located at a first predetermined position M1 relative to the supporting frame <NUM>, the second rail <NUM> is located at a first extended position E1 relative to the first rail <NUM>, and the third rail <NUM> is located at an opened position K relative to the second rail <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the slide rail assembly can be a five-section rail assembly which includes an additional rail movably mounted on the supporting frame or the third rail.

It should be noticed that, in this embodiment, a longitudinal direction of the rail, i.e., a length direction or a moving direction of rail, can be parallel to an X axis. A transverse direction of the rail, i.e., a lateral direction of the rail, can be parallel to a Y axis. A vertical direction of the rail, i.e., a height direction of the rail, can be parallel to a Z axis.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the supporting frame <NUM> includes a first wall 30a, a second wall 30b and a longitudinal wall <NUM> connected between the first wall 30a and the second wall 30b of the supporting frame <NUM>. The first wall 30a, the second wall 30b and the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> cooperatively define a supporting channel <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>. The supporting channel <NUM> is configured to at least partially accommodate the first rail <NUM>. The supporting frame <NUM> further includes a front portion 22a and a rear portion 22b. A blocking structure <NUM> and a positioning structure <NUM> are arranged on the supporting frame <NUM>.

Preferably, the supporting frame <NUM> further includes a front restraining feature <NUM> and a rear restraining feature <NUM>. The front restraining feature <NUM> and the rear restraining feature <NUM> are configured to restrain a travel distance of the first rail <NUM>. For example, the front restraining feature <NUM> and the rear restraining feature <NUM> can be protruding walls or protruding portions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Besides, the blocking structure <NUM> and the positioning structure <NUM> are located between the front restraining feature <NUM> and the rear restraining feature <NUM>. In this embodiment, the front restraining feature <NUM>, the blocking structure <NUM>, the positioning structure <NUM> and the rear restraining feature <NUM> can be sequentially arranged on the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> from front to rear.

Preferably, the slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes an auxiliary resilient seat <NUM> arranged on the supporting frame <NUM>. The auxiliary resilient seat <NUM> includes a first fixing portion 46a, a second fixing portion 46b and a middle portion <NUM>. The first fixing portion 46a and the second fixing portion 46b are connected to the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>. The middle portion <NUM> is located between the first fixing portion 46a and the second fixing portion 46b. The middle portion <NUM> includes the blocking structure <NUM>, a longitudinal section <NUM> and a guiding section <NUM>. The longitudinal section <NUM> is located between the blocking structure <NUM> and the guiding section <NUM>. For example, the blocking structure <NUM> can be a blocking wall or an erecting wall, and the guiding section <NUM> can be an inclined surface or an arc surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Preferably, for example, the positioning feature <NUM> can be formed in a column shape or a protrusion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first rail <NUM> is at least partially movably mounted inside the supporting channel <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> and movable relative to the supporting frame <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> includes a first wall 54a, a second wall 54b and a longitudinal wall <NUM> connected between the first wall 54a and the second wall 54b of the first rail <NUM>. The first wall 54a, the second wall 54b and the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> cooperatively define a first channel <NUM> of the first rail <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> is configured to at least partially accommodate the second rail <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> further includes a front portion 24a and a rear portion 24b. The first rail <NUM> further includes a first side L1 and a second side L2 opposite to the first side L1. The first side L1 of the first rail <NUM> is located adjacent to the supporting frame <NUM>. The second side L2 of the first rail <NUM> is located adjacent to the second rail <NUM>. A blocking feature <NUM> and a positioning feature <NUM> are arranged on the first rail <NUM>. In this embodiment, a positioning member <NUM> can be arranged on the first rail <NUM> and connected, e.g., fixedly connected, to the first side L1 of the first rail <NUM>. The positioning member <NUM> can include the positioning feature <NUM>. The positioning feature <NUM> can extend from the first side L1 of the first rail <NUM> to the second side L2 of the first rail <NUM> through an auxiliary hole <NUM> on the first rail <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the positioning feature can be a protrusion arranged on the second side of the first rail.

The slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes a first working member <NUM> and a second working member <NUM>. The first working member <NUM> is movably mounted on the first rail <NUM> and switchable between a first state S1 and a second state S2 relative to the first rail <NUM>. The second working member <NUM> is movably mounted on the first rail <NUM> and switchable between a third state S3 and a fourth state S4 relative to the first rail <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first working member <NUM> and the second working member <NUM> can be respectively pivotally connected to the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> by a first pivoting member <NUM> and a second pivoting member <NUM> and located at the second side L2 of the first rail <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Preferably, the first rail <NUM> further includes an opening <NUM> communicated with the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the first rail <NUM>. The first working member <NUM> includes a blocking portion <NUM> extending to the first side L1 of the first rail <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. The blocking portion <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the blocking structure <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>. The second working member <NUM> includes a positioning portion <NUM> configured to cooperate with the positioning structure <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>. For example, the positioning portion <NUM> can be an engaging hook. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the first working member <NUM> further includes a releasing portion <NUM> configured to cooperate with the second rail <NUM>.

Preferably, the slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes a first resilient member <NUM> and a second resilient member <NUM> respectively configured to provide resilient forces to the first working member <NUM> and the second working member <NUM> to drive the first working member <NUM> and the second working member <NUM> to move to the first state S1 and the third state S3 relative to the first rail <NUM>.

Preferably, a first auxiliary feature <NUM> and a supporting feature <NUM> are arranged on the first rail <NUM>. The blocking feature <NUM>, the positioning feature <NUM>, the first auxiliary feature <NUM>, the first working member <NUM> and the second working member <NUM> are sequentially arranged on the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> from front to rear.

Preferably, the first rail <NUM> further includes a front restraining portion <NUM> and a rear restraining portion respectively configured to cooperate with the front restraining feature <NUM> and the rear restraining feature <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> for restraining a travel distance of the first rail <NUM> relative to the supporting frame <NUM>. In this embodiment, the front restraining portion <NUM> can be a protruding block located on the first side S1 of the first rail <NUM> and facing toward the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>, and the front restraining portion <NUM> can stretch into a longitudinal space <NUM> of the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>, e.g., a longitudinal slot of the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM>, so as to be located at a position corresponding to the front restraining feature <NUM>. The rear restraining portion can be the rear portion 24b. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Preferably, the slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes a resilient seat <NUM> arranged on the first rail <NUM>. The resilient seat <NUM> includes a first connecting portion 86a, a second connecting portion 86b and a supporting structure <NUM>. The first connecting portion 86a and the second connecting portion 86b are connected to the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the first rail <NUM>. The supporting structure <NUM> is located between the first connecting portion 86a and the second connecting portion 86b. The supporting structure <NUM> includes the blocking feature <NUM>, a longitudinal portion <NUM> and a guiding portion <NUM>. The longitudinal portion <NUM> is located between the blocking feature <NUM> and the guiding portion <NUM>. For example, the blocking feature <NUM> can be a blocking wall or an erecting wall, and the guiding portion <NUM> can be an inclined surface or an arc surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the second rail <NUM> is movable relative to the first rail <NUM>. The second rail <NUM> includes a first wall 94a, a second wall 94b and a longitudinal wall <NUM> connected between the first wall 94a and the second wall 94b of the second rail <NUM>. The first wall 94a, the second wall 94b and the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM> cooperatively define a second channel <NUM> of the second rail <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> is configured to at least partially accommodate the third rail <NUM>. The second rail <NUM> further includes a front portion 26a and a rear portion 26b. The second rail <NUM> further includes a first side L1 and a second side L2 opposite to the first side L1. The first side L1 of the second rail <NUM> is located adjacent to the first rail <NUM>. The second side L2 of the second rail <NUM> is located adjacent to the third rail <NUM>.

Preferably, the slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes a third working member <NUM> and a fourth working member <NUM>. The third working member <NUM> is movably mounted on the second rail <NUM> and switchable between a fifth state S5 and a sixth state S6 relative to the second rail <NUM>. The fourth working member <NUM> is movably mounted on the second rail <NUM> and switchable between a seventh state S7 and an eighth state S8 relative to the second rail <NUM>. In this embodiment, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> can be respectively pivotally connected to the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM> by a first shaft <NUM> and a second shaft <NUM> and located at the second side L2 of the second rail <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Preferably, the slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes a first resilient feature <NUM> and a second resilient feature <NUM> respectively configured to provide resilient forces to the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> for driving the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> to move to the fifth state S5 and the seventh state S7 relative to the second rail <NUM>.

Preferably, the second rail <NUM> further includes at least one hole arranged on the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM> and communicated with the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second rail <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second rail <NUM> can include a first hole H1 and a second hole H2. Furthermore, the third working member <NUM> includes a first blocking section <NUM> stretching into the first hole H1. The first blocking section <NUM> faces toward the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> and is configured to cooperate with the blocking feature <NUM> or the positioning feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM>. The fourth working member <NUM> includes a second blocking section <NUM> stretching into the second hole H2. The second blocking section <NUM> faces toward the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> and is configured to cooperate with the positioning feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, there can be only one hole arranged on the longitudinal wall of the second rail for the first blocking section and the second blocking section to pass therethrough.

Preferably, the slide rail assembly <NUM> further includes an operating member <NUM> movably mounted on the second rail <NUM> and configured to operate one of the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM>.

Preferably, the operating member <NUM> is mounted on the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM> and located at the first side L1 of the second rail <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> includes an operating portion <NUM>, a driving portion <NUM> and an extending portion <NUM> connected between the operating portion <NUM> and the driving portion <NUM>. The operating portion <NUM> is connected to a front end 118a of the extending portion <NUM>. The operating portion <NUM> is located adjacent to the front portion 26a of the second rail <NUM>. The driving portion <NUM> is connected to a rear end 118b of the extending portion <NUM>. The driving portion <NUM> is located adjacent to the rear portion 26b of the second rail <NUM>. Besides, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are located adjacent to the rear portion 26b of the second rail <NUM>.

Preferably, the second rail <NUM> further includes a third hole H3 arranged on the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM>. The driving portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM> extends from the first side L1 to the second side L2 of the second rail <NUM> through the third hole H3 and is located adjacent to the third working member <NUM>.

Preferably, the second rail <NUM> further includes a fourth hole H4 arranged on the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM>. The operating portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM> is exposed on the second side L2 of the second rail <NUM> via the fourth hole H4.

Preferably, the second rail <NUM> and the operating member <NUM> have corresponding restraining features cooperating with each other for restraining a travel distance of the operating member <NUM> relative to the second rail <NUM>. In this embodiment, at least one elongated hole <NUM> can be arranged on the extending portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM>. The second rail <NUM> can further include at least one connecting member <NUM> connected to the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the second rail <NUM> and passing through a portion of the at least one elongated hole <NUM>. Furthermore, the second rail <NUM> can further include at least one extending hole <NUM>. At least one connecting section <NUM> can be arranged on the extending portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM> and passes through a portion of the at least one extending hole <NUM>. The travel distance of the operating member <NUM> relative to the second rail <NUM> can be restrained by a cooperation of the at least one elongated hole <NUM> and the at least one connecting member <NUM> and a cooperation of the at least one extending hole <NUM> and the at least one connecting section <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, there can be only the elongated hole and the at least one connecting member cooperating with each other. Alternatively, in another embodiment, there can be only the extending hole and the connecting section cooperating with each other.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a second auxiliary feature <NUM> is arranged on the operating member <NUM> and configured to cooperate with the first auxiliary feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM>. For example, the first auxiliary feature <NUM> and the second auxiliary feature <NUM> can be protrusions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Besides, as shown in <FIG>, the second auxiliary feature <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the rear end 118b of the extending portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM>, and the second auxiliary feature <NUM> and the driving portion <NUM> are located at two opposite sides of the extending portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM>.

When the operating member <NUM> is located at a first operated position P1 relative to the second rail <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively in the fifth state S3 and the seventh state S7 relative to the second rail <NUM>.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, the third working member <NUM> further includes an abutting portion <NUM> and an actuating portion <NUM>. The first shaft <NUM> is located between the abutting portion <NUM> and the actuating portion <NUM>. The abutting portion <NUM> is located at a position corresponding to the driving portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM> and for abutting against the driving portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM>. The first blocking section <NUM> is located adjacent to the actuating portion <NUM>. The first blocking section <NUM> extends to the first side L1 of the second rail <NUM>. The first resilient feature <NUM> is configured to provide the resilient force to the third working member <NUM> for retaining the third working member <NUM> in the fifth state S5.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, the fourth working member <NUM> includes an abutting section <NUM> and an actuating section <NUM>. The second shaft <NUM> is located between the abutting section <NUM> and the actuating section <NUM>. The second blocking section <NUM> is located adjacent to the abutting section <NUM>. The second blocking section <NUM> extends to the first side L1 of the second rail <NUM>. The second resilient feature <NUM> is configured to provide the resilient force to the fourth working member <NUM> for retaining the fourth working member <NUM> in the seventh state S7.

As shown in <FIG>, the user can apply a force F onto the operating member <NUM>, e.g., the operating portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM>, to drive the operating member <NUM> to move relative to the second rail <NUM> from the first operated position P1 to a second operated position P2. During the aforementioned process, the operating member <NUM> drives the third working member <NUM> to move, e.g., pivot, relative to the second rail <NUM> from the fifth state S5 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to the sixth state S6 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> by an abutment of the driving portion <NUM> and the abutting portion <NUM> of the third working member <NUM>. Preferably, when the third working member <NUM> moves from the fifth state S5 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to the sixth state S6 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third working member <NUM> drives the fourth working member <NUM> to move, e.g., pivot, relative to the second rail <NUM> from the seventh state S7 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to the eighth state S8 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> by an abutment of the actuating portion <NUM> and the abutting section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM>. In other words, in this embodiment, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are configured to move synchronously, and the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively configured to be driven by the operating member <NUM> and the third working member <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the third working member and the fourth working member are configured to move synchronously, and the third working member and the fourth working member are respectively configured to be driven by the fourth working member and the operating member. Alternatively, the third working member and the fourth working member are configured to move synchronously, and the third working member and the fourth working member are configured to be driven by two driving portions of the operating member respectively. Alternatively, the slide rail assembly further includes an auxiliary operating member, and the third working member and the fourth working member are configured to be driven by the operating member and the auxiliary operating member respectively and to move asynchronously.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the operating member <NUM> is located at the second operated position P2, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively retained in the sixth state S6 and the eighth state S8 by an abutment of the operating member <NUM> and the third working member <NUM> and an abutment of the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the slide rail assembly <NUM> is used in a limited environment and located in the extended state. As mentioned above, when the slide rail assembly <NUM> is located in the extended state, the first rail <NUM> is located at the first predetermined position M1 relative to the supporting frame <NUM>, the second rail <NUM> is located at the first extended position E1 relative to the first rail <NUM>, and the third rail <NUM> is located at the opened position K1 relative to the second rail <NUM>. At this moment, the slide rail assembly <NUM> has a first length J1, and a front portion 28a of the third rail <NUM> is spaced apart from an object <NUM>, e.g., a door or an obstruction, by a first distance X1. The first distance X1 is too short to detach the third rail <NUM> from the second rail <NUM>, e.g., the second channel <NUM> of the second rail <NUM>, along an opening direction D1.

Specifically, when the first rail <NUM> is located at the first predetermined position M1 relative to the supporting frame <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the blocking structure <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> blocks the blocking portion <NUM> of the first working member <NUM> in the first state S1 for preventing the first rail <NUM> from moving along a retracting direction D2 from the first predetermined position M1. Besides, at this moment, the operating member <NUM> is located at the first operated position P1, similarly to <FIG> and <FIG>. Therefore, when the second rail <NUM> is located at the first extended position E1 relative to the first rail <NUM>, the blocking feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> blocks the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> in the fifth state S5 for preventing the second rail <NUM> from moving along the retracting direction D2 from the first extended position E1, and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> is located adjacent to the guiding portion <NUM> of the resilient seat <NUM> of the first rail <NUM>. It should be noticed that when the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively in the fifth state S5 and the seventh state S7, the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> are located at positions where the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> are aligned with the positioning feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 or the opening direction D1.

As shown in <FIG>, when the user applies the force F onto the operating member <NUM>, e.g., the operating portion <NUM> of the operating member <NUM>, to drive the operating member <NUM> to move from the first operated position P1 to the second operated position P2, the operating member <NUM> drives the third working member <NUM> by the driving portion <NUM> to move from the fifth state S5 to the sixth state S6, such that the blocking feature <NUM> cannot block the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> in the sixth state S6 for allowing the second rail <NUM> to move relative to the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 from the first extended position E1.

Furthermore, when the operating member <NUM> is located at the second operated position P2 as shown in <FIG>, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively retained in the sixth state S6 and the eighth state S8, such that the first resilient feature <NUM> and the second resilient feature <NUM> are resiliently deformed to generate the resilient forces, similarly to <FIG>. Besides, when the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively in the sixth state S6 and the eighth state S8, the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> are dislocated from the positions where the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> are aligned with the positioning feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 or the opening direction D1. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, when the second rail <NUM> is located at the first extended position E1 relative to the first rail <NUM>, the second auxiliary feature <NUM> of the operating member <NUM> is separated away from the first auxiliary feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> by a distance.

During a movement of the second rail <NUM> relative to the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 from the first extended position E1 as shown in <FIG> to a predetermined retracted position as shown in <FIG>, the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> can pass over the positioning feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 to allow the second rail <NUM> to move to the predetermined retracted position without any interference because the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> are dislocated from the positions where the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> are aligned with the positioning feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 or the opening direction D1. Afterwards, when the second rail <NUM> moves along the retracting direction D2 for a predetermined distance , the first auxiliary feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> abuts against the second auxiliary feature <NUM> of the operating member <NUM> to drive the operating member <NUM> to move from the second operated position P2 to the first operated position P1, such that the third working member <NUM> is driven to move from the sixth state S6 to the fifth state S5 by the first resilient feature <NUM>, and the fourth working member <NUM> is driven to move from the eighth state S8 to the seventh state S7 by the second resilient feature <NUM>. Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, the positioning feature <NUM> includes a front portion 62a and a rear portion 62b. One of the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the rear portion 62b of the positioning feature <NUM> includes a guiding feature <NUM>. For example, the guiding feature <NUM> can be an inclined surface or an arc surface. In this embodiment, the first blocking section <NUM> can include the guiding feature <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Furthermore, the second rail <NUM> is movable relative to the first rail <NUM> along the opening direction D1 from the predetermined retracted position as shown in <FIG> to a second extended position E2 as shown in <FIG>. During the aforementioned process, the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> and the rear portion 62b of the positioning feature <NUM> can abut against each other, and the third working member <NUM> can be driven to move from the fifth state S5 to the sixth state S6 for facilitating the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> to pass over the rear portion 62b of the positioning feature <NUM> along the opening direction D1 due to the guiding feature <NUM> of the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM>. When the third working member <NUM> moves from the fifth state S5 to the sixth state S6, the third working member <NUM> drives the fourth working member <NUM> to move from the seventh state S7 to the eighth state S8, such that the first resilient feature <NUM> and the second resilient feature <NUM> are resiliently deformed and generate the resilient forces. Therefore, the first resilient feature <NUM> and the second resilient feature <NUM> respectively can drive the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> to move to the fifth state S5 and the seventh state S7 when the second rail <NUM> moves to the second extended position E2 relative to the first rail <NUM>. Besides, when the second rail <NUM> is located at the second extended position E2 as shown in <FIG> relative to the first rail <NUM>, the second blocking section <NUM> of the fourth working member <NUM> in the seventh state S7 and the first blocking section <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> in the fifth state S5 are respectively located at positions corresponding to the two portions of the positioning feature <NUM>, e.g., the rear portion 62b and the front portion 62a, so as to provide a blocking effect or an engaging effect for preventing the second rail <NUM> from moving relative to the first rail <NUM> along the opening direction D1 or the retracting direction D2 from the second extended position E2.

It should be noticed that when the second rail <NUM> is located at the second extended position E2 relative to the first rail <NUM>, the slide rail assembly <NUM> has a second length J2 less than the first length J1, such that the front portion 28a of the third rail <NUM> is spaced apart from the object <NUM> by a second distance X2 greater than the first distance X1, which facilitates detachment of the third rail <NUM> from the second rail <NUM>, e.g., the second channel <NUM> of the second rail <NUM>, along the opening direction D1.

When the second rail <NUM> is located at the second extended position E2 relative to the first rail <NUM>, the user can apply the force F onto the operating member <NUM> to drive the operating member <NUM> to move from the first operated position P1 as shown in <FIG> to the second operated position P2 as shown in <FIG>, so as to drive the third working member <NUM> to move from the fifth state S5 to the sixth state S6 and to drive the fourth working member <NUM> to move from the seventh state S7 to the eighth state S8. When the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> move to the sixth state S6 and the eighth state S8 respectively, the third working member <NUM> and the fourth working member <NUM> are respectively dislocated from the positions corresponding to the two portions of the positioning feature <NUM>, e.g., the rear portion 62b and the front portion 62a, for allowing the second rail <NUM> to move relative to the first rail <NUM> along the opening direction D1 or the retracting direction D2 from the second extended position E2.

When the second rail <NUM> moves relative to the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 from the second extended position E2 for the predetermined distance, the first auxiliary feature <NUM> and the second auxiliary feature <NUM> abut against each other for driving the operating member <NUM> to move along the opening direction D1 from the second operated position P2 as shown in <FIG> to the first operated position P1 as shown in <FIG>, such that the third working member <NUM> is driven by the first resilient feature <NUM> to move from the sixth state S6 as shown in <FIG> to the fifth state S5 as shown in <FIG>, and the fourth working member <NUM> is driven by the second resilient feature <NUM> to move from the eighth state S8 as shown in <FIG> to the seventh state S7 as shown in <FIG>. Preferably, one of the first auxiliary feature <NUM> and the second auxiliary feature <NUM> can include another guiding surface, e.g., an inclined surface or an arc surface, facing toward the other one of the first auxiliary feature <NUM> and the second auxiliary feature <NUM> to facilitate the second auxiliary feature <NUM> to pass over the first auxiliary feature <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 when the second rail <NUM> moves relative to the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2.

When the first rail <NUM> is located at the first predetermined position M1 relative to the supporting frame <NUM>, the second rail <NUM> can be moved along the retracting direction D2 from the second extended position E2 to abut against the releasing portion <NUM> of the first working member <NUM> by the rear portion 26b for driving the first working member <NUM> to move from the first state S1 as shown in <FIG> to the second state S2 as shown in <FIG>, such that the blocking structure <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> does not block the blocking portion <NUM> of the first working member in the second state S2 for allowing the first rail <NUM> to move along the retracting direction D2 from the first predetermined position M1 to a second predetermined position M2.

As shown in <FIG>, when the first rail <NUM> is located at the second predetermined position M2 relative to the supporting frame <NUM>, the second working member <NUM>, e.g., the positioning portion <NUM> of the second working member <NUM>, in the third state S3 can engage with the positioning structure <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> for retaining the first rail <NUM> at the second predetermined position M2, so as to prevent the first rail <NUM> from moving along the opening direction D1 or the retracting direction D2 from the second predetermined position M2. When the first rail <NUM> is located at the second predetermined position M2, the slide rail assembly <NUM> has a third length J3 less than the second length J2, such that the front portion 28a of the third rail <NUM> is spaced apart from the object <NUM> by a third distance X3 greater than the second distance X2, which further facilitates detachment of the third rail <NUM> from the second rail <NUM>, e.g., the second channel <NUM> of the second rail <NUM>, along the opening direction D1.

Preferably, when the first rail <NUM> is located at the second predetermined position M2 relative to the supporting frame <NUM>, the rear restraining feature <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> can abut against the rear portion 24b of the first rail <NUM> for stopping the first rail <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> further includes a restraining member <NUM> configured to abut against the rear porting 26b of the second rail <NUM> for stopping the second rail <NUM>. When the restraining member <NUM> abuts against the rear porting 26b of the second rail <NUM>, the second rail <NUM> is fully folded relative to the first rail <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third rail <NUM> includes a first wall 29a, a second wall 29b and a longitudinal wall <NUM> connected between the first wall 29a and the second wall 29b of the third rail <NUM>. When the second rail <NUM> is located at the second predetermined position M2 relative to the supporting frame <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> is fully folded relative to the first rail <NUM>, the third rail <NUM> is movable relative to the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 to a retracted position R. During a movement of the third rail <NUM> relative to the first rail <NUM> along the retracting direction D2 to the retracted position R, a portion of the third rail <NUM>, e.g., the rear portion <NUM> of the third rail <NUM>, can abut against an auxiliary portion <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG>, of the second working member <NUM> in the third state S3 for driving the second working member <NUM> to pivot by an angle to move from the third state S3 as shown in <FIG> to the fourth state S4 as shown in <FIG>. When the third rail <NUM> is located at the retracted position R relative to the first rail <NUM>, the second wall 29b of the third rail <NUM> supports the second working member <NUM> for retaining the second working member <NUM> in the fourth state S4, such that the positioning portion <NUM> of the second working member <NUM> is not engaged with the positioning structure <NUM> of the supporting frame <NUM> for allowing the first rail <NUM> to move along the opening direction D1 from the second predetermined position M2.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, when the third rail <NUM> is located at the retracted position R relative to the first rail <NUM>, the supporting feature <NUM> of the first rail <NUM> is configured to support a portion of the second wall 29b of the third rail <NUM> adjacent to a rear rail section of the third rail <NUM> for enhancing a structural strength of the slide rail assembly <NUM>.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, the third rail <NUM> further includes a first synchronizing feature <NUM> and a second synchronizing feature <NUM>. During a movement of the third rail <NUM> along the opening direction D1 from the retracted position R, the first synchronizing feature <NUM> of the third rail <NUM> can abut against a first corresponding feature <NUM> of the first working member <NUM> for driving the third rail <NUM> and the first rail <NUM> to move synchronously along the opening direction D1 until the first rail <NUM> moves to the first predetermined position M1. Besides, the second synchronizing feature <NUM> of the third rail <NUM> can abut against a second corresponding feature <NUM> of the third working member <NUM> for driving the third rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> to be moved synchronously along the opening direction D1 until the second rail <NUM> moves to the first extended position E1.

Claim 1:
A slide rail assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a supporting frame (<NUM>);
a first rail (<NUM>) movable relative to the supporting frame (<NUM>);
a second rail (<NUM>) movable relative to the first rail (<NUM>);
a third rail (<NUM>) movable relative to the second rail (<NUM>), and the second rail (<NUM>) being movably mounted between the first rail (<NUM>) and the third rail (<NUM>);
a blocking structure (<NUM>) arranged on the supporting frame (<NUM>);
a positioning structure (<NUM>) arranged on the supporting frame (<NUM>);
a blocking feature (<NUM>) arranged on the first rail (<NUM>);
a positioning feature (<NUM>) arranged on the first rail (<NUM>);
a first working member (<NUM>) movably mounted on the first rail (<NUM>) and switchable between a first state (S1) and a second state (S2) relative to the first rail (<NUM>); and
a second working member (<NUM>) movably mounted on the first rail (<NUM>) and switchable between a third state (S3) and a fourth state (S4) relative to the first rail (<NUM>);
characterized in that:
wherein when the first rail (<NUM>) is located at a first predetermined position (M1) relative to the supporting frame (<NUM>), the blocking structure (<NUM>) blocks the first working member (<NUM>) in the first state (S1) for preventing the first rail (<NUM>) from moving along a retracting direction (D2) from the first predetermined position (M1);
wherein when the first rail (<NUM>) is located at a second predetermined position (M2) relative to the supporting frame (<NUM>), the second working member (<NUM>) in the third state (S3) engages with the positioning structure (<NUM>) for preventing the first rail (<NUM>) from moving along an opening direction (D1) from the second predetermined position (M2);
wherein when the first rail (<NUM>) is located at the second predetermined position (M2) relative to the supporting frame (<NUM>) and the third rail (<NUM>) is located at a retracted position (R) relative to the first rail (<NUM>), the third rail (<NUM>) is configured to support the second working member (<NUM>), such that the second working member (<NUM>) is retained in the fourth state (S4) and does not engage with the positioning structure (<NUM>) for allowing the first rail (<NUM>) to move along the opening direction (D1) from the second predetermined position (M2).