JP2022009337A - Limit switch for electric horizontal blind and electric horizontal blind - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a limit switch for an electric horizontal blind, which can integrally and individually control upper and lower slat groups in a user friendly manner, and the electric horizontal blind.

SOLUTION: A limit switch 19 is configured for an electric horizontal blind in which a plurality of stages of slats 2C are divided into an upper slat group 2B and a lower slat group 2A, and has a function for defining the rotation reference position of a drive shaft 8 in order to limit the rotation range of the drive shaft 8 so that a hoist pulley 55 can rotate within the limited rotation range by a control unit 15 that controls driving of a motor 10 for rotating the drive shaft 8 inserted so as not to be relatively rotatable into a center axis of the hoist pulley 55 which enables winding or unwinding of the upper end of a hoist cord 11 locked at a lower end to one warp of a ladder cord 4 which supports the plurality of slats 2C. The electric horizontal blind comprises the limit switch 19 and the control unit 15.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a limit switch for an electric horizontal blind and an electric horizontal blind that can control the upper slat group and the lower slat group collectively and individually.

Examples of electric blinds that electrically control the opening and closing of the shielding material include electric horizontal blinds, electric roll screens, electric raised curtains, electric pleated screens, electric curtain rails, and the like.

Further, in these electric blinds, the entire shielding material is divided into, for example, an upper shielding material (hereinafter referred to as "upper slat group") and a lower shielding material (hereinafter referred to as "lower slat group") in the vertical direction. The entire shielding material is divided into, for example, a front-stage shielding material (hereinafter referred to as "front shielding material") and a rear-stage shielding material (hereinafter referred to as "rear shielding material") in the front-rear direction. Some are configured. Further, the entire shielding material may be divided into three or more shielding materials in the vertical direction, the front-back direction, or a combination thereof.

For example, in an electric horizontal blind, a drive shaft is rotated by the driving force of a motor arranged in the head box, and the head box is suspended and supported from the head box via a ladder cord based on the rotation of the drive shaft. The slats are raised and lowered, or each slats are angle adjusted.

As a kind of electric horizontal blind, an electric horizontal blind that enables individual control of the upper slat group and the lower slat group is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent No. 4430565 Japanese Patent No. 4551161

As described above, an electric horizontal blind that enables individual control of the upper slat group and the lower slat group is disclosed. Since these techniques are configured on the premise that the upper slat group and the lower slat group are driven individually, when trying to control the entire upper slat group and the lower slat group in the same phase angle, the upper part is used. Since the slat group and the lower slat group are individually driven and fitted together, high accuracy and adjustment are required to make the upper slat group and the lower slat group have the same phase angle mechanically or controllably. To.

Therefore, in the electric horizontal blind that can control the upper slat group and the lower slat group individually, the viewpoint of the accuracy of the slat angle adjustment related to both the individual operation and the overall operation of the upper slat group and the lower slat group, or the viewpoint of usability. There is room for improvement.

Further, when such electric horizontal blinds are composed of a plurality of such electric horizontal blinds, there is also a case where a multi-switch is configured in which one or more of the plurality of electric horizontal blinds can be selectively operated or all of them can be operated at the same time. Similarly, it is desired to have an operation mode that improves usability.

An object of the present invention is to provide a limit switch for an electric horizontal blind and an electric horizontal blind that can control the upper slat group and the lower slat group integrally and individually in an easy-to-use manner in view of the above-mentioned problems. To provide.

The limit switch of the present invention is a limit switch for an electric horizontal blind configured to divide a plurality of stages of slats into an upper slat group and a lower slat group, and the plurality of stages of slat are divided into an upper slat group and a lower slat group. It is possible to attach and rewind or rewind the upper end of the lifting cord with the lower end locked to at least one of the two front and rear warp threads of the ladder cord that supports the multiple stages of slats at the position divided into the slat group. The rotation range of the drive shaft is adjusted so that the lift pulley rotates within the limited rotation range by the control unit that controls the drive of the motor that rotates the drive shaft that is inserted into the central axis of the lift pulley so that it cannot rotate relative to the center axis. In order to limit it, it is characterized by having a function of defining a rotation reference position of the drive shaft.

Further, the limit switch of the present invention has a lever capable of contacting a rod-shaped piece extending from a shaft member that rotates integrally with the drive shaft, and the drive shaft is provided with or without the contact by the lever. It is characterized in that it is configured to be able to detect the rotation reference position of.

Further, the electric horizontal blind of the present invention includes the limit switch of the present invention and the control unit, and the control unit is an individual operation mode for individually operating the upper slat group and the lower slat group. When controlling the rotation of the drive shaft, the range of the minimum angle and the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft is individually set and controlled according to the type of the individual operation mode.

Further, in the electric horizontal blind of the present invention, the lifting cord is a position where the drive shaft is rotated from the rotation reference position to a predetermined angle forming an initial state, and the plurality of slats are supported horizontally by the ladder cord. When it is set, the control unit is initially set so that slack does not occur, and the control unit associates the set maximum winding amount of the lifting cord with the minimum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft in the individual operation mode. , The minimum winding amount set by the lifting cord is associated with the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft, and the lifting cord is provided within a range in which the lifting cord does not loosen from a predetermined angle forming the initial state. It is characterized by controlling the lifting amount.

Further, in the electric horizontal blind of the present invention, the control unit is the rotation reference in common with the individual operation mode in the overall operation mode for collectively operating the upper slat group and the lower slat group as a whole. The plurality of rotation angles of the drive shaft are fixed in a state of being rotated in the reverse direction from a predetermined angle forming the initial state to a predetermined angle not exceeding the rotation reference position in the rotation reference position direction with the position as a reference. It is characterized in that a slack is always generated when the slat of the step is fully closed in the reverse direction, and the rotation of the slat of the plurality of steps supported by the ladder cord is controlled by the rotation of the drive shaft.

According to the present invention, the upper slat group and the lower slat group are controlled integrally and individually by improving the accuracy of the slat angle adjustment related to both the individual operation and the overall operation of the upper slat group and the lower slat group. It is possible to improve the usability of the electric horizontal blind that enables it.

(A) and (b) are a front view and a side view which show the schematic structure of the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention, respectively. (A) and (b) are a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a cord support unit in an electric horizontal blind according to an embodiment of the present invention, and side views for simplified illustration, respectively. (A) is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the ladder cord, the elevating cord and the lifting cord in the electric horizontal blind according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a side view which briefly illustrates the braiding of the lifting cord. Is. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the control unit in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention. (A) and (b) are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a wired switch or a remote controller (remote controller) for operating an electric horizontal blind according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a multi-switch, respectively. It is a flowchart which shows the operation in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control example for every operation mode in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention. (A) to (f) are partial side views schematically showing an operation mode according to an overall operation mode in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, respectively. (A) to (d) are side views schematically showing operation modes according to an overall operation mode and an individual operation mode in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, respectively. (A) and (b) are side views which show the preferable example which concerns on the setting of the lifting cord when the bottom rail is in the lowermost position position in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention, respectively. (A) and (b) are side views showing another preferred example relating to the setting of a lifting cord when the bottom rail in the electric horizontal blind of one embodiment of the present invention is in the lowermost position position, respectively. (A) and (b) are a front view and a side view which show the peripheral structure of the limit switch in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention, respectively. (A) to (c) are explanatory views about the initial setting of the lifting cord based on the limit switch in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention, respectively. (A) to (c) are explanatory views about the lifting amount control for each operation mode of the lifting cord based on the limit switch in the electric horizontal blind of one Embodiment by this invention, respectively. (A) to (c) are explanatory views regarding the control of the stepping motor according to the% indication of the slat angle for each type of slat in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention. (A) is a side view for simplifying the schematic configuration of the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, and (b) and (c) are side views for simplifying the schematic configuration of the modified examples 1 and 2. It is a figure.

Hereinafter, the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the specification of the present application, with respect to the front view of the electric horizontal blind shown in FIG. 1A, the upper side and the lower side of the drawing are defined as an upward direction (or an upper side) and a downward direction (or a lower side), respectively. The left direction is defined as the left side of the electric horizontal blind, and the right direction in the figure is defined as the right side of the electric horizontal blind. Further, the side on which the front view of FIG. 1A is visually recognized is the front side (indoor side), and the opposite side is the rear side (or the outdoor side).

(Overall configuration of electric horizontal blinds)
1A and 1B are a front view and a side view showing a schematic configuration of an electric horizontal blind according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

In the electric horizontal blind shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of stages of slats 2 are suspended and supported via a ladder cord 4 suspended from the central portion in the left-right direction of the head box 1 and the vicinity of the left and right side portions thereof, and the lower end of the ladder cord 4 is supported. The bottom rail 6 is suspended and supported. The head box 1 is fixed to a mounting surface such as a ceiling surface via a bracket 18.

Further, a lifting cord 11 is juxtaposed from the head box 1 on the indoor warp of each ladder cord 4 and hung along the leading edge of the slats 2, and the lower end of each lifting cord 11 is a plurality of slats 2. It is locked to the indoor warp of the corresponding ladder code 4 by the locking member 12 at a position substantially at the center in the vertical direction. At the position of the locking member 12, the entire 2C of the plurality of slat 2 is divided into a lower slat group 2A and an upper slat group 2B.

Further, an elevating cord 3 is hung from the vicinity of the central portion in the left-right direction of the head box 1 and both left and right side portions, and the bottom rail 6 is attached to the lower end of the elevating cord 3. Although the elevating cord 3 of this example shows a tape-shaped one, it may be a string-shaped elevating cord. Further, in the present embodiment, the elevating cord 3 hanging from the vicinity of both left and right ends of the head box 1 penetrates the slat 2 through the insertion hole 2a provided near the front edge of the slat 2, and the central portion in the left-right direction of the head box 1. The elevating cord 3 hanging from the slats 2 is hung along the trailing edge of the slats 2. As a result, since the lifting cord 11 is hung along the leading edge of the slat 2, the front-back and left-right balance related to the rotation operation of the slat 2 can be achieved.

Further, regarding the elevating cord 3 that hangs down from the central portion in the left-right direction of the head box 1, a ladder cord corresponding to have a relative distance in the front-rear direction in order to maintain a balance with the hanging of the other elevating cords 3 and the lifting cord 11. It is arranged along the number 4 and is appropriately inserted into and engaged with a ring member 41 called a pico provided on the ladder code 4. This is also because the lifting cord 11 is hung along the leading edge of the slat 2, so that the front-rear, left-right balance related to the rotation operation of the slat 2 can be balanced. In the present embodiment, as a preferred example thereof, the elevating cord 3 is not engaged with the ring member 41 located in the upper slat group 2B, and the elevating cord 3 is inserted into the ring member 41 located in the lower slat group 2A. It is preferable to engage the lifting cord 3 with all or part of the ring member 41 located at least in the slat 2 having three or less steps directly above the bottom rail 7.

In the head box 1, a cord support unit 5A for suspending and supporting the elevating cord 3, the ladder cord 4, and the lifting cord 11 suspended from the central portion in the left-right direction and the vicinity of the left and right side portions, respectively, is arranged. ing.

The cord support unit 5A will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, but as shown in cross section in FIG. 1, the cord support unit 5A suspends a take-up drum 53 for suspending the elevating cord 3 and a ladder cord 4. It includes a tilt unit 54 for lowering and a lifting pulley 55 for suspending the lifting cord 11. In the cord support unit 5A, the take-up drum 53 and the tilt unit 54 are supported by the support case 50, and the lifting pulley 55 is supported by the support case 51. The support case 51 is fixed to the support case 50 and is covered from above by the lid case 52. The support case 50, the support case 51, and the lid case 52 are integrally fixed in the head box 1 so as not to cause rattling.

Although not used in this embodiment, a cord support unit having a tilt unit 54 and a lifting pulley 55 but not having a take-up drum 53 (not shown, but for convenience of explanation, "cord". The support unit 5B ”) may be appropriately arranged in the head box 1.

The take-up drum 53 attaches the upper end of the elevating cord 3 so that the elevating cord 3 can be wound or rewound, and the drive shaft 7 is inserted through the central shaft thereof so as to be relatively non-rotatable. If 7 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the take-up drum 53 also rotates in the forward and reverse directions together. Therefore, by rotating the take-up drum 53 under the rotation control of the drive shaft 7, the bottom rail 6 can be raised and lowered while the slats 2 are folded.

The tilt unit 54 has a tilter 543 (described later with reference to FIG. 2) that is arranged coaxially with the take-up drum 53 and suspends the upper ends of the warp threads before and after the ladder cord 4, and the tilter is described later. The 543 rotates based on the rotation of the drive shaft 7 within a predetermined rotation range, thereby enabling the relative movement of the warp threads in the front-rear direction of the ladder code 4, and for the rotation of the drive shaft 7 exceeding the predetermined rotation range. By making it non-rotating, the state of relative movement of the warp threads before and after the ladder code 4 is maintained. Therefore, the tilt unit 54 is rotated within a predetermined rotation range by the rotation control of the drive shaft 7, and is not rotated with respect to the rotation of the drive shaft 7 beyond the predetermined rotation range. The warp threads can be raised and lowered to tilt the slat 2 in a plurality of stages at the same phase angle and at an arbitrary angle.

The lifting pulley 55 is arranged on the upper part of the tilt unit 54, and is capable of winding or rewinding the lifting cord 11 by attaching the upper end of the lifting cord 11 so that the lifting cord 11 can rotate relative to the support case 51. Be supported. As described above, the lower end of the lifting cord 11 is locked to the indoor warp of the corresponding ladder cord 4 by the locking member 12 at a position substantially central in the vertical direction of the plurality of slat 2. Further, a drive shaft 8 is inserted through the central shaft of the lifting pulley 55 so as not to be able to rotate relative to each other, and if the driving shaft 8 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the lifting pulley 55 also rotates in the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, by rotating the lifting pulley 55 by controlling the rotation of the drive shaft 8, the tilts of the lower slat group 2A and the upper slat group 2B can be changed to different states as shown in FIG.

A motor 9 composed of, for example, an induction motor is disposed on one end side in the head box 1, and one end of the drive shaft 7 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 9. Then, the drive shaft 7 is forward-reversed based on the operation of the motor 9, and the plurality of stages of slats 2 are rotated or wound via the ladder code 4 by the operation of the tilt unit 54 based on the forward / reverse rotation of the drive shaft 7. By the operation of the take drum 53, the bottom rail 6 is raised and lowered via the raising and lowering cord 3, and the slat 2 in a plurality of stages is raised and lowered.

In this example, a stepping motor 10 is disposed on the other end side of the head box 1. One end of the drive shaft 8 is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor 10 via a connecting member 17, and the stepping motor 10 is connected. The drive shaft 8 rotates integrally with the rotation of the output shaft of. Here, in the vicinity of the connecting member 17 (lower in this example), a limit switch 19 for limiting the rotation angle of the output shaft of the stepping motor 10 (that is, the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8) to be within a predetermined range. Is provided, and a rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the connecting member 17 is arranged so that the limit switch 19 can be turned ON / OFF. Then, in the control unit 15, the limit switch 19 is turned off and the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is in the range from a predetermined minimum angle to the maximum angle, based on the state in which the rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the connecting member 17 turns on the limit switch 19. The rotation of the stepping motor 10 is controlled within (320 ° or less in the example described later). That is, the limit switch 19 is a functional unit that defines the rotation reference position of the drive shaft 8 by the control unit 15 that controls the drive of the stepping motor 10, and the control unit 15 is based on the state in which the limit switch 19 is turned on. The drive of the stepping motor 10 is controlled so that the lifting pulley 55 rotates based on the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 determined. By rotating the lifting pulley 55 within the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8, as shown in FIG. 1, the tilts of the lower slat group 2A and the upper slat group 2B can be changed to different states. I am doing it. As a result, the drive shaft 8 is forward-reversed within the limited range based on the operation of the stepping motor 10, and the lower slat group 2A and the upper slat group 2B are rotated by the operation of the lifting pulley 55 based on the forward / reverse rotation of the drive shaft 8. The tilt of the can be changed to different states.

A power supply unit 14 and a control unit 15 are arranged in the head box 1. Then, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to the control unit 15, the motor 9, the stepping motor 10, and the like, and the control unit 15 is wired or wireless (one-way communication by infrared rays or bidirectional by wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like). The motor 9 and stepping are based on operation signals from a wired switch 21, a multi-switch 22, a remote controller (remote controller) 23, or a communication terminal 24 (described later with reference to FIG. 4) connected by communication (including communication). The operation of the motor 10 and the like is controlled.

An encoder 13 is arranged in the head box 1, and the encoder 13 generates a pulse signal based on the rotation of the drive shaft 7 and outputs the pulse signal to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the forward / reverse rotation of the motor 9 while monitoring the rotation amount of the drive shaft 7 based on the pulse signal from the encoder 13. On the other hand, the control unit 15 controls the forward / reverse rotation of the stepping motor 10 while monitoring the count of the number of steps of the stepping motor 10 with respect to the rotation amount of the drive shaft 8.

Further, an upper limit detection switch 16 for detecting the presence or absence of contact between the uppermost slat 2 is arranged at an appropriate position on the bottom surface side of the head box 1. When the uppermost slat 2 comes into contact with the upper limit detection switch 16, an upper limit detection signal indicating that effect is generated and output to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 determines that the bottom rail 6 is located at the physical upper limit based on the upper limit detection signal from the upper limit detection switch 16. Therefore, the control unit 15 sets the upper limit setting position and the lower limit setting position that regulate the elevating range of the bottom rail 6 by the count value based on the pulse signal from the encoder 13 below the position where the upper limit detection switch 16 operates. It can be set and set. As a result, the control unit 15 integrally controls the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A as a whole 2C within the range of the upper limit setting position and the lower limit setting position of the bottom rail 6 while monitoring the pulse signal from the encoder 13. As a result, the bottom rail 6 can be raised and lowered.

As described above, the control unit 15 can control the elevating and lowering of the slat 2 in a plurality of stages and the rotation of the same phase angle by integrally forming the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A as the whole 2C, and further, the upper slat group The rotation of the same phase angle can be controlled separately for 2B and the lower slat group 2A. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the upper slat group 2B is in a horizontal state and the lower slat group 2A is in a horizontal state when rotated to a fully closed state. However, in the present embodiment, the entire shielding material (all) is shown. Overall operation mode (MODE1) for collectively operating 2C (whole) 2C for operating the slat 2 and bottom rail 6 and individual operation for individually operating the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A. There are modes (MODE2 to MODE4), and this point will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

(Structure of cord support unit)
FIG. 2A is a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a cord support unit 5A in the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a side view showing a simplified diagram of the cord support unit 5A.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cord support unit 5A suspends the take-up drum 53 for suspending the elevating cord 3, the tilt unit 54 for suspending the ladder cord 4, and the lifting cord 11. It is equipped with a lifting pulley 55 for lowering. In the cord support unit 5A, the take-up drum 53 and the tilt unit 54 are supported by the support case 50, and the lifting pulley 55 is supported by the support case 51. The support case 51 is fixed to the support case 50 and is covered from above by the lid case 52. The support cases 50 and 51 and the lid case 52 are integrally fixed in the head box 1 so as not to cause rattling.

The take-up drum 53 is attached to the upper end of the elevating cord 3 so that the elevating cord 3 can be wound or rewound, and is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the support case 50. Further, a drive shaft 7 is inserted through the central shaft of the take-up drum 53 so as to be unable to rotate relative to each other, and if the drive shaft 7 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the take-up drum 53 also rotates in the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, by rotating the take-up drum 53 under the rotation control of the drive shaft 7, the bottom rail 6 can be raised and lowered while the slats 2 are folded.

The tilt unit 54 is arranged coaxially with the take-up drum 53, and has a tilt collar 541, a tilt spring 542, and a tilter 543.

The tilt collar 541 is composed of a stepped cylindrical body that penetrates the drive shaft 7 so as not to rotate relative to each other. That is, if the drive shaft 7 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the tilt collar 541 also rotates in the forward and reverse directions together.

The tilt spring 542 is composed of a torsion coil spring wound on the outer peripheral surface of the tilt collar 541, and tightens the tilt collar 541. Therefore, when the tilt collar 541 rotates, the tilt spring 542 rotates integrally with the tilt collar 541 as long as the tilt collar 541 does not slip.

The tilter 543 is formed of a cylindrical body that rotatably penetrates the drive shaft 7 and accommodates the tilt collar 541 by sandwiching the tilt spring 542. It has 543a. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, each end portion 542a of the tilt spring 542 is arranged so as to sandwich the protruding portion 543a. Therefore, the tilter 543 penetrates the drive shaft 7 so as to be relatively rotatable, but when the tilt spring 542 rotates with the rotation of the drive shaft 7 and the tilt collar 541, one end of the tilt spring 542 The 542a abuts on one of the side surfaces of the protrusion 543a of the tilter 543, and the tilter 543 also rotates in the same direction.

However, the rotation range of the tilter 543 is limited so that the protrusion 543a cannot rotate when it comes into contact with the wall portion 50a (see FIG. 2B) formed on the support case 50. Therefore, when the rotation of the tilter 543 is restricted, the rotation of the tilt spring 542 is also restricted, and the tightening force of the tilt spring 542 with respect to the tilt collar 541 is relaxed (the winding diameter of the torsion coil spring is expanded and relaxed). In this state, the rotation of the drive shaft 7 and the tilt collar 541 idles with respect to the tilter 543. Therefore, the tilt unit 54 can be rotated within a predetermined rotation range by the rotation of the drive shaft 7, but the tilt collar 541 and the tilt spring 542 are used for the rotation of the drive shaft 7 beyond the predetermined rotation range. A slip occurs between them, and the tilt unit 54 becomes non-rotating.

In this example, the tilter 543 is configured to suspend the upper ends of the warp threads before and after the ladder cord 4 in the vicinity of the protrusion 543a shown in FIG. 2 (b), and the tilter 543 is set within a predetermined rotation range. By rotating based on the rotation of the drive shaft 7, the warp threads in the front and rear of the ladder code 4 can be relatively moved, and the rotation of the drive shaft 7 exceeding the predetermined rotation range is not rotated. The state of relative movement of the warp threads before and after the ladder code 4 can be maintained. Therefore, the tilt unit 54 is rotated within a predetermined rotation range by the rotation control of the drive shaft 7, and is not rotated with respect to the rotation of the drive shaft 7 beyond the predetermined rotation range. The warp threads can be raised and lowered to tilt the entire C of the plurality of slats 2 at the same phase angle and at an arbitrary angle.

The lifting pulley 55 is arranged on the upper part of the tilt unit 54, and is capable of winding or rewinding the lifting cord 11 by attaching the upper end of the lifting cord 11 so that the lifting cord 11 can rotate relative to the support case 51. Be supported. Further, a drive shaft 8 is inserted through the central shaft of the lifting pulley 55 so as not to be able to rotate relative to each other, and if the driving shaft 8 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the lifting pulley 55 also rotates in the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, by rotating the lifting pulley 55 by controlling the rotation of the drive shaft 8, the tilts of the lower slat group 2A and the upper slat group 2B can be changed to different states.

The lifting cord 11 is configured to be woven into the weft of the ladder cord 4 below the head box 1 so as not to be unsightly and loose from the viewpoint of design, but it is understood from FIG. 2 (b). As described above, in the cord support unit 5A, the lifting pulley 55 is arranged above the tilt unit 54, so that the lifting cord 11 and the ladder cord 4 are entangled with each other to prevent malfunction.

Then, in the cord support unit 5A according to the present invention, the lifting cord 11 hangs down from the lifting pulley 55, moves diagonally to the cord outlet of the support case 50, and is derived, and is derived along one warp of the ladder cord 4. And hang down. The outlet of the lifting cord 11 in the cord support unit 5A is the outlet 50c in the same space as the ladder code 4, and is separated from the outlet 50d of the elevating cord 3. From this point as well, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to the lifting cord 11 and the ladder cord 4 being entangled with each other.

Therefore, the cord support unit 5A according to the present invention is a tilt unit having a tilter 543 that can rotate so as to relatively move two warps in the front and rear of the ladder cord 4 that suspends and supports the slat 2C and the bottom rail 6 in a plurality of stages. 54, a take-up drum 53 that attaches and winds up or rewinds the upper end of an elevating cord 3 for raising and lowering the bottom rail 6 together with a plurality of stages of slat 2C, and a plurality of stages of slat 2C as an upper slat group. A lifting pulley that can be wound up or rewound by attaching the upper end of the lifting cord 11 with the lower end locked to one of the two warps in the front and rear of the ladder cord 4 at the position divided into 2B and the lower slat group 2A. The support case 50, 51, 52 is configured to include a tilt unit 54, a take-up drum 53, and support cases 50, 51, 52 for supporting the lifting pulley 55, and the support cases 50, 51, 52 have the lifting pulley 55 as a tilter 543. It is configured to be arranged and supported above the. Further, the outlet of the lifting cord 11 in the cord support unit 5A is the outlet 50c in the same space as the ladder code 4, and is separated from the outlet 50d of the elevating cord 3.

As a result, the cord support unit 5A according to the present invention has a width in the front-rear direction of the head box 1 accommodating the cord support unit 5A, as compared with the case where the lifting pulley 55 is arranged and supported in the front-rear direction of the tilter 543. It can be suppressed and the assemblability to the head box 1 is improved. The cord support unit 5A according to the present invention can prevent malfunction due to the lifting cord 11 and the ladder cord 4 being entangled with each other.

(How to crochet the lifting cord)
In the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an example in which a total of three ladder cords 4 are arranged in the left-right direction between the head box 1 and the bottom rail 6 is shown along each ladder cord 4. Each of the lifting cords 11 is hung down, and it is preferable that each lifting cord 11 is hung by knitting the weft of the corresponding ladder cord 4 one step at a time. Further, when the head box 1 is long in the left-right direction, the number of ladder cords 4 can be increased and hung down.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the ladder code 4 and the elevating cord 3 and the lifting cord 11 in the electric horizontal blind according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a diagram regarding the braiding of the lifting cord 11. It is a side view which is simply illustrated.

First, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a total of three ladder cords 4 are arranged in the left-right direction between the headbox 1 and the bottom rail 6, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. The lifting cord 11 is hung along the warp of each ladder cord 4 by using the cord supporting unit 5A described with reference to the above, and the lifting cord 3 is also arranged as three. Further, when arranging a total of four ladder cords 4, the lifting cord 11 is hung along the warp of each ladder cord 4 by using the cord support unit 5A, and the elevating cord 3 is also arranged as four. ing. However, when five or more ladder cords 4 are arranged in the left-right direction, the cord support unit 5A and the above-mentioned cord support unit 5B (not shown) are used to attach the lifting cord 11 to the warp of each ladder cord 4. The same is true in that the elevating cords 3 are hung along the same direction, but the elevating cords 3 are arranged in a number smaller than the number of the ladder cords 4 at the hanging positions symmetrically from the center in the left-right direction of the head box 1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a total of five ladder cords 4 are arranged, the elevating cords 3 are aligned with the ladder cords 4 on the left-right end side of the headbox 1. There are a total of three, consisting of two to be installed and one to be installed side by side on the ladder code 4 in the center of the head box 1 in the left-right direction. Further, when a total of 7 or 9 ladder cords 4 are arranged, the elevating cords 3 are two and two ladder cords 3 arranged side by side on each ladder cord 4 on the left-right end side of the head box 1. The number of ladder codes 4 is intermittently arranged side by side with the ladder codes 4.

In this way, the lifting cord 11 is hung along the warp of each ladder cord 4 regardless of the number of ladder cords 4, while the lifting cord 3 is attached to the head box 1 according to the number of ladder cords 4. Arrange in a number equal to or less than the number of ladder codes 4 at a hanging position symmetrically from the center in the left-right direction. Thereby, for example, even when a tape-shaped elevating cord 3 is used, it is possible to suppress spoiling the aesthetic appearance.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, each lifting cord 11 is locked by a locking member 12 to the warp on the indoor side of the corresponding ladder cord 4 at the lower end thereof, and the locking member 12 is engaged from the head box 1. Until then, the weft 4a of the ladder cord 4 is hung down so as to maintain the knitting step by step. Further, the knitting direction of each lifting cord 11 is also the same, that is, in this example, when one lifting cord 11 is knitted so as to pass from the right side to the left side of the weft 4a supporting the slat 2. Similarly, the other lifting cord 11 is crocheted so as to pass from the right side to the left side of the corresponding weft 4a. In this way, each lifting cord 11 is crocheted one step at a time with the weft 4a of the corresponding ladder cord 4 to prevent the lifting cord 11 from loosening and improve the aesthetic appearance, and the slat 2 is woven in the same direction. It is possible to alleviate the resistance to the ladder cord 4 that occurs when the ladder cord 4 is tilted, and the movement of the lifting cord 11 can be made smoother.

(Controller unit)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention.

When the control unit 15 receives an operation signal from an external device such as a wired switch 21, a multi-switch 22, a remote control 23, or a communication terminal 24 such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone, the control unit 15 contains various operation signals included in the operation signal. It is a functional unit that performs control corresponding to commands, and is a microcomputer unit 151, a storage unit 152, a signal transmission / reception unit 153, a signal transmission / reception unit 154, a wired signal transmission / reception unit 155, an external device interface (IF) unit 156, and a motor drive unit 157a. , 157b, abnormality detecting units 158a, 158b, and signal receiving units 159a, 159b, 159c.

The wired switch 21 is an operation switch that outputs an operation signal to the control unit 15 by being connected to the control unit 15 by wire, and has a form of one-way signal transmission from the wired switch 21 to the control unit 15 or a control unit. It is possible to adopt a bidirectional transmission / reception method in which the response signal from 15 can also be received.

The remote controller 23 is a remote controller that outputs an operation signal to the control unit 15 by wirelessly connecting to the control unit 15 by infrared rays, and has a form of one-way signal transmission from the remote controller 23 to the control unit 15 or a control unit. It is possible to adopt a bidirectional transmission / reception method in which the response signal from 15 can also be received.

The multi-switch 22 has a multi-function that enables the operation of one or more of the plurality of electric horizontal blinds selectively or all at the same time when the electric horizontal blinds shown in FIG. 1 are composed of a plurality of units. It's a switch. The multi-switch 22 of this example is configured to output an operation signal to the control unit 15 by a wired connection (or a wireless connection by short-range wireless communication such as a wireless LAN) to the control unit 15, and is configured from the multi-switch 22. A one-way signal transmission method to the control unit 15 or a two-way transmission / reception method in which a response signal from the control unit 15 can be received can be used.

The communication terminal 24 is configured to output an operation signal to the control unit 15 by making a wired connection to the control unit 15 (or by making a wireless connection by wireless LAN), and the communication terminal 24 is connected to the control unit 15. It can be a one-way signal transmission method or a two-way transmission / reception method capable of receiving a response signal from the control unit 15.

Here, the operation signal includes a command for designating an operation mode described later, an ascending command for instructing the ascending operation of the entire 2C of the multi-stage slat 2, and a descending command for instructing the ascending operation of the entire 2C of the multi-stage slat 2. , A stop command instructing to stop the ascending / descending operation of the entire 2C of the multi-stage slat 2, and any rotation of the slat 2 to be operated according to the operation mode within a predetermined range from fully closed to reverse fully closed. Includes rotation commands that indicate by angle.

The signal transmission / reception unit 153 is a functional unit that receives an operation signal from the remote controller 23 and outputs the operation signal to the microcomputer unit 151, enables mutual communication between the microcomputer unit 151 and the remote controller 23, and provides detailed commands related to the operation. Allows communication.

The signal transmission / reception unit 154 is a functional unit that receives an operation signal from the multi-switch 22 and outputs it to the microcomputer unit 151, enables mutual communication between the microcomputer unit 151 and the multi-switch 22 and details the operation. Allows the exchange of commands.

The wired signal transmission / reception unit 155 is a functional unit that receives an operation signal from the wired switch 21 and outputs it to the microcomputer unit 151, enables mutual communication between the microcomputer unit 151 and the wired switch 21, and details the operation. Enables the exchange of various commands.

The external device interface (IF) unit 156 is a functional unit that receives an operation signal from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone and outputs the operation signal to the microcomputer unit 151. It enables mutual communication with the IF) unit 156 and enables the exchange of detailed commands related to the operation.

The motor drive units 157a and 157b are motor drivers that drive the motor 9 and the stepping motor 10, respectively.

The abnormality detection units 158a and 158b are functional units that detect abnormal values (one or more of overcurrent, abnormal waveform current, or abnormal waveform voltage) in the motor drive units 157a and 157b, respectively, and notify the microcomputer unit 151. be.

The signal receiving unit 159a is a functional unit that receives a pulse signal from the encoder 13 and notifies the microcomputer unit 151.

The signal receiving unit 159b is a functional unit that receives an upper limit detection signal indicating that the uppermost slat 2 has come into contact with the upper limit detection switch 16 and notifies the microcomputer unit 151.

The signal receiving unit 159c is a functional unit that receives a signal from the limit switch 19 indicating a state in which the limit switch 19 is turned on / off and notifies the microcomputer unit 151.

The microcomputer unit 151 reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 152 in advance, and receives an operation signal from the remote controller 23 received via the signal transmission / reception unit 153 and a multi-switch received via the signal transmission / reception unit 154. The operation signal from 22, the operation signal from the wired switch 21 received via the wired signal transmission / reception unit 155, or the operation signal from the communication terminal 24 received via the external device IF unit 156 is received and within the operation signal. Processes various commands contained in.

Then, for the function of the control unit 15 realized by the execution of the program by the microcomputer unit 151, the operation signal is received, various commands included in the operation signal are discriminated, and various controls of the corresponding electric horizontal blinds are performed. Function, A function to appropriately store and manage the count value in the storage unit 152 while counting the presence / absence of the encoder pulse and the number of encoder pulses via the signal receiving unit 159 that receives the pulse signal from the encoder 13. A function to store and manage various settings related to the upper limit setting position and lower limit setting position of the bottom rail 6 that can be set according to the count value of the number of pulses in the storage unit 152, the motor 9 and the motor 9 via the motor drive units 157a and 157b. Based on the function to control the drive of the stepping motor 10 and the upper limit detection signal from the upper limit detection switch 16, it is determined that the bottom rail 6 is located at the physical upper limit, and various settings related to the upper limit setting position, lower limit setting position, etc. The abnormality detection unit 158a, which detects abnormal values (one or more of overcurrent, abnormal waveform current, or abnormal waveform voltage) in the motor drive units 157a and 157b and notifies the microcomputer unit 151, respectively. It includes a function of monitoring the abnormal value via 158b and forcibly stopping the drive of the motor 9 or the stepping motor 10 by using it for, for example, obstacle detection.

As will be described in detail later, the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is associated with the pulse count for controlling the rotation of the stepping motor 10. In particular, in the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8, the state in which the rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the connecting member 17 turns on the limit switch 19 is set as the rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 = 0 °, and the rotation reference position of the drive shaft 8 is set. It is classified based on the load related to the lifting cord 11 depending on the mode (MODE1 to MODE4 described later with reference to FIG. 7) and the type of slats 2 (the width in the front-rear direction of the slats, the length in the left-right direction, the number of slats, etc.). It is set within the range from a predetermined minimum angle to the maximum angle (320 ° or less in the example described later) according to the above. This setting information is stored in the storage unit 152 in association with the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 with the pulse count of the stepping motor 10.

Further, when the microcomputer unit 151 detects a state in which the rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the connecting member 17 turns on the limit switch 19 via the signal receiving unit 159c when the power is turned on, the rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 = 0. Determine the rotation reference position to be °. Therefore, when the rotation of the stepping motor 10 is controlled in the operation mode corresponding to the operation signal, the microcomputer unit 151 reads out the setting information regarding the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 from the storage unit 152 and is installed. The rotation of the stepping motor 10 is controlled via the motor drive unit 157b within a predetermined range according to the type of the slats 2 and the operation mode, the drive shaft 8 is rotated, and the drive follows the setting information. The lifting pulley 55 is rotated within the range of the rotation angle of the shaft 8. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tilts of the lower slat group 2A and the upper slat group 2B can be accurately changed to different states.

In addition, the microcomputer unit 151 detects one or more of the overcurrent, the abnormal waveform current, or the abnormal waveform voltage that drives the rotation of the stepping motor 10 via the abnormality detecting unit 158b, and the lifting cord 11 lifts the maximum. It has a control function that determines that it is in a state and forcibly stops the rotation of the lifting pulley 55. As a result, the lifting cord 11 operates stably even when it expands and contracts over time.

(Switch configuration)
5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a wired switch 21 or a remote controller 23 for operating an electric horizontal blind according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a multi-switch 22, respectively.

The wired switch 21 (or remote control 23) of one embodiment shown in FIG. 5A is a switch for an electric horizontal blind for opening and closing a plurality of types of shielding materials (upper slat group 2B and lower slat group 2A). It is configured as (or a controller) (however, it can be used not only for the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment but also for various electric blinds), and prior to the raising / lowering or rotation operation of the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A. A switching button 216 for selecting and specifying a predetermined operation mode, and an operation button for raising / lowering or rotating the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A in the operation mode selected and specified by the switching button 216. (211 to 215), and internally, a mode designation signal corresponding to the switching button 216 and an operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation button (211 to 215) are transmitted to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind as an operation signal. A communication control unit (not shown) is provided.

The changeover button 216 is a button for switching an operation mode (MODE1 to MODE4 in this example) defined by a predetermined type. The operation mode will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, but the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A are integrally set as the whole 2C, and the bottom rail 6 is operated to move up and down or rotate. The overall operation mode (MODE1) that enables the rotation of the same phase angle individually for the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A at the lower limit setting position of the bottom rail 6 (MODE2 to MODE4). ). For this reason, the switching button 216 is configured to sequentially switch MODE1 to MODE4 each time the operator presses the button repeatedly, and the current operating mode in which the button is pressed is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. It is designed to be displayed by switching lighting of four display units 217-1 to 217-4 indicating each configured operation mode.

The individual operation mode will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, but the lower slat group 2A is shifted to a light-shielding state (a fully closed state in which the slat 2 is maximally tilted) and fixed in a state, and the upper slat group 2B is fixed. Lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2) for lighting or rotating to the light-shielding state, shift the upper slat group 2B to the daylighting state (slat 2 is in the horizontal state) and fix the state, and light the lower slat group 2A. Alternatively, the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3) for rotating to the light-shielding state, and the upper slat group 2B are shifted to the light-shielding state (reverse fully closed state in which the slat 2 is maximally tilted) to fix the state and lower. It includes an upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4) for rotating the slats group 2A to a daylighting or light-shielding state.

The operation button is an "open / close button" for raising and lowering the bottom rail 6 (that is, an open button for raising and opening the bottom rail 6) with the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A integrally as a whole 2C. ("△ button") 211 and the closing button ("▽ button") 213 for lowering and closing the bottom rail 6) and the "rotating button" for rotating the slat 2 (that is, , A normal shielding button 215 for rotating to the normal shielding state and a reverse shielding button 214 for rotating to the reverse shielding state), and a stop button for stopping the opening / closing operation ("" □ Button ") It has a set of 212. In the specification of the present application, the maximum normal shielding is referred to as "fully closed", and the maximum reverse shielding is referred to as "reverse fully closed".

As a result, when the operator performs the ascending operation of the bottom rail 6 in the overall operation mode (MODE1) by the wired switch 21 or the remote controller 23, the operator indicates the ascending command by pressing the open button (“△ button”) 211. The operation instruction signal can be transmitted to the control unit 15, and when the descending operation is performed, the operation instruction signal indicating the descending command can be transmitted to the control unit 15 by pressing the close button (“▽ button”) 213, and the ascending / descending operation is stopped. By pressing the stop button (“□ button”) 212, an operation instruction signal indicating a stop command can be transmitted.

Further, the operator presses the positive shielding button 215 of the slats 2 on the corresponding operation modes in the overall operation mode (MODE1) and the individual operation modes (MODE2 to MODE4) by the wired switch 21 or the remote controller 23. The operation instruction signal indicating the normal shielding rotation command can be transmitted to the control unit 15, and the operation instruction signal indicating the reverse shielding rotation command can be transmitted to the control unit 15 by pressing the reverse shielding button 214 of the slat 2. When the pressing of the normal shielding button 215 and the reverse shielding button 214 is stopped, the corresponding command is not transmitted, and the rotation operation of the slat 2 to be operated is also stopped.

In this example, each button on the wired switch 21 (or the remote controller 23) is a physical button that can be physically pressed, but it may be a display button that can be displayed and pressed on the liquid crystal panel. Further, in the configuration in which the liquid crystal panel is used for the wired switch 21 (or the remote controller 23), the changeover button 216 is pressed in addition to the display units 217-1 to 217-4 or instead of the display units 217-1 to 217-4. Each time is repeated, the character display of MODE1 to MODE4 may be sequentially switched and displayed.

On the other hand, in the multi-switch 22 of one embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, when the electric horizontal blinds shown in FIG. 1 are composed of a plurality of units, one or more of the plurality of electric horizontal blinds is selected. It is configured by using a liquid crystal panel as a multifunctional switch that can operate all or all at the same time.

Similarly, the multi-switch 22 corresponds to each MODE1 to MODE4 as a switching button for selecting and designating a predetermined operation mode prior to the raising / lowering or rotation operation of the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A. "Whole" button 227-1, "Upper lighting" button 227-2, "Lower lighting" button 227-3, and "Upper shielding" button 227-4, and the upper part in the operation mode selected and specified by these switching buttons. Operation buttons (221 to 225) for raising / lowering or rotating the slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A, and a "position specification" button for designating the position of the slat angle for the electric horizontal blind in each operation mode. It has become possible to present an "overall operation screen" having 228, a "back" button 229 for switching to the "operation menu screen" which is the previous screen such as a setting screen (not shown), and a "back" button 229. There is. Then, inside the multi-switch 22, a communication control unit (a communication control unit) that transmits a mode designation signal corresponding to these changeover buttons and an operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation buttons 221 to 225 to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind as an operation signal. (Not shown) is provided. Although not shown, the "operation menu screen", which is the screen immediately before the "overall operation screen" shown in FIG. 5B, is an operation for collectively operating all the electric blinds to be operated. In addition to the "whole" button for selecting the presentation of the "whole operation screen" that is the screen, the "individual operation screen" that is the operation screen for selecting and operating one of the target products to be operated. "Individual operation" button for selecting the presentation of "", a setting screen for selecting one or more areas of multiple electric blinds and setting the electric blinds in the area to be operable as the same group. "Area" button for selecting the presentation of, "Timer" setting for selecting the presentation of the setting screen for setting the timer operation for the selected electric blind, and "Timer" setting for comprehensively setting various settings. The "Set" button and the like are presented.

Each of the operation buttons (221,222,223,224,225) shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to each of the operation buttons (211,212,213,214,215) shown in FIG. 5A. is doing.

Therefore, the operator can select the "whole button" 227-1, the "upper lighting button" 227-2, the "lower lighting button" 227-3, and the "upper shielding button" 227-4 by the multi-switch 22. The operation mode can be switched, and the selected button is displayed so that the shade is identified to indicate that effect.

Then, when the operator performs the ascending operation of the bottom rail 6 in the overall operation mode (MODE1) based on the selection of the "overall button" 227-1 by the multi-switch 22, the open button ("△ button") is used. An operation instruction signal indicating an ascending command can be transmitted to the control unit 15 by pressing 221. When performing a descending operation, an operation instruction signal indicating a descending command can be transmitted to the control unit 15 by pressing the close button (“▽ button”) 223. It can be transmitted, and when the stop operation of the ascending / descending operation is performed, the operation instruction signal indicating the stop command can be transmitted by pressing the stop button 222.

In addition, the operator can use the multi-switch 22 to perform the overall operation mode (MODE1) based on the selection of the "overall button" 227-1, as well as the "upper lighting button" 227-2, the "lower lighting button" 227-3, and. In the individual operation mode (MODE2 to MODE4) based on the selection of the "upper shield button" 227-4, the correct shield rotation command is issued by maintaining the press of the positive shield button 225 of the slat 2 on the corresponding operation mode. The operation instruction signal shown can be transmitted to the control unit 11, and the operation instruction signal indicating the reverse shielding rotation command can be transmitted to the control unit 11 by maintaining the pressing of the reverse shielding button 224 of the slats 2. When the pressing of the normal shielding button 225 and the reverse shielding button 224 is stopped, the corresponding command is not transmitted, and the rotation operation of the slat 2 to be operated is also stopped.

Therefore, the multi-switch 22 according to the present invention is configured by using a liquid crystal panel so as to have individual buttons 227-1 to 227-4 that enable operation of each of the individual operation modes and the entire operation mode. , The operability related to the selection of the operation mode is improved as compared with the wired switch 21 (or the remote controller 23) of one embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (a). That is, in the wired switch 21 (or the remote controller 23) of one embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the operation mode is switched by sequentially pressing one changeover button 216 in order to suppress the cost increase related to the increase of buttons. In this case, for example, when switching from MODE3 to MODE2, it is necessary to press the switching button 216 three times. On the other hand, in the multi-switch 22 shown in FIG. 5B, the operation mode can be switched by pressing the desired operation mode of the buttons 227-1 to 227-4 once in any operation mode, so that the operability is improved. improves. Further, by configuring the multi-switch 22 using the liquid crystal panel, the physical cost can be suppressed even if the number of buttons increases. Although the multi-switch 22 has been described as being able to selectively or simultaneously operate one or more of the plurality of electric horizontal blinds when the electric horizontal blinds are composed of a plurality of units. Since this multi-switch 22 has the above-mentioned opening / closing operation function of the shielding material, it can be used for the operation of other forms of the electric blind regardless of whether or not it is classified into the upper and lower shielding materials. Not to mention.

The communication terminal 24 can be similarly functioned by having and executing such an application having an operation function of the wired switch 21 (or the remote controller 23) or the multi-switch 22.

(Example of controlling electric horizontal blinds)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric horizontal blind according to the embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment can be operated by using the wired switch 21, the remote controller 23, the multi-switch 22, or the communication terminal 24, but FIG. 5 is represented with reference to FIG. A control example of the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind when operated by the wired switch 21 shown in (a) will be described.

First, when the changeover button 216 is pressed by the operator (step S1), the wired switch 21 transmits an operation mode designation signal to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind to be operated. At this time, the storage unit 152 in the control unit 15 is said to be, for example, under the operation mode of MODE1, the bottom rail 6 at a predetermined height position, and the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2C at predetermined angles, respectively. It is assumed that the state information indicating the state is temporarily stored.

Subsequently, the electric horizontal blind that has received the operation mode designation signal reads out the state information indicating the state of the current operation mode from the storage unit 152 under the control of the control unit 15, and the next operation mode of the current operation mode is read. The transition to the default state in the above is started, and the state information indicating the state of the current operation mode is updated in the storage unit 152 (step S2). For example, the control unit 15 starts shifting from MODE1 to the default state of MODE2 when the bottom rail 6 is in the lowermost position, and the storage unit 152 is in a state indicating that it is in the operation mode of MODE2. The information is updated.

Here, even if the changeover button 216 is pressed by the operator before the transition to the default state of MODE2 is completed (step S3), the wired switch 21 again operates the operation mode designation signal. It is transmitted to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind.

Also in this case, the electric horizontal blind that has received the operation mode designation signal reads the state information indicating the state of the current operation mode from the storage unit 152 under the control of the control unit 15, and operates next to the current operation mode. The transition to the default state in the mode is started, and the state information indicating the state of the current operation mode is updated in the storage unit 152 (step S4). For example, the control unit 15 starts shifting from the MODE2 to the default state of the MODE3 when the bottom rail 6 is in the lowermost position, and the storage unit 152 is in a state indicating that the mode is in the operation mode of the MODE3. The information is updated.

Subsequently, for example, when the operation button (open / close button or rotation button) is pressed once or more by the operator before the transition to the default state of MODE3 is completed (step S5), the wired switch 21 In each case, the corresponding operation instruction signal is transmitted to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind to be operated.

For example, the electric horizontal blind that has received the operation instruction signal one or more times before the transition to the default state of MODE3 is completed has the latest operation instruction signal (open / close button or rotation) under the control of the control unit 15. The signal from the button) is temporarily stored and held in the storage unit 152 (step S6).

Subsequently, the control unit 15 monitors, for example, whether or not a new operation mode designation signal is received before the transition to the default state of MODE3 is completed (step S7), and the reception of the new operation mode designation signal is received. If there is (step S7: Y), the operation of shifting to step S4 and forcibly shifting to the default state of MODE4 is started (the latest operation instruction signal temporarily stored is discarded), but in this example. If the new operation mode designation signal is not received (step S7: N), the process proceeds to step S8.

Further, the control unit 15 monitors whether or not the new operation mode designation signal is received even after the transition to the default state of the current operation mode (for example, MODE3) is completed (step S7), and temporarily stores the storage unit 152. The operation corresponding to the latest stored operation instruction signal (signal by the open / close button or the rotation button) is automatically started (step S8).

Subsequently, when the stop button 122 is pressed by the operator, the wired switch 21 transmits an operation instruction signal indicating the stop to the control unit 15 (step S9). Then, the control unit 15 that has received the operation instruction signal indicating the stop stops the operation according to step S8, is in the operation mode of, for example, MODE3 with respect to the storage unit 152, and the bottom rail 6 is predetermined. The state information indicating that the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2C are at a predetermined angle at the height position is updated and stored (step S10).

As a modification, in step S6, the control unit 15 receives an operation instruction signal (a signal by the open / close button or the rotation button) until the transition to the default state of the current operation mode (for example, MODE3) is completed. However, in step S8, the operation instruction signal (signal by the open / close button or the rotation button) after the transition to the default state of the current operation mode (for example, MODE3) is enabled and controlled. May be good.

By the way, in the example shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the operation signal is transmitted from the wired switch 21 to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind to be operated, the operation mode designation signal and the operation instruction signal are separately transmitted as the operation signals. However, as a modification thereof, a signal format including a command corresponding to the operation mode designation signal and a command corresponding to the operation instruction signal is set in one operation signal, and the operation mode designation signal and the operation instruction signal are included. And may be transmitted at the same time. For example, even when the operation mode designation signal and the operation instruction signal are simultaneously transmitted from the wired switch 21 to the control unit 15 in the electric horizontal blind to be operated in steps S1, S3, S5, S9 illustrated in FIG. Since the control of 15 can be configured to execute the operation according to the operation instruction signal after shifting to the operation mode according to the operation mode designation signal, the control shown in steps S2, S4, S6, S8, S10 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the example shown in FIG. It can be configured to be controlled in the same manner.

Subsequently, a control example of each operation mode by the control unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control for each operation mode in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the operation by the wired switch 21 is taken as an example and the overall operation mode (MODE1) is selected by the selection operation of the changeover button 216 by the operator (step S11), the control unit 15 is set to the control unit 15. The lifting cord 11 is controlled to be rewound to the set minimum winding amount in the lifting pulley 55 to put the lower slat group 2A in a non-lifting state, and the lifting cord 3 is set in the winding drum 53 in response to a button operation on the wired switch 21. The bottom rail 6 can be raised and lowered by controlling the winding or rewinding of the rudder cord 4, and further, the tilt unit 54 controls the relative movement of the warp threads in the front-rear direction of the ladder cord 4, and the upper slat group 2B and the lower part are controlled. The entire 2C of the slat group 2A can be rotated at the same phase angle at once (step S12).

The operation mode of this overall operation mode (MODE1) will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is partially simplified. 8 (a) to 8 (f) are partial side views schematically showing an operation mode according to an overall operation mode in the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment, respectively.

For example, when the bottom rail 6 is stopped at a predetermined height such as the upper limit setting position (see FIG. 8A), the bottom rail 6 is lowered (for example, the close button (“▽ button”) 213 in the wired switch 21. When pressed) is performed, the control unit 15 controls the rotation of the tilt unit 54 and the take-up drum 53 by rotating the drive shaft 7 in the forward direction, so that the bottom rail 6 descends with the tilt angle of the slats 2 fully closed. (See FIG. 8 (b)). Then, when an intermediate stop operation (for example, pressing the stop button (“□ button”) 212 on the wired switch 21) is performed, or when the bottom rail 6 reaches the lower limit setting position, the control unit 15 is set on the bottom rail 6. The descent is stopped, and the reverse rotation control of the drive shaft 7 is performed so as to reproduce the rotational state of the entire 2C of the slats 2 before the operation (see FIG. 8C).

Further, when the rotation operation of the slats 2 (for example, pressing the normal shielding button 215 and the reverse shielding button 214 in the wired switch 21) is performed on the bottom rail 6 at the intermediate stop position or the lower limit setting position, control is performed. The unit 15 controls the rotation of the tilt unit 54 by rotating the drive shaft 7 in the forward and reverse directions, so that the tilt angle of the entire 2C of the slats 2 is the same phase angle and changes from fully closed to reverse fully closed including the horizontal state. (See FIG. 8 (d)).

The lower limit setting position of the bottom rail 6 is set so that slats having one or more steps and three or less steps are placed directly above the bottom rail 6. In other words, the load of the bottom rail 6 is configured to be applied only to the elevating cord 3 regardless of the elevating state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8D, even when the slats 2 are rotated, the bottom rail 6 does not tilt and the design is improved, and the light directly above the bottom rail 6 when the slats 2 are tilted. Leakage can be reliably prevented.

Further, when the bottom rail 6 is raised (for example, the open button (“Δ button”) 211 in the wired switch 21 is pressed), the control unit 15 rotates in the reverse direction of the drive shaft 7 to rotate the tilt unit 54 and the take-up drum 53. By controlling the rotation of the slat 2, the bottom rail 6 rises with the tilt angle of the slat 2 fully closed (see FIG. 8 (e)). Then, when an intermediate stop operation (for example, pressing the stop button (“□ button”) 212 on the wired switch 21) is performed, or when the bottom rail 6 reaches the upper limit set position, the control unit 15 is set on the bottom rail 6. The ascent is stopped, and the reverse rotation control of the drive shaft 7 is performed so that the entire 2C of the slats 2 is in a horizontal state (see FIG. 8 (f)).

As described above, in the overall operation mode (MODE1), the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A are integrally set as the entire 2C, and the bottom rail 6 can be moved up and down and rotated.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the operation by the wired switch 21 is taken as an example and the lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2) is selected by the selection operation of the changeover button 216 by the operator (step S13). , The control unit 15 automatically lowers the bottom rail 6 to the lower limit setting position (step S14). Since this lowering control is performed by the rotation of the drive shaft 7 by the motor 9, the slats 2 are lowered in a fully closed state by the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 due to the rotation of the tilter 543. Subsequently, the control unit 15 controls the rotation of the drive shaft 7 by the motor 9 so that the entire 2C of the slats 2 is made horizontal by the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 while the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position. (Step S15).

Subsequently, the control unit 15 lifts the lower slat group 2A to a fully closed state by rotating the lifting pulley 55 by the rotation of the drive shaft 8 by the stepping motor 10 (step S16). As a result, the lower slat group 2A is shifted to the fully closed state and the state is fixed, and the upper slat group 2B is automatically shifted to the horizontal state, and this state is set as the default state of the lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2).

In this lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2), the control unit 15 responds only to the button operation in the wired switch 21 (only the rotation operation of the slat 2 is responsive, and the elevating operation is not possible), and the tilter 543 in the tilt unit 54. By rotating the rudder code 4, the relative movement of the warp threads before and after the ladder code 4 is controlled so that only the upper slat group 2B can be rotated at the same phase angle (step S17). At this time, the control unit 15 controls to rotate only the upper slat group 2B at the same phase angle by controlling the relative movement of the warp threads in front of and behind the ladder code 4 while the lifting cord 11 is in the suspended state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the operation by the wired switch 21 is taken as an example, the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3) is selected by the selection operation of the changeover button 216 by the operator (step S18). , The bottom rail 6 is automatically lowered to the lower limit setting position (step S19). Since this lowering control is performed by the rotation of the drive shaft 7 by the motor 9, the slats 2 are lowered in a fully closed state by the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 due to the rotation of the tilter 543. Subsequently, the control unit 15 controls the rotation of the drive shaft 7 by the motor 9 so that the entire 2C of the slats 2 is made horizontal by the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 while the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position. (Step S20).

Subsequently, the control unit 15 lifts the lower slat group 2A to a fully closed state by rotating the lifting pulley 55 by the rotation of the drive shaft 8 by the stepping motor 10 (step S21). As a result, the upper slat group 2B is shifted to the horizontal state and the state is fixed, and the lower slat group 2A is automatically shifted to the fully closed state, and this state is set as the default state of the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3). That is, the control unit 15 has the same default state as the lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2) in the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), but the target of the rotation operation is the lower slat group 2A. It is different in that.

In this upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), the control unit 15 rotates the lifting pulley 55 in response to a button operation on the wired switch 21 (only the rotation operation of the slat 2 is responsive, and the raising / lowering operation is not possible). The lifting cord 11 is controlled to move up and down so that only the lower slat group 2A can rotate at the same phase angle (step S22).

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the operation by the wired switch 21 is taken as an example and the upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4) is selected by the selection operation of the changeover button 216 by the operator (step S23). , The bottom rail 6 is automatically lowered to the lower limit setting position (step S24). Since this lowering control is performed by the rotation of the drive shaft 7 by the motor 9, the slats 2 are lowered in a fully closed state by the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 due to the rotation of the tilter 543. Subsequently, in the control unit 15, the drive shaft 7 is driven by the motor 9 so that the entire 2C of the slat 2 is in the reverse fully closed state by the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 while the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position. Rotation control is performed (step S25).

Subsequently, the control unit 15 lifts the lower slat group 2A to a horizontal state by rotating the lifting pulley 55 by the rotation of the drive shaft 8 by the stepping motor 10 (step S26). As a result, the upper slat group 2B is shifted to the reverse fully closed state and the state is fixed, and the lower slat group 2A is automatically shifted to the horizontal state, and this state is set as the default state of the upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4). ..

In this upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4), the control unit 15 rotates the lifting pulley 55 in response to a button operation on the wired switch 21 (only the rotation operation of the slat 2 is responsive, and the raising / lowering operation is not possible). The lifting cord 11 is controlled to move up and down so that only the lower slat group 2A can rotate at the same phase angle (step S27).

That is, the control unit 15 controls the relative movement of the warp of the ladder code 4 with respect to the tilter 543 in the MODEs 1 and 2, and the maximum winding amount and the minimum set the lifting code 11 with respect to the lifting pulley 55 in the MODEs 3 and 4. By controlling the rotation of a variable amount within the range of the winding amount, it has a function of controlling the tilt angle of the operation target slat 2 according to the operation mode to be a plurality of steps or stepless. Then, in the present embodiment, in order to reduce the power load, the control unit 15 controls the drive shafts 7 and 8 so as not to rotate at the same time.

9 (a) to 9 (d) are side views schematically showing the operation modes related to the overall operation mode and the individual operation mode in the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment, respectively, and show the default state in each operation mode. Shows.

In the overall operation mode (MODE1), the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A are integrally set as the entire 2C, and the bottom rail 6 can be moved up and down and rotated.

In the lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2), the lower slat group 2A is shifted to the light-shielding state (fully closed state in which the slat 2 is maximally tilted) to be fixed, and the upper slat group 2B is rotated to the lighting or light-shielding state. Make it possible.

In the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), the upper slat group 2B is shifted to the lighting state (slat 2 is in the horizontal state) to be fixed in the state, and the lower slat group 2A can be rotated to the lighting or shading state.

In the upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4), the upper slat group 2B is shifted to a light-shielding state (reverse fully closed state in which the slat 2 is maximally tilted) to fix the state, and the lower slat group 2A is rotated to a lighting or light-shielding state. Make it operable.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the electric horizontal blind that can control the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A integrally and individually is configured, and its usability can be improved.

(Preferable example for setting the maximum winding amount and the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord)
10 (a) and 10 (b) are side views showing a preferred example of setting the lifting cord 11 when the bottom rail 6 is in the lowermost position in the electric horizontal blind of the present embodiment, respectively. As described above, the lifting cord 11 can be wound or rewound by the lifting pulley 55, and the control unit 15 detects a state in which the limit switch 19 is turned on at the time of initial setting or maintenance. Based on the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 at the time, the maximum winding amount and the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord 11 determined according to the operation mode and the type of the slat 2 described later are set to the minimum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8. Is stored in the storage unit 152 as setting information in association with the maximum angle, and the number of steps of the stepping motor 10 associated with the setting of the minimum angle and the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is counted (pulse). The lifting amount of the lifting cord 11 is controlled by the count). That is, the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11 is associated with the minimum angle and the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 corresponding to the maximum winding amount and the minimum winding amount, respectively, and further, the number of steps of the stepping motor 10. The setting information associated with the count (pulse count) is determined according to the operation mode and the type of the slat 2 described later, and is stored and held in the storage unit 152.

First, in setting the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord 11, as shown in FIG. 10A, the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position, and the entire 2C of the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A is fully closed. In this state, the lifting cord 11 is set to the non-lifting state, and the lower end of the lifting cord 11 is set so as to cause slack in the vicinity of the locking member 12 that locks the lower end of the lifting cord 4 to the warp of the ladder cord 4. More specifically, the length of the slack on the lower end side of the lifting cord 11 (the length of the surplus with respect to the state without slack) b is 0.3a <b <with respect to the slat spacing a in the multi-stage slat 2. It is set within a range that satisfies a (in the example of the present embodiment, a slack of 10 mm is set at the time of initial setting or at the time of maintenance regardless of the type of slats 2). A description of this initial setting will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b).

Further, in the setting of the maximum winding amount of the lifting cord 11, as shown in FIG. 10B, if the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position and the lifting cord 11 is in the non-lifting state, the ladder code 4 is originally used. From the state where the entire 2C of the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A is in the horizontal state, the lifting cord 11 is wound by the lifting pulley 55 so as to be in the lifting state, and the lower slat group 2A is lifted when the lower slat group 2A is fully closed. The rotation amount of the pulley 55 is based on the setting information regarding the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 described above. A description of this initial setting will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 (c) and the like.

As will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, the control unit 15 detects a state in which the limit switch 19 is turned on when the power is turned on by the microcomputer unit 151 at the time of initial setting or maintenance, and drives at this time. Set the rotation reference position where the rotation angle of the shaft 8 is θ = 0 °, further determine the maximum winding amount and the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord 11, and cause slack in the non-lifting state of the lifting cord 11. As a result, tension is not always applied to the lifting cord 11, and the lifting cord 11 is less likely to shrink. That is, if tension is always applied to a string-shaped cord such as a lifting cord 11, the cord will be stretched over time, and the cord may be stretched in advance. However, even if the cord is stretched, the stretching effect is diminished, and the cord shrinks this time. Therefore, the control unit 15 detects a state in which the limit switch 19 is turned on when the power is turned on by the microcomputer unit 151, and operates as described later with reference to the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 at this time. The maximum winding amount and the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord 11 are set according to the mode and the type of the slats 2. This makes it possible to accurately control the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11.

(Another preferred example relating to the setting of the maximum winding amount and the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord)
11 (a) and 11 (b) are side views showing another preferred example relating to the setting of the lifting cord 11 when the bottom rail 6 is in the lowermost position in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, respectively. be. As described above, the lifting cord 11 can be wound or rewound by the lifting pulley 55.

In this example, in the setting of the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord 11, the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position, the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A as a whole 2C are in a horizontal state, and the lifting cord 11 is in a non-lifting state. As shown in FIG. 11A, the lower end of the lifting cord 11 may be set so as not to be loosened in the vicinity of the locking member 12 that engages with the warp of the ladder cord 4. ), Set so that slack occurs.

However, in the setting of the minimum winding amount of the lifting cord 11 in this example, the lifting cord 11 is preliminarily wound around the lifting pulley 55 as shown in FIG. 11A. This extra winding amount c determines the rotation position of the lifting pulley 55 within a range satisfying 0.3a <c <a with respect to the slat spacing a in the plurality of slat 2.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, if the bottom rail 6 is in the lower limit setting position and the lifting cord 11 is in the non-lifting state, the ladder code 4 originally causes the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A as a whole 2C. The lifting cord 11 is wound by the lifting pulley 55 so as to be in the lifting state from the horizontal state, and the rotation amount of the lifting pulley 55 when the lower slat group 2A is fully closed is determined.

Even in the case illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unit 15 detects a state in which the limit switch 19 is turned on when the power is turned on by the microcomputer unit 151 at the time of initial setting or maintenance, and the drive shaft 8 at this time. By setting a rotation reference position where the rotation angle of the hoisting cord 11 is θ = 0 °, further determining the maximum winding amount and the minimum hoisting amount of the lifting cord 11, and causing slack in the non-lifting state of the lifting cord 11. It is possible to prevent the lifting cord 11 from being constantly subjected to tension so that the lifting cord 11 is less likely to shrink.

(Setting the lifting amount of the lifting cord)
12 (a) and 12 (b) are front views and side views showing the peripheral configuration of the limit switch 19 in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, the stepping motor 10 is placed in the head box 1 in a state of being fixed with screws by a support member 20 having a substantially L-shaped plate shape. A head cover 1a is covered on the upper part of the head box 1. The output shaft 10a of the stepping motor 10 and one end of the drive shaft 8 are connected by a connecting member 17. The connecting member 17 of this example is provided with insertion holes 172 and 173 drilled from both sides in the longitudinal direction thereof. The output shaft 10a of the stepping motor 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 172 and locked by the locking pin 17a, and one end of the drive shaft 8 is inserted into the insertion hole 173 and locked by the locking screw 17b. As a result, when the output shaft 10a of the stepping motor 10 rotates, the drive shaft 8 rotates integrally.

Below the connecting member 17, a limit switch 19 is arranged in order to limit the rotation angle of the output shaft of the stepping motor 10 (that is, the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8) within a predetermined range. The limit switch 19 is fixed with screws on a plate piece 20a extending from a substantially L-shaped plate-shaped support member 20. The connecting member 17 is provided with a rod-shaped piece 171 extending in the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft 8, and when the connecting member 17 rotates, the rod-shaped piece 171 can come into contact with the lever 19a of the limit switch 19. The limit switch 19 is turned ON / OFF according to the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 depending on whether or not the rod-shaped piece 171 is in contact with the lever 19a, so that the rotation reference position of the drive shaft 8 can be detected. .. In this example, although the rod-shaped piece 171 is provided on the connecting member 17, the rod-shaped piece 171 may be a rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the shaft member that rotates integrally with the drive shaft 8.

The ON / OFF state of the limit switch 19 is managed by the control unit 15. More specifically, the control unit 15 detects a state in which the rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the connecting member 17 turns on the limit switch 19 via the signal receiving unit 159c by the microcomputer unit 151 when the power is turned on. At this time, the rotation reference position where the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is θ = 0 ° is set. Then, the control unit 15 is operated by the microcomputer unit 151 with respect to the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 with reference to the rotation angle θ = 0 ° of the drive shaft 8 (MODE1 to the above-mentioned MODE1 with reference to FIG. 7). From a predetermined minimum angle according to the MODE4) and the type of slat 2 (classified based on the load related to the lifting cord 11 depending on the difference in the width in the front-rear direction of the slat, the length in the left-right direction, the number of slat, etc.). It is set in advance so that it is within the range up to the maximum angle, and this setting information is stored in the storage unit 152 in association with the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 of the stepping motor 10 in association with the pulse count of the stepping motor 10. Has been done. The control of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 corresponds to the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11, and corresponds to the slat angle of the slat 2 to be rotated based on the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11.

More specifically, with reference to FIG. 13, first, the initial setting of the lifting cord 11 based on the limit switch 19 will be described. 13 (a) to 13 (c) are explanatory views regarding the initial setting of the lifting cord 11 based on the limit switch 19 in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the control unit 15 detects a state in which the rod-shaped piece 171 extending from the connecting member 17 turns on the limit switch 19 via the signal receiving unit 159c when the power is turned on. The rotation reference position is set so that the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 of is θ = 0 °. In this example, the rod-shaped piece 171 is oriented in the vertical direction and the rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 is set to 0 °. At this time, the installation angle of the lifting pulley 55 with respect to the drive shaft 8 can be set arbitrarily, but the lifting pulley. The attachment point at the upper end of the lifting cord 11 with respect to 55 is set so that the angle γ = 30 ° from the horizontal.

FIG. 13B is shown with respect to the length setting of the lifting cord 11. After the control unit 15 detects the rotation angle θ = 0 ° of the drive shaft 8 when the power is turned on by the microcomputer unit 151, the control unit 15 rotates the stepping motor 10 to an angle of θ = 45 °, and the drive shaft 8 is rotated. The rotation angle θ = 45 ° of is set as the initial state. Then, at the rotation angle θ = 45 ° of the drive shaft 8, the lifting cord 11 is not lifted and has no slack when the slat 2 is fully closed by the tilter 543 at the time of initial setting or maintenance. , The length of the lifting cord 11 is adjusted by the locking member 12. That is, the lifting cord 11 is a position where the drive shaft 8 is rotated from the rotation reference position (θ = 0 °) to a predetermined angle (θ = 45 °) that forms the initial state, and the entire 2C of the slats 2 is reversed by the ladder code 4. It is initially set so that slack does not occur when it is supported in the fully closed state. Therefore, after adjusting the length of the lifting cord 11, the rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 shown in FIG. 13 (a) is from 0 ° to less than the rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 shown in FIG. 13 (b). In the range of, the lifting cord 11 is set so as to cause slack. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A described above, the lifting cord 11 is set to loosen when the entire 2C of the slats 2 is fully closed. However, as will be described later, the lifting cord 11 is set so that the entire 2C of the slats 2 is slackened when the slats 2 are fully closed only when the MODE1 (overall operation mode) is shifted.

As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the control unit 15 is set as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), and the limit range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is θ by the microcomputer unit 151. = 320 °, and the actual rotation angle range of the drive shaft 8 is within the range of θ = 0 ° to 320 ° depending on the operation mode and the type of slats, the operation mode (MODE1 to MODE4), and The rotation of the drive shaft 8 is controlled according to the setting information set according to the type of the slat 2. Within this range of θ = 0 ° to 320 °, a state in which the lifting cord 11 is slackened and a state in which the lifting cord 11 is lifted are included.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the lifting amount control for each operation mode of the lifting cord 11 based on the limit switch 19 will be described. 14 (a) to 14 (c) are explanatory views regarding the lifting amount control for each operation mode of the lifting cord 11 based on the limit switch 19 in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention, respectively. As described with reference to FIG. 7, there are MODE1 to MODE4 as operation modes.

First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the control unit 15 is lifted by fixing the drive shaft 8 at the rotation angle θ = 15 ° when shifting to MODE1 (overall operation mode) by the microcomputer unit 151. In the cord 11, the entire 2C of the slat 2 is always slackened regardless of the rotational state from the fully closed state to the reverse fully closed state. In MODE1 (overall operation mode), the entire 2C of the slats 2 is rotated, and only the relative movement of the ladder code 4 by the tilter 543 is relied on. That is, in MODE1 (overall operation mode), the control unit 15 is based on the rotation reference position (θ = 0 °) in common with the individual operation mode, and is the rotation reference from a predetermined angle (θ = 45 °) that forms an initial state. By fixing the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 in a state where it is rotated in the reverse direction to a predetermined angle (θ = 15 °) that does not exceed the rotation reference position in the position direction, the entire 2C of the slat 2 is always slackened when it is fully closed. The rotation of the entire 2C of the slats 2 supported by the ladder cord 4 is controlled by the rotation of the drive shaft 7.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the control unit 15 shifts to any of MODE2 to 4 (individual operation mode) by the microcomputer unit 151, the control unit 15 stores the setting information stored in the storage unit 152. With reference to this, the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11 is controlled within a range in which the lifting cord 11 does not slacken based on the rotation angle θ = 45 ° of the drive shaft 8. In the setting information regarding MODE2 to MODE2, the rotation amount of the slat 2 to be operated corresponding to each operation mode is preset in the range of θ = 45 ° to 320 ° according to the type of the slat 2. That is, the control unit 15 associates the maximum winding amount set of the lifting cord 11 with the minimum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 during MODE2 to 4 (individual operation mode), and the minimum set of the lifting cord 11 is set. By associating the winding amount with the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8, the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11 is increased within a range in which the lifting cord 11 does not loosen from the predetermined angle (θ = 45 °) that makes the initial state. Control.

The type of the slats 2 is classified based on the load related to the lifting cord 11 depending on the difference in the width in the front-rear direction, the length in the left-right direction, the number of slats, and the like of the slats. For example, three or more types may be used, but in this example, two types are used.
-Type A: Slats with a width of 25 mm or less or a length of 1000 mm or less.
The total number of slats to which the load is applied to the lifting cord 11 is less than or equal to the predetermined number.
-Type B: Other than Type A,
It is classified according to the weight of the slats 2 to which a load is applied to the lifting cord 11.

For example, in an electric horizontal blind having slats 2 belonging to type A, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), when the control unit 15 is shifted to any of MODE2 to 4 (individual operation mode) by the microcomputer unit 151. , The rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is set within the range of θ = 45 ° to 265 ° (variable range 220 °), and the slat angle corresponding to the operation signal instructed by the operation of the rotation buttons such as the switch 21 and the multi-switch 23. The pulse count of the stepping motor 10 is controlled so as to be, but it is controlled so as not to accept an operation signal exceeding the above variable range 220 °. Further, in the electric horizontal blind having the slats 2 belonging to the type B, in this example, the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is set within the range of θ = 45 ° to 320 ° (variable range 275 °). In addition, so that the operator can identify the slat angle range specified according to the operation mode on the operation side of the above-mentioned switch 21, multi-switch 23, etc., the slat angle range may be notified by display, voice, or the like. preferable.

As an example of the slat angle range according to the operation mode, for example, in the overall operation mode (MODE1), the range from the slat reverse shielding state to the normal shielding state is set as the rotation operable range of the slat 2 in the entire 2C of the slat 2. It is specified in advance that it can be operated inside.

Further, in the lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2), the lower slat group 2A is fixed to the light-shielding state (slat normal shielding state), and the slats in the upper slat group 2B can be rotated in the slat positive shielding state. It is defined in advance that it can be operated within the range of the reverse shielding state from to a predetermined angle.

Further, in the upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), the upper slat group 2B is fixed in the lighting state (slat horizontal state), and the lower slat group 2A is rotated in the lighting or light-shielding state of the lower slat group 2A. The range in which the slats can be rotated is defined in advance within the range from the horizontal state of the slats to the normal shielding state.

Further, in the upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4), the upper slats group 2B is fixed in a light-shielding state (slat reverse shielding state), and the slats in the lower slats group 2A can be rotated in the slats normal shielding state. It is defined in advance that it can be operated within the range of the reverse shielding state from to a predetermined angle.

By defining the rotation operation range according to the operation mode in this way, it is possible to prevent problems such as a gap between the upper slat group 2B and the lower slat group 2A.

As described above, the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is associated with the pulse count for controlling the rotation of the stepping motor 10, and the operation mode (based on the rotation angle θ = 0 ° of the drive shaft 8). Depending on the type of MODE1 to MODE4) and slat 2, it is set in the range of 320 ° or less from a predetermined minimum angle to a predetermined maximum angle, and this setting information determines the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 of the stepping motor 10. It is associated with the pulse count and stored in the storage unit 152.

Then, when the control unit 15 controls the rotation of the slats 2 to be operated in the operation mode instructed by the operation of the switch 21 or the multi-switch 23 by the microcomputer unit 151, the rotation control of the stepping motor 10 is performed. (That is, regarding the variable control of the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11), the setting information regarding the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is read from the storage unit 152, depending on the type of the installed slat 2 and the operation mode. Within a predetermined range, the rotation of the stepping motor 10 is controlled via the motor drive unit 157b, the drive shaft 8 is rotated, and the lifting pulley 55 is set within the range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 according to the setting information. Rotate. As a result, the lifting amount of the lifting cord 11 changes, and as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the tilts of the lower slat group 2A and the upper slat group 2B can be accurately changed to different states.

15 (a) to 15 (c) are explanatory views regarding the control of the stepping motor 10 according to the% indication of the slat angle for each type of slat 2 in the electric horizontal blind according to the present invention. In particular, in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (the upper / lower slats are in the horizontal state) and the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (operated as the operation target) are represented by MODE3. The lower slats are fully closed).

FIG. 15C shows an example of pulse counting of the stepping motor 10 according to the% indication of the slat angle for each type of slat 2, and the control unit 15 is of type A by the microcomputer unit 151. The electric horizontal blind having the slat 2 belonging to the type B and the electric horizontal blind having the slat 2 belonging to the type B are controlled by different pulse counts even if the slat angle is the same% indication. The pulse count shown in FIG. 15 (c) is an example, and may be appropriately set depending on the structure of the stepping motor to be used or when a speed conversion unit is interposed in the connecting member as needed. Set different pulse counts depending on the type of slats.

In the example shown in FIG. 15 (c),
In the electric horizontal blind having slat 2 belonging to type A, the stepping motor 10 has a pulse count of 100 pulses for lifting to a slat angle of 100% (rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 = 265 °).
In the electric horizontal blind having slat 2 belonging to type B, the stepping motor 10 has a pulse count of 120 pulses for lifting to a slat angle of 100% (rotation angle θ of the drive shaft 8 = 320 °).

The type of slats 2 is determined in consideration of the fact that the load applied to the lifting cord 11 differs depending on the weight, and the amount of elongation of the lifting cord 11 changes. If the pulse counts of the stepping motor 10 are the same even though the types of slat 2 are different, the slat angle will be different depending on the type of slat 2, and the operation according to the% indication of the slat angle will not be faithfully realized. The problem arises.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the control unit 15 lifts the lifting cord 11 up to a slat angle (fully closed) of 100% for each type of slat 2 in consideration of the influence of expansion and contraction of the lifting cord 11 in advance. Control the amount differently. That is, during MODE2 to MODE4 (individual operation mode), the control unit 15 predetermines the range of the minimum angle and the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 at different angles according to the type of the slat 2, and is of the type of the slat 2. The lifting amount of the lifting cord 11 is controlled so that the slat angles are substantially the same regardless of the difference. That is, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the control according to the% indication of the slat angle is performed, the minimum range of the rotation angle of the drive shaft 8 is not only for each operation mode but also for each type of slat 2. By setting the angle and the maximum angle individually, the operation according to the% indication of the slat angle is faithfully realized even in the electric horizontal blind having different types of slat 2. The minimum angle of rotation of the drive shaft 8 corresponds to the lifting start position (position of 50% slat angle) of the lifting cord 11, and the maximum angle of rotation of the drive shaft 8 corresponds to the maximum lifting position (slat) of the lifting cord 11. Corresponds to the position of 100% angle).

Therefore, for example, when a plurality of electric horizontal blinds having the same stepping motor 10 but having different types of slat 2 are arranged side by side, communication is performed with these plurality of electric horizontal blinds. Even when the rotation operation of the slat 2 accompanied by the lifting of the lifting cord 11 is simultaneously performed by the terminal 24 or the multi-switch 22, the slat angles in a plurality of electric horizontal blinds can be made uniform.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15 (c), when "slat angle 70%" is instructed, the control unit 15 is a stepping motor with a pulse count of 70 pulses for type A and 84 pulses for type B. By controlling 10, both types A and B have a slat angle of 70%. However, the types A and B have a problem that the change time of the slat angle is different. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the control unit 15 is set to have substantially the same slat angle change time in MODE2 to MODE4 (individual operation mode) by the microcomputer unit 151 regardless of the difference in slat type. It is preferable to control the rotation speed of the drive shaft 8 according to the required pulse count so that the change times of the slat angles of types A and B are uniform. However, instead of or in addition to this speed control, the specifications of the stepping motor 10 may be changed according to the type of the slat 2, or a speed conversion unit may be provided on the output shaft of the stepping motor 10. You can also do it.

(Modification example of electric horizontal blind)
16 (a) is a side view which simplifies the schematic configuration in the electric horizontal blind of one embodiment according to the present invention, and FIGS. 16 (b) and 16 (c) show the schematic configuration of modifications 1 and 2 thereof. It is a side view which is simply illustrated. In FIGS. 16 (b) and 16 (c), similar components are given the same reference numbers.

In the example of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16A, the movement of the lifting cord 11 and the drive shaft 7 for controlling the movement of the elevating cord 3 (not shown) and the ladder cord 4 are controlled. Overall operation mode (MODE1), lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2), upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), and upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation mode using two drive shafts 8 for A configuration example for realizing a total of four operation modes (MODE4) has been described. On the other hand, in order to increase the number of types of this operation mode, a second lifting cord 11b may be added.

For example, in the first modification shown in FIG. 16B, the second lifting cord 11b is hung from the head box 1 on the outdoor side, and the lower end thereof is placed in the vicinity of the uppermost slat 2 by the second locking member 12b. , Locked to the warp behind the ladder cord 4. Further, a second lifting pulley 55b is arranged above the lifting pulley 55, and the upper end of the second lifting cord 11b can be wound or rewound by the second lifting pulley 55b. A drive shaft 8b is pierced and engaged with the second lifting pulley 55b so as not to rotate relative to each other, and a second stepping motor (not shown) is used to control the rotation of the drive shaft 8b. The configurations of the second lifting cord 11b, the second locking member 12b, the second lifting pulley 55b, the drive shaft 8b, and the second stepping motor (not shown) are the above-mentioned lifting cord 11, respectively. It can be configured in the same manner as the stop member 12, the lifting pulley 55, the drive shaft 8, and the stepping motor 10, and the control unit 15 is a drive shaft for controlling the movement of the elevating cord 3 (not shown) and the ladder cord 4. 7 and a drive shaft 8 for controlling the movement of the lifting cord 11 and a driving shaft 8b for controlling the movement of the second lifting cord 11b are used in the overall operation mode (MODE1) and the lower shading fixed. -In addition to the upper operation mode (MODE2), the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), and the upper shading fixed / lower operation mode (MODE4), a further operation mode can be added. The wired switch 21 or the remote controller 23, the multi-switch 22 and the like illustrated in FIG. 5 are also configured to be operable so as to correspond to the added operation mode.

Further, in the modified example 2 shown in FIG. 16 (c), as in the modified example 1, the second lifting cord 11b is hung from the head box 1 on the outdoor side, and the lower end thereof is maximized by the second locking member 12b. In the vicinity of the upper slat 2, it is locked to the warp behind the ladder cord 4. However, in the second modification, the actuator 55c (for example, an electromagnetic solenoid or the like) that pulls the upper end of the second lifting cord 11b into the head box 1 or pulls it out from the head box 1 is arranged in the head box 1. The control unit 15 includes a drive shaft 7 for controlling the movement of the lifting cord 3 (not shown) and the ladder code 4, a drive shaft 8 for controlling the movement of the lifting cord 11, and a second lifting cord 11b. Using the actuator 55c for controlling the movement, the whole operation mode (MODE1), the lower light-shielding fixed / upper operation mode (MODE2), the upper lighting fixed / lower operation mode (MODE3), and the upper light-shielding fixed / lower operation In addition to the mode (MODE4), a configuration in which a further operation mode is added can be made. The wired switch 21 or the remote controller 23, the multi-switch 22 and the like illustrated in FIG. 5 are also configured to be operable so as to correspond to the added operation mode.

As a further operation mode, for example, a lower lighting fixed / upper operation mode for shifting the lower slat group 2A to the lighting state and fixing the state and operating the upper slat group 2B in the lighting or shading state can be configured. In this lower lighting fixed / upper operation mode, for example, the upper slat group 2B is illuminated or shielded by controlling the movement of the second lifting cord 11b while the entire 2C of the slat 2 is horizontal by the ladder code 4. Can be operated to.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples of specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the technical idea. Therefore, each of the above-described embodiments can be configured with various modifications, and the present invention is limited only by the description of the claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability of the electric horizontal blind that enables the upper slat group and the lower slat group to be controlled integrally and individually, which is useful for the use of the electric horizontal blind.

1 Headbox 2 Slats 2A Lower slat group 2B Upper slat group 2C Lower slat group and upper slat group as a whole 3 Lifting code 4 Ladder code 5A, 5B Code support unit 6 Bottom rail 7,8,8b Drive shaft 9 Motor 10 Stepping motor 11 Lifting cord 11b Second lifting cord 12 Locking member 12b Second locking member 13 Encoder 14 Power supply unit 15 Control unit 16 Upper limit detection switch 17 Connecting member 19 Limit switch 21 Wired switch 22 Multi-switch 23 Remote controller (remote control)
24 Communication terminal 41 Ring member 50, 51 Support case 52 Lid case 53 Take-up drum 54 Tilt unit 55 Lifting cord 151 Microcomputer unit 152 Storage unit 153 Signal transmission / reception unit 154 Signal transmission / reception unit 155 Wired signal transmission / reception unit 156 External device interface (IF) ) Part 157a, 157b Motor drive part 158a, 158b Abnormality detection part 159a, 159b Signal receiving part 171 Rod-shaped piece of connecting member 211,221 Open button 212,222 Stop button 213,223 Close button 214,224 Positive shielding button 215, 225 Reverse shielding button 217-1,217-2, 217-3, 217-4 Display unit 227-1 Overall button 227-2 Upper lighting button 227-3 Lower lighting button 227-4 Upper shielding button 228 Position specification button 229 Back button 541 Tilt color 542 Tilt spring 543 Chiller

Claims (5)

A limit switch for electric horizontal blinds configured to divide multiple stages of slats into upper slats and lower slats.
At the position where the multi-stage slats are divided into the upper slats group and the lower slats group, the upper end of the lifting cord whose lower end is locked to at least one of the two warp threads before and after the ladder cord supporting the multi-stage slats is The lifting pulley is installed, wound up, or rewound by a control unit that controls the drive of a motor that rotates a drive shaft that is inserted into the central shaft of the lifting pulley so that it cannot rotate relative to the central shaft. A limit switch having a function of defining a rotation reference position of the drive shaft in order to limit the rotation range of the drive shaft so that the drive shaft rotates. It has a lever that can abut on a rod-shaped piece that extends from a shaft member that rotates integrally with the drive shaft, and can detect the rotation reference position of the drive shaft depending on the presence or absence of the abutment by the lever. The limit switch according to claim 1, wherein the limit switch is configured in such a manner. The limit switch according to claim 1 or 2,
With the control unit
The control unit determines the minimum and maximum angles of rotation of the drive shaft when controlling the rotation of the drive shaft in an individual operation mode for individually operating the upper slat group and the lower slat group. An electric horizontal blind characterized in that a range is individually set and controlled according to the type of the individual operation mode. The lifting cord is such that slack does not occur when the drive shaft is rotated from the rotation reference position to a predetermined angle forming an initial state, and the multi-stage slats are horizontally supported by the ladder cord. Initially set to
In the individual operation mode, the control unit associates the maximum winding amount set of the lifting cord with the minimum angle of the rotation angle of the drive shaft, and drives the minimum winding amount set of the lifting cord. The third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the lifting amount of the lifting cord is controlled within a range in which the lifting cord does not slacken from a predetermined angle forming the initial state in association with the maximum angle of the rotation angle of the shaft. The described electric horizontal blind. The control unit performs the initial state with reference to the rotation reference position in common with the individual operation mode in the overall operation mode for collectively operating the upper slat group and the lower slat group as a whole. By fixing the rotation angle of the drive shaft in a state of reverse rotation from a predetermined angle to a predetermined angle that does not exceed the rotation reference position in the rotation reference position direction, the slats of the plurality of stages are always slackened when the slats are fully closed. The electric horizontal blind according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the rotation of the plurality of stages of slats supported by the ladder cord is controlled by the rotation of the drive shaft.

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