JP7474633B2 - Blind mechanism parts and blinds - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to blind mechanism parts and blinds. In particular, the present invention relates to blind mechanism parts that suspend and support one or a pair of louvers and to a blind structure that uses the same.

A blind is disclosed that has a blind mechanism part that suspends and supports a louver and an offset louver arranged in parallel to the louver (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-186181 A

The conventional blinds described in Patent Document 1 include multiple carriers and a master carrier arranged inside the head rail. The multiple carriers and the master carrier can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail. The multiple carriers also suspend louvers from their suspension shafts.

The master carrier, on the other hand, is equipped with a suspension shaft from which the louvers are suspended, and an offset shaft from which the offset louvers are suspended. The offset shaft is positioned a predetermined distance away from the suspension shaft via a connecting member.

The conventional blinds described in Patent Document 1 have the advantage that they can prevent light leakage from gaps between the window frame and the louvers located at the ends of the blinds that are not covered by the louvers, by hanging offset louvers at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the deployed side of the louvers hung from a master carrier.

The blinds in Patent Document 1 adjust the amount of light by moving multiple carriers along the length of the head rail and expanding or collapsing multiple louvers. The amount of light is also adjusted by rotating the louvers around their axes. However, the adjustment of the amount of light or shading by the rotation angle of the louvers changes depending on the angle of incidence of sunlight, so it was necessary to adjust the rotation angle of the louvers in response to changes in the angle of incidence of sunlight.

There is a need for a blind mechanism component that can adjust the amount of light or shading without depending on the rotation angle of the louvers that act as shading materials, and for blinds that use such a component. And this is the objective of the present invention.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a blind mechanism component and a blind using the same that can adjust the amount of light or shading, regardless of the rotation angle of the shading material.

The inventors believed that by configuring the blind mechanism components so that when a driving force is transmitted from a drive shaft located inside the head rail to the shielding material support section that suspends and supports the shielding material, the drive mechanism can move the shielding material in the width direction of the shielding material via the shielding material support section, and that when the blind mechanism components are used in blinds, the amount of light that the blinds let in can be adjusted without changing the rotation angle of the shielding material. Based on this, the inventors have invented the following new blind mechanism components and blinds that use them.

(1) A blind mechanism component according to the present invention is a blind mechanism component having a shielding material support part capable of supporting a shielding material in a suspended state, and further comprising a drive mechanism that, when a driving force is transmitted from a drive shaft arranged inside a head rail that supports the shielding material in a suspended state, can move the suspended shielding material in the width direction of the shielding material via the shielding material support part, and the drive mechanism has a gear transmission that converts rotational motion from the drive shaft into linear motion, and the gear transmission device is arranged to be freely rotatable around a vertical axis and comprises a driving gear to which rotation is transmitted from the drive shaft, and a driven gear to which driving force is transmitted from the driving gear and which converts the rotation by the driving gear into horizontal movement .

( 2 ) It is preferable that the shielding material support portion suspends and supports a pair of shielding materials, and that at least one of the shielding materials can be moved relative to the other shielding material in the width direction by the drive mechanism.

( 3 ) A blind using the blind mechanism parts described in (1) or (2) , wherein a plurality of the shielding material support parts are arranged inside the head rail with a predetermined spacing, and the shielding material supported by hanging from the shielding material support parts can change the spacing between the shielding material supported by hanging from adjacent shielding material support parts with its width direction facing the longitudinal direction of the head rail .
(4) A blind using blind mechanism components including a shielding material support part capable of supporting a shielding material in a suspended manner, and a drive mechanism capable of moving the suspended and supported shielding material in a width direction of the shielding material via the shielding material support part when a driving force is transmitted from a drive shaft disposed inside a head rail that supports the shielding material in a suspended manner, the blind comprising: a plurality of carriers that can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail; shielding materials supported by suspension from these carriers; a master carrier that can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail and can pull the plurality of carriers in one direction or push the plurality of carriers in the other direction; and a drive shaft that extends in the longitudinal direction of the head rail, passes through the plurality of carriers and the master carrier, and is rotatably supported inside the head rail; the master carrier supports a pair of the shielding materials in a suspended manner via the shielding material support part, and when a driving force is transmitted from the drive shaft to the master carrier, one of the shielding materials can be moved relative to the other of the shielding materials by the drive mechanism.

The blind mechanism part of the present invention suspends the shading material via the shading material support part. When a driving force is transmitted from the drive shaft, the blind mechanism part of the present invention can move the shading material in the width direction of the shading material. Therefore, when the blind mechanism part of the present invention is used in a blind, the amount of light that the blind lets in can be adjusted without changing the rotation angle of the shading material.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a blind according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the first to third louvers are opened. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a blind according to the first embodiment, where FIG. 2(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are closed, and FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second louvers have been moved relatively in the width direction of the louvers from the state shown in FIG. 2(A). FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a master carrier provided in the blind according to the first embodiment. 4(A) is a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism enlarged along the A-A arrow in FIG. 3, in which FIG. 4(A) is a state diagram in which a pair of driven gears are stopped relative to a driving gear provided in the drive mechanism, and FIG. 4(B) is a state diagram in which the driving gear is driven to move the pair of driven gears relative to each other in a linear direction from the state shown in FIG. 4(A). 5A is a plan view showing an outline of the opening and closing operation of the blind according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are opened, FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are rotated around an axis to be closed from the state shown in FIG. 5(A), and FIG. 5(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second louvers are moved relatively in the width direction of the louvers from the state shown in FIG. 5(B). 6A and 6B are plan views showing an outline of the opening and closing operations of blinds according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 6(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are opened, Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are rotated around an axis to be closed from the state shown in Fig. 6(A), and Fig. 6(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the second louver is moved relative to the first louver from the state shown in Fig. 6(B). 7A and 7B are plan views showing an outline of the opening and closing operations of a blind according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second louvers arranged opposite each other are opened, FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second louvers have been rotated around their axes from the state shown in FIG. 7(A), and FIG. 7(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second louvers have been moved relatively in the width direction of the louvers from the state shown in FIG. 7(B). 8A and 8B are plan views showing an outline of the opening and closing operation of a blind according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are opened, and FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first to third louvers are rotated around an axis from the state shown in FIG. 8(A) to close, and then the first and second louvers are moved relatively in the width direction of the louvers. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a master carrier provided in a blind according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 10A is a plan view showing an outline of the opening and closing operation of a blind according to a fifth embodiment, in which FIG. 10(A) is a state diagram in which the first louver to the third louver are opened, FIG. 10(B) is a state diagram in which the first louver to the third louver are rotated a predetermined angle around the axis from the state shown in FIG. 10(A), and FIG. 10(C) is a state diagram in which the first louver and the second louver are further moved relative to each other in the width direction of the louvers from the state shown in FIG. 10(B).

Below, we will explain how to implement the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
(Blinds configuration)
First, the overall configuration of a blind according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(overall structure)
1 or 2, a blind 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a C-channel head rail Bh and a plurality of first carriers 91c. The head rail Bh can be attached to the top of a window frame or a ceiling surface via a plurality of brackets (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the first carrier 91c includes a master carrier 91m, which will be described later. The master carrier 91m and the first carrier 91c are arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the head rail Bh.

The longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh is the direction in which the head rail Bh extends. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the horizontal direction is referred to as the width direction, the side that becomes the interior Ri side (see Figure 3) when the blind 10 is installed in front of an interior window is referred to as the front side, and the side that becomes the exterior Ro side that becomes the window side (see Figure 3) is referred to as the rear side.

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the first carrier 91c suspends the third louver 3Lv, which serves as a shielding material, via a carrier hook 91f. Referring to FIG. 3, the master carrier 91m suspends the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv, which serve as shielding materials, via a first suspension part 1Sp and a second suspension part 2Sp provided on the drive mechanism 1, which will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the first louver 1Lv, the second louver 2Lv, and the third louver 3Lv have their lower ends folded back to accommodate the balance weight Lw. Note that the first louver 1Lv, the second louver 2Lv, and the third louver 3Lv are the same, but for ease of explanation, they have been distinguished by different reference numerals.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the blind 10 has a tilt axis Sa, which serves as a long drive axis, disposed inside the head rail Bh. The tilt axis Sa is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. One end of the tilt axis Sa is rotatably supported inside one end cap 1Ec of the head rail Bh (see Figures 1 and 2). The other end of the tilt axis Sa is rotatably supported by the other end cap 2Ec of the head rail Bh (see Figures 1 and 2).

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the tilt axis Sa passes through the multiple first carriers 91c and the master carrier 91m. The multiple first carriers 91c and the master carrier 91m can move along the tilt axis Sa.

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the blind 10 has a rotation control rod 922 suspended from one end cap 1Ec of the head rail Bh. The base end of the rotation control rod 922 is connected to the tilt axis Sa inside the one end cap 1Ec by a worm gear (not shown). By rotating the grip provided at the tip of the rotation control rod 922, the rotation can be transmitted to the tilt axis Sa.

(Master Career Structure)
Next, the configuration of the master carrier 91m according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 3, the master carrier 91m has a pair of flange pieces 9f, 9f protruding from both sides. The pair of flange pieces 9f, 9f are placed on a pair of guide rails 9r, 9r arranged opposite to each other on the inner wall of the head rail Bh. The pair of guide rails 9r, 9r extend in the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. The flange pieces 9f can slide on the guide rails 9r. The first carrier 91c is also configured in the same manner as the master carrier 91m, and the first carrier 91c can slide on the guide rails 9r.

Referring to FIG. 3, the tilt axis Sa has multiple spline grooves formed on its outer periphery that extend in the axial direction. The master carrier 91m has a rotational force transmission mechanism inside. When the rotational force transmission mechanism is driven, the master carrier 91m can rotate the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis via the drive mechanism 1, which will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 3, the rotational force transmission mechanism includes a worm W, a worm wheel Wh, and a transmission sleeve Sf. The inner circumference of the worm W is slidably connected to the tilt shaft Sa. The inner circumference of the worm W meshes with the outer circumference of the tilt shaft Sa. The worm wheel Wh meshes with the worm W. The worm wheel Wh can convert the rotation of the worm W about the horizontal axis into rotation about the vertical axis. In this way, the worm W and the worm wheel Wh form a "worm gear" in which the extension directions of a pair of gear shafts are different from each other.

Referring to FIG. 3, the transmission sleeve Sf can transmit the rotation of the worm wheel Wh to the hanging shaft Is. The transmission sleeve Sf is fitted between the hanging shaft Is and the inner circumference of the shaft portion of the worm wheel Wh. When the worm wheel Wh rotates around its axis, the transmission sleeve Sf can transmit the rotation of the worm wheel Wh to the hanging shaft Is in a frictionally transmittable manner. The hanging shaft Is extends to the tip side of the pinion gear Gp, which serves as the driving gear described below.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, when the rotation control rod 922 is operated to rotate it, the rotation of the rotation control rod 922 can be transmitted to the suspension shaft 1s via the path of tilt shaft Sa → worm W → worm wheel Wh → transmission sleeve Sf. On the other hand, when the rotation around the axis of the suspension shaft 1s is restricted, the friction transmission of the transmission sleeve Sf no longer works, and the shaft portion of the worm wheel Wh rotates freely relative to the suspension shaft 1s. This limits the rotation range of the suspension shaft 1s to a range of approximately 180 degrees in both forward and reverse directions.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, by operating the opening/closing cord 921 described below, the master carrier 91m can be moved from the state shown in Figure 1 toward one of the end caps 1Ec. By moving the master carrier 91m toward one of the end caps 1Ec, the multiple first carriers 91c can be pushed. This allows the master carrier 91m and the multiple first carriers 91c to be folded toward one of the end caps 1Ec.

On the other hand, from the state where the master carrier 91m and the multiple first carriers 91c are folded on one end cap 1Ec side, the master carrier 91m can be moved toward the other end cap 2Ec by operating the opening and closing cord 921 described later. When the master carrier 91m is moved toward the other end cap 2Ec, the spacer link Ls described later pulls each of the first carriers 91c, and the master carrier 91m and the multiple first carriers 91c can be deployed to the state shown in FIG. 1.

In this way, the master carrier 91m can push or pull multiple first carriers 91c.

(Configuration of the First Carrier)
1 or 2, the first carrier 91c has an internal rotational force transmission mechanism having the same configuration as the master carrier 91m shown in Fig. 3. When the rotational force transmission mechanism disposed inside the first carrier 91c is driven, the first carrier 91c can rotate the third louver 3Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis via the carrier hook 91f that serves as the suspension shaft.

The rotational force transmission mechanism of the first carrier 91c includes a worm W, a worm wheel Wh, and a transmission sleeve Sf (see FIG. 3). The rotational force transmission mechanism of the master carrier 91m shown in FIG. 3 suspends the suspension shaft 1s via the transmission sleeve Sf, whereas the rotational force transmission mechanism of the first carrier 91c suspends the carrier hook 91f via the transmission sleeve Sf.

The transmission sleeve Sf of the first carrier 91c can transmit the rotation of the worm wheel Wh to the carrier hook 91f, which serves as the suspension shaft (see Figures 1 and 2). The transmission sleeve Sf is fitted between the shaft portion of the carrier hook 91f and the inner circumference of the shaft portion of the worm wheel Wh. When the worm wheel Wh rotates around its axis, the transmission sleeve Sf can transmit the rotation of the worm wheel Wh to the carrier hook 91f in a frictionally transmittable manner.

Referring to FIG. 1 or 2, when the rotation control rod 922 is operated to rotate it, the rotation of the rotation control rod 922 can be transmitted to the carrier hook 91f via the path of tilt axis Sa → worm W → worm wheel Wh → transmission sleeve Sf. On the other hand, when the rotation around the axis of the carrier hook 91f is restricted, the friction transmission of the transmission sleeve Sf no longer works, and the shaft portion of the worm wheel Wh rotates freely relative to the shaft portion of the carrier hook 91f. This limits the rotation range of the carrier hook 91f to a range of approximately 180 degrees in both forward and reverse directions.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the blind 10 has a carrier movement mechanism that moves multiple first carriers 91c and a master carrier 91m, which is disposed inside the head rail Bh. The carrier movement mechanism includes a control unit 92u and an opening/closing cord 921. The carrier movement mechanism also includes multiple flexible spacer links Ls, which will be described later (see Figure 3).

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the control unit 92u is disposed inside the end cap 1Ec. The opening/closing cord 921 hangs down from the control unit 92u. The opening/closing cord 921 hangs down the weight 92w from a loop located at the lower end. One end of the opening/closing cord 921 passes through each first carrier 91c from one end of the head rail Bh (the side where the control unit 92u is disposed) to the front side in the front-to-rear direction inside the head rail Bh (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, one end of the opening/closing cord 921 is connected to the master carrier 91m by forming a knot (not shown) inside the leading first carrier 91c (master carrier 91m).

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the other end of the opening/closing cord 921 is inserted through each first carrier 91c from one end of the head rail Bh to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction of the head rail Bh, and then folded back (turned) inside the other end cap 2Ec. Furthermore, the other end of the opening/closing cord 921 is connected to the master carrier 91m by forming a knot (not shown) inside the leading first carrier 91c (master carrier 91m), so that the opening/closing cord 921 forms a loop.

When the other end of the externally arranged loop-shaped opening/closing cord 921 is pulled from the state shown in FIG. 1, the leading master carrier 91m is pulled toward one end cap 1Ec, and each first carrier 91c is pushed in sequence, allowing the multiple first carriers 91c to be folded up toward one end of the head rail Bh.

On the other hand, when multiple first carriers 91c are folded up on one end of the head rail Bh, pulling one of the external loop-shaped opening and closing cords 921 pulls the leading master carrier 91m toward the other end cap 2Ec, and each first carrier 91c is pulled via the spacer links Ls that anchor each first carrier 91c. This allows the spacing between each first carrier 91c to be widened. When the leading master carrier 91m has moved the furthest to the end cap 2Ec, multiple carriers 92 can be arranged at equal intervals (see Figure 1).

The configuration of the master carrier 91m is the same as that of the first carrier 91c, but the master carrier 91m differs from the first carrier 91c in that one end of the opening/closing cord 921 is moored. Also, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the master carrier 91m suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv via the suspension shaft 1s, while the first carrier 91c suspends and supports the third louver 3Lv via the carrier hook 91f.

(Rod support configuration)
Next, the configuration of the blind 10 according to the first embodiment will be supplemented. Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the blind 10 further includes a plurality of rod supports 91s. When the blind 10 is in a folded state, the plurality of first carriers 91c are folded on one end side of the head rail Bh, so that the tilt axis Sa is supported only at both ends. When all the first carriers 91c are folded on one end side of the head rail Bh, the long tilt axis Sa is deflected at its center due to its own weight. In order to prevent such deflection of the tilt axis Sa, the blind 10 uses a rod support 91s that is arranged on the head rail Bh so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh and supports the tilt axis Sa on the head rail Bh.

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the multiple rod supports 91s are composed of a first rod support arranged adjacent to the master carrier 91m, a second rod support arranged adjacent to the first rod support, and a third rod support arranged adjacent to the second rod support.

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the first rod support is fitted with a permanent magnet that is attracted to the permanent magnet attached to the master carrier 91m. The second rod support is fitted with an iron piece that is magnetically attracted to the permanent magnet of the first rod support. The third rod support is fitted with an iron bar that protrudes toward the master carrier 91m and passes through a through hole opened in the second rod support, so that it is magnetically attracted to the permanent magnet of the first rod support.

The head rail Bh also has multiple stoppers (not shown) arranged inside. When the master carrier 91m is moved toward one end, the multiple stoppers can sequentially stop the first to third rod supports at their respective predetermined positions.

When the multiple first carriers 91c are folded toward one end of the head rail Bh, the first to third rod supports are stopped at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that deflection of the tilt axis Sa can be suppressed while all the first carriers 91c are moving toward one end of the head rail Bh.

However, referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the multiple first carriers 91c are deployed, the multiple rod supports 91s are located between the other end of the head rail Bh and the master carrier 91m, which causes a problem in that light leaks from the gap between the window frame and the louvers located at the end of the blinds, which is not covered by the louvers.

Conventionally, light leakage has been prevented by hanging offset louvers at a position a certain distance away from the deployed side of the louvers suspended from the master carrier. However, we have invented the following blind mechanism parts that can adjust the amount of light or shading without depending on the rotation angle of the louvers that act as shading materials.

(Configuration of blind mechanism components)
Next, the configuration of the blind mechanism parts used in the blind 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to Fig. 3 or 4, the blind mechanism parts according to the first embodiment include a band-shaped first hanging part 1Sp and a second hanging part 2Sp that serve as shielding material support parts. The first hanging part 1Sp suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv. The second hanging part 2Sp suspends and supports the second louver 2Lv.

Referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the blind mechanism component according to the first embodiment further includes a drive mechanism 1. The drive mechanism 1 is suspended and supported by the master carrier 91m.

(Configuration of the driving mechanism)
Next, the configuration of the drive mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. With reference to Fig. 3 or 4, the drive mechanism 1 has a gear transmission Gd housed inside a gear box Bg. The gear box Bg is composed of an upper case Cu and a lower case Cd. The gear transmission Gd is surrounded by the upper case Cu and the lower case Cd. The gear transmission Gd can convert rotational motion from the tilt shaft Sa, which is the drive shaft, into linear motion (see Fig. 3).

Referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the gear transmission Gd includes a pinion gear Gp that serves as a driving gear, and a pair of first rack gear 1Gr and second rack gear 2Gr that serve as driven gears. The pinion gear Gp meshes with the first rack gear 1Gr and second rack gear 2Gr inside the gear box Bg.

Referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the pinion gear Gp is arranged to be rotatable around a virtual vertical axis. Referring to FIG. 3, the pinion gear Gp protrudes from the upper case Cu, and its tip side forms a suspension shaft 1s that is suspended and supported by the master carrier 91m. The rotation of the pinion gear Gp is transmitted from the tilt shaft Sa via a "worm gear" (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 4, the first rack gear 1Gr and the second rack gear 2Gr are only allowed to move inside the gear box Bg along the longitudinal direction of the gear box Bg. Referring to FIG. 4(A), the first rack gear 1Gr and the second rack gear 2Gr are normally stopped with the pinion gear Gp located in their center.

By rotating the pinion gear Gp counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 4(A), the first rack gear 1Gr can be moved in one direction and the second rack gear 2Gr can be moved in the other direction, as shown in FIG. 4(B).

As such, referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, when the driving force is transmitted from the pinion gear Gp, the first rack gear 1Gr and the second rack gear 2Gr can convert the rotation of the pinion gear Gp into horizontal movement.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first rack gear 1Gr has a first hanging portion 1Sp protruding downward from the lower case Cd. The first hanging portion 1Sp suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv. The second rack gear 2Gr has a second hanging portion 2Sp protruding downward from the lower case Cd. The second hanging portion 2Sp suspends and supports the second louver 2Lv.

Referring to FIG. 4(A), when the first rack gear 1Gr and the second rack gear 2Gr have the pinion gear Gp disposed at their centers, the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv are disposed in an overlapping state in their width direction (see FIG. 2(A)).

When the pinion gear Gp is rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 4(A) to the state shown in Figure 4(B), the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv can be moved relative to each other in their width direction (see Figure 2(B)).

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the drive mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first hanging portion 1Sp that suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv. The drive mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a second hanging portion 2Sp that suspends and supports the second louver 2Lv.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, when a driving force is transmitted from a tilt axis Sa disposed inside the head rail Bh that supports and suspends the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv, the driving mechanism 1 can move the hanging first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv via the first hanging portion 1Sp and the second hanging portion 2Sp.

(Blinds in action)
Next, the operation of the blind 10 according to the first embodiment will be described, while the functions and effects of the drive mechanism 1, which is a blind mechanism component, and the blind 10 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5(A), the blind 10 has multiple third louvers 3Lv and a pair of first and second louvers 1Lv and 2Lv deployed at approximately equal intervals (see FIG. 1). From the state shown in FIG. 5(A), when the grip provided at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 is rotated (see FIG. 1) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in one direction (see FIG. 3), the suspension axis 1s and multiple carrier hooks 91f can be rotated counterclockwise in unison (see FIG. 5(B)).

Referring to FIG. 5(B), the blinds 10 are closed by overlapping the ends of the second louvers 2Lv and the third louvers 3Lv, and the ends of the third louvers 3Lv (see FIG. 2(A)). In the state shown in FIG. 5(B), the first louvers 1Lv and the second louvers 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers.

When the tilt axis Sa is rotated further in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 5(B) (see FIG. 3), the ends of the third louvers 3Lv overlap, causing the rotation of the tilt axis Sa to slip on the transmission sleeve Sf (see FIG. 3), and preventing the rotation of the carrier hook 91f (see FIG. 5(C)).

On the other hand, when the tilt axis Sa is further rotated in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 5(B) (see FIG. 3), the end of the second louver 2Lv and the end of the third louver 3Lv overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv. However, the rotation of the suspension axis 1s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), allowing the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv to move relatively in the width direction of the louvers, as shown in FIG. 5(C).

When the grip at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 is rotated (see FIG. 1) from the state shown in FIG. 5(C) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in the other direction, the hanging axis 1s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f rotate in unison in the clockwise direction, and the end of the second louver 2Lv and the end of the third louver 3Lv overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv, but the rotation of the hanging axis 1s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1, causing the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv to move relatively in the width direction. After that, when the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv have rotated to a state where they overlap in the width direction, the rotation control rod is rotated in the opposite direction to rotate the hanging axis 1s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f in unison in the counterclockwise direction (see FIG. 3), and the blind 10 can be returned to the state shown in FIG. 5(A).

Referring to FIG. 5(C), the blind 10 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a drive mechanism 1 that can move the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction of the louvers, so that the gap with the window frame caused by the arrangement of the multiple rod supports 91s (see FIG. 1) can be blocked without depending on the rotation angle of the louvers.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the drive mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment can move the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction of the louvers when a drive force is transmitted from the tilt axis Sa. When the drive mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment is used for the blinds 10, the amount of light that the blinds receive can be adjusted without changing the rotation angle of the louvers.

[Second embodiment]
(Blinds configuration)
Next, the configuration of the blind according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore the description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, the blind 20 according to the second embodiment differs in that, whereas the drive mechanism 1 provided in the blind 10 according to the first embodiment arranges the first rack gear 1Gr to be freely movable (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), the drive mechanism (not shown) provided in the blind 20 does not engage with the pinion gear Gp, and the first rack gear equivalent that suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv is fixed to the gear box Bg (see FIG. 3). The rest of the configuration of the blind 20 is the same as that of the blind 10 according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the blind 20 according to the second embodiment has a drive mechanism (not shown) that is a blind mechanism component configured as described above, so that the second louver 2Lv can be moved in the width direction of the louver relative to the first louver 1Lv.

(Blinds in action)
Next, the operation of the blind 20 according to the second embodiment will be described, while the functions and effects of the drive mechanism, which is a blind mechanism component, and the blind 20 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 6(A), the multiple third louvers 3Lv and the pair of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv are deployed at approximately equal intervals (see FIG. 1). From the state shown in FIG. 6(A), when the grip provided at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 is rotated (see FIG. 1) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in one direction (see FIG. 3), the suspension axis 1s and multiple carrier hooks 91f can be rotated counterclockwise in unison (see FIG. 6(B)).

Referring to FIG. 6(B), the blinds 20 are closed by overlapping the ends of the second louvers 2Lv and the third louvers 3Lv, and the ends of the third louvers 3Lv (see FIG. 2(A)). In the state shown in FIG. 6(B), the first louvers 1Lv and the second louvers 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers.

When the tilt axis Sa is rotated further in one direction from the state shown in Figure 6 (B) (see Figure 3), the ends of the third louvers 3Lv overlap, causing the rotation of the tilt axis Sa to slip on the transmission sleeve Sf (see Figure 3), and preventing the rotation of the carrier hook 91f (see Figure 6 (C)).

On the other hand, when the tilt axis Sa is further rotated in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 6(B) (see FIG. 3), the end of the second louver 2Lv and the end of the third louver 3Lv overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv. However, the rotation of the suspension axis 1s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), and the second louver 2Lv can be moved relative to the first louver 1Lv fixed to the drive mechanism (not shown) according to the second embodiment in the width direction of the louvers, as shown in FIG. 6(C).

When the grip at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 is rotated (see FIG. 1) from the state shown in FIG. 6(C) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in the other direction, the suspension shaft 1s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f rotate in unison in the clockwise direction, and the end of the second louver 2Lv and the end of the third louver 3Lv overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv, but the rotation of the suspension shaft 1s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1, causing the second louver 2Lv to move relative to the first louver 1Lv in the width direction. After that, when the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv have rotated to a state where they overlap in the width direction, the rotation control rod is rotated in the opposite direction to rotate the suspension shaft 1s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f in unison in the counterclockwise direction (see FIG. 3), and the blind 20 can be returned to the state shown in FIG. 6(A).

Referring to Figure 6, the blind mechanism components according to the second embodiment are configured such that, of the hanging first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv, the second louvers 2Lv can move relative to the first louvers 1Lv in the width direction of the louvers via the first hanging portion 1Sp and the second hanging portion 2Sp (see Figure 3). This allows the blind 20 according to the second embodiment to change the overall width of the louvers, and prevents light leakage from gaps with the window frame caused by the arrangement of multiple rod supports 91s (see Figure 1).

[Third embodiment]
(Blinds configuration)
Next, the configuration of the blind according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments have the same functions, and therefore the description thereof may be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the blind 10 according to the first embodiment, the third louvers 3Lv are suspended from a number of first carriers 91c excluding the master carrier 91m (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2), whereas in the blind 30 according to the third embodiment, all carriers (not shown) suspend and support the first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv via the gear box Bg.

Referring to FIG. 7, all carriers not shown are configured similarly, except that one end of the opening/closing cord 921 is not anchored to the master carrier 91m shown in FIG. 3. When tilt shaft Sa not shown is rotated around its axis, multiple gear boxes Bg can be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in unison via suspension shaft 1s. The leading carrier can pull or push the other carriers.

(Blinds in action)
Next, the operation of the blind 30 according to the first embodiment will be described, while the functions and effects of the drive mechanism 1 and the blind 30, which are blind mechanism components, will be described.

Referring to FIG. 7(A), multiple pairs of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv are deployed at approximately equal intervals. From the state shown in FIG. 7(A), when the grip at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 is rotated (see FIG. 1) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in one direction (see FIG. 3), the multiple gear boxes Bg can be rotated counterclockwise in unison via the suspension shaft 1s (see FIG. 7(B)).

Referring to FIG. 7(B), the ends of the multiple gear boxes Bg overlap with each other, preventing the suspension shaft 1s from rotating. In the state shown in FIG. 7(B), the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers.

When the tilt shaft Sa is rotated further in one direction from the state shown in Figure 7 (B) (see Figure 3), the ends of the multiple gear boxes Bg overlap, causing the rotation of the tilt shaft Sa to slip on the transmission sleeve Sf (see Figure 3), and preventing the rotation of the suspension shaft 1s (see Figure 7 (C)).

On the other hand, when the tilt axis Sa is rotated further in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 7(B) (see FIG. 3), the ends of the multiple gear boxes Bg overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv. However, the rotation of the suspension axis 1s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), allowing the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv to move in the width direction of the louvers, as shown in FIG. 6(C). This allows the drive mechanism 1 to adjust the amount of light entering the blinds 30 without depending on the rotation angle of the louvers.

When the grip at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 is rotated (see FIG. 1) from the state shown in FIG. 7(C) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in the other direction, the suspension shaft 1s and the multiple gear boxes Bg rotate in the clockwise direction in unison, and the ends of the multiple gear boxes Bg overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv, but the rotation of the suspension shaft 1s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1, causing the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv to move relatively in the width direction. After that, when the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv have rotated to a state where they overlap in the width direction, the rotation control rod is rotated in the opposite direction to rotate the suspension shaft 1s and the multiple gear boxes Bg in the counterclockwise direction in unison (see FIG. 3), and the blinds 30 can be returned to the state shown in FIG. 7(A).

Referring to FIG. 7, the blind 30 according to the third embodiment has the same effect as the blind 10 according to the first embodiment and the blind 20 according to the second embodiment, and in addition, by configuring all the carriers as the master carrier 91m, the amount of light that the blind 30 lets in can be adjusted regardless of the rotation angle of the louvers.

[Modification of the third embodiment]
Next, the configuration of a blind according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7(B) , the blind according to the modification of the third embodiment is arranged in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the gear box Bg is always inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh in a plan view.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the blind 30 according to the third embodiment, the gear box Bg is rotatably connected to the carrier via the suspension shaft 1s (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, in the blind according to the modified third embodiment, the gear box Bg is arranged in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the gear box Bg is always tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh in a plan view with respect to the frame of the carrier (not shown). This allows the gear box Bg, which is fixed in a tilted state with the carrier (not shown), to move together. In the blind 30 according to the third embodiment, the gear box Bg is fixed in a tilted state with respect to the frame of the carrier (not shown), but is configured so that the rotation of the tilt shaft Sa can be transmitted to the suspension shaft 1s (see FIG. 3). This allows the blind according to the modified third embodiment to perform the following operation by only moving the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction without rotating the gear box Bg.

Referring to FIG. 7(B), in the blind according to the modified example of the third embodiment, the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers, but the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv are arranged with a predetermined gap between them and the adjacent first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv.

Referring to Figure 7, the blind according to the modified example of the third embodiment can be closed by expanding the first louvers 1Lv and the second louvers 2Lv in the width direction of the louvers from the state shown in Figure 7(B) so that the ends of the first louvers 1Lv and the second louvers 2Lv overlap each other (see Figure 7(C)).

On the other hand, by returning the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv from the state shown in FIG. 7(C) to a state in which they overlap in the width direction, the blinds can be opened as shown in FIG. 7(B). The blinds according to the modified third embodiment can be opened and closed without depending on the rotation angle of the louvers. The blinds according to the modified third embodiment can operate by simply moving the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction without rotating the gear box Bg.

[Fourth embodiment]
(Blinds configuration)
Next, the configuration of the blind according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore the description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the blind 40 according to the fourth embodiment is composed of a first blind body 1Bd and a second blind body 2Bd. The first blind body 1Bd has a C-channel shaped head rail 1Bh and a plurality of first carriers 91c. The second blind body 2Bd has a C-channel shaped head rail 2Bh and a plurality of second carriers 92c.

Referring to FIG. 8, head rail 1Bh and head rail 2Bh are aligned in a straight line along their longitudinal direction. Head rail 1Bh and head rail 2Bh are also aligned with a specified gap between them. Head rail 1Bh and head rail 2Bh are attached to the top of the window frame or the ceiling surface via multiple brackets (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 8, the first carrier 91c includes a master carrier 91m. The master carrier 91m and the first carrier 91c are arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the head rail 1Bh. The second carrier 92c includes a master carrier 92m. The master carrier 92m and the second carrier 92c are arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the head rail 2Bh.

Referring to FIG. 8, the blind 40 is a vertical blind with a multiple blind body attached adjacent to each other, consisting of a first louver group 1Lg on the head rail 1Bh side (right side) and a second louver group 2Lg on the head rail 2Bh side (left side), which can move in opposite directions.

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the master carrier 91m is disposed at the front of the multiple first carriers 91c. Also, the master carrier 92m is disposed at the front of the multiple second carriers 92c.

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the leading master carrier 91m and the leading master carrier 92m are arranged facing each other in a close relationship. By operating a first opening/closing cord (not shown) arranged on the head rail 1Bh and a second opening/closing cord (not shown) arranged on the head rail 2Bh, the leading master carrier 91m and the leading master carrier 92m can be moved in opposite directions.

When the leading master carrier 91m and the leading master carrier 92m are separated from each other, the leading master carrier 91m and the leading master carrier 92m can be brought closer to each other by operating the first opening and closing cord (not shown) and the second opening and closing cord (not shown) as shown in Figure 8 (A).

Referring to FIG. 8, the first carrier 91c and the second carrier 92c are the same but are distinguished by different reference numbers for ease of explanation. Similarly, the master carrier 91m and the master carrier 92m are the same but are distinguished by different reference numbers for ease of explanation.

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the first carrier 91c suspends the third louver 3Lv via a carrier hook 91f (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). The master carrier 91m suspends the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv via a first suspension part 1Sp and a second suspension part 1Sp provided on the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the first blind body 1Bd is made up of a set of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv hanging down from a master carrier 91m, and third louvers 3Lv hanging down from multiple first carriers 91c, constituting a first louver group 1Lg.

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the second carrier 92c suspends the third louver 3Lv via a carrier hook 91f (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). The master carrier 92m suspends the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv via a first suspending portion 1Sp and a second suspending portion 1Sp provided on the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the second blind body 2Bd is made up of a set of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv hanging down from the master carrier 92m, and third louvers 3Lv hanging down from multiple second carriers 92c, constituting a second louver group 2Lg.

Referring to FIG. 8, the blind 40 has a tilt shaft (not shown) that serves as a long drive shaft disposed inside the head rail 1Bh and head rail 2Bh. The tilt shaft crosses the head rail 1Bh and head rail 2Bh along the longitudinal direction.

Referring to FIG. 8(A), a tilt axis (not shown) passes through a plurality of first carriers 91c and a master carrier 91m. The plurality of first carriers 91c and the master carrier 91m can move along the tilt axis. Similarly, a tilt axis (not shown) passes through a plurality of second carriers 92c and a master carrier 92m. The plurality of second carriers 92c and the master carrier 92m can move along the tilt axis.

Referring to FIG. 8, the master carrier 91m and the first carrier 91c each have a rotational force transmission mechanism built in that transmits the rotation of the tilt axis. When the rotational force transmission mechanism is driven, the master carrier 91m can rotate the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis via the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4). Also, when the rotational force transmission mechanism is driven, the first carrier 91c can rotate the third louver 3Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis.

Referring to FIG. 8, the master carrier 92m and the second carrier 92c each have a rotational force transmission mechanism inside that transmits the rotation of the tilt axis. When the rotational force transmission mechanism is driven, the master carrier 92m can rotate the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis via the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4). Also, when the rotational force transmission mechanism is driven, the second carrier 92c can rotate the third louver 3Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis.

Referring to FIG. 8, the blind 40 has a first carrier movement mechanism disposed inside the head rail 1Bh that moves a plurality of first carriers 91c and a master carrier 91m. The first carrier movement mechanism includes a first opening/closing cord (not shown) and a plurality of first spacer links (not shown).

Similarly, referring to FIG. 8, the blind 40 has a second carrier movement mechanism disposed inside the head rail 2Bh that moves a plurality of second carriers 92c and a master carrier 92m. The second carrier movement mechanism includes a second opening/closing cord (not shown) and a plurality of second spacer links (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 8(A), when the master carrier 91m and the multiple first carriers 91c are deployed, the first opening/closing cord (not shown) is operated from one end of the head rail 1Bh to move the master carrier 91m to one end (right side) of the head rail 1Bh. The master carrier 91m pushes the multiple first carriers 91c, causing the multiple third louvers 3Lv (including the pair of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv) to fold in to one end (right side) of the head rail 1Bh.

On the other hand, when the multiple third louvers 3Lv (including the pair of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv) are folded at one end (right side) of the head rail 1Bh, and the first opening/closing cord is operated to move the master carrier 91m to the other end (left side) of the head rail 1Bh, the multiple first spacer links (not shown) pull the multiple first carriers 91c, allowing the multiple third louvers 3Lv (including the pair of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv) to be deployed at approximately equal intervals (see Figure 8 (A)).

Also, as shown in FIG. 8(A), when the master carrier 92m and the multiple second carriers 92c are deployed, the second opening/closing cord (not shown) is operated from the other end (left side) of the head rail 2Bh to move the master carrier 92m to the other end (left side) of the head rail 2Bh. The master carrier 92m pushes the multiple second carriers 92c, so that the multiple third louvers 3Lv (including the pair of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv) can be folded into the other end (left side) of the head rail 2Bh.

On the other hand, when the multiple third louvers 3Lv (including the pair of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv) are folded to the other end (left side) of the head rail 1Bh, and the second opening and closing cord is operated to move the master carrier 92m to one end (right side) of the head rail 2Bh, the multiple second spacer links (not shown) pull the multiple second carriers 92c, allowing the multiple third louvers 3Lv to be deployed at approximately equal intervals (see Figure 8 (A)).

In this way, the blind 40 according to the fourth embodiment is configured as a vertical blind with a double-opening design that allows the central portion to be opened and closed freely.

(Blinds in action)
Next, the operation of the blind 40 according to the fourth embodiment will be described, while the functions and effects of the drive mechanism 1 and the blind 40, which are blind mechanism components, will be described.

Referring to FIG. 8(A), the first blind body 1Bd has multiple third louvers 3Lv and pairs of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv deployed at approximately equal intervals. Similarly, the second blind body 2Bd has multiple third louvers 3Lv and pairs of first louvers 1Lv and second louvers 2Lv deployed at approximately equal intervals.

When the tilt shaft (not shown) is rotated in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 8(A), the suspension shaft 1s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f (see FIG. 1) can be rotated counterclockwise in unison (see FIG. 8(B)). Also, in synchronization with the rotation of the tilt shaft in one direction, the suspension shaft 2s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f can be rotated counterclockwise in unison (see FIG. 8(B)). Note that the suspension shaft 1s and the suspension shaft 2s are the same, but are distinguished by different reference numerals for the sake of convenience.

Referring to FIG. 8(B), the ends of the second louvers 2Lv and the third louvers 3Lv, and the ends of the third louvers 3Lv overlap, thereby closing the first blind body 1Bd and the second blind body 2Bd (see FIG. 2(A)). Note that when the tilt axis is rotated in one direction, the first louvers 1Lv and the second louvers 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers.

Referring to FIG. 8(B), when the tilt shaft is rotated further in one direction from a state in which the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers, the ends of the third louvers 3Lv overlap, causing the rotation of the tilt shaft Sa to slip on the transmission sleeve Sf (see FIG. 3), preventing the rotation of the carrier hook 91f.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 8(B), when the tilt axis is rotated further in one direction from a state in which the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv overlap in the width direction of the louvers, the end of the second louver 2Lv and the end of the third louver 3Lv overlap, suppressing the rotation of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv. However, the rotation of the suspension shaft 1s and the suspension shaft 2s is transmitted to the pinion gear Gp of the drive mechanism 1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), and the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv can be moved in the width direction of the louvers, as shown in FIG. 8(B).

Referring to FIG. 8(B), the second louver 2Lv hanging down from the master carrier 91m and the first louver 1Lv hanging down from the master carrier 92m overlap in the width direction of the louvers. This prevents light from leaking from the gap between the head rails 1Bh and 2Bh.

The blind 40 according to the fourth embodiment has the same effect as the blind 10 according to the first embodiment, but there is a difference in that the blind 10 according to the first embodiment can prevent light leakage from the gap with the window frame, whereas the blind 40 according to the fourth embodiment can prevent light leakage from the gap between the head rail 1Bh and the head rail 2Bh.

The blind mechanism part of the present invention suspends the shading material via the shading material support part. When a driving force is transmitted from the drive shaft, the blind mechanism part of the present invention can move the shading material in the width direction of the shading material. Therefore, when the blind mechanism part of the present invention is used in a blind, the amount of light that the blind lets in can be adjusted without changing the rotation angle of the shading material.

[Fifth embodiment]
(Blinds configuration)
Next, the configuration of the blind according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore the description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9, a blind 50 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a head rail Bh and a plurality of first carriers 91c. The first carriers 91c include a master carrier 5m, which will be described later. The master carrier 5m and the first carriers 91c are arranged to be movable longitudinally inside the head rail Bh.

The first carrier 91c suspends the third louver 3Lv via a carrier hook 91f (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). Referring to FIG. 9, the master carrier 5m suspends the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv via a first suspension part 51Sp and a second suspension part 52Sp provided on the drive mechanism 5 described later.

(Master Career Structure)
Next, the configuration of the master carrier 5m according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 9, the master carrier 5m has a frame 5f constituting an outer shell with a pair of flange pieces 51f protruding from both sides. The pair of flange pieces 51f are placed on a pair of guide rails 9r arranged opposite to each other on the inner wall of the head rail Bh. The pair of guide rails 9r extend in the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. The flange piece 51f can slide on the guide rail 9r. The first carrier 91c is also configured in the same manner as the master carrier 5m, and the first carrier 91c can slide on the guide rail 9r.

Referring to FIG. 9, the frame 5f of the master carrier 5m has a cylindrical portion 51c that protrudes vertically from the bottom. The cylindrical portion 51c rotatably holds the suspension shaft 5s described below inside. The cylindrical portion 51c also has a pinion gear 5Gp formed on the tip side that meshes with the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr described below.

Referring to FIG. 9, the tilt axis Sa has multiple spline grooves formed on its outer periphery that extend in the axial direction. The master carrier 5m has a rotational force transmission mechanism inside. When the rotational force transmission mechanism is driven, the master carrier 5m can rotate the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv forward or backward around the vertical axis via the drive mechanism 5 described below.

Referring to FIG. 9, the rotational force transmission mechanism includes a worm W, a worm wheel Wh, and a transmission sleeve Sf. The transmission sleeve Sf can transmit the rotation of the worm wheel Wh to the suspension shaft 5s. The transmission sleeve Sf is fitted between the base end of the suspension shaft 5s and the inner circumference of the shaft portion of the worm wheel Wh. When the worm wheel Wh rotates around its axis, the transmission sleeve Sf can transmit the rotation of the worm wheel Wh to the suspension shaft 5s in a frictionally transmittable manner.

Referring to Figure 9, the suspension shaft 5s is connected to the center of the bottom of the lower case 5Cd, which will be described later. In other words, the suspension shaft 5s and the lower case 5Cd are molded as a single unit. The suspension shaft 1s of the master carrier 91m shown in Figure 3 has its tip rotatably connected to the lower case Cd, but the suspension shaft 5s of the master carrier 5m shown in Figure 9 is molded as a single unit with the lower case 5Cd.

(Configuration of blind mechanism components)
9, the blind mechanism part according to the fifth embodiment includes a first hanging part 51Sp and a second hanging part 52Sp, which are strip-shaped parts that serve as shielding material supports. The first hanging part 51Sp suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv. The second hanging part 52Sp suspends and supports the second louver 2Lv.

Referring to FIG. 9, the blind mechanism component according to the fifth embodiment further includes a drive mechanism 5. The drive mechanism 5 is suspended and supported by the master carrier 5m.

(Configuration of the driving mechanism)
9, the drive mechanism 5 according to the fifth embodiment accommodates a gear transmission 5Gd inside a gear box 5Bg. The gear box 5Bg is composed of an upper case 5Cu and a lower case 5Cd. The gear transmission 5Gd is surrounded by the upper case 5Cu and the lower case 5Cd. The gear transmission Gd can convert the rotational motion from the tilt shaft Sa, which is the drive shaft, into linear motion.

Referring to FIG. 9, the lower case 5Cd has a suspension shaft 5s protruding upward from the center of its bottom. A pinion gear 5Gp formed on the tip side of the cylindrical portion 51c enters the upper case 5Cu.

Referring to FIG. 9, the gear transmission 5Gd includes a pair of a first rack gear 51Gr and a second rack gear 52Gr. The first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr mesh with a pinion gear 5Gp formed on the tip side of the cylindrical portion 51c inside the gear box 5Bg.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr are only allowed to move inside the gear box 5Bg along the longitudinal direction of the gear box 5Bg. Normally, the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr are stopped with the pinion gear 5Gp located in their center.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the pinion gear 5Gp is positioned in the center of the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr, and the gear box 5Bg is rotated counterclockwise in a plan view via the suspension shaft 5s (see FIG. 10(B)), the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr mesh with the pinion gear 5Gp, allowing the first rack gear 51Gr to move in one direction and the second rack gear 52Gr to move in the other direction.

As such, referring to FIG. 9, when the driving force is transmitted from the pinion gear 5Gp to the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr, the rotation of the pinion gear 5Gp can be converted into horizontal movement of the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr.

Referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, in the gear transmission Gd according to the first embodiment, when the gear box Bg is stopped and the suspension shaft 1s is rotated, the pinion gear Gp provided on the suspension shaft 1s meshes with the first rack gear 1Gr and the second rack gear 2Gr, so that the first rack gear 1Gr can be moved in one direction and the second rack gear 2Gr can be moved in the other direction.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 9, in the gear transmission 5Gd according to the fifth embodiment, when the hanging shaft 5s is rotated, the hanging shaft 5s and the lower case 5Cd are integrally configured, so that the gear box 5Bg can be rotated. When the gear box 5Bg is rotating, the pinion gear 5Gp provided on the tip side of the cylindrical portion 51c meshes with the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr, so that the first rack gear 51Gr can be moved in one direction and the second rack gear 52Gr can be moved in the other direction. In other words, the master carrier 5m according to the fifth embodiment can move the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr in opposite directions while rotating the gear box 5Bg.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first rack gear 51Gr has a first hanging portion 51Sp protruding downward from the lower case 5Cd. The first hanging portion 51Sp suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv. The second rack gear 52Gr has a second hanging portion 52Sp protruding downward from the lower case 5Cd. The second hanging portion 52Sp suspends and supports the second louver 52Lv.

When the first rack gear 51Gr and the second rack gear 52Gr have the pinion gear 5Gp positioned in their center, the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv are positioned in an overlapping state in their width direction (see FIG. 10(A)).

Referring to FIG. 10(A), when the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv are arranged in a state where they are overlapped in the width direction, the gear box 5Bg is rotated counterclockwise in a plan view via the hanging shaft 5s (see FIG. 9), and the gear box 5Bg can move the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv relative to each other in the width direction while rotating (see FIG. 10(B)).

Referring to FIG. 9, the drive mechanism 5 according to the fifth embodiment includes a first hanging portion 51Sp that suspends and supports the first louver 1Lv. The drive mechanism 5 according to the fifth embodiment also includes a second hanging portion 52Sp that suspends and supports the second louver 2Lv.

Referring to FIG. 9, when a driving force is transmitted from the tilt axis Sa disposed inside the head rail Bh that supports and suspends the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv, the driving mechanism 5 can move the hanging first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction of the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv via the first hanging portion 51Sp and the second hanging portion 52Sp.

(Blinds in action)
Next, the operation of the blind 50 according to the fifth embodiment will be described, while the functions and effects of the drive mechanism 5 and the blind 50, which are blind mechanism components, will be described.

Referring to FIG. 10(A), the blind 10 has multiple third louvers 3Lv and a pair of first and second louvers 1Lv and 2Lv deployed at approximately equal intervals. From the state shown in FIG. 10(A), by rotating the grip provided at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 (see FIG. 1) and rotating the tilt axis Sa by a predetermined angle in one direction (see FIG. 9), the suspension axis 5s and multiple carrier hooks 91f can be rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle all at once (see FIG. 10(B)).

In the process of transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 10(A) to the state shown in FIG. 10(B), the gear box 5Bg shown in FIG. 9 rotates around the axis of the suspension shaft 5s, while the gear box 5Bg moves the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv relatively in the width direction of the louvers.

From the state shown in FIG. 10(B), by rotating the grip provided at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 (see FIG. 1) and further rotating the tilt axis Sa a predetermined angle in one direction (see FIG. 9), the suspension axis 5s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f can be further rotated counterclockwise in unison a predetermined angle (see FIG. 10(C)).

In the process of transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 10(B) to the state shown in FIG. 10(C), the gear box 5Bg shown in FIG. 9 further rotates around the axis of the suspension shaft 5s, while the gear box 5Bg further moves the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv relative to each other in the width direction of the louvers.

In the state shown in FIG. 10(C), the blinds 50 are closed by overlapping the ends of the first louver 1Lv and the third louver 3Lv, and the ends of the third louvers 3Lv overlapping each other. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 10(C), the second louver 2Lv has moved to the opposite side of the first louver 1Lv.

From the state shown in FIG. 10(C), the grip at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 can be rotated (see FIG. 1) to rotate the tilt axis Sa in the other direction, thereby rotating the suspension axis 5s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f in the clockwise direction in unison (see FIG. 10(B)).

In the process of transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 10(C) to the state shown in FIG. 10(B), the gear box 5Bg shown in FIG. 9 further rotates around the axis of the suspension shaft 5s, while the gear box 5Bg moves relatively in the width direction of the louvers, in a direction in which the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv approach each other.

From the state shown in Figure 10 (B), by rotating the grip at the tip of the rotation control rod 922 (see Figure 1) and further rotating the tilt axis Sa a specified angle in the other direction (see Figure 9), the suspension axis 5s and the multiple carrier hooks 91f can be further rotated clockwise in unison a specified angle, and the blinds 50 can be returned to the state shown in Figure 10 (A).

In the process of transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 10(B) to the state shown in FIG. 10(A), the gear box 5Bg shown in FIG. 9 further rotates around the axis of the suspension shaft 5s, while the gear box 5Bg moves relatively in the width direction of the louvers, in a direction in which the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv approach each other.

Referring to FIG. 10(C), the blind 50 according to the fifth embodiment is equipped with a drive mechanism 5 that can move the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv in the width direction of the louvers while rotating them, so that the gap with the window frame caused by the arrangement of multiple rod supports 91s (see FIG. 1) can be blocked without depending on the rotation angle of the louvers.

Referring to FIG. 9 or 10, the drive mechanism 5 according to the fifth embodiment can move in the width direction of the louvers while rotating the first louver 1Lv and the second louver 2Lv when a drive force is transmitted from the tilt axis Sa. When the drive mechanism 5 according to the fifth embodiment is used for the blinds 50, the amount of light that the blinds let in can be adjusted while rotating the louvers.

The blind mechanism component according to the present invention preferably comprises a gear transmission that converts the rotational motion from the drive shaft into linear motion. The gear transmission can convert the rotation around a vertical axis into a drive that moves horizontally, which is the width direction of the shielding material.

The blind mechanism component according to the present invention preferably comprises a pair of shielding materials hanging down from a shielding material support part. By moving at least one of the pair of shielding materials, the overall width of the shielding materials can be changed, and light leakage through gaps can be prevented.

The blind according to the present invention is preferably composed of multiple carriers that can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail, shading materials suspended from these carriers, and a master carrier that can pull the carriers in one direction or push the multiple carriers in the other direction. By using the blind mechanism components according to the present invention, the amount of light that the blind lets in can be adjusted without changing the rotation angle of the shading materials.

In addition, the blinds according to the present invention are preferably configured such that multiple shielding material support parts are arranged inside the head rail at a predetermined interval, and the interval between the shielding material suspended from the shielding material support parts adjacent to the shielding material can be changed. This makes it possible to prevent light leakage from the gaps between the shielding materials and adjust the shielding state by moving the shielding materials in a direction that increases the amount of overlap between adjacent shielding materials, and to let in light from between the shielding materials by moving the adjacent shielding materials in a direction that separates them.

1. Drive mechanism (blind mechanism parts)
1Lv First louver (shielding material)
1Sp First hanging part (shielding material support part)
2Lv 2nd louver (shielding material)
2Sp Second hanging part (shielding material support part)
10 Blind Bh Head rail Sa Tilt axis (drive axis)

Claims (4)

A blind mechanism component having a shielding material support part capable of suspending and supporting a shielding material,
a drive mechanism that, when a drive force is transmitted from a drive shaft disposed inside the head rail that supports the shielding material in a suspended manner, can move the shielding material in a width direction of the shielding material via the shielding material support portion ;
The drive mechanism includes a gear transmission that converts rotational motion from the drive shaft into linear motion,
The gear transmission is
A driving gear that is rotatably disposed about a vertical axis and to which rotation is transmitted from the drive shaft;
a driven gear to which a driving force is transmitted from the driving gear and which converts the rotation of the driving gear into horizontal movement. The shielding material support portion supports a pair of shielding materials in a suspended manner,
The blind mechanism component of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the occlusion members is movable widthwise relative to the other of the occlusion members by the drive mechanism. A blind using the blind mechanism component according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A plurality of the shielding material supports are disposed inside the head rail at predetermined intervals;
A blind in which the distance between the shielding material suspended and supported from the shielding material support portion and an adjacent shielding material suspended and supported from the shielding material support portion can be changed with the width direction facing the longitudinal direction of the head rail . A blind using blind mechanism components, the blind further comprising a shielding material support part capable of supporting a shielding material in a suspending manner, and a drive mechanism capable of moving the suspended shielding material in a width direction of the shielding material via the shielding material support part when a drive force is transmitted from a drive shaft disposed inside a head rail that supports the shielding material in a suspending manner, the drive mechanism comprising:
a plurality of carriers movable along the length of the head rail;
Shielding materials suspended from these carriers;
a master carrier that can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail and can pull the plurality of carriers in one direction or push the plurality of carriers in the other direction;
a drive shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the head rail, through which the carriers and the master carrier are inserted, and which is rotatably supported inside the head rail;
the master carrier supports the pair of shielding materials in a suspended manner via the shielding material support portion;
When a driving force is transmitted from the drive shaft to the master carrier, one of the shielding materials can be moved relatively to the other of the shielding materials by the drive mechanism.

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