JP7498624B2 - Shielding Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shading device. In particular, it relates to a shading device structure in which multiple strip-shaped louvers are suspended vertically.

For example, a shielding device has been disclosed in which a first carrier and a second carrier are arranged inside a head rail so that they can be moved alternately, a first louver (first shielding material) is suspended from the first carrier, and a second louver (second shielding material) is suspended from the second carrier (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-140952

In the shielding device described in Patent Document 1, only the first carrier is provided with a rotation transmission mechanism that rotates the first louver, and the second carrier, which does not have a rotation transmission mechanism, is provided with a coil spring that constantly biases it in the rotational direction.

The shielding device according to Patent Document 1 has the characteristic that when the first louvers are rotated until they are approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail, the gaps formed between the first louvers disappear, and the second louvers arranged between the first louvers also rotate in a direction parallel to the head rail by the coil spring, overlapping with the first louvers and providing shielding.

However, with the shading device of Patent Document 1, when in the shading state, if the first louver is blown by the wind or is directly touched to open it, an external force is applied to the first louver, rotating it in a direction perpendicular to the head rail. The first louver to which the external force is applied becomes misaligned with the other louvers, and there is a problem in that in order to return to the shading state, the entire first louver needs to be rotated again.

There is a need for a shielding device that can always keep the shielding material closed without the need for rotation, and that can return the shielding material to its original closed state when the external force is removed, even if the shielding material is rotated around a vertical axis by an external force. And this can be said to be the objective of the present invention.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a shielding device that can always keep the shielding material in a closed state.

The inventors believed that the above problems could be solved by providing a suspension member with a support section that supports the shielding material so that it can rotate around a vertical axis, and a return means that can rotate the support section so that the shielding material rotated by an external force automatically returns to the closed state so that the shielding material maintains the closed state in which the shielding material closes the gap between adjacent shielding materials. Based on this, they came to invent the following new shielding device.

(1) A shielding device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of hanging members arranged along the longitudinal direction of a head rail and a shielding material suspended from the hanging members, the hanging members having a support portion which rotatably supports the shielding material around a vertical axis, and a return means capable of rotating the support portion so that the shielding material rotated by an external force automatically returns to a closed state so as to maintain a closed state in which the shielding material closes a gap between an adjacent shielding material , the return means biasing the shielding material to maintain a state parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail, and when the plurality of shielding materials are in a fully closed state, adjacent shielding materials are pushed against each other by the biasing force of the return means .

(2) It is preferable that the hanging member is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the head rail.

( 3 ) It is preferable that the shielding material can also rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the biasing direction.

( 4 ) The returning means may be a biasing member that imparts rotation to the support portion.

( 5 ) The returning means may comprise a gravity hinge provided between the support portion and a case that houses a part of the support portion.

( 6 ) It is preferable that the gravity hinge can rotate the support part in one direction or the other.

( 7 ) It is preferable that the shielding material is made of a transparent or translucent louver.

The shielding device of the present invention can always maintain the closed state without the need for rotational operation, thanks to the return means provided on the suspension member. Furthermore, even if an external force causes the shielding material to rotate around a vertical axis, the shielding device of the present invention can return to its original closed state when the external force is removed.

The shielding device of the present invention also rotates to the original position where the ends of adjacent shielding materials are pressed against each other, preventing the occurrence of gaps or misalignment, and by overlapping the ends of the shielding materials, the rotation of the shielding materials in the biased state can be maintained.

Furthermore, the shielding device of the present invention biases the shielding material in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail, so that the louvers are always biased in a direction that fully closes, preventing the occurrence of gaps between adjacent shielding materials.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a shading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a plurality of shading materials are deployed. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the shading device according to the first embodiment, in which a plurality of shielding materials are folded toward the end side. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a hanging member provided in the shading device according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the shading device according to the first embodiment, in which a plurality of shading members are fully closed. 5A and 5B are plan views showing an enlarged view of the shielding material provided in the shielding device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5(A) is a neutral state diagram in which no load is applied to the biasing member; FIG. 5(B) is a state diagram in which the biasing member presses both ends of the shielding material together, thereby completely closing the multiple shielding materials; and FIG. 5(C) is a state diagram in which the shielding material is rotated clockwise against the biasing member due to an external force. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of the shading device according to the first embodiment. 7A and 7B are plan views showing the configuration of the shielding material provided in the shielding device according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of shielding materials are folded toward one end side, and FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of shielding materials are unfolded from one end side. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the shielding material provided in the shielding device according to the first embodiment, in which a part of the shielding material is rotated clockwise against the biasing member by an external force. 9A and 9B are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing a partial configuration of a shading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 9(A) is a neutral state diagram in which no load is acting on the gravity hinge, and FIG. 9(B) is a state diagram in which a load is acting on the gravity hinge due to the rotation of the shading material. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a hanging member provided in a shading device according to a second embodiment, with a part of the hanging member shown in cross section. 11A is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the shielding material provided in the shielding device according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 11(A) is a neutral state diagram in which no load is applied to the gravity hinge, FIG. 11(B) is a state diagram in which the multiple shielding materials are fully closed as a result of the gravity hinge pushing both ends of the shielding materials against each other, and FIG. 11(C) is a state diagram in which the shielding materials have been rotated clockwise against the gravity hinge due to an external force. 12A and 12B are perspective views showing a configuration of a hanging member provided in a shading device according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 12A is a state diagram of the hanging member as viewed from one side, and FIG. 12B is a state diagram of the hanging member as viewed from the other side. 13A is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a shielding material provided in a shielding device according to a modified example of the second embodiment, in which FIG. 13(A) is a neutral state diagram in which no load is applied to the gravity hinge, FIG. 13(B) is a state diagram in which multiple shielding materials are fully closed as a result of the gravity hinge pushing both ends of the shielding materials against each other, FIG. 13(C) is a state diagram in which the shielding material has rotated clockwise against the gravity hinge due to an external force, and FIG. 13(D) is a state diagram in which the shielding material has rotated counterclockwise against the gravity hinge due to an external force.

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

[First embodiment]
(Configuration of the Shielding Device)
First, the overall configuration of a shading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(overall structure)
1 to 3 and 6, a shading device (hereinafter referred to as a blind) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a C-channel head rail Bh and a carrier 1c serving as a plurality of hanging members. The head rail Bh can be attached to the top of a window frame or a ceiling surface via a plurality of brackets Br. The blind 10 can also be used as a partition that divides the interior space of a building.

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the multiple carriers 1c are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. The multiple carriers 1c can move along the longitudinal direction of 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 front-rear direction, and when the blind 10 is used as a partition to divide the space inside the room, the front side Rf is the side when the baton Bt (see Figures 1 and 2) described below is viewed to the left, and the back side Rb is the side when the baton Bt is viewed to the right.

Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the blind 10 has louvers 9Lv that serve as shielding materials suspended from a carrier 1c. The carrier 1c has carrier hooks 11f that serve as supports and a biasing member 2 that serves as a return means. The carrier 1c supports the carrier hooks 11f so that they can rotate around a vertical axis. The carrier hooks 11f support the louvers 9Lv via the louver hooks Lf (see Figures 3 and 6). This allows the louvers 9Lv to be rotatably connected to the carrier 1c.

Referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 6, the biasing member 2 can rotate the louvers 9Lv so that the louvers 9Lv rotated by an external force automatically return to the closed state so as to maintain the closed state in which the louvers 9Lv close the gaps between the louvers 9Lv and other adjacent louvers 9Lv. Note that the biasing member 2 is actually a torsion coil spring.

Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the blinds 10 according to the embodiment can maintain the louvers 9Lv in a closed state at all times without the need for rotational operation, due to the biasing member 2 provided on the carrier 1c. Furthermore, even if an external force causes the louvers 9Lv to rotate around a vertical axis, the blinds 10 according to the embodiment can return to their original closed state when the external force is removed.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 6, the blind 10 is equipped with a rod-shaped baton Bt that serves as an operating member, and multiple flexible, band-shaped spacer links Ls. The baton Bt is disposed at one end of the blind 10. The baton Bt is suspended from a master carrier (not shown). When the baton Bt is operated, it works in conjunction with the spacer links Ls to push or pull multiple carriers, including the master carrier, against each other, thereby expanding or folding up multiple louvers 9Lv.

Referring to Figure 3 or Figure 6, the spacer link Ls moors multiple carriers 1c. When the baton Bt is moved from the other end to one end, each carrier 1c is pulled via the spacer link Ls that moors each carrier 1c. Then, the distance between each carrier 1c can be increased (see Figure 1).

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 6, when the baton Bt is moved from one end to the other end, each carrier 1c is pushed sequentially, and multiple carriers 1c can be folded toward the other end side of the head rail Bh.

(Configuration of the hanging member)
Next, the configuration of the carrier 1c according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to Fig. 3 or 6, the carrier 1c rotatably supports a pair of rollers 1r, 1r at both ends. The pair of rollers 1r, 1r are placed on a pair of guide rails 11r, 11r arranged opposite each other on the inner wall of the head rail Bh. The rollers 1r can roll on the guide rails 11r.

(Configuration of shielding material)
Next, the configuration of the louver 9Lv according to the embodiment will be described. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the carrier 1c suspends the louver 9Lv via the carrier hook 11f (see Figure 3). The louvers 9Lv also fold back their lower ends to form weight covers Lw that house weights (see Figures 1 and 2).

Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the weight covers Lw may be tethered to each other using spacer cords (not shown). By tethering multiple weight covers Lw to each other with spacer cords, it is possible to reduce the swaying of the louvers 9Lv due to opening and closing operations or wind.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the louvers 9Lv are preferably formed from a transparent or semi-transparent sheet. By forming the louvers 9Lv to be transparent or semi-transparent, it is possible to partition a space while ensuring visibility, and the partitioned spaces can be separated in a constantly closed state, which is expected to have an effect of preventing droplet infection from the opposing spaces.

(Configuration of Return Means)
Next, the configuration of the biasing member 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to Fig. 3 or Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, as described above, the biasing member 2 is actually a torsion coil spring. The biasing member 2 exteriorizes the shaft portion of the carrier hook 11f (see Fig. 3). Referring to Fig. 3, one end of the biasing member 2 is engaged with the carrier 1c, and the other end of the biasing member 2 is engaged with the shaft portion of the carrier hook 11f. The biasing member 2 can impart rotation to the carrier hook 11f around its axis.

Referring to FIG. 5(A), in an unloaded state where no external force, including pressure from an adjacent louver 9Lv, is acting, the biasing member 2 biases the louver 9Lv via the carrier hook 11f so as to maintain the louver 9Lv parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh.

Referring to FIG. 5(B), when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state (see FIG. 4), the biasing force of the biasing member 2 causes adjacent louvers 9Lv to push against each other. In other words, the ends of the louvers 9Lv push against each other, maintaining the multiple louvers 9Lv in a fully closed state.

Referring to FIG. 5(C), when an external force that resists the biasing force of the biasing member 2 acts on the louver 9Lv, the biasing member 2 can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 11f. In other words, the louver 9Lv can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 11f.

(Action of the Shielding Device)
Next, the function and effect of the blind 10 according to the first embodiment will be described while explaining the operation of the blind 10.

Referring to FIG. 5(A), when the biasing member 2 is in an unloaded state, the louvers 9Lv remain parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. In other words, the louvers 9Lv are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the carrier 1c.

Referring to FIG. 5(B), when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state with the ends of the louvers 9Lv overlapping (see FIG. 1), the carrier hook 11f rotates slightly clockwise via the louvers 9Lv, and the biasing member 2 applies a force that rotates the louvers 9Lv counterclockwise. As a result, when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state, the biasing force of the biasing member 2 presses adjacent louvers 9Lv against each other.

Referring to FIG. 5(C), when an external force that resists the biasing force of the biasing member 2 acts on the louver 9Lv, the biasing member 2 can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 11f. In other words, the louver 9Lv can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 11f.

Referring to FIG. 7(A), in the process of operating the baton Bt (see FIG. 2) to fold the multiple louvers 9Lv toward the other end of the head rail Bh, the biasing member 2 applies a force that rotates the louvers 9Lv counterclockwise, but as the carrier hooks 11f approach each other, a clockwise rotation acts on each louver 9Lv that is being folded up against the biasing force of the biasing member 2, and the multiple louvers 9Lv can be folded up while pushing both ends of adjacent louvers 9Lv, 9Lv against each other.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7(B), in the process of operating the baton Bt (see FIG. 1) to deploy multiple louvers 9Lv toward one end of the head rail Bh, the biasing member 2 applies a force that rotates the louvers 9Lv counterclockwise, so that multiple louvers 9Lv can be deployed while pushing both ends of adjacent louvers 9Lv against each other.

Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the blinds 10 according to the first embodiment can maintain the louvers 9Lv in a closed state at all times without the need for rotational operation, thanks to the biasing member 2 provided on the carrier hook 11f. Furthermore, even if an external force causes the louvers 9Lv to rotate around a vertical axis, the blinds 10 according to the first embodiment can return to their original closed state by removing the external force.

Also, referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in the blind 10 according to the first embodiment, when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state, the adjacent louvers 9Lv, 9Lv are pushed against each other by the biasing force of the biasing member 2. This allows the louvers 9Lv to rotate to their original position where the ends of the adjacent louvers 9Lv, 9Lv are pushing against each other, preventing the occurrence of gaps or misalignment between the louvers 9Lv, 9Lv. Furthermore, by overlapping the ends of the louvers 9Lv, the rotation of the louvers 9Lv in the biased state can be maintained.

Furthermore, the biasing member 2 biases the louvers 9Lv so as to maintain them parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh (see Figure 5), thereby preventing gaps from occurring between adjacent louvers 9Lv.

In addition, the louvers 9Lv can rotate in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the force (see Figure 7), so the louvers 9Lv can be smoothly deployed or folded up. In addition, the louvers 9Lv can be rotated in the open direction to allow entry and exit between adjacent louvers 9Lv.

Furthermore, by using a biasing member 2 (actually a torsion coil spring) as a return means for the louver 9Lv (see Figure 3), the carrier hook 11f is biased to rotate about its axis, so that the louver 9Lv can be automatically returned to the closed state.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, it is preferable that the louvers 9Lv are formed from a transparent or semi-transparent sheet. By forming the louvers 9Lv to be transparent or semi-transparent, it is possible to partition a space while ensuring visibility, and the partitioned spaces can be separated in a constantly closed state, which is expected to have an effect of preventing droplet infection from the opposing spaces.

[Second embodiment]
(Configuration of the Shielding Device)
Next, a configuration of a shading device according to a 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 Figures 9 to 11, a shading device (hereinafter referred to as a blind) 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a head rail Bh and multiple carriers 3c that serve as hanging members. The multiple carriers 3c are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. The multiple carriers 3c can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh.

Referring to FIG. 9, the blind 20 has a louver 9Lv suspended from a carrier 3c. The carrier 3c has a carrier hook 41f serving as a support and a gravity hinge 4 serving as a return means. The carrier hook 41f supports the louver 9Lv via the louver hook Lf so that it can rotate around a vertical axis.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, the blind 10 of the first embodiment uses a biasing member 2 (actually a torsion coil spring) as the return means, whereas the blind 20 of the second embodiment uses a gravity hinge 4 that utilizes gravity as the return means.

(Configuration of Return Means)
Next, the configuration of the gravity hinge 4 according to the second embodiment will be described. Referring to Fig. 9 or 10, the gravity hinge 4 is composed of a carrier hook 41f from which a louver 9Lv is suspended, and a carrier 3c as a case that rotatably supports the carrier hook 41f.

Referring to FIG. 9, the carrier 3c supports a pair of rollers 3r, 3r at both ends so that they can rotate freely. The pair of rollers 3r, 3r are placed on a pair of guide rails 11r, 11r arranged opposite each other on the inner wall of the head rail Bh. The roller 3r can roll on the guide rails 11r. Note that roller 1r (see FIG. 3) and roller 3r are the same, but are distinguished by different reference numbers for the sake of convenience.

Referring to FIG. 10, the carrier hook 41f can be inserted into the retaining hole 31h provided in the carrier 3c, with the hook side at the front. The lower surface of the flange 411 that bulges out from the outer periphery of the carrier hook 41f abuts against the upper surface of the retaining hole 31h, preventing the carrier hook 41f from falling off the carrier 3c.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the flange 411 of the carrier hook 41f forms a spiral inclined surface 41s on the underside. On the other hand, the carrier 3c forms a spiral inclined surface 31s on the upper surface of the retaining hole 31h, which slides with the inclined surface 41s.

In the state shown in FIG. 9(A), the stop wall 41t on the flange 411 abuts against the stop wall 31t on the upper surface of the retaining hole 31h (see FIG. 10), restricting the rotation of the carrier hook 41f relative to the carrier 3c.

When the louver 9Lv is rotated in one direction from the state shown in Figure 9 (A), that is, when the carrier hook 41f is rotated in one direction, the inclined surface 41s and the inclined surface 31s slide, causing the carrier hook 41f to rise while rotating (see Figure 9 (B)).

On the other hand, when the external force applied to the louver 9Lv is released from the state shown in FIG. 9(B), the weight of the louver 9Lv causes the inclined surfaces 41s and 31s to slide, causing the carrier hook 41f to rotate and descend. It can then return to the closed state shown in FIG. 9(A). In this way, the gravitational force can be used by the gravitational force to return the louver 9Lv to its initial state. The gravitational force constitutes a three-dimensional cam device that converts the rotational motion of the carrier hook 41f into linear motion in the ascending and descending directions.

(Action of the Shielding Device)
Next, the function and effect of the blind 20 according to the second embodiment will be described while explaining the operation of the blind 20.

Referring to FIG. 11(A), when the gravity hinge 4 is in an unloaded state, the louvers 9Lv remain parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. In other words, the louvers 9Lv are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the carrier 3c.

Referring to FIG. 11(B), when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state with the ends of the louvers 9Lv overlapping (see FIG. 1), the carrier hook 41f rotates slightly clockwise via the louvers 9Lv, and the gravity hinge 4 applies a force that rotates the louvers 9Lv counterclockwise. As a result, when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state, the force of the gravity hinge 4 presses adjacent louvers 9Lv against each other.

Referring to FIG. 11(C), when an external force acting against the biasing force of the gravity hinge 4 acts on the louver 9Lv, the gravity hinge 4 can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 41f. In other words, the louver 9Lv can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 41f.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, the blinds 20 according to the second embodiment can always maintain the closed state without the need for rotation operation, thanks to the gravity hinges 4 on which the louvers 9Lv are attached to the carrier hooks 41f. Furthermore, even if an external force causes the louvers 9Lv to rotate around a vertical axis, the blinds 20 according to the second embodiment can automatically return to the closed state by using the weight of the louvers 9Lv to rotate around the axis of the carrier hooks 41f when the external force is removed.

[Modification of the second embodiment]
(Configuration of the Shielding Device)
Next, the configuration of a shading device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the second embodiment have the same functions, and therefore the description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, a blind 30 according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a head rail Bh and multiple carriers 5c that serve as hanging members. The multiple carriers 5c are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. The multiple carriers 5c can move along the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the blind 30 has a louver 9Lv suspended from a carrier 5c. The carrier 5c has a carrier hook 61f serving as a support and a gravity hinge 5 serving as a return means. The carrier hook 61f supports the louver 9Lv via the louver hook Lf so that it can rotate around a vertical axis.

Referring to FIG. 12, the gravity hinge 4 according to the second embodiment restricts the direction in which the louver 9Lv rotates and the direction in which the louver 9Lv returns to its original closed state, whereas the gravity hinge 5 according to the modified example of the second embodiment allows the louver 9Lv to rotate in either one direction or the other. The louver 9Lv can then be returned to its original closed state.

(Configuration of Return Means)
Next, the configuration of the gravity hinge 5 according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described. With reference to Fig. 12, the gravity hinge 4 is composed of a carrier hook 61f from which a louver 9Lv is suspended, and a carrier 5c as a case that rotatably supports the carrier hook 61f.

Referring to FIG. 12, the carrier hook 61f can be inserted, hook side first, into the retaining hole 51h provided in the carrier 5c. The flange 611 that bulges out from the outer periphery of the carrier hook 61f abuts against the upper surface of the retaining hole 51h, preventing the carrier hook 61f from falling off the carrier 3c.

Referring to FIG. 12, the flange 611 of the carrier hook 61f has a pair of spiral inclined surfaces 61s, 61s formed on the underside. The pair of inclined surfaces 61s, 61s form a mountain portion that slopes downward. The end of the inclined surface 61s forms a step 61t.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 12, the carrier 5c forms a pair of spiral inclined surfaces 51s, 51s that slide with the inclined surface 61s on the upper surface of the retaining hole 51h. The pair of inclined surfaces 51s, 51s forms a valley that slopes downward.

Referring to FIG. 12, normally, a peak formed by a pair of inclined surfaces 61s, 61s fits into a valley formed by a pair of inclined surfaces 51s, 51s. When carrier hook 61f is rotated in one direction from a state in which the peak of carrier hook 61f fits into the valley of carrier 5c, one inclined surface 61s and one inclined surface 51s slide against each other, causing carrier hook 61f to rise while rotating (see FIG. 13(C)).

On the other hand, when the external force applied to the louver 9Lv is released from the state shown in FIG. 13(C), the weight of the louver 9Lv causes one inclined surface 61s and one inclined surface 51s to slide, causing the carrier hook 61f to rotate and descend. Then, the louver can return to the closed state shown in FIG. 13(B).

Referring to FIG. 12, when the carrier hook 61f is rotated in the other direction from a state in which the peak of the carrier hook 61f is engaged with the valley of the carrier 5c, the other inclined surface 61s slides against the other inclined surface 51s, causing the carrier hook 61f to rise while rotating (see FIG. 13(D)).

On the other hand, when the external force applied to the louver 9Lv is released from the state shown in FIG. 13(D), the weight of the louver 9Lv causes the other inclined surface 61s and the other inclined surface 51s to slide, causing the carrier hook 61f to rotate and descend. Then, the louver can return to the closed state shown in FIG. 13(B).

In this way, the gravity hinge 5 can use gravity to return the louver 9Lv to its initial state regardless of whether the louver 9Lv is rotated in one direction or the other.

(Action of the Shielding Device)
Next, the function and effect of the blind 30 according to the modified example of the second embodiment will be described while explaining the operation of the blind 30.

Referring to FIG. 13(A), when the gravity hinge 5 is in an unloaded state, the louvers 9Lv remain parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail Bh. In other words, the louvers 9Lv are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the carrier 5c.

Referring to FIG. 13(B), when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state with the ends of the louvers 9Lv overlapping (see FIG. 1), the carrier hook 61f rotates slightly clockwise via the louvers 9Lv, and the gravity hinge 5 applies a force that rotates the louvers 9Lv counterclockwise. As a result, when the multiple louvers 9Lv are in a fully closed state, the force of the gravity hinge 5 presses adjacent louvers 9Lv against each other.

Referring to FIG. 13(C), when an external force in one direction that resists the biasing force of the gravity hinge 5 acts on the louver 9Lv, the gravity hinge 5 can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 61f. In other words, the louver 9Lv can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 561f. Then, it can return to the closed state shown in FIG. 13(B).

Referring to FIG. 13(D), when an external force in the other direction that resists the biasing force of the gravity hinge 5 acts on the louver 9Lv, the gravity hinge 5 can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 61f. In other words, the louver 9Lv can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the biasing direction of the carrier hook 561f. Then, it can return to the closed state shown in FIG. 13(B).

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the blind 30 according to the modified example of the second embodiment has the same effect as the second embodiment, but has the special effect that the louvers 9Lv can be returned to their original closed state regardless of whether the louvers 9Lv are rotated in one direction or the other.

1c Carrier (hanging member)
2. Urging member (returning means)
9Lv Louver (shielding material)
10. Blinds (shading devices)
11c Carrier hook (support part)
Bh Head rail

Claims (7)

A plurality of hanging members arranged along the longitudinal direction of the head rail;
A shielding material suspended from the suspension member,
The hanging member is
A support portion that supports the shielding material so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis;
and a return means capable of rotating the support portion so that the shielding material rotated by an external force automatically returns to a closed state so as to maintain a closed state in which the shielding material closes a gap between the adjacent shielding material ,
The returning means is
biasing the shielding material to maintain it parallel to the longitudinal direction of the head rail;
A shielding device , wherein when the plurality of shielding materials are in a fully closed state, adjacent shielding materials are pushed against each other by the biasing force of the return means . The shielding device according to claim 1, wherein the hanging member is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the head rail. The shielding device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the shielding material can also rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation of the biasing direction. 4. The shading device according to claim 1 , wherein the return means comprises a biasing member that applies rotation to the support portion. 4. The shading device according to claim 1 , wherein the return means comprises a gravity hinge provided between the support and a case that houses a part of the support. The shading device of claim 5 , wherein the gravity hinge allows the support to rotate in one direction or the other. 7. The shading device according to claim 1, wherein the shading material comprises transparent or translucent louvers.

Images