JP7520707B2 - Shielding Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shielding device.

It is known that in shading devices attached to openings such as windows, gaps that occur between the shading material and the opening when the device is fully closed can cause problems with light blocking and insulation. Furthermore, due to the specifications of the shading device, such gaps cannot be eliminated. For example, if the shading device is a vertical blind, a gap must be secured to allow the louvers to rotate, so a gap occurs between the louvers and the opening when the device is fully closed, and the larger the width of the louvers, the more noticeable this gap becomes. Also, if the shading device is a Roman shade, the folding allowance must be taken into consideration when the fabric is folded up, so the device is installed at a position away from the opening. For this reason, a gap occurs between the fabric and the opening when the device is fully closed, and the gap becomes more noticeable if the fabric is thick or the product is tall.

Considering that the gaps that occur as described above affect light blocking and insulation, etc., a technology is desired that makes it possible to adjust the gap between the shading material and the opening depending on whether the shading device is open or closed. Japanese Patent Publication No. 3230660 (Patent Document 1) discloses a horizontal blind for a bay window in which a slide rail is provided in the front-to-rear direction on the ceiling surface of the bay window, and the head box is supported so that it can move relative to the slide rail. With this technology, the blind can be moved in the front-to-rear direction of the bay window.

Patent No. 3230660

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to move the blinds along the slide rail as needed, which poses issues with convenience.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a shielding device that can improve convenience by allowing the user to adjust the gap between the shielding material and the opening that occurs when opening and closing the device without any effort.

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a shielding device that includes a shielding material that can open and close an opening, a head box that suspends and supports the shielding material so that it can be opened and closed, a support rail that is provided facing the front and rear directions of the opening and suspends and supports the head box so that it can be moved, and a drive unit that drives the head box so that it can move along the support rail in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material.

According to this configuration, the gap between the shielding material and the opening can be adjusted in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, so the gap can be adjusted without the user's effort. This improves convenience. The opening and closing operation of the shielding material to be linked can be manual by operating the operating unit, or electric by driving a motor.

Various applications of the present invention are possible. For example, the drive unit may be configured to move the head box away from the opening in conjunction with the opening operation of the shielding material, and to move the head box toward the opening in conjunction with the closing operation of the shielding material. With this configuration, the gap between the shielding material and the opening can be adjusted according to the open/closed state of the shielding material. Therefore, when the shielding material is operated to be in a closed state, including a fully closed state, it is possible to prevent the gap between the shielding material and the opening from becoming large, and problems with light blocking, insulation, etc. caused by the gap can be eliminated.

The drive unit may also be configured to drive the head box so that it can move along the support rail in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, regardless of the operating direction of the operating unit for opening and closing the shielding material. With this configuration, the opening and closing operation of the shielding material and the movement of the head box can be linked regardless of the operating direction of the operating unit. For example, in the case where the shielding device is a vertical blind, even if the louver is rotated in the forward direction to a fully closed state or rotated in the reverse direction to a semi-fully closed state, the blind can be moved to a position where the gap between the louver and the opening is minimized.

The drive unit may also include a loop-shaped rack gear extending in the front-rear direction of the opening, and a pinion gear that moves the rack gear in the circumferential direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material. With this configuration, regardless of the relationship between the operation direction of the operating unit and the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, the gap between the shielding material and the opening can be adjusted in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, thereby improving convenience.

The drive unit may have an arm portion that is at least partially bendable, and the arm portion may be driven to bend or extend in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, thereby allowing the head box to move along the support rail in conjunction with the bending or extension. With this configuration, regardless of the relationship between the operation direction of the operating unit and the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, the gap between the shielding material and the opening can be adjusted in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, thereby improving convenience.

The drive unit may also include a linear rack gear that is provided in the front-rear direction of the opening, and a pinion gear that moves the rack gear in a linear direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material. This configuration improves convenience with a simple structure.

The amount by which the shielding material is opened or closed may be proportional to the amount by which the head box moves along the support rail. With this configuration, the position of the head box can be set to a position that matches the amount by which the shielding material is opened or closed, and light blocking and heat insulation properties can be obtained according to the amount by which the shielding material is opened or closed.

The present invention provides a shielding device that can improve convenience by allowing the user to adjust the gap between the shielding material and the opening that occurs when opening and closing the device without any effort. Other advantages of the present invention will be described in the description of the embodiment of the invention below.

1 is a front view showing an overall configuration of a vertical blind 100 according to a first embodiment. 2A and 2B are partial cross-sectional views taken along the line AA for explaining the drive unit 140, in which (a) shows a state in which the drive unit 140 is separated from the window surface WS, and (b) shows a state in which the drive unit 140 is close to the window surface WS. 1A and 1B are schematic plan views for explaining the sliding operation of the vertical blind 100, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the vertical blind 100 is separated from a window surface WS, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the vertical blind 100 is close to the window surface WS. FIG. 11 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a vertical blind 200 according to a second embodiment. 11A and 11B are partial cross-sectional views taken along the line BB for explaining the driving unit 240, in which (a) shows a state in which the driving unit 240 is separated from the window surface WS, and (b) shows a state in which the driving unit 240 is close to the window surface WS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a pinion gear 243 and a rack gear 244, in which (a) is a perspective view showing the internal state and the lid, and (b) is a CC sectional view of (a). 1A and 1B are schematic plan views for explaining the sliding operation of the vertical blind 200, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the vertical blind 200 is separated from a window surface WS, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the vertical blind 200 is close to the window surface WS. FIG. 11 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a vertical blind 300 according to a third embodiment. 13A and 13B are partial cross-sectional views taken along the line DD for explaining the driving unit 340, in which (a) shows a state in which the driving unit 340 is separated from the window surface WS, and (b) shows a state in which the driving unit 340 is close to the window surface WS. 5A and 5B are enlarged plan views for explaining the arm 343, in which FIG. 5A shows the arm 343 in an extended state, and FIG. 5B shows the arm 343 in a bent state. 1A and 1B are schematic plan views for explaining the sliding action of the louver 110 when rotated forward, in which (a) shows the state when it is separated from the window surface WS, and (b) shows the state when it is close to the window surface WS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the sliding action when the louver 110 is rotated in the reverse direction, in which (a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D showing the state in which the arm 343 is rotated in the reverse direction, and (b) is a schematic plan view for explaining the sliding action. 13A and 13B are side views showing the overall configuration of a Roman shade 400 according to a fourth embodiment, in which FIG. 13A shows the state in which the shade 410 is folded, and FIG. 13B shows the state in which the shade 410 is lowered.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

First Embodiment
The overall configuration of a vertical blind (shading device) 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the vertical blind 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A for explaining the drive unit 140. The vertical blind 100 is configured to include a louver (shading material) 110 capable of opening and closing an opening, a head rail (head box) 120 for supporting the louver 110 in an openable and closable manner, a support rail 130 for supporting the head rail 120 in a movably suspended manner, and a drive unit 140 for driving the head rail 120 so as to be movable along the support rail 130. The drive unit 140 is configured to be driven in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the louver 110. Each component will be described in detail below.

(Louver 110)
The louver 110 opens or closes an opening such as a window. The louver 110 can have the same structure as a louver of a general vertical blind. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end of the louver 110 is engaged with a carrier 150 via a rotating hanging member 152 (described later), and a balance weight 112 is provided at the lower end.

(Head rail 120)
The head rail 120 suspends and supports the louvers 110 so that they can move in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of carriers 150 are arranged inside the head rail 120 so that they can move in the longitudinal direction. A rotation shaft 122 extending in the longitudinal direction of the head rail 120 passes through the plurality of carriers 150. One end of the head rail 120 is provided with a rotation control rod 124 for rotating the louvers 110, and an opening/closing cord 126 for expanding and collapsing the louvers 110.

The rotating control rod 124 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 122 so that power can be transmitted thereto, and is capable of rotating the rotating shaft 122. When the rotating shaft 122 is rotated by rotating the rotating control rod 124, the louver 110 rotates between an open state of the louver 110 as shown in FIG. 2(a) and a closed state of the louver 110 as shown in FIG. 2(b).

The opening/closing cord 126 is suspended from the head rail 120 so as to be adjacent to the rotating control rod 124 and form two control parts. The opening/closing cord 126 is configured in a loop shape and is routed over almost the entire length of the head rail 120 in the longitudinal direction, passing through the through holes 154 of each carrier 150, which will be described later.

When the opening/closing cord 126 moves in the longitudinal direction of the head rail 120, each carrier 150 moves in the longitudinal direction of the head rail 120 in response to the movement of the opening/closing cord 126. This causes the louvers 110 to unfold and fold, opening and closing. A cord weight 128 is suspended from the lower end of the opening/closing cord 126 across the two operating parts. The opening/closing cord 126 is kept in a taut state by the cord weight 128.

The carrier 150 suspends the louvers 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the louvers 110 are rotatably supported on the carrier 150 via a rotating suspension member 152. The rotating suspension member 152 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 122, thereby rotating the louvers 110. The configuration of the rotating suspension member 152 and the rotating shaft 122 can be the same as that of a typical vertical blind, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Through holes 154 are formed on the left and right sides of the carrier 150 in the width direction, and the opening and closing cord 126 passes through the through holes 154. The assembly of the carrier 150 and the opening and closing cord 126 can be performed in the same way as for general vertical blinds, so a description will be omitted.

(Support Rail 130)
The support rail 130 suspends and supports the head rail 120 so that the head rail 120 can move. As shown in Fig. 1, the support rail 130 is fixed in the vicinity of both ends and in the center of the head rail 120 to a fixed surface FS such as an upper part of an opening or a ceiling, facing in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 2, a runner 132 is disposed on the support rail 130 so as to be able to run, and the lower end of the runner 132 is connected to the head rail 120. Thus, the head rail 120 can move along the support rail 130.

(Drive unit 140)
The driving unit 140 is driven in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the louvers 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the driving unit 140 is provided under the support rails 130 arranged at both ends of the head rail 120. The driving unit 140 is provided on the support rails 130 arranged at both ends of the head rail 120 to prevent the carrier 150 from coming into contact with the driving unit 140 and impeding the unfolding and folding of the louvers 110. Therefore, the support rails 130' arranged at other than both ends of the head rail play a role of supporting the head rail 120 while suppressing bending of the head rail 120 in order to move the head rail 120 smoothly, and the driving unit 140 is not provided thereon. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 140 is configured to include a drive gear 142 through which the rotating shaft 122 is inserted so as to rotate integrally, a pinion gear 144 that meshes with the drive gear 142, a rack gear 146 that meshes with the pinion gear 144, and a gear box 148 that houses the drive gear 142 and the pinion gear 144.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive gear 142 is inserted through the rotating shaft 122 so that they rotate together. A pinion gear 144 is disposed diagonally above the drive gear 142 so as to mesh with the drive gear 142. The pinion gear 144 is rotatably supported by a gear box 148. A rack gear 146 is disposed above the pinion gear 144 and meshes with the upper part of the pinion gear 144.

The rack gear 146 is provided along the support rail 130 facing the front-to-rear direction of the opening. When the pinion gear 144 rotates, the pinion gear 144 moves along the rack gear 146 in the front-to-rear direction of the opening. Since the gear box 148 is fixed to the head rail 120, when the pinion gear 144 moves along the rack gear 146, the head rail 120 also moves together with the drive unit 140. Note that the rack gear 146 does not necessarily have to be provided on the support rail 130, and may be provided on the ceiling surface, etc.

The configuration of the vertical blind 100 of this embodiment has been described above. Next, the operation of the vertical blind 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view for explaining the sliding operation of the vertical blind 100.

When the louvers 110 are open (fully open), as shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), the head box 120 is at the position furthest from the window surface WS. When the rotating rod 124 is rotated to close the louvers 110, the rotating shaft 122 rotates. The rotation of the rotating shaft 122 rotates the rotating hanging member 152, as shown by arrow a in Figure 2(a), and the louvers 110 rotate in the closing direction.

At the same time, the drive gear 142 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 122 as shown by the arrow b in FIG. 2(a). As a result, the pinion gear 144, which is engaged with the drive gear 142, rotates as shown by the arrow c in FIG. 2(a). Then, as shown by the arrow d in FIG. 2(a), the pinion gear 144 moves along the rack gear 146 toward the window surface WS. As a result, the head rail 120 also moves integrally with the drive unit 140 while rotating the louver 110 in the closing direction. When the louver 110 is fully closed, the head rail 120 is closest to the window surface WS as shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 3(b).

(Effects of the First Embodiment)
As described above, according to this embodiment, the gap between the louver 110 and the window surface WS can be adjusted in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the louver 110, so that the gap can be adjusted without any effort on the part of the user, thereby improving convenience.

In addition, the gap between the louver 110 and the window surface WS can be adjusted depending on whether the louver 110 is open or closed. Therefore, when the louver 110 is operated to be in a closed state, including a fully closed state, the gap between the louver 110 and the window surface WS can be prevented from becoming larger, and problems with light blocking, insulation, etc. caused by the gap can be eliminated.

In addition, since the amount by which the louvers 110 are opened and closed is proportional to the amount by which the head rail 120 moves along the support rail 130, the position of the head rail 120 can be adjusted to match the amount by which the louvers 110 are opened and closed. This makes it possible to obtain light blocking and heat insulation properties that correspond to the amount by which the louvers 110 are opened and closed.

The drive unit 140 also has a linear rack gear 146 that faces the front-to-rear direction of the window surface WS, and the pinion gear 144 moves the rack gear 146 in a linear direction in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the louver 110, improving convenience with a simple configuration.

Second Embodiment
The configuration of the vertical blind 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the vertical blind 200 of this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the drive unit 240. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the drive unit 240, and the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical blind 200 has a drive unit 240 provided in the same position as the drive unit 140 of the first embodiment. The drive unit 240 has a wider left-right width than the drive unit 140 of the first embodiment, and therefore the support rail 230 is wider than the support rail 130 of the first embodiment. In addition, the drive unit 240 moves the head rail 120 back-and-forth and left-and-right, and therefore the runner 232 is configured to be able to move the support rail 230 back-and-forth and left-and-right. The drive unit 240, which is a characteristic feature of this embodiment, will be described in detail below.

(Drive unit 240)
The drive unit 240 is configured to drive the head rail 120 to be movable along the support rail 230 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the louver 110 so that, regardless of the operating direction of the rotating operating rod (operating unit) 124 for opening and closing the louver 110, the head rail 120 is in a state closest to the window surface WS when the louver 110 is in a fully closed state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the drive unit 240 includes a worm wheel 241 through which the rotating shaft 122 is inserted so as to rotate integrally, a worm gear 242 that meshes with the worm wheel 241, a pinion gear 243 that rotates integrally with the worm gear 242, a rack gear 244 that meshes with the pinion gear 243, and a gear box 245 that houses the worm wheel 241 and the worm gear 242.

As shown in FIG. 5, the worm wheel 241 is inserted through the rotating shaft 122 so that they rotate together. The worm wheel 241 meshes with the worm gear 242 arranged adjacently. The guide shaft 242a of the worm gear 242 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the guide shaft 242a is inserted through the pinion gear 243 so that they rotate together, and the lower end of the guide shaft 242a is rotatably supported by the gear box 245. The pinion gear 243 meshes with a rack gear 244 provided on the support rail 230.

5, the rack gear 244 is configured in a loop shape extending in the front-rear direction of the opening along the support rail 230. The rack gear 244 does not necessarily have to be provided on the support rail 230, and may be provided on the ceiling surface or the like. The pinion gear 243 is configured to move the rack gear 244 in the circumferential direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the louver 110. The configuration of the pinion gear 243 and the rack gear 244 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the pinion gear 243 and the rack gear 244. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view showing the internal state and the lid, and FIG. 6(b) is a C-C cross-sectional view of FIG. 6(a). The rack gear 244 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the base 246 as shown in FIG. 6.

The base 246 is a rectangular parallelepiped with its four corners rounded off, and is configured with a depth according to the amount of movement of the head rail 120 and approximately the same height as the pinion gear 243. The rack gear 244 is configured in an endless (loop-shaped) manner with opposing straight portions and opposing arc-shaped portions connecting both ends of the straight portions. Therefore, the pinion gear 243 can make a full revolution along the rack gear 244.

A lid 247 is attached to the top of the base 246. The guide shaft 242a protruding above the pinion gear 243 is inserted into the lid 247, and a guide groove 247a is formed to guide the movement of the guide shaft 242a. The guide groove 247a is located on the inner periphery side of the rack gear 244, and has a shape that follows the shape of the rack gear 244.

The configuration of the vertical blind 200 of this embodiment has been described above. Next, the operation of the vertical blind 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 in addition to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view for explaining the sliding operation of the vertical blind 200.

When the louver 110 is open (fully open), as shown in FIG. 5(a), the head box 120 is at the position farthest from the window surface WS. At this time, the pinion gear 243 is at the position farthest from the window surface WS of the rack gear 244, as shown in FIG. 7(a). When the rotating operating rod 124 is rotated to close the louver 110, the rotating shaft 122 rotates. The rotation of the rotating shaft 122 rotates the rotating hanging member 152, as shown by the arrow e in FIG. 5(a), and the louver 110 rotates in the closing direction.

The worm wheel 241 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 122 in the direction of arrow f in FIG. 5(a). Therefore, the worm gear 242 meshing with the worm wheel 241 rotates in the direction of arrow g in FIG. 5(a). Then, the pinion gear 243 rotates integrally with the worm gear 242 via the guide shaft 242a. This rotation of the pinion gear 243 moves the rack gear 244 in the direction of arrow h, as shown in FIG. 6(a). Therefore, the head rail 120 moves integrally with the drive unit 240 in the direction of the window surface WS, as shown by arrow j in FIG. 5(a), in conjunction with the rotation of the louver 110 in the closing direction.

When the louver 110 is in the fully closed state, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 7(b), the head rail 120 is closest to the window surface WS. At this time, the pinion gear 243 moves to the position of the rack gear 244 closest to the window surface WS.

Since the rack gear 244 is configured to be endless, even if the rotating operation rod 124 is rotated in the opposite direction to the above and the rotating shaft 122 is rotated in the opposite direction, the pinion gear 243 rotates along the rack gear 244 in the opposite direction to the above. More specifically, the pinion gear 243 moves along the rack gear 244 in the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow h shown in FIG. 6(a). Therefore, for example, even if the louver 110 is rotated in the opposite direction to the fully closed state in the state shown in FIG. 7(a), the head rail 120 can move in the direction of the window surface WS together with the drive unit 240 in conjunction with the rotation of the louver 110. In this way, regardless of the rotation direction of the rotating operation rod 124, the drive unit 240 is closest to the window surface WS when the louver 110 is fully closed, and is farthest from the window surface WS when the louver 110 is fully open.

(Effects of the Second Embodiment)
As described above, according to this embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the louvers 110 can be linked to the movement of the head rail 120 regardless of the operating direction of the rotating operating rod 124. In other words, even when the louvers 110 are rotated in the forward direction to a fully closed state, or when the louvers 110 are rotated in the reverse direction to a half-fully closed state, the head rail 120 can be moved to a position where the gap between the louvers 110 and the window surface WS is minimized. This improves convenience.

Third Embodiment
The configuration of the vertical blind 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the vertical blind 300 of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the drive unit 340. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the drive unit 340, and the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

As shown in FIG. 8, the vertical blind 300 has a drive unit 340 provided in the same position as the drive unit 140 of the first embodiment. The drive unit 340 has a wider left-right width than the drive unit 140 of the first embodiment, and therefore the support rail 330 is wider than the support rail 130 of the first embodiment. The drive unit 340, which is a characteristic feature of this embodiment, will be described in detail below.

(Drive unit 340)
The drive unit 340 has an arm 343, at least a portion of which is bendable, and the arm 343 is configured to bend or extend in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the louvers 110, thereby driving the head rail 120 to move the support rail 330 in conjunction with the movement.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drive unit 340 includes a worm wheel 341 through which the rotating shaft 122 is inserted so as to rotate integrally, a worm gear 342 that meshes with the worm wheel 341, an arm 343 to which the rotation of the worm gear 342 is transmitted, and a gear box 345 that houses the worm wheel 341 and the worm gear 342.

As shown in FIG. 9, the worm wheel 341 is inserted through the rotating shaft 122 so that they rotate together. The worm wheel 341 meshes with the worm gear 342 arranged adjacently. The guide shaft 342a of the worm gear 342 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the guide shaft 342a is connected to the arm 343, and the lower end of the guide shaft 342a is rotatably supported by the gear box 345.

The arm 343 will be further described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view for explaining the arm 343. As shown in FIG. 10, the arm 343 is a link mechanism, and is configured by connecting one end of a substantially triangular first arm portion 343a and a linear second arm portion 343b by a connecting portion 343c so as to be rotatable relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 9, the other end of the first arm portion 343a is connected to the upper end of the guide shaft 342a so as to rotate integrally therewith. In addition, the other end of the second arm portion 343b is rotatably connected to the support rail 330.

Figure 10(a) shows the arm 343 in an extended state, and Figure 10(b) shows the arm 343 in a bent state. When the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b of the arm 343 are extended (Figure 10(a)), the head rail 120 is at its farthest position from the window surface WS, as shown in Figure 9(a). When the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b of the arm 343 are bent (Figure 10(b)), the head rail 120 is at its closest position to the window surface WS, as shown in Figure 9(b).

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b can be bent symmetrically with respect to a straight line z that connects the connecting portion 343c between the other end of the first arm portion 343a and the other end of the second arm portion 343b. The bending direction of the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b is determined by the rotation direction of the guide shaft 342a. When the guide shaft 342a rotates in the forward direction (the direction of the arrow k in FIG. 9(a)), the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b bend in the direction indicated by the arrow x in FIG. 10(b). On the other hand, when the guide shaft 342a rotates in the reverse direction (the direction of the arrow m in FIG. 9(a)), the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b bend in the direction indicated by the arrow y in FIG. 10(b).

The configuration of the vertical blind 300 of this embodiment has been described above. Next, the operation of the vertical blind 300 will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12 in addition to Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view for explaining the sliding action when the louver 110 is rotated forward. Fig. 12 is a view for explaining the sliding action when the louver 110 is rotated backward.

First, the operation when the louver 110 is rotated in the forward direction will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 11. When the louver 110 is open, as shown in Figure 9(a), the head box 120 is at the position farthest from the window surface WS. At this time, as shown in Figure 11(a), the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b of the arm 343 are extended. Then, when the rotation operating rod 124 is rotated in the forward direction to close the louver 110, the rotation shaft 122 rotates. The rotation of the rotation shaft 122 rotates the rotation hanging member 152, as shown by the arrow k in Figure 9(a), and the louver 110 rotates in the closing direction.

The worm wheel 341 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 122 in the direction of the arrow n in FIG. 9(a). As a result, the worm gear 342 meshing with the worm wheel 341 rotates in the direction of the arrow p in FIG. 9(a). Then, the first arm portion 343a rotates integrally with the guide shaft 342a.

By rotating the first arm portion 343a, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the joint portion 343c between the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b bends in a direction away from the window surface WS. As a result, the other end of the first arm portion 343a and the guide shaft 342a move toward the window surface WS. Therefore, the head rail 120 moves toward the window surface WS together with the drive portion 340, as shown by the arrow q in FIG. 9(a), while rotating the louver 110 in the closing direction.

When the louver 110 is in the fully closed state, as shown in Figures 9(b) and 11(b), the head rail 120 is closest to the window surface WS. At this time, the arm 343 is bent so that the other end of the first arm portion 343a moves to the position closest to the window surface WS.

Next, the operation of rotating the louver 110 in the reverse direction will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 12. When the rotating rod 124 is rotated in the reverse direction to close the louver 110, the rotating shaft 122 rotates. The rotation of the rotating shaft 122 rotates the rotating hanging member 152, as shown by the arrow m in Figure 9(a), and the louver 110 rotates in the closing direction.

The worm wheel 341 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 122 in the direction indicated by the arrow r in FIG. 9(a). As a result, the worm gear 342 meshing with the worm wheel 341 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow s in FIG. 9(a). Then, the first arm portion 343a rotates integrally with the guide shaft 342a.

By rotating the first arm portion 343a, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the joint portion 343c between the first arm portion 343a and the second arm portion 343b bends in a direction approaching the window surface WS. As a result, the other end of the first arm portion 343a and the guide shaft 342a move toward the window surface WS. Therefore, the head rail 120 moves toward the window surface WS together with the drive portion 340, as shown by the arrow t in FIG. 9(a), while rotating the louver 110 in the closing direction.

When the louver 110 is in a fully closed state, the head rail 120 is closest to the window surface WS, as shown in FIG. 12. At this time, the arm 343 is bent so that the other end of the first arm portion 343a moves to a position closest to the window surface WS.

In this way, the arm 343 can be bent symmetrically with respect to the straight line z that connects the other end of the first arm portion 343a and the other end of the second arm portion 343b, with the connecting portion 343c. Therefore, regardless of whether the louver 110 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction, when the louver 110 is fully closed, it is closest to the window surface WS. Therefore, when the louver 110 is fully open, it is farthest from the window surface WS.

(Effects of the Third Embodiment)
As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to link the opening and closing operation of the louvers 110 with the movement of the head rail 120, regardless of the operating direction of the rotating operating rod 124. In other words, even when the louvers 110 are rotated in the forward direction to a fully closed state, or when the louvers 110 are rotated in the reverse direction to a half-fully closed state, the head rail 120 can be moved to a position where the gap between the louvers 110 and the window surface WS is minimized.

In addition, the simple configuration improves convenience.

Fourth Embodiment
A Roman shade 400 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the Roman shade 400 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the driving unit 140 similar to that in the first embodiment is provided in the Roman shade 400. That is, the driving gear (not shown) and the pinion gear 144 of the driving unit 140 are provided in the head rail 420 as shown in FIG. 13. In addition, the rack gear 146 is provided in the support rail 130 and meshes with the pinion gear 144. The head rail 420 is supported movably on the support rail 130 by the runner 132.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), when the shade 410 (shielding material) of the Roman shade 400 is folded up, the folding margin creates a thickness in the front-to-rear direction. For this reason, the head rail 420 is positioned away from the window surface WS. When the shade 410 is lowered, the pinion gear 144 rotates in the direction of the arrow v, as shown by the arrow u in FIG. 13(a). As a result, the folding margin of the shade 410 disappears, and the head rail 420 moves in the direction of the window surface WS, as shown by the arrow w in FIG. 13(a).

When the shade 410 is lowered to its lowest position, the head rail 420 is closest to the window surface WS, as shown in FIG. 13(b). When the shade 410 is lowered to its lowest position, there is no folding space left and the shade has no thickness in the front-to-rear direction. At this time, the head rail 420 is closest to the window surface WS, so the gap between the shade 410 and the window surface WS becomes smaller.

(Effects of the Fourth Embodiment)
As described above, according to this embodiment, when the shade 410 is folded up, the head rail 420 is moved away from the window surface WS, and when the shade 410 is lowered, the head rail 420 is moved closer to the window surface WS. This reduces the gap between the shade 410 and the window surface WS when the shade 410 is fully closed, improving light blocking and heat insulation.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the louvers 110 is performed manually by operating the rotating control rod 124, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, it may be electrically operated by driving a motor. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

In the first embodiment, the drive unit 140 drives the head rail 120 to move away from the window surface WS in conjunction with the opening operation of the louver 110, and to move the head rail 120 in a direction approaching the window surface WS in conjunction with the closing operation of the louver 110, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The operation of the drive unit can be designed appropriately depending on the installation environment, installation location, adjustment of lighting and insulation, etc. For example, the drive unit may be driven to move the head rail away from the window surface in conjunction with the closing operation of the shielding material, and to move the head rail in a direction approaching the window surface in conjunction with the opening operation of the shielding material. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the amount by which the louvers 110 are opened and closed is proportional to the amount by which the head box 120 moves along the support rail 130, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Any suitable design can be used as long as the head box moves along the support rail in conjunction with the opening and closing of the shielding material. For example, the head box may move in conjunction with the completion of opening and closing of the shielding material, or the head box may move halfway through opening and closing of the shielding material. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

100, 200, 300 Vertical blinds (shading devices)
110 Louver (shielding material)
112 Balance weight 120, 420 Head rail (head box)
122 Rotating shaft 124 Rotating operation rod 126 Opening/closing cord 128 Cord weight 130, 230, 330 Support rail 132, 232 Runner 140, 240, 340 Drive unit 142 Drive gear 144 Pinion gear 146, 244 Rack gear 148, 245, 345 Gear box 150 Carrier 152 Rotating hanging member 154 Through hole 156 Drive gear 241, 341 Worm wheel 242, 342 Worm gear 242a, 342a Guide shaft 243 Pinion gear 246 Base 247 Cover 247a Guide groove 343 Arm 343a First arm portion 343b Second arm portion 343c Joint 400 Roman shade (shading device)
410 Shade (shielding material)
FS Fixed surface WS Window surface

Claims (7)

A shielding material capable of opening and closing an opening;
A head box that supports the shielding material in an openable and closable manner;
A support rail provided in the front-rear direction of the opening and movably supporting the head box;
A drive unit that drives the head box so as to be movable along the support rail in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material;
A shielding device comprising: The drive unit is
The head box is moved in a direction away from the opening in conjunction with the opening operation of the shielding material,
2. The shielding device according to claim 1, wherein the head box is driven to move in a direction approaching the opening in conjunction with a closing operation of the shielding material. The shielding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive unit drives the head box so as to be movable along the support rail in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, regardless of the operating direction of the operating unit for opening and closing the shielding material. The drive unit includes a loop-shaped rack gear extending in the front-rear direction of the opening,
a pinion gear that moves the rack gear in a circumferential direction in conjunction with an opening and closing operation of the shielding material;
A shielding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises: The drive unit has an arm unit at least a part of which is bendable,
The shielding device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arm portion bends or extends in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material, thereby driving the head box to move along the support rail in conjunction with the bending or extension. an operating portion for operating the shielding material to open and close the shielding material has an operating direction that corresponds one-to-one to an opening and closing direction of the shielding material;
The drive unit includes a linear rack gear provided in a front-rear direction of the opening,
a pinion gear that moves the rack gear in a linear direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shielding material;
3. A shielding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises: 7. The shielding device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing amount of the shielding material is proportional to the amount of movement of the head box along the support rail.