BLIND

Abstract

To provide a blind provided with back plates with workability.SOLUTION: A blind is provided with a head box 10, a bracket 2, and a back plate 30. The head box 10 liftably supports slats St. The bracket 2 can fix the head box 10 on a fixed surface such as an upper surface of a window frame or a wall surface. The back plate 30 is detachable on an extended part 214 of the bracket 2 and capable of shielding a gap between the slat St and the head box 10. The back plate 30 is detachable on the extended part 214 of the bracket 2 at a position in a longitudinal direction between a rear end part of the bracket 2 and a rear end part of the head box 10. The back plate 30 can be attached without any interference between the wall surface and the blind body even when attaching the blind on a front surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blind. In particular, it relates to a blind structure provided with a gap shielding member that prevents light from leaking through the gap between the lowermost end surface of a support means such as a head box that supports a shielding material in an ascending manner and the uppermost stage of the shielding material. Lowerable or openable

Background Art

[0002] There is known a blind provided with a light shielding piece for shielding light leakage from the gap between a head box and the uppermost stage of slats (shielding material) (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the configuration of the blind disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to attach a light shielding piece to the blind to prevent light leakage from the gap between the head box and the uppermost stage of slats.

[0005] According to the configuration of the blind disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to attach a light shielding piece to the blind to prevent light leakage from the gap between the head box and the uppermost stage of slats.

[0006] However, the blinds described in Patent Document 1 have a structure in which a part of the mounting bracket for attaching the light-blocking piece to the bracket protrudes backward, which can lead to installation constraints such as the inability to fix the bracket to the wall surface above the window frame.

[0007] When attaching gap shielding members to the headbox, there is a need for blinds equipped with gap shielding members that offer excellent light-blocking properties while also being easy to install. This can be considered the problem addressed by the present invention.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a blind equipped with a gap shielding member that is easy to install while also having excellent light-blocking properties when the gap shielding member is attached to the headbox. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inventors have constructed a blind comprising a headbox that supports slats so as to be able to be raised and lowered or opened and closed, a bracket that fixes the headbox to a fixed surface on a ceiling or wall, and a gap shielding member (backplate) that is detachably attached to a part of the bracket and capable of shielding the gap between the slats and the headbox. By making the gap shielding member detachably attached to a part of the bracket at a front-to-back position between the rear end of the bracket and the rear end of the support means, the inventors have come up with the invention of a new blind with a gap shielding member that is easy to install while also having excellent light-shielding properties.

[0010] (1) A blind comprising: a support means for supporting a shielding material so that it can be raised and lowered or opened and closed; a bracket for fixing the support means to a fixed surface; and a gap shielding member which is detachably attached to a part of the bracket and capable of shielding the gap between the shielding material and the support means, wherein the gap shielding member is detachably attached to a part of the bracket at a front-rear position between the rear end of the bracket and the rear end of the support means.

[0011] (2) The blind according to (1), wherein the bracket has an extended portion that extends forward and downward from the rear end, and the gap shielding member is detachably attached to the extended portion.

[0012] (3) A blind comprising: a support means for supporting a shielding material so that it can be raised and lowered or opened and closed; a bracket for fixing the support means to a fixed surface; and a gap shielding member that is detachably attached to a part of the bracket and capable of shielding the gap between the shielding material and the support means, wherein the gap shielding member is detachably attached to the bracket whether the support means is fixed to a first fixed surface including the upper surface of a window frame or the ceiling via the bracket, or to a second fixed surface including a wall, and the bracket has a first fixed part that can be fixed to the first fixed surface, a second fixed part that can be fixed to the second fixed surface, and an extending part that extends forward and downward from the second fixed part, and the gap shielding member is detachably attached to the extending part.

[0013] (4) The gap shielding member is detachable from the bracket whether the support means is attached to the bracket or not, as described in any of (1) to (3).

[0014] (5) The blind according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the gap shielding member has a restricting portion that, when the support means is attached to the bracket, contacts the support means to restrict relative movement with respect to the support means.

[0015] (6) The blind according to any one of (2) to (5), further comprising a fixing member which is attached so as to pass through an opening formed in the extended portion, and which is pressed backward in the locked state in which the gap shielding member is locked to the extended portion, so that a portion of the fixing member abuts against the gap shielding member and fixes the locked state irrevocably.

[0016] (7) The blind according to any one of (2) to (6), further comprising an operating part that can be operated to release the locked state in which the gap shielding member is locked to the extended portion.

[0017] (8) The blind according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the shielding material is a slat of a horizontal blind, and the gap shielding member has a front cover material that has a pattern and color equivalent to that of the slat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] In the blind according to the present invention, the gap shielding member is detachably attached to a part of the bracket at a front-to-back position between the rear end of the bracket and the rear end of the support means. Therefore, even when the blind is "face-mounted," for example, the gap shielding member (back plate) can be attached without interfering between the wall surface and the blind body. In other words, it is possible to provide blinds with excellent light-blocking properties that do not impose any installation constraints, not only when the blinds are "ceiling mounted," but also when they are "face mounted." [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the overall configuration of a blind according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with multiple slats fully open. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blind mounting device and gap shielding member provided in a blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blind mounting device and gap shielding member provided in a blind according to the first embodiment, with the headbox removed. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gap shielding member provided in the blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the gap shielding member provided in the blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a diagram of a bracket that constitutes a blind mounting device provided in a blind according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6(A) is a perspective view of the bracket viewed from the front side, FIG. 6(B) is a perspective view of the bracket viewed from the back side, and FIG. 6(C) is a right side view of the bracket. [Figure 7] It is a diagram of a lock member that constitutes a blind mounting device provided in a blind according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7(A) is a perspective view of the lock member viewed from the front side, FIG. 7(B) is a perspective view of the lock member viewed from the back side, and FIG. 7(C) is a right side view of the lock member. [Figure 8] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a blind mounting device and a gap shielding member provided in a blind according to the first embodiment, and is a state diagram in which a head box is fixed to the blind mounting device. [Figure 9] It is a magnified longitudinal sectional view of the main part of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state change in ceiling mounting of a blind mounting device provided in a blind according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10(A) is a state diagram before attaching the head box to the blind mounting device, FIG. 10(B) is a state diagram in which the second flange portion of the head box is engaged with the second claw portion of the bracket, and FIG. 10(C) is a state diagram in which the first flange portion of the head box is engaged with the first claw portion of the bracket. [Figure 11] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state change in front mounting of a blind mounting device provided in a blind according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11(A) is a state diagram in which the second flange portion of the head box is engaged with the second claw portion of the bracket, FIG. 11(B) is a state diagram immediately before or immediately after the first flange portion of the head box pushes up and engages with the first claw portion of the bracket, and FIG. 11(C) is a state diagram before pushing the lock member toward the engaged first flange portion and first claw portion. [Figure 12] It is a magnified perspective view of the main part of a gap shielding member according to a modification of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of a bracket that constitutes a blind mounting device provided in a blind according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 14(A) is a perspective view of the fixing member constituting the blind mounting device according to the second embodiment, where Figure 14(A) is a view of the fixing member from the front and Figure 14(B) is a view of the fixing member from the rear. [Figure 15] Figure 15(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the changes in state of the mounting device and gap shielding member for the blind provided in the second embodiment. Figure 15(B) is a view showing the state in which the locking portion of the bracket according to the second embodiment is inserted into the gap shielding member according to the second embodiment. Figure 15(C) is a view showing the state in which the fixing member is inserted into the opening made in the bracket according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16(A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a blind mounting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 16(A) is a view of the blind mounting device according to the third embodiment as seen from the front, and Figure 16(B) is a view of the blind mounting device according to the third embodiment as seen from the rear. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the operating member provided in the blind mounting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the headbox fixed to the bracket according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [First Embodiment] (Blind configuration) (Overall structure) First, the overall configuration of the blind according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] (Overall structure) Referring to Figure 1, the blind Bd according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a headbox 10 which is a C-shaped channel-shaped support means and a plurality of slats St which are shading materials. The headbox 10 can be attached to the ceiling or wall surface above the window frame via brackets 2 (see Figure 2 or 3) which constitute a plurality of blind mounting devices. The headbox 10 also suspends and supports the plurality of slats St via a plurality of ladder cords Ce.

[0023] (Internal configuration of the headbox) Next, the internal configuration of the headbox 10 will be described. Referring to Figure 1, the blind Bd in this embodiment is an electrically operated blind that can be operated by a remote controller Cr. The headbox 10 houses a switching power supply Ps, a control unit Uc, a drive unit Ud, and a motor Mo. The headbox 10 also houses a drive shaft Sd, an encoder Ec, and multiple lifting and lowering rotating drums Dr. Furthermore, the headbox 10 houses a set of limit switches Ls·Ls.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, the power cord Cp is connected to the switching power supply Ps. When AC power is input from the power cord Cp, the switching power supply Ps converts the AC power to DC power and supplies the DC power to the control unit Uc and the drive unit Ud.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, the control unit Uc receives signals from the encoder Ec and limit switch Ls and controls the drive unit Ud. The encoder Ec detects the rotational speed and rotational velocity of the drive shaft Sd. A pair of limit switches Ls·Ls can detect the upper limit position of the slat St. The drive unit Ud drives the motor Mo.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, the motor Mo has its output shaft connected to the drive shaft Sd. When the drive shaft Sd rotates, the lifting and lowering rotating drum Dr, whose center is connected to the drive shaft Sd, rotates. When the lifting and lowering rotating drum Dr rotates, the ladder cord Ce wound around the outer circumference of the lifting and lowering drum Dr moves up and down, allowing the slats St to tilt. A light receiving unit 1r is provided at the end of the headbox 10 to receive infrared signals from the remote controller Cr (see Figure 12). The light receiving unit 1r is located on a side cap 1c provided at the end of the headbox 10. A back plate 30, which serves as a gap shielding member, is located behind the headbox 10.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, the drive shaft Sd consists of a polygonal rod and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the headbox 10. The drive shaft Sd is rotatably connected to the lifting and rotating drum Dr. The drive shaft Sd passes through the center of the lifting and rotating drum Dr. The drive shaft Sd can then transmit its rotation to multiple lifting and rotating drums Dr.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the multiple slats St are supported by ladder cords Ce between the headbox 10 and the bottom rail Rb, such that each slat St is aligned vertically. One end of the ladder cord Ce is connected to the corresponding lifting and rotating drum Dr and hangs down from the headbox 10, while the other end is connected to the bottom rail Rb. The ladder cord Ce has a pair of front and rear vertical cords that sandwich each slat St, and each slat St is supported by the ladder cords Ce (the pair of vertical cords) such that each slat St is aligned by a middle cord (not shown). Therefore, each slat St tilts in response to the rotation of the lifting and rotating drum Dr, tilting between fully closed, horizontal (fully open), or semi-closed states.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, the bottom rail Rb is suspended and supported by being connected to the other end of a lifting cord (not shown), one end of which is connected to a lifting rotating drum Dr in a manner that allows it to be wound up and unwound. As the lifting cord is wound up and unwound by the lifting rotating drum Dr, the bottom rail Rb moves up and down, and as multiple slats St are superimposed by this movement, multiple slats St can be raised and lowered (opened and closed).

[0030] (Headbox configuration) Next, the configuration of the headbox 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Referring to Figure 8, the headbox 10 comprises a C-shaped channel-shaped headbox body 1 and a plate-shaped top cover 1tc. The top cover 1tc can be detachably fitted to the headbox body 1. The top cover 1tc covers the top opening of the headbox body 1. By fitting the top cover 1tc to the headbox body 1, a rectangular frame can be formed.

[0031] Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, the headbox body 1 can have a wood-grain decorative panel 1d inserted from the side. Referring to Figure 2, the decorative panel 1d is positioned on the front side of the headbox body 1, improving its aesthetic appeal. In addition, a decorative panel 1e is also attached to the side cap 1c (see Figure 2). The decorative panels 1d and 1e can be made of the same material as the slats St. Alternatively, the decorative panels 1d and 1e can be made of materials other than the same material as the slats St, such as metal plates like aluminum, resin plates like acrylic, fabric, or LCD panels, which can be appropriately selected to suit the user's preferences.

[0032] Referring to Figure 8 or Figure 9, the headbox 10 has a first flange portion 11f that protrudes forward from the top. The headbox 10 also has a second flange portion 12f that protrudes downward from the bottom (see Figure 8 or Figure 10(C)). The first flange portion 11f and the second flange portion 12f are located diagonally opposite each other.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2 or Figure 8, the blind Bd is equipped with a mounting device 20 to which the headbox 10 can be detachably attached. The mounting device 20 comprises an L-shaped bracket 2 and a plate-shaped locking member 22. The bracket 2 can be attached to the ceiling surface above the window frame (hereinafter referred to as "ceiling mounting"). Alternatively, the bracket 2 can be attached to the wall surface above the window frame (hereinafter referred to as "front mounting"). The locking member 22 can lock the headbox 10 to the bracket 2.

[0034] (Bracket configuration) Next, the configuration of the bracket 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to Figure 6 or Figure 8, the bracket 2 has an upper surface portion 211 which serves as a first fixing portion and a rear surface portion 212 which serves as a second fixing portion. The bracket 2 also has an inclined portion 213 and an extended portion 214. The bracket 2 is made of a strip of metal plate and is formed by bending a punched-out plate.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6(A), the top surface 211 has multiple screw holes. The top surface 211 can be fixed to the ceiling surface (fixing surface) using multiple wood screws or the like (see Figure 10). In other words, the bracket 2 can be mounted to the ceiling. The rear surface 212 is bent at a slightly acute angle of less than 90 degrees from the base end of the top surface 211.

[0036] Referring to Figure 6(B), the rear section 212 has multiple screw holes. The rear section 212 can be fixed to the wall (fixing surface) using multiple wood screws or the like (see Figure 11). In other words, the bracket 2 can be face-mounted. The bracket 2 can be attached to the fixing surface either by ceiling mounting or face mounting.

[0037] Referring to Figure 6 or Figure 8, the inclined portion 213 slopes downward from the lower end of the rear portion 212 toward the front end of the upper portion 211. The inclined portion 213 extends forward of the bracket 2. The extended portion 214 extends downward from the lower end of the inclined portion 213. The extended portion 214 is formed substantially parallel to the rear portion 212. That is, the extended portion 214 can be said to extend forward and downward from the rear portion 212, which is the rear end of the bracket 2. A back plate 30, which will be described later as a gap shielding member, can be attached to the extended portion 214 (see Figure 3 or Figure 8).

[0038] Referring to Figure 6 or Figures 8 and 9, the upper surface portion 211 has a pair of first claw portions 21n·21n that are U-shaped and inverted from the tip edge. The first flange portion 11f can be locked onto the first claw portions 21n (see Figure 8 or Figure 9).

[0039] Referring to Figure 6 or Figure 8, the extended portion 214 has a plurality of second claw portions 22n that are U-shaped and inverted from the tip edge. The second flange portion 12f can be locked onto the second claw portions 22n (see Figure 8).

[0040] Referring to Figure 8, after attaching the upper portion 211 to a fixed surface that will become the ceiling, the first flange portion 11f of the headbox 10 can be locked to the first claw portion 21n, and the second flange portion 12f can be locked to the second claw portion 22n. On the other hand, after attaching the rear portion 212 to a fixed surface that will become the wall, the first flange portion 11f can be locked to the first claw portion 21n, and the second flange portion 12f can be locked to the second claw portion 22n.

[0041] (Configuration of the locking mechanism) Next, the configuration of the locking member 22 according to the embodiment will be described. Referring to Figure 7, the locking member 22 is molded from synthetic resin. The locking member 22 has a pair of strip-shaped projections 22r and 22r that protrude in one direction. The tip ends of the pair of projections 22r and 22r are spaced apart at a predetermined interval. The locking member 22 also has a curved portion 22e that is positioned opposite the projections 22r.

[0042] Referring to Figure 7, a protrusion 21p (see Figure 6) protruding from the tip of the upper surface portion 211 can be introduced between the pair of protrusions 22r-22r. This restricts the movement of the locking member 22 in the width direction relative to the bracket 2. In other words, the introduction of the protrusion 21p between the pair of protrusions 22r-22r restricts the movement of the locking member 22 in the width direction. The pair of protrusions 22r-22r function as restricting parts that restrict the movement of the locking member 22 in the width direction. Furthermore, the protrusion 21p functions as a retaining part when removing the headbox 10 from the bracket 2. By pushing up the protrusion 21p, the headbox 10 can be removed from the bracket 2.

[0043] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, when the locking member 22 is pushed in with the pair of protrusions 22r-22r leading, toward the fitting portion of the first flange 11f and the first claw 21n, the pair of protrusions 22r-22r and the curved portion 22e grip this fitting portion, thereby locking the headbox 10 to the bracket 2.

[0044] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, by pushing the locking member 22 towards the fitting portion of the second flange portion 12f and the second claw portion 22n, with the pair of protrusions 22r-22r at the front, the pair of protrusions 22r-22r and the curved portion 22e will grip this fitting portion, thereby locking the headbox 10 to the bracket 2.

[0045] (Operation of the blind mounting device) Next, the operation and effects of the mounting device 20 will be explained while describing the operation of the mounting device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0046] (Ceiling mounted) Next, we will explain how to mount the headbox 10 to the ceiling. Referring to Figure 10(A), first, the top portion 211 is fixed to the ceiling surface (fixing surface) using multiple wood screws or the like. Next, referring to Figure 10(B), the second flange portion 12f provided at the lower rear of the headbox 10 is engaged with the second claw portion 22n provided at the lower part of the bracket 2. Next, when the headbox 10 is rotated with the second flange portion 12f as a pivot point, as shown in Figure 10(C), the first flange portion 11f engages with the first claw portion 21n, thereby locking the headbox 10 to the bracket 2. Furthermore, when the locking member 22 is pushed toward the first claw portion 21n, the locking member 22 grips the first flange portion 11f and the first claw portion 21n, thereby locking the headbox 10 to the bracket 2.

[0047] In the state shown in Figure 10(C), the rear portion 212 is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the upper portion 211 due to being straightened by the headbox 10.

[0048] (Front mounting) Next, we will describe the case where the headbox 10 is mounted to the front. Referring to Figure 11(A), first, the rear portion 212 is fixed to the wall surface (fixing surface) using multiple wood screws or the like. Next, the second flange portion 12f provided at the lower rear of the headbox 10 is engaged with the second claw portion 22n provided at the lower part of the bracket 2. Next, as shown in Figure 11(B), when the headbox 10 is rotated with the second flange portion 12f as a pivot point, the first flange portion 11f engages with the first claw portion 21n, thereby locking the headbox 10 to the bracket 2. Furthermore, referring to Figure 11(C), when the locking member 22 is pushed toward the first claw portion 21n, the locking member 22 grips the first flange portion 11f and the first claw portion 21n, thereby locking the headbox 10 to the bracket 2.

[0049] The mounting device 20 according to this embodiment allows the locking member 22 to be attached while the headbox 10, which serves as a support, is locked to the bracket 2, thus facilitating the installation of the headbox 10. Furthermore, by attaching the locking member 22, the locking state between the bracket 2 and the headbox 10 can be securely fixed so that it does not become disengaged, thus preventing the headbox 10 from unintentionally falling off after it has been attached to the bracket 2.

[0050] Furthermore, in the mounting device 20 according to the embodiment, the locking member 22 has a pair of protrusions 22r-22r that act as restricting parts to prevent misalignment when attached to at least one of the first flange portion 11f and first claw portion 21n, and the second flange portion 12f and second claw portion 22n. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the locking member 22 attached to the bracket 2 from becoming misaligned and coming off.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting device 20 according to this embodiment uses a bracket 2 that can accommodate both "ceiling mounting" and "face mounting," allowing the blind to be easily and securely attached to the fixed surface.

[0052] Furthermore, in the mounting device 20 according to the embodiment, the bracket 2 has a projection (for example, projection 21p) on at least one of the upper surface 211 and the rear surface 212, and the first claw portion 21n or the second claw portion 22n can be moved in a direction in which engagement with the first flange portion 11f or the second flange portion 12f is released by operating the projection, and the locking member 22 is installed so that the projection cannot be operated, thereby preventing unintended force from being applied to the claw portion.

[0053] (Configuration of gap shielding member) Next, the configuration of the gap shielding member provided in the blind Bd according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the gap shielding member (hereinafter referred to as the back plate) 30 is a flat plate-shaped component that prevents light from leaking through the gap between the bottom surface of the headbox 10 and the top row of the slats St. The back plate 30 can be attached directly to the bracket 2 without going through the headbox 10.

[0054] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the back plate 30 allows the decorative panel 3d, which serves as the front cover material, to be slidably inserted from the side. Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the back plate 30 is equipped with a pair of caps 3c-3c. The pair of caps 3c-3c can be fitted onto both sides of the back plate 30. This prevents the decorative panel 3d from falling off.

[0055] Referring to Figures 1 or 2 through 5, the shading material consists of horizontal blind slats St, and the back plate 30 has a decorative panel 3d that serves as a front cover material with a pattern and color equivalent to that of the slats St. Therefore, when viewed from the inside, the design of the slats St and the design of the back plate 30 are unified, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0056] Referring to Figure 5, the back plate 30 has a groove-shaped portion 3g along its upper edge. The groove portion 3g holds multiple polygonal nuts 3n inside. With the cap 3c removed from the back plate 30, the nuts 3n can be introduced into the groove portion 3g. The nuts 3n can slide in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion 3g, but their rotation is restricted.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4 or Figure 5, the screw 3s is screwed into the nut 3n. With the screw 3s temporarily fastened to the nut 3n, the screw 3s can slide along the longitudinal direction of the groove 3g together with the nut 3n.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6(A) or Figure 6(B), the extended portion 214 of the bracket 2 has U-shaped notches on both sides into which the neck of the screw 3s can be inserted. By inserting the screw 3s into these notches and fastening the screw 3s to the nut 3n, the back plate 30 can be attached to the back of the bracket 2 (see Figure 3 or Figure 8). As shown in Figure 8, the back plate 30 is detachably attached to the extended portion 214, which is part of the bracket 2, at a front-rear position between the rear end portion 212 of the bracket 2 and the rear end of the headbox 10.

[0059] The backplate 30 according to this embodiment can be attached to the bracket 2 without interfering with the wall surface, even when the bracket 2 is "face-mounted" (see Figure 11). It also has the advantage of having no construction constraints even when the bracket 2 is "ceiling-mounted" (see Figure 10).

[0060] (Function of gap-blocking member) Next, the operation and effects of the backplate 30 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0061] The backplate 30 according to this embodiment can be attached to the bracket 2 without interfering with the wall surface, even when the bracket 2 is "face-mounted" (see Figure 11). Even when the bracket 2 is "ceiling-mounted" (see Figure 10), there are no construction constraints.

[0062] Referring to Figure 10 or Figure 11, the bracket 2 has an extended portion 214 that extends forward and downward from its rear end, and the back plate 30 is detachable from the extended portion 214, that is, the bracket for mounting the blind, so installation is possible without having to prepare a separate bracket in addition to the bracket 2.

[0063] The backplate 30 according to this embodiment can be attached to and detached from the bracket 2 whether the headbox 10 is fixed to a first fixing surface including the upper surface of the window frame or the ceiling via the bracket 2, or to a second fixing surface including the wall. Therefore, even if a substantially L-shaped bracket that can accommodate both "ceiling mounting" and "face mounting" is used, there are no restrictions on installation.

[0064] The backplate 30 according to this embodiment can be retrofitted to the bracket or removed from the bracket depending on the situation after installation. Furthermore, the backplate 30 can be attached to and detached from the bracket 2 even when the headbox 10 is not attached to the bracket 2.

[0065] (Variations of gap shielding members) Next, the configuration of the backplate 31 in a modified form will be described. Referring to Figure 12, the caps 31c fitted to both sides of the backplate 31 have crescent-shaped projections 3r protruding to the front. A pair of projections 3r·3r are positioned opposite each other at a distance slightly wider than the width of the headbox 10. This prevents the backplate 31 from moving relative to the headbox 10. In other words, when the headbox 10 is attached to the bracket 2, the projections 3r function as restricting parts that contact the headbox 10 and restrict the relative movement of the backplate 31 with respect to the headbox 10.

[0066] The projection 3r shown in Figure 12 is preferably provided on the back plate 50 according to the second embodiment described later. Furthermore, the projection 3r shown in Figure 12 is preferably provided on the back plate 70 according to the third embodiment described later.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the mounting device 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring to Figure 13, the bracket 4 according to the second embodiment has an upper surface portion 411 and a rear surface portion 412. The bracket 4 also has an inclined portion 413 and an extended portion 414. Furthermore, the bracket 4 has a pair of first claw portions 41n·41n and a protruding portion 41p on the tip side of the upper surface portion 411. The bracket 4 also has a plurality of second claw portions 42n on the tip side of the extended portion 414.

[0068] Referring to Figure 13, the bracket 4 can secure the headbox 10, and the headbox 10 can be locked using the locking member 22 (see Figure 7). The bracket 4 can be mounted on the ceiling or on the front.

[0069] Referring to Figure 13, the bracket 4 according to the second embodiment has an opening 41w in the center of the extended portion 414. The bracket according to the second embodiment also has a hook-shaped locking portion 41r on the rear side of the opening 41w. Furthermore, the mounting device 40 is equipped with a fixing member (an elastic material such as rubber) 42 into which a portion can be inserted into the opening 41w of the bracket 4 (see Figure 14).

[0070] Referring to Figure 14, the fixing member 42 has a pair of bifurcated protrusions 42p and 42p protruding from the main body. These protrusions 42p and 42p are positioned on the extended portion 414 so as to protrude from the opening 41w toward the rear side.

[0071] Referring to Figure 15(A), the tip of the locking portion 41r is introduced into a rectangular window opening in the upper part of the back plate 50, suspending and supporting the back plate 50. Next, from the state shown in Figure 15(A), as shown in Figure 15(B), the fixing member 42 is inserted into the opening 41w from the front side of the extension portion 414, with the pair of protrusions 42p and 42p leading. In the state shown in Figure 15(B), the tip of the pair of protrusions 42p and 42p is introduced into the window provided in the upper part of the back plate 50. Next, from the state shown in Figure 15(B), when the fixing member 42 is pushed further to the back side of the extension portion 414, the pair of protrusions 42p and 42p extend beyond the locking portion 41r and press against the inner wall of the back plate 50 (see Figure 15(C)). In the state shown in Figure 15(C), the locking portion 41r restricts the movement of the back plate 50 away from the extension portion 414, so the tip surfaces of the pair of protrusions 42p, 42p press against the inner wall of the back plate 50, thereby locking the back plate 50 to the extension portion 414. Furthermore, by fixing the head box 10 to the bracket 4, the head box 10 presses against the fixing member 42, thereby restricting the forward and backward movement of the fixing member 42. Furthermore, referring to Figure 15(C), the pair of protrusions 42p-42p are fitted into a window provided on the upper part of the back plate 50, thus restricting the vertical movement of the back plate 50.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the back plate 30 is screwed to the extended portion 214 of the bracket 2 (see Figure 10), whereas in the second embodiment, the back plate 50 is suspended and supported on the extended portion 414 of the bracket 4 by the cooperation of the locking portion 41r and the elastic fixing member 42.

[0073] Furthermore, referring to Figures 13 to 15, the fixing member 42 is attached so that a part of it passes through the opening 41w formed in the extended portion 414. When the back plate 50 is locked to the extended portion 414, the fixing member 42 is pressed backward, causing a part of it to contact the back plate 50 and fix the locking state in an irreversible manner. This strengthens the locking state between the bracket 4 and the back plate 50 and prevents the back plate 50 from shifting position.

[0074] [Third Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the mounting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring to Figure 16, the bracket 6 according to the third embodiment has an upper surface portion 611 and a rear surface portion 612. The bracket 6 also has an inclined portion 613 and an extended portion 614. Furthermore, the bracket 6 has a pair of first claw portions 61n·61n and a protruding portion 61p on the tip side of the upper surface portion 611. The bracket 6 also has a plurality of second claw portions 62n on the tip side of the extended portion 614.

[0075] Referring to Figure 16, the bracket 6 can secure the headbox 10, and the headbox 10 can be locked using the locking member 22 (see Figure 7). The bracket 6 can be mounted on the ceiling or on the front.

[0076] Referring to Figure 16 or Figure 17, the bracket 6 is equipped with an operating member 62 as an operating part. The operating member 62 can release the locking state in which the back plate 50 is locked to the extension portion 614. The operating member 62 is attached to the rear side of the extension portion 614. The operating member 62 comprises a rectangular base plate 62b and a compression coil spring 62s (see Figure 17).

[0077] Referring to Figure 17, the base plate 62b has a pair of hook-shaped arm portions 62a-62a and a block portion 62c. The pair of arm portions 62a-62a protrude from the rear side of the base plate 62b. The pair of arm portions 62a-62a are positioned opposite each other with the base plate 62b in between. The block portion 62c protrudes from the front side of the base plate 62b. The block portion 62c forms a pair of flange portions 62f-62f protruding in opposite directions. The extension portion 614 can slide between the pair of flange portions 62f-62f and the base plate 62b. The base plate 62b, the pair of arm portions 62a-62a and the block portion 62c are integrally formed. The compression coil spring 62s is held on the upper part of the block portion 62c (see Figure 17).

[0078] Referring to Figure 17, the base plate 62b has a rectangular opening 62w at its top. A hook-shaped locking portion 61r protruding from the back side of the extended portion 614 can be introduced into the opening 62w (see Figure 16(B)). By introducing the locking portion 61r into the opening 62w, the back plate 70 can be suspended and supported (see Figure 18).

[0079] Referring to Figure 16(A) or Figure 18, one end of the compression coil spring 62s abuts against the upper edge of the opening in the extended portion 614. The other end of the compression coil spring 62s abuts against the block portion 62c. The compression coil spring 62s biases the extended portion 614 with a downward force. The lower limit position of the base plate 62b is defined by the abutment of its pair of arm portions 62a·62a against the lower edge of the opening in the extended portion 614. Normally, the operating member 62 is supported by the extended portion 614.

[0080] Referring to Figure 18, the tip of the locking portion 61r and the pair of arm portions 62a-62a are introduced into the back plate 70, and the locking portion 61r suspends and supports the back plate 70. The pair of arm portions 62a-62a are also introduced into the back plate 70. The tips of the arm portions 62a-62a lock from the inside into a window opening in the upper part of the back plate 70, preventing the back plate 70 from detaching from the pair of arm portions 62a-62a. When the operating member 62 is lifted against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 62s (see Figure 18), the pair of arm portions 62a-62a move upward from the inside of the back plate 70, allowing the back plate 70 to be easily removed from the window opening in the upper part of the back plate 70.

[0081] The mounting device according to the third embodiment has the same effect as the mounting device according to the second embodiment, but has the special effect that the back plate 70 can be easily removed from the bracket 6 by releasing the operating member 62. Referring to Figures 16 to 18, the operating member 62 can release the locking state in which the back plate 70 is locked to the extended portion 614. Furthermore, the back plate 70 can be attached to and detached from the bracket 6 whether the head box 10 is attached to the bracket 6 or not.

[0082] In each embodiment, horizontal blinds were used as an example of blinds, but the method can also be applied to other types of blinds, such as vertical blinds in which multiple louvers move along the longitudinal direction of the headrail as a shielding material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 2 brackets 10 Headbox (support means) 30 Backplate (Gap shielding member) St Slats (shielding material)

Claims

1. Support means for supporting a shielding material so that it can be raised, lowered, or opened and closed, A bracket for fixing the support means to the fixed surface, The bracket comprises a gap shielding member that is detachable from a part of the bracket and capable of shielding the gap between the shielding material and the support means, The gap shielding member is a blind that is detachably attached to a part of the bracket at a front-rear position between the rear end of the bracket and the rear end of the support means.

2. The bracket has an extended portion that extends forward and downward from its rear end, The blind according to claim 1, wherein the gap shielding member is detachably attached to the extended portion.

3. Support means for supporting a shielding material so that it can be raised, lowered, or opened and closed, A bracket for fixing the support means to the fixed surface, The bracket comprises a gap shielding member that is detachable from a part of the bracket and capable of shielding the gap between the shielding material and the support means, The gap shielding member is detachable from the bracket, regardless of whether the support means is fixed to a first fixed surface including the upper surface of the window frame or the ceiling via the bracket, or to a second fixed surface including the wall surface. The aforementioned bracket is A first fixing part that can be fixed to the first fixing surface, A second fixing part that can be fixed to the second fixing surface, It has an extending portion that extends forward and downward from the second fixing portion, The gap shielding member is a blind that is detachably attached to the extended portion.

4. The gap shielding member is detachable from the bracket whether the support means is attached to the bracket or not, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The blind according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gap shielding member has a restricting portion formed therein that, when the support means is attached to the bracket, contacts the support means to restrict relative movement with respect to the support means.

6. The blind according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a fixing member that is attached so as to pass through an opening formed in the extended portion, and which, when pressed rearward in a locked state in which the gap shielding member is locked to the extended portion, a portion of the fixing member abuts against the gap shielding member and fixes the locked state irrevocably.

7. The blind according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an operating part that can be operated to release the locked state in which the gap shielding member is locked to the extended portion.

8. The aforementioned shielding material is a slat of a horizontal blind. The blind according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gap shielding member has a front cover material that has a pattern and color equivalent to that of the slats.

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