outer wall structure

Abstract

To configure an outer wall structure in which a plurality of louver members are arranged on the outdoor side of a window frame such that the plurality of louver members can be rotated by simple operation from the indoor side of the window frame without the need to limit the installation of a window treatment on the indoor side of the window frame.SOLUTION: An outer wall structure 1 includes a louver-operation mechanism 6 that rotates a plurality of louver members 52 attached to a louver frame 51 on the outdoor side of a window frame 3 fitted into an opening 2A of an outer wall 2. The louver-operation mechanism 6 includes an operation unit 7, a distribution unit 8, and a transmission unit 9. The operation unit 7 is disposed on the indoor side of the window frame 3 and on the outside of the window opening 3A to receive an operation force for rotating the plurality of louvers 52. The distribution unit 8 is disposed on the louver frame 51 to distribute the operation force to the plurality of louver members 52. The transmission unit 9 is provided to penetrate the window frame 3 and transmits the operation force by the operation unit 7 to the distribution unit 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an outer wall structure of a building.

Background Art

[0002] As an outer wall structure of a building, an outer wall structure is known in which a unit having a louver material is provided on the outdoor side of a window frame fitted in an opening of the outer wall. The louver material serves a function of adjusting daylighting and ventilation to the indoor side through the window, or a security function of restricting the view from the outdoor side to the indoor side. A blind device applicable to a unit having this type of louver material is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] The blind device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of louver materials (slats) juxtaposed between a pair of vertical frames provided on the outdoor side of the window frame, a link member that supports the plurality of louver materials, a linearly movable member connected to the link member, a belt having one end connected to the linearly movable member, a pulley to which the other end of the belt is connected, a pulley for rotating the pulley, and a ball chain wound around the pulley. In this blind device, the link member and the linearly movable member are disposed within the vertical frame on the outdoor side of the window frame, the belt, the pulley, and the pulley are disposed within an upper frame connected to the upper end of the vertical frame, and the ball chain is suspended on the indoor side of the window frame.

[0004] In the blind device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the pulley rotates by rotating the pulley by operating the ball chain, and the belt is wound up and fed out in response to the rotation of the pulley. Then, as the belt is wound up and fed out, the linearly movable member moves up and down, and accordingly, the plurality of louver materials connected to the link member rotate. Thus, in the blind device, the plurality of louver materials disposed on the outdoor side of the window frame can be rotated by operating the ball chain on the indoor side of the window frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-132806 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In some cases, window treatments such as curtains or roller screens are installed on the indoor side of a window frame to decorate the window area, covering the window opening where the window material of the window frame is placed. When installing a window treatment on a window frame to which the blind device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, a ball chain that is operated when rotating the multiple louver materials hangs down on the indoor side of the window frame, so it is necessary to install the window treatment in a way that avoids interference with this ball chain. In addition, when a ball chain hangs down on the indoor side of a window frame, there is a risk that people inside, especially infants and children, may get caught on the ball chain.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to enable the rotation of multiple louver materials by simple operation from the inside of the window frame in an exterior wall structure in which multiple louver materials are arranged on the exterior side of a window frame fitted into an opening in the exterior wall, without having to impose restrictions on the installation of window treatments on the interior side of the window frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An exterior wall structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an exterior wall having an opening formed therein; a window frame fitted into the opening and having a window opening for which a window material is arranged; a louver frame arranged on the outdoor side of the window frame and fixed to the window frame; a plurality of louver materials attached to the louver frame so as to be aligned in a predetermined alignment direction and rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction about a louver axis perpendicular to the alignment direction; and a louver operating mechanism for rotating each of the plurality of louver materials. The louver operating mechanism includes: an operating unit arranged on the indoor side of the window frame and receiving a first operating force for rotating the plurality of louver materials in the first rotational direction and a second operating force for rotating the plurality of louver materials in the second rotational direction; a distribution unit arranged on the louver frame and distributing the first operating force and the second operating force to each of the plurality of louver materials; and a transmission unit provided through at least one of the window frame and the exterior wall and transmitting the first operating force and the second operating force from the operating unit to the distribution unit. The operating unit is located on the indoor side of the window frame, and on the outside of the window opening.

[0009] This exterior wall structure includes a louver operating mechanism that rotates multiple louver members attached to the louver frame on the exterior side of a window frame fitted into an opening in the exterior wall. The louver operating mechanism includes an operating unit located on the interior side of the window frame, a distribution unit located on the louver frame on the exterior side of the window frame, and a transmission unit provided through at least one of the window frame and the exterior wall. In the louver operating mechanism, the operating force received by the operating unit located on the interior side of the window frame is transmitted to the distribution unit located on the exterior side of the louver frame via the transmission unit. The distribution unit distributes the transmitted operating force to each of the multiple louver members. This makes it possible to rotate the multiple louver members located on the louver frame on the exterior side of the window frame based on the operating force received by the operating unit located on the interior side of the window frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the operating unit, located on the indoor side of the window frame, is positioned on the outside of the window opening on the indoor side of the window frame. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the window treatment and the operating unit when installing window treatments such as curtains or roller screens to decorate the window area and cover the window opening on the indoor side of the window frame. Therefore, there is no need to restrict the installation of window treatments to avoid interference with the operating unit. Also, when a window treatment is installed on the indoor side of the window frame, the operating unit will be exposed and not covered by the window treatment. Therefore, when operating the operating unit from the indoor side to rotate multiple louvers attached to the louver frame on the outdoor side of the window frame, there is no need to perform the troublesome operation of opening the window treatment. As a result, it is possible to rotate multiple louvers with a simple operation of the operating unit on the indoor side of the window frame.

[0011] In the above-described exterior wall structure, the transmission unit may have a configuration comprising a cylindrical outer cable provided through at least one of the window frame and the exterior wall, and an inner cable inserted through the outer cable. The operating unit comprises an operating body that receives the first and second operating forces, and an operating-side operating body to which one end of the inner cable is connected, and which performs an operating operation so that the first and second operating forces are transmitted to the outer cable as a force in the pushing and pulling direction of the inner cable. The distribution unit comprises a distribution-side operating body to which the other end of the inner cable is connected, and which performs a distribution operation according to the force in the pushing and pulling direction of the inner cable, and a distribution body that distributes the force of the distribution operation of the distribution-side operating body as a force in the rotation direction to each of the plurality of louver materials.

[0012] In this embodiment, the inner cable moves in a pushing or pulling direction along the outer cable in response to the operating action of the operating-side mechanism based on the operating force received by the operating body, causing the distributing-side mechanism to perform a distribution action, and the distributing mechanism distributes the force of this distribution action to each of the multiple louver materials. As a result, the multiple louver materials arranged on the louver frame on the outdoor side of the window frame can be rotated based on the operating force received by the operating body located on the indoor side of the window frame. Furthermore, the transmission section has a structure in which the outer cable penetrates at least one of the window frame and the exterior wall, and the inner cable is inserted through the outer cable. In this case, the outer cable and inner cable are not suspended on the indoor side of the window frame like the ball chain of the conventional technology. Therefore, there is no risk of people inside, especially infants and children, getting caught on the cables. Accordingly, the louver operating mechanism has a structure that takes into consideration the safety of people inside, such as infants and children.

[0013] In the above-described exterior wall structure, the outer cable may have a first outer cable and a second outer cable, and the inner cable may have a first inner cable inserted through the first outer cable and a second inner cable inserted through the second outer cable. In this case, the operating body is connected to one end of the first inner cable and the second inner cable, and when the operating body receives a first operating force, it performs a first operating operation to push the first inner cable and pull the second inner cable, while when the operating body receives a second operating force, it performs a second operating operation to pull the first inner cable and push the second inner cable. Furthermore, the distributing body is connected to the other ends of the first inner cable and the second inner cable, and in response to the first operating operation of the operating body, it performs a first distributing operation to pull the first inner cable and push the second inner cable, while in response to the second operating operation of the operating body, it performs a second distributing operation to push the first inner cable and pull the second inner cable.

[0014] In this embodiment, when the operating body receives a first operating force, the operating-side operating body performs a first operating operation by pushing in the first inner cable and pulling in the second inner cable. In this case, the distributing-side operating body performs a first distribution operation by pulling in the first inner cable and pushing in the second inner cable. On the other hand, when the operating body receives a second operating force, the operating-side operating body performs a second operating operation by pulling in the first inner cable and pushing in the second inner cable. In this case, the distributing-side operating body performs a second distribution operation by pushing in the first inner cable and pulling in the second inner cable. As a result, the first inner cable can move stably in the push-pull direction along the first outer cable, and the second inner cable can move stably in the push-pull direction along the second outer cable.

[0015] In the above-described exterior wall structure, the distribution-side operating body may be configured to be mounted in the louver frame so as to be linearly movable in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of louver materials. In this case, the louver frame has a holding portion that holds the outer cable such that a portion of the inner cable of a predetermined length from the distribution-side operating body is movable in a pushing and pulling direction along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of louver materials.

[0016] In this embodiment, a predetermined length portion of the inner cable from the distribution-side operating body is movable in a pushing-pull direction along the arrangement direction of the multiple louver materials. This stabilizes the linear movement of the distribution-side operating body, to which the other end of the inner cable is connected, as a distribution operation along the arrangement direction of the multiple louver materials. As a result, the distribution body distributes the force of the distribution operation of the distribution-side operating body to each of the multiple louver materials, thereby enabling stable rotation of the multiple louver materials.

[0017] In the above-described exterior wall structure, the operating body may have an operating force receiving portion and a shaft portion fixed to the operating force receiving portion, and the operating force receiving portion may be configured to receive the first operating force and the second operating force by rotating around the shaft portion. The operating body is rotatable around an operating axis parallel to the shaft portion, and when the operating body receives the first operating force, it rotates around the operating axis in the first operating direction, while when the operating body receives the second operating force, it rotates around the operating axis in the second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction.

[0018] In this embodiment, the operating body rotates around the operating axis as an operating motion based on the operating force received by the operating body. When the operating body rotates around the operating axis, the range of operation of the operating body in the direction perpendicular to the operating axis can be narrowed compared to when it moves linearly. This allows for a miniaturization of the entire operating unit.

[0019] In the above-described exterior wall structure, the operating section may further include an operating force transmission body provided between the operating body and the operating-side operating body, which transmits the first operating force and the second operating force received by the operating body to the operating-side operating body.

[0020] In this embodiment, since an operating force transmission body is provided between the operating body and the operating-side mechanism, the operating force received by the operating body is efficiently transmitted to the operating-side mechanism by the operating force transmission body. The operating-side mechanism can perform an operating operation based on the operating force transmitted by the operating force transmission body.

[0021] In the above-described outer wall structure, the operating force transmission body may have a configuration comprising: a first operating transmission gear fixed to the shaft portion of the operating body while inserted through the shaft portion of the operating body; and a second operating transmission gear fixed to the operating-side operating body while inserted through the operating shaft and meshing with the first operating transmission gear. In this case, the number of teeth of the first operating transmission gear is less than the number of teeth of the second operating transmission gear.

[0022] In this aspect, in the first operation transmission gear and the second operation transmission gear that constitute the operation force transmission body, since the number of teeth of the first operation transmission gear is smaller than the number of teeth of the second operation transmission gear, when the operation side operating body is rotated around the operation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first operation transmission gear and the second operation transmission gear, the operating force applied to the operating body can be reduced.

[0023] In the above outer wall structure, the operation force transmission body may further have a lock gear arranged at a position where it can mesh with the first operation transmission gear. In this case, the operating body is configured to be displaceable between a position where the first operation transmission gear and the lock gear are meshed and the rotation of the operation force receiving portion is restricted, and a position where the meshing of the first operation transmission gear and the lock gear is released and the rotation of the operation force receiving portion is permitted.

[0024] In this aspect, in the locked state where the first operation transmission gear and the lock gear are meshed, the rotation of the operation force receiving portion is restricted. Thereby, in the locked state, the rotation of a plurality of louver members arranged on the outdoor side louver frame of the window frame can be restricted. In the locked state, even if an attempt is made to rotate the louver member from the outdoor side, the rotation of the louver member is restricted, so that security and privacy for people inside the room can be ensured. On the other hand, in the unlocked state where the meshing of the first operation transmission gear and the lock gear is released, the rotation of the operation force receiving portion is permitted. Thereby, in the unlocked state, a plurality of louver members arranged on the outdoor side louver frame of the window frame can be rotated.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, in an outer wall structure in which a plurality of louver members are arranged on the outdoor side of a window frame fitted into an opening of an outer wall, there is no need to provide a restriction on the installation of window treatments on the indoor side of the window frame, and a plurality of louver members can be rotated by a simple operation from the indoor side of the window frame.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1]This is a view of the exterior wall structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the outside. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a magnified view of the area surrounding the louver operating mechanism in the exterior wall structure shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows the state in which the louver material is rotated in the first rotational direction by the operation of the louver operating mechanism and takes the closed position. [Figure 7] This figure shows the state in which the louver material is in the open position due to the operation of the louver operating mechanism. [Figure 8] This figure shows the louver material rotated in the second rotational direction by the operation of the louver operating mechanism, resulting in the closed position. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the operating section that constitutes the louver operating mechanism. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the internal structure of the control box of the control unit. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the operating section, showing the locked state where the first operating transmission gear and the lock gear are meshed together. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the operating section, showing the unlocked state where the engagement between the first operating transmission gear and the lock gear is released. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the structure inside the control box of the control unit related to the modified operation. [Figure 14] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the control panel in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the control panel shown in Figure 13. [Figure 16] This figure shows the control unit in Figure 13 with the shaft support portion of the control box removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The exterior wall structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directional relationships will be explained using the XYZ Cartesian coordinate axes. The X-axis direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, the Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction is vertical, perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. Furthermore, one side in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "+X side," and the other side opposite to that side in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "-X side." Similarly, one side in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the "+Y side," and the other side opposite to that side in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the "-Y side." Furthermore, the upper side, which is one side in the Z-axis direction, will be referred to as the "+Z side," and the lower side, which is the other side opposite to that side in the Z-axis direction, will be referred to as the "-Z side."

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the exterior wall structure 1 according to this embodiment is applied to the exterior wall structure of a building. The exterior wall structure 1 includes an exterior wall 2 in which a rectangular opening 2A is formed. The exterior wall 2 has a plurality of exterior wall panels 21 that constitute an exterior wall surface extending in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and columns 22 that support each exterior wall panel 21. The direction perpendicular to the exterior wall surface formed by the plurality of exterior wall panels 21 is the Y-axis direction, with the +Y side in the Y-axis direction being the interior side of the building, and the -Y side in the Y-axis direction being the exterior side of the building. The columns 22 have a structure in which two C-shaped steels 22A and 22B extending in the Z-axis direction are joined together. The columns 22 support each exterior wall panel 21 from the interior side (+Y side). Interior wall material 23 is also arranged on the interior side (+Y side) of the columns 22. The interior wall material 23 faces the exterior wall panels 21 from the interior side (+Y side) and is arranged to extend in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. An insulating material 24 may be filled between the exterior wall panel 21 and the interior wall material 23.

[0029] The exterior wall structure 1 further comprises a window frame 3 fitted into an opening 2A of the exterior wall 2, a frame 4 positioned on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, a louver unit 5 positioned on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3, and a louver operating mechanism 6.

[0030] The window frame 3 is a frame-shaped member that is fitted into the opening 2A of the exterior wall 2 and has a window opening 3A in which the window material 35 is placed. The window frame 3 supports the window material 35 so as to be movable in the X direction within the range of the window opening 3A. The window frame 3 has a structure in which a first vertical window frame member 31, a second vertical window frame member 32, a first horizontal window frame member 33, and a second horizontal window frame member 34 are assembled in a frame shape. The first vertical window frame member 31 is a frame member that extends in the Z direction along the opening edge on the +X side of the rectangular opening 2A. The second vertical window frame member 32 is a frame member that extends in the Z direction along the opening edge on the -X side of the rectangular opening 2A. The first horizontal window frame member 33 is a frame member that extends in the X direction along the opening edge on the +Z side of the rectangular opening 2A. The second horizontal window frame member 34 is a frame member that extends in the X direction along the opening edge on the -Z side of the rectangular opening 2A.

[0031] The frame 4 is a frame-shaped member positioned on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3 and fixed to the window frame 3. The frame 4 is fixed to the window frame 3 so as to cover the space between the window frame 3 and the opening 2A from the indoor side (+Y side). On the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, a window treatment WT such as a curtain or roller screen is installed within the range of the frame 4 so as to cover the window opening 3A where the window material 35 is placed.

[0032] The louver unit 5 is located on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3 and is a unit that includes a louver frame 51 and multiple louver materials 52.

[0033] The louver frame 51 is a frame-shaped member positioned on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3 and fixed to the window frame 3. The louver frame 51 rotatably supports a plurality of louver members 52. The louver frame 51 has a structure in which a first vertical louver frame member 511, a second vertical louver frame member 512, a first horizontal louver frame member 513, and a second horizontal louver frame member 514 are assembled in a frame shape. The first vertical louver frame member 511 is positioned opposite the first vertical window frame member 31 of the window frame 3 from the outdoor side (-Y side) and is a frame member that extends in the Z-axis direction. The second vertical louver frame member 512 is positioned opposite the second vertical window frame member 32 of the window frame 3 from the outdoor side (-Y side) and is a frame member that extends in the Z-axis direction. The first horizontal louver frame member 513 is positioned opposite the first horizontal window frame member 33 of the window frame 3 from the outdoor side (-Y side) and is a frame member that extends in the X-axis direction. The second horizontal louver frame member 514 is positioned opposite the second horizontal window frame member 34 of the window frame 3 from the outdoor side (-Y side) and is a frame member that extends in the X-axis direction.

[0034] Each of the multiple louver members 52 is a plate-shaped member extending in the X-axis direction. The multiple louver members 52 are attached to the louver frame 51 so as to be aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the multiple louver members 52 are arranged so as to be aligned in the Z-axis direction between the first vertical louver frame member 511 and the second vertical louver frame member 512.

[0035] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, each of the multiple louver members 52 is rotatable around a louver axis 521 extending in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) in a first rotation direction RR1 (Figure 6) and a second rotation direction RR2 (Figure 8) opposite to the first. Each louver axis 521 corresponding to each of the multiple louver members 52 is supported at one end in the X-axis direction by a first vertical louver frame member 511 and at the other end in the X-axis direction by a second vertical louver frame member 512. By rotating each of the multiple louver members 52 around the louver axis 521, the orientation can be changed between a closed position (Figures 6 and 8) that covers the window material 35 supported by the window frame 3 and an open position (Figure 7) that opens the window material 35. Each of the multiple louver materials 52 changes its orientation in accordance with its rotation around the louver axis 521, thereby performing functions such as adjusting the amount of light and ventilation entering the interior (+Y side) through the window material 35, or ensuring security and privacy for people inside by restricting visibility from the outside to the interior.

[0036] The louver operating mechanism 6 is a mechanism for rotating each of the multiple louver materials 52. The louver operating mechanism 6 includes an operating unit 7, a distribution unit 8, and a transmission unit 9.

[0037] The operating unit 7 is positioned on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, outside the window opening 3A where the window material 35 of the window frame 3 is placed. In this embodiment, the operating unit 7 is positioned on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, spaced apart from the frame 4 on the opposite side of the opening 2A. Specifically, the operating unit 7 is positioned on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, in the interior wall material 23 that extends in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, spaced apart from the frame 4 on the +X side opposite to the opening 2A. The operating unit 7 receives a first operating force to rotate the multiple louver materials 52 in a first rotational direction RR1 around the louver axis 521, and a second operating force to rotate the multiple louver materials 52 in a second rotational direction RR2 around the louver axis 521.

[0038] The transmission unit 9 is provided to penetrate at least one of the window frame 3 and the exterior wall 2. When the transmission unit 9 is provided to penetrate the exterior wall 2, it is provided to pass between the two C-shaped steel members 22A and 22B that constitute the column 22, and also to pass through the joint between adjacent exterior wall panels 21. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 9 is provided to penetrate the window frame 3. Specifically, the transmission unit 9 is provided to penetrate the first vertical window frame member 31 of the window frame 3. The transmission unit 9 transmits the first operating force and the second operating force received by the operating unit 7 to the distribution unit 8.

[0039] The distribution unit 8 is located on the louver frame 51 fixed to the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3. The distribution unit 8 distributes the first operating force and the second operating force transmitted by the transmission unit 9 to each of the multiple louver materials 52.

[0040] In the louver operating mechanism 6, the first and second operating forces received by the operating unit 7 located on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3 are transmitted via the transmission unit 9 to the distribution unit 8 located on the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side (-Y side). The distribution unit 8 distributes the transmitted first and second operating forces to each of the multiple louver materials 52. As a result, based on the first and second operating forces received by the operating unit 7 located on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, the multiple louver materials 52 located on the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3 can be rotated in a first rotational direction RR1 and a second rotational direction RR2 around the louver axis 521.

[0041] Furthermore, the operating unit 7, located on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, is positioned on the indoor side of the window frame 3, outside the window opening 3A, and spaced apart from the frame 4 fixed to the window frame 3, on the opposite side from the opening 2A. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the window treatment WT and the operating unit 7 when installing a window treatment WT to decorate the window area so as to cover the window opening 3A within the range of the frame 4 on the indoor side of the window frame 3. Therefore, there is no need to restrict the installation of the window treatment WT to avoid interference with the operating unit 7. Also, when the window treatment WT is installed within the range of the frame 4 on the indoor side of the window frame 3, the operating unit 7 will be exposed and not covered by the window treatment WT. Therefore, when operating the operating unit 7 from the indoor side to rotate the multiple louver materials 52 attached to the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side of the window frame 3, there is no need to perform the troublesome operation of opening the window treatment WT. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the multiple louver materials 52 with a simple operation of the operating unit 7 on the indoor side of the window frame 3.

[0042] The louver operating mechanism 6 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 8, as well as Figures 9 to 12.

[0043] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the operating unit 7 includes an operating box 71, an operating body 72, an operating side operating body 73, and an operating force transmission body 74.

[0044] The control box 71 is located on the interior side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, outside the window opening 3A. For example, the control box 71 is attached to the interior wall material 23 on the interior side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, at a position spaced apart from the frame 4 on the +X side opposite to the opening 2A. The control box 71 includes a box body 711 formed in the shape of a box with an internal space, and a shaft support part 712 and a cable support part 713 attached to the box body 711. The shaft support part 712 is a plate-shaped member attached to the -Y side portion of the box body 711 so as to extend in the X-axis direction. The cable support part 713 is attached to the -Y side portion of the box body 711 at a position spaced apart from the shaft support part 712 on the -Z side. Details of the shaft support part 712 and the cable support part 713 will be described later.

[0045] The operating body 72 is attached to the outer surface of the box body 711 on the +Y side and receives a first operating force and a second operating force for rotating the multiple louver materials 52 around the louver axis 521. The operating body 72 has an operating force receiving portion 721 that receives the first and second operating forces, and a shaft portion 722 that extends in the Y-axis direction and is fixed to the operating force receiving portion 721. The operating body 72 receives a first operating force when the operating force receiving portion 721 is rotated in a first operating direction R11 around the shaft portion 722, while it receives a second operating force when the operating force receiving portion 721 is rotated in a second operating direction R12 opposite to the first operating direction R11 around the shaft portion 722.

[0046] Furthermore, the operating force receiving portion 721 is formed in a circular shape that fits within the range of the box body 711 in a plan view along the Y-axis. In this case, when a person on the indoor side (+Y side) of the window frame 3 operates the operating force receiving portion 721, it will not get tangled or caught like the conventional ball chain that hangs down on the indoor side. Alternatively, the operating force receiving portion 721 may be rotated around the shaft portion 722 based on the driving force of a drive source such as a drive motor.

[0047] The operating body 73 is located inside the box body 711. The operating body 73 performs a first operating action when the operating body 72 receives a first operating force, while performing a second operating action different from the first operating action when the operating body 72 receives a second operating force.

[0048] In this embodiment, the operating body 73 is composed of a rotating member 732 that is rotatable around an operating shaft 731, which is fixed within the box body 711 in a state extending in the Y-axis direction parallel to the shaft portion 722. When the operating body 72 receives a first operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in a first operating direction R21 around the operating shaft 731 as a first operating operation, while when the operating body 72 receives a second operating force, it rotates in a second operating direction R22 around the operating shaft 731, opposite to the first operating direction R21, as a second operating operation. In the operating body 73, since the rotating member 732 rotates around the operating shaft 731 as a first and second operating operation, the range of operation of the operating body 73 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions perpendicular to the operating shaft 731 can be narrowed compared to linear movement. This makes it possible to miniaturize the operating unit 7 as a whole.

[0049] The rotating member 732 has a rotating body 7321 that is formed in a circular shape in a plan view in the Y-axis direction, and a rotation adjustment projection 7323 that protrudes from the -Y side surface of the rotating body 7321.

[0050] As previously described, a shaft support portion 712 is attached to the -Y side portion of the box body 711 that houses the operating shaft 731 and the rotating member 732. The shaft support portion 712 supports the operating shaft 731, which is the rotation axis of the rotating member 732. The shaft support portion 712 has a shaft insertion hole 7121 through which the operating shaft 731 is inserted, and a first notch 7122 and a second notch 7123 that allow engagement of the rotation adjustment projection 7323 of the rotating member 732. When the rotating member 732 rotates around the operating shaft 731 inserted through the shaft insertion hole 7121, the rotation adjustment projection 7323 adjusts the rotation angle of the rotating member 732 in the first operating direction R21 by engaging with the first notch 7122, and adjusts the rotation angle of the rotating member 732 in the second operating direction R22 by engaging with the second notch 7123. The rotating member 732 can rotate around the operating shaft 731 supported by the shaft support portion 712 in the first operating direction R21 until the rotation adjustment projection 7323 engages with the first notch 7122 (see Figure 10(A)). The rotating member 732 can also rotate around the operating shaft 731 supported by the shaft support portion 712 in the second operating direction R22 until the rotation adjustment projection 7323 engages with the second notch 7123 (see Figure 10(C)).

[0051] The operating force transmission body 74 is provided within the box body 711 between the operating body 72 and the operating-side moving body 73. The operating force transmission body 74 transmits the first operating force and the second operating force received by the operating body 72 to the operating-side moving body 73. Because the operating force transmission body 74 is provided between the operating body 72 and the operating-side moving body 73, the first operating force and the second operating force received by the operating body 72 are efficiently transmitted to the operating-side moving body 73 by the operating force transmission body 74. The rotating member 732 constituting the operating-side moving body 73 can rotate around the operating shaft 731 as a first operating operation and a second operating operation based on the first operating force and the second operating force transmitted by the operating force transmission body 74.

[0052] The operating force transmission body 74 includes a first operating transmission gear 741, a second operating transmission gear 742, and a lock gear 743. The first operating transmission gear 741 is fixed to the shaft portion 722 of the operating body 722 while being inserted through the shaft portion 722, and is a gear with multiple teeth arranged in a circular pattern. The second operating transmission gear 742 is fixed to the rotating body 7321 of the rotating member 732 while being inserted through the operating shaft 731, and is a gear with multiple teeth arranged in a circular pattern. The second operating transmission gear 742 meshes with the first operating transmission gear 741. The lock gear 743 is fixed to the box body 711 on the -Z side of the first operating transmission gear 741 in a position where it can mesh with the first operating transmission gear 741, and is a rack gear with multiple teeth arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0053] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a biasing member 723, which is made of a coil spring, is inserted into the shaft portion 722 of the operating body 72. The biasing member 723 biases the operating force receiving portion 721 to the +Y side. The operating body 72 is displaceable between a position in which the operating force receiving portion 721 is biased by the biasing member 723 and the first operating transmission gear 741 fixed to the shaft portion 722 is engaged with the lock gear 743, resulting in a locked state (see Figure 11), and a position in which the operating force receiving portion 721 is pressed to the -Y side against the biasing force of the biasing member 723 and the engagement between the first operating transmission gear 741 fixed to the shaft portion 722 and the lock gear 743 is released, resulting in an unlocked state (see Figure 12).

[0054] In the locked state, when the first operating transmission gear 741 and the locking gear 743 are engaged, the rotation of the operating force receiving part 721 around the shaft part 722 is restricted. As a result, in the locked state, the rotation of the multiple louver materials 52 arranged on the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3 can be restricted. In the locked state, even if someone tries to rotate the louver materials 52 from the outdoor side, the rotation of the louver materials 52 is restricted, thus ensuring security and privacy for people inside the building.

[0055] On the other hand, in the unlocked state, when the engagement between the first operating transmission gear 741 and the lock gear 743 is released, the operating force receiving part 721 is allowed to rotate around the shaft 722. When the operating force receiving part 721 rotates around the shaft 722 in the unlocked state, the first operating transmission gear 741 fixed to the shaft 722 rotates, and the second operating transmission gear 742, which meshes with the first operating transmission gear 741, also rotates. When the second operating transmission gear 742 rotates, the rotating body 7321 of the rotating member 732 to which the second operating transmission gear 742 is fixed rotates. In this way, when the operating force receiving part 721 receives the first and second operating forces corresponding to the rotation around the shaft 722, the rotating member 732 rotates around the operating shaft 731 in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating transmission gear 741 and the second operating transmission gear 742. This allows the multiple louver materials 52 positioned on the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3 to be rotated when the lock is released.

[0056] Furthermore, the number of teeth on the first operating transmission gear 741 is less than the number of teeth on the second operating transmission gear 742. This reduces the first and second operating forces applied to the operating force receiving portion 721 of the operating body 72 when the rotating member 732 is rotated around the operating shaft 731 in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating transmission gear 741 and the second operating transmission gear 742.

[0057] Next, the distribution unit 8 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. The distribution unit 8 includes a distribution-side operating body 81, a distribution body 82, and a distribution operating force transmission body 83.

[0058] The distribution-side operating body 81 is positioned at the -Z end of the first vertical louver frame material 511 of the louver frame 51. The distribution-side operating body 81 performs a first distribution operation corresponding to rotation in the first operating direction R21 as the first operating operation of the operating-side operating body 73, and a second distribution operation corresponding to rotation in the second operating direction R22 as the second operating operation of the operating-side operating body 73.

[0059] In this embodiment, the distribution side moving body 81 is composed of a first distribution side moving member 811 and a second distribution side moving member 812 that are linearly movable in the Z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of louver members 52 are arranged, on the first vertical louver frame member 511. The first distribution side moving member 811 is composed of a rack gear that extends in the Z-axis direction, with a plurality of teeth 8111 arranged in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the second distribution side moving member 812 is composed of a rack gear that extends in the Z-axis direction, with a plurality of teeth 8121 arranged in the Z-axis direction. The first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812 are arranged such that, in the Y-axis direction, the teeth 8111 and 8121 face each other with respect to one end of the louver shaft 521 supported by the first vertical louver frame member 511.

[0060] When the operating body 73 rotates in the first operating direction R21, the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812 move linearly in the first distribution direction HH1 along the Z-axis as the first distribution operation (see Figure 6). On the other hand, when the operating body 73 rotates in the second operating direction R22, the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812 move linearly in the second distribution direction HH2, opposite to the first distribution direction HH1, as the second distribution operation (see Figure 8). In this case, the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812 perform the first and second distribution operations by moving linearly in opposite directions along the Z-axis. In other words, when the first distribution side moving member 811 moves linearly as the first distribution operation, the first distribution operation direction HH1 is from the -Z side to the +Z side, whereas when the second distribution side moving member 812 moves linearly as the first distribution operation, the first distribution operation direction HH1 is from the +Z side to the -Z side. Similarly, when the first distribution side moving member 811 moves linearly as the second distribution operation, the second distribution operation direction HH2 is from the +Z side to the -Z side, whereas when the second distribution side moving member 812 moves linearly as the second distribution operation, the second distribution operation direction HH2 is from the -Z side to the +Z side.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the distributor 82 is positioned on the second vertical louver frame member 512 of the louver frame 51. The distributor 82 distributes the forces of the first and second distribution movements of the distribution-side moving member 81 to each of the multiple louver members 52 as rotational forces in the first rotational direction RR1 and the second rotational direction RR2. Specifically, when the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812 move linearly in the first distribution movement direction HH1 as the first distribution movement, the distributor 82 distributes the force of the linear movement in the first distribution movement direction HH1 to each of the multiple louver members 52. On the other hand, when the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812 move linearly in the second distribution movement direction HH2 as the second distribution movement, the distributor 82 distributes the force of the linear movement in the second distribution movement direction HH2 to each of the multiple louver members 52.

[0062] In this embodiment, the distributor 82 is positioned in the second vertical louver frame member 512 so as to be linearly movable in the Z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of louver members 52 are arranged. The distributor 82 is composed of a rack gear that extends in the Z-axis direction and has a plurality of teeth 821 arranged in line in the Z-axis direction. When the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812 move linearly in the first distribution operation direction HH1 as a first distribution operation, the distributor 82 moves linearly from the -Z side to the +Z side, thereby distributing the force of the linear movement in the first distribution operation direction HH1 to each of the plurality of louver members 52. As a result, each of the plurality of louver members 52 rotates in the first rotation direction RR1 around the louver axis 521. On the other hand, when the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812 move linearly in the second distribution direction HH2 as a second distribution operation, the distributor 82 moves linearly from the +Z side to the -Z side, thereby distributing the force of the linear movement in the second distribution direction HH2 to each of the multiple louver materials 52. As a result, each of the multiple louver materials 52 rotates in the second rotation direction RR2 around the louver axis 521.

[0063] The distribution force transmission body 83 is provided in the louver frame 51 between the distribution-side operating body 81 and the distribution body 82. The distribution force transmission body 83 transmits the forces of the first distribution operation and the second distribution operation of the distribution-side operating body 81 to the distribution body 82. Because the distribution force transmission body 83 is provided between the distribution-side operating body 81 and the distribution body 82, the forces of the first distribution operation and the second distribution operation of the distribution-side operating body 81 are efficiently transmitted to the distribution body 82 by the distribution force transmission body 83. The distribution body 82 distributes the forces of the first distribution operation and the second distribution operation transmitted by the distribution force transmission body 83 to each of the multiple louver members 52, thereby allowing each louver member 52 to rotate around the louver axis 521.

[0064] The distribution force transmission member 83 includes a first distribution transmission gear 831 (Figures 6 to 8) and a plurality of second distribution transmission gears 832 (Figure 5). The first distribution transmission gear 831 is fixed to the louver shaft 521 of one of the plurality of louver members 52 in the first vertical louver frame member 511, with the louver shaft 521 inserted through one end in the X-axis direction of the louver shaft 521 of the louver member 52, and is a gear with a plurality of teeth arranged in a circle. The first distribution transmission gear 831 meshes with the teeth 8111 of the first distribution side moving member 811 and also meshes with the teeth 8121 of the second distribution side moving member 812. Each of the plurality of second distribution transmission gears 832 is fixed to each louver shaft 521 of the plurality of louver members 52 in the second vertical louver frame member 512, with the louver shaft 521 inserted through the other end in the X-axis direction of each louver shaft 521 of the plurality of louver members 52, and is a gear with a plurality of teeth arranged in a circle. Each of the multiple second distribution transmission gears 832 meshes with the teeth 821 of the distributor 82.

[0065] When the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812 move linearly in the first distribution operation direction HH1 as the first distribution operation, the first distribution transmission gear 831, which meshes with the teeth 8111 and 8121 of the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812, rotates, and the louver shaft 521 to which the first distribution transmission gear 831 is fixed also rotates. When the louver shaft 521 to which the first distribution transmission gear 831 is fixed rotates, the second distribution transmission gear 832, which is fixed to the other end of the louver shaft 521 in the X-axis direction, rotates, and the distributor body 82, which has teeth 821 that mesh with the second distribution transmission gear 832, moves linearly in the Z-axis direction. When the distributor body 82 moves linearly in the Z-axis direction, the louver shafts 521 to which each of the second distribution transmission gears 832 that mesh with the teeth 821 of the distributor body 82 are fixed rotate. As each louver shaft 521 rotates, each louver material 52 rotates.

[0066] Next, the transmission unit 9 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 6 to 8, and 10. The transmission unit 9 is composed of a first transmission cable 91 and a second transmission cable 92.

[0067] The first transmission cable 91 comprises a first outer cable 911 and a first inner cable 912. The first outer cable 911 is a cylindrical wire that penetrates the first vertical window frame member 31 of the window frame 3. With the first outer cable 911 penetrating the first vertical window frame member 31, one end is connected and fixed to the operation box 71, and the other end is fixed and held to the first cable other end holding part 5111 formed on the first vertical louver frame member 511 of the louver frame 51. The first outer cable 911 only needs to be covered over the first inner cable 912. In other words, one end of the first outer cable 911 does not need to be fixed to the operation box 71, and the other end does not need to be fixed to the first cable other end holding part 5111.

[0068] The first inner cable 912 is a wire that, when inserted through the first outer cable 911, connects the rotating member 732 that constitutes the operating body 73 and the first distribution side moving member 811 that constitutes the distribution side operating body 81. Specifically, when the first inner cable 912 is inserted through the first outer cable 911, one end is connected and fixed to the rotating body 7321 of the rotating member 732 by the cable fixing member 7322, and the other end is connected and fixed to the cable end fixing portion 8112 of the first distribution side moving member 811.

[0069] The rotating member 732 to which one end of the first inner cable 912 is connected rotates in a first operating direction R21 around the operating shaft 731 in response to the first operating force, and in a second operating direction R22 around the operating shaft 731 in response to the second operating force, so that the first and second operating forces received by the operating body 72 are transmitted as pushing and pulling forces on the first inner cable 912 relative to the first outer cable 911. The first distribution side moving member 811 to which the other end of the first inner cable 912 is connected moves in a first distribution operating direction HH1 and a second distribution operating direction HH2 in response to the pushing and pulling forces on the first inner cable 912.

[0070] Specifically, when the operating body 72 receives a first operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in the first operating direction R21 around the operating shaft 731 so as to push the first inner cable 912 against the first outer cable 911. In this case, the first inner cable 912 moves along the first outer cable 911 from the operating box 71 side to the first vertical louver frame member 511 side. When the first inner cable 912 is pushed in and moves from the operating box 71 side to the first vertical louver frame member 511 side, the first distribution side moving member 811 moves in the first distribution operating direction HH1 in accordance with the force of the movement of the first inner cable 912.

[0071] On the other hand, when the operating body 72 receives a second operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in the second operating direction R22 around the operating shaft 731 so as to pull the first inner cable 912 relative to the first outer cable 911. In this case, the first inner cable 912 moves along the first outer cable 911 from the first vertical louver frame member 511 side to the operating box 71 side. When the first inner cable 912 is pulled and moves from the first vertical louver frame member 511 side to the operating box 71 side, the first distribution side moving member 811 moves in the second distribution operating direction HH2 in accordance with the force of the movement of the first inner cable 912.

[0072] The second transmission cable 92 comprises a second outer cable 921 and a second inner cable 922. The second outer cable 921 is a cylindrical wire that penetrates the first vertical window frame member 31 of the window frame 3. With the second outer cable 921 penetrating the first vertical window frame member 31, one end is connected and fixed to the operation box 71, and the other end is fixed and held to the second cable other end holding part 5112 formed on the first vertical louver frame member 511 of the louver frame 51. The second outer cable 921 only needs to be covered over the second inner cable 922. In other words, one end of the second outer cable 921 does not need to be fixed to the operation box 71, and the other end does not need to be fixed to the second cable other end holding part 5112.

[0073] The second inner cable 922 is a wire that, when inserted through the second outer cable 921, connects the rotating member 732 that constitutes the operating body 73 and the second distribution side moving member 812 that constitutes the distribution side operating body 81. Specifically, when the second inner cable 922 is inserted through the second outer cable 921, one end is connected and fixed to the rotating body 7321 of the rotating member 732 by the cable fixing member 7322, and the other end is connected and fixed to the cable end fixing portion 8122 of the second distribution side moving member 812.

[0074] The rotating member 732 to which one end of the second inner cable 922 is connected rotates in the first operating direction R21 around the operating shaft 731 in response to the first operating force, and in the second operating direction R22 around the operating shaft 731 in response to the second operating force, so that the first and second operating forces received by the operating body 72 are transmitted as pushing and pulling forces on the second inner cable 922 relative to the second outer cable 921. The second distribution side moving member 812 to which the other end of the second inner cable 922 is connected moves in the first distribution operating direction HH1 and the second distribution operating direction HH2 in response to the pushing and pulling forces on the second inner cable 922.

[0075] Specifically, when the operating body 72 receives a first operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in the first operating direction R21 around the operating shaft 731 so as to pull the second inner cable 922 relative to the second outer cable 921. In this case, the second inner cable 922 moves along the second outer cable 921 from the first vertical louver frame member 511 side to the operating box 71 side, in the opposite direction to the first inner cable 912. When the second inner cable 922 is pulled and moves from the first vertical louver frame member 511 side to the operating box 71 side, the second distribution side moving member 812 moves in the first distribution operating direction HH1 in accordance with the force of the movement of the second inner cable 922.

[0076] On the other hand, when the operating body 72 receives a second operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in the second operating direction R22 around the operating shaft 731 so as to push the second inner cable 922 against the second outer cable 921. In this case, the second inner cable 922 moves along the second outer cable 921 from the operating box 71 side to the first vertical louver frame member 511 side, in the opposite direction to the first inner cable 912. When the second inner cable 922 is pushed in and moves from the operating box 71 side to the first vertical louver frame member 511 side, the second distribution side moving member 812 moves in the second distribution operating direction HH2 in accordance with the force of the movement of the second inner cable 922.

[0077] In the transmission section 9, which includes a first transmission cable 91 and a second transmission cable 92, the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 are connected in a loop shape via a rotating member 732, a first distribution-side moving member 811, a second distribution-side moving member 812, and a first distribution transmission gear 831, with one end of each connected to the rotating member 732 and the other end connected to the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812, respectively.

[0078] When the operating body 72 receives a first operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in the first operating direction R21 around the operating shaft 731 so as to push the first inner cable 912 against the first outer cable 911 and pull the second inner cable 922 against the second outer cable 921. In this case, the first distribution side moving member 811 moves in the first distribution operating direction HH1 so as to pull the first inner cable 912, and the second distribution side moving member 812 moves in the first distribution operating direction HH1 so as to push the second inner cable 922. On the other hand, when the operating body 72 receives a second operating force, the rotating member 732 rotates in the second operating direction R22 around the operating shaft 731 so as to pull the first inner cable 912 against the first outer cable 911 and push the second inner cable 922 against the second outer cable 921. In this case, the first distribution side moving member 811 moves in the second distribution operation direction HH2 so as to push the first inner cable 912, and the second distribution side moving member 812 also moves in the second distribution operation direction HH2 so as to pull the second inner cable 922. As a result, the first inner cable 912 can move stably in the push-pull direction along the first outer cable 911, and the second inner cable 922 can move stably in the push-pull direction along the second outer cable 921.

[0079] Furthermore, the first inner cable 912 has an operating-side exposed portion 9121 at one end and a distribution-side exposed portion 9122 at the other end. The operating-side exposed portion 9121 of the first inner cable 912 is a portion of a predetermined length from the rotating member 732 of the first inner cable 912, and is the portion exposed from the first outer cable 911 between the end face of one end of the first outer cable 911 and the rotating member 732 (see Figures 10 to 12). The operating-side exposed portion 9121 of the first inner cable 912 is movably supported by a first cable one-end support portion 7131 formed on the cable support portion 713 of the operation box 71. On the other hand, the distribution-side exposed portion 9122 of the first inner cable 912 is the portion of the first inner cable 912 that is a predetermined length from the first distribution-side movable member 811, and is the portion that is exposed from the first outer cable 911 between the end face of the other end of the first outer cable 911, which is held by the first cable other end holding portion 5111 of the first vertical louver frame material 511, and the first distribution-side movable member 811 (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0080] The first cable one-end support portion 7131 of the operation box 71 supports the operation-side exposed portion 9121 of the first inner cable 912 so that the operation-side exposed portion 9121 can move in a push-pull direction along the Z-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple louver materials 52. In addition, the first cable other-end holding portion 5111 of the first vertical louver frame material 511 fixes and holds the other end of the first outer cable 911 so that the distribution-side exposed portion 9122 of the first inner cable 912 can move in a push-pull direction along the Z-axis direction. In this case, the operation-side exposed portion 9121 and the distribution-side exposed portion 9122 of the first inner cable 912 move stably along the Z-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple louver materials 52, in response to the rotation of the rotating member 732. As a result, the linear movement of the first distribution-side moving member 811, which is connected to the distribution-side exposed portion 9122 of the first inner cable 912, in the Z-axis direction in response to the movement of the first inner cable 912 is stabilized. Therefore, the distributor 82 distributes the force of the linear movement of the first distribution side moving member 811 to each of the multiple louver materials 52, thereby enabling the multiple louver materials 52 to rotate stably.

[0081] Similarly, the second inner cable 922 has an operating-side exposed portion 9221 at one end and a distribution-side exposed portion 9222 at the other end. The operating-side exposed portion 9221 of the second inner cable 922 is a portion of the second inner cable 922 that is a predetermined length from the rotating member 732, and is the portion that is exposed from the second outer cable 921 between the end face of one end of the second outer cable 921 and the rotating member 732 (see Figure 10). The operating-side exposed portion 9221 of the second inner cable 922 is movably supported by a second cable one-end support portion 7132 formed on the cable support portion 713 of the operating box 71. On the other hand, the distribution-side exposed portion 9222 of the second inner cable 922 is the portion of the second inner cable 922 that is a predetermined length from the second distribution-side movable member 812, and is the portion that is exposed from the second outer cable 921 between the end face of the other end of the second outer cable 921, which is held by the second cable other end holding portion 5112 of the first vertical louver frame material 511, and the second distribution-side movable member 812 (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0082] The second cable one-end support portion 7132 of the operation box 71 supports the operation-side exposed portion 9221 of the second inner cable 922 so that the operation-side exposed portion 9221 can move in a push-pull direction along the Z-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple louver materials 52. In addition, the second cable other-end holding portion 5112 of the first vertical louver frame material 511 fixes and holds the other end of the second outer cable 921 so that the distribution-side exposed portion 9222 of the second inner cable 922 can move in a push-pull direction along the Z-axis direction. In this case, the operation-side exposed portion 9221 and the distribution-side exposed portion 9222 of the second inner cable 922 move stably along the Z-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple louver materials 52, in response to the rotation of the rotating member 732. As a result, the linear movement of the second distribution-side moving member 812, which is connected to the distribution-side exposed portion 9222 of the second inner cable 922, in the Z-axis direction in response to the movement of the second inner cable 922 is stabilized. Therefore, the distributor 82 distributes the force of the linear movement of the second distribution side moving member 812 to each of the multiple louver materials 52, thereby enabling the multiple louver materials 52 to rotate stably.

[0083] In the louver operating mechanism 6, which includes the operating unit 7, distribution unit 8, and transmission unit 9 as described above, the first inner cable 912 moves in the pushing and pulling direction along the first outer cable 911 and the second inner cable 922 moves in the pushing and pulling direction along the second outer cable 921 in response to the rotation of the rotating member 732 based on the first and second operating forces received by the operating body 72. Furthermore, the first distribution side moving member 811 moves linearly in response to the movement of the first inner cable 912, and the second distribution side moving member 812 moves linearly in response to the movement of the second inner cable 922. The distribution unit 82 then distributes the force of the linear movement of the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812 to each of the multiple louver materials 52. As a result, the multiple louver materials 52 arranged on the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side of the window frame 3 can be rotated based on the first and second operating forces received by the operating body 72 attached to the operating box 71 located on the indoor side of the window frame 3.

[0084] Furthermore, in the louver operating mechanism 6, the transmission section 9 is composed of a first transmission cable 91 and a second transmission cable 92. In the first transmission cable 91 and the second transmission cable 92, the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921 penetrate at least one of the window frame 3 and the exterior wall 2, and the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 are inserted through the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921, respectively. In this case, the first transmission cable 91 and the second transmission cable 92 are not hung down on the indoor side of the window frame 3 like the ball chain of the conventional technology. Therefore, people on the indoor side, especially infants and children, will not get caught on the first transmission cable 91 and the second transmission cable 92. Accordingly, the louver operating mechanism 6 has a structure that takes into consideration the safety of people on the indoor side, such as infants and children.

[0085] Furthermore, the first vertical window frame material 31 of the window frame 3 through which the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921 pass is formed, has a first through-hole that allows the first outer cable 911 to pass through and a second through-hole that allows the second outer cable 921 to pass through. In this case, the gap between the first outer cable 911 and the first through-hole, and the gap between the second outer cable 921 and the second through-hole may be filled with a sealing material such as sealant, caulking material, or packing material. This prevents rainwater and other liquids from entering the interior from the outside through these gaps.

[0086] Furthermore, when maintaining the louver unit 5 located on the outdoor side (-Y side) of the window frame 3, or when replacing it with a new louver unit 5, the following procedures are performed.

[0087] First, the other ends of the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921 are released from the first cable other end holding portion 5111 and the second cable other end holding portion 5112 of the first vertical louver frame member 511. At the same time, the other ends of the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 are released from the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812. During this process, the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921 maintain a state of being penetrated by the first vertical window frame member 31, while maintaining a state of being fixed at one end to the operation box 71. In addition, the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 maintain a state of being inserted into the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921, while maintaining a state of being fixed at one end to the rotating member 732.

[0088] In the state described above, the louver unit 5 is removed from the window frame 3, and maintenance work is performed on the louver unit 5. When the louver unit 5 is then placed back on the window frame 3, the other ends of the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921 are fixed to the first cable other end holding part 5111 and the second cable other end holding part 5112 of the first vertical louver frame member 511, and the other ends of the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 are fixed to the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812. The louver unit 5 can be repositioned on the window frame 3 with such simple work.

[0089] When replacing the louver unit 5, the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 may maintain their other ends fixed to the first distribution side moving member 811 and the second distribution side moving member 812, while releasing the fixing of one end to the rotating member 732. In this case, when the louver unit 5 is removed from the window frame 3, the first inner cable 912 and the second inner cable 922 can be removed from the first outer cable 911 and the second outer cable 921 together with the louver unit 5.

[0090] Although an exterior wall structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the following modified embodiments can be adopted.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the operating unit 7, in which the operating side actuating body 73 is composed of a rotating member 732, has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the operating unit 7, the operating unit 7A shown in Figures 13 to 16 may be applied to the louver operating mechanism 6.

[0092] The operating unit 7A shown in Figures 13 to 16 includes an operating box 71A, an operating body 72A, an operating side operating body 73A, and an operating force transmission body 74A.

[0093] The control box 71A is positioned on the interior side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, and outside the window opening 3A. For example, the control box 71A is attached to the interior wall material 23 on the interior side (+Y side) of the window frame 3, at a position spaced apart from the frame 4 on the +X side opposite to the opening 2A. The control box 71A includes a box body 711A formed in the shape of a box with an internal space, and an axis support part 712A and a cable support part 713A attached to the box body 711A. The cable support part 713A has a first cable end support part 7131 and a second cable end support part 7132. The first cable end support part 7131 supports the operating side exposed portion 9121 of the first inner cable 912 so that the operating side exposed portion 9121 can move along the Z axis direction. The second cable end support portion 7132 supports the operating side exposed portion 9221 of the second inner cable 922 so that the operating side exposed portion 9221 can move along the Z-axis direction.

[0094] The operating body 72A is attached to the outer surface of the box body 711A on the +Y side and receives a first operating force and a second operating force for rotating the multiple louver materials 52 around the louver axis 521. The operating body 72A has an operating force receiving portion 721 that receives the first and second operating forces, and a shaft portion 722 that extends in the Y-axis direction and is fixed to the operating force receiving portion 721. The shaft portion 722 is supported by the shaft support portion 712A of the operating box 71A. The operating body 72A receives a first operating force when the operating force receiving portion 721 is rotated in a first operating direction around the shaft portion 722, while it receives a second operating force when the operating force receiving portion 721 is rotated in a second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction around the shaft portion 722.

[0095] The operating body 73A is located inside the box body 711A. The operating body 73A performs a first operating operation when the operating body 72A receives a first operating force, while performing a second operating operation different from the first operating operation when the operating body 72A receives a second operating force.

[0096] In the modified embodiment of the operating unit 7A, the operating-side moving body 73A is composed of a first operating-side moving member 73A1 and a second operating-side moving member 73A2 that are linearly movable along the Z-axis direction which is the arrangement direction of the plurality of louver materials 52 within the box body 711A. The first operating-side moving member 73A1 and the second operating-side moving member 73A2 are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction, with the shaft portion 722 of the operating unit 72A in between. One end of the first inner cable 912 is connected and fixed to the first operating-side moving member 73A1, and one end of the second inner cable 922 is connected and fixed to the second operating-side moving member 73A2.

[0097] When the operating body 72A receives a first operating force, the first operating side moving member 73A1 and the second operating side moving member 73A2 move linearly in the first operating direction H21 along the Z axis as a first operating operation. On the other hand, when the operating body 72A receives a second operating force, the first operating side moving member 73A1 and the second operating side moving member 73A2 move linearly in the second operating direction H22, opposite to the first operating direction H21, as a second operating operation. In this case, the first operating side moving member 73A1 and the second operating side moving member 73A2 perform the first and second operating operations by moving linearly in opposite directions along the Z axis. In other words, when the first operating side moving member 73A1 moves linearly as the first operating operation, the first operating operation direction H21 is from the +Z side to the -Z side, whereas when the second operating side moving member 73A2 moves linearly as the first operating operation, the first operating operation direction H21 is from the -Z side to the +Z side. Similarly, when the first operating side moving member 73A1 moves linearly as the second operating operation, the second operating operation direction H22 is from the -Z side to the +Z side, whereas when the second operating side moving member 73A2 moves linearly as the second operating operation, the second operating operation direction H22 is from the +Z side to the -Z side.

[0098] The operating force transmission body 74A is provided within the box body 711A between the operating body 72A and the operating-side moving body 73A. The operating force transmission body 74A transmits the first operating force and the second operating force received by the operating body 72A to the operating-side moving body 73A. The first operating-side moving member 73A1 and the second operating-side moving member 73A2, which constitute the operating-side moving body 73A, can move linearly along the Z-axis direction as the first operating operation and the second operating operation, based on the first operating force and the second operating force transmitted by the operating force transmission body 74A.

[0099] The operating force transmission body 74A includes a first operating transmission gear 74A1, a second operating transmission gear 74A2, a third operating transmission gear 74A3, and a lock gear 74A4. The first operating transmission gear 74A1 is fixed to the shaft portion 722 of the operating body 72A while being inserted through the shaft portion 722, and is a gear with multiple teeth arranged in a circular pattern. The second operating transmission gear 74A2 is fixed to the first operating side moving member 73A1, and is a rack gear with multiple teeth arranged in a z-axis direction. The second operating transmission gear 74A2 meshes with the first operating transmission gear 74A1. The third operating transmission gear 74A3 is fixed to the second operating side moving member 73A2, and is a rack gear with multiple teeth arranged in a z-axis direction. The third operating transmission gear 74A3 meshes with the first operating transmission gear 74A1. The lock gear 74A4 is a rack gear fixed to the box body 711A on the -Z side of the first operating transmission gear 74A1, with multiple teeth arranged in a line along the X axis.

[0100] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a biasing member 723, which is made of a coil spring, is inserted into the shaft portion 722 of the operating body 72A. The biasing member 723 biases the operating force receiving portion 721 to the +Y side. When the operating force receiving portion 721 is biased by the biasing member 723, the first operating transmission gear 74A1 and the lock gear 74A4 fixed to the shaft portion 722 engage, resulting in a locked state. In this locked state, rotation of the operating force receiving portion 721 around the shaft portion 722 is restricted. On the other hand, when the operating force receiving portion 721 is pressed to the -Y side against the biasing force of the biasing member 723, the engagement between the first operating transmission gear 74A1 and the lock gear 74A4 fixed to the shaft portion 722 is released, resulting in an unlocked state. In this unlocked state, rotation of the operating force receiving portion 721 around the shaft portion 722 is permitted.

[0101] When the operating force receiving portion 721 is rotated around the shaft portion 722 in the unlocked state, the first operating transmission gear 74A1 fixed to the shaft portion 722 rotates. As the first operating transmission gear 74A1 rotates, the first operating-side moving member 73A1 to which the second operating transmission gear 74A2 that meshes with the first operating transmission gear 74A1 is fixed moves linearly, and the second operating-side moving member 73A2 to which the third operating transmission gear 74A3 that meshes with the first operating transmission gear 74A1 is fixed also moves linearly. In this way, the first operating-side moving member 73A1 and the second operating-side moving member 73A2 move linearly along the Z-axis direction when the operating force receiving portion 721 receives the first and second operating forces corresponding to the rotation around the shaft portion 722.

[0102] In the louver operating mechanism 6, which includes the operating unit 7A, the distribution unit 8, and the transmission unit 9, the first inner cable 912 moves along the first outer cable 911 and the second inner cable 922 moves along the second outer cable 921 in response to the linear movement of the first operating-side moving member 73A1 and the second operating-side moving member 73A2 based on the first and second operating forces received by the operating body 72A. Furthermore, the first distribution-side moving member 811 moves linearly in response to the movement of the first inner cable 912, and the second distribution-side moving member 812 moves linearly in response to the movement of the second inner cable 922. The distributor 82 then distributes the force of the linear movement of the first distribution-side moving member 811 and the second distribution-side moving member 812 to each of the multiple louver materials 52. This allows the multiple louver materials 52 positioned on the louver frame 51 on the outdoor side of the window frame 3 to be rotated based on the first and second operating forces received by the operating body 72A attached to the operating box 71A located on the indoor side of the window frame 3.

[0103] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the transmission unit 9 as being composed of two transmission cables, a first transmission cable 91 and a second transmission cable 92, it is not limited to this. The transmission unit 9 may be composed of a single transmission cable having an outer cable and an inner cable.

[0104] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the operating unit 7 and operating unit 7A are arranged on the interior wall material 23 outside the window opening 3A of the window frame 3, on the indoor side of the window frame 3, the configuration is not limited to this. The operating unit 7 and operating unit 7A only need to be arranged on the outside of the window opening 3A of the window frame 3, and may be arranged, for example, on the vertical frame of a picture frame 4. In this case, for example, the operating unit 7A is arranged on the vertical frame of a picture frame 4, for example, so that the first operating side moving member 73A1 and the second operating side moving member 73A2 can move linearly along the Y axis.

[0105] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the operating unit 7 has an operating body 72 that receives a first operating force and a second operating force, and an operating-side operating body 73 that moves the inner cables 912 and 922 relative to the outer cables 911 and 921, it is not limited to this configuration. The operating unit 7 only needs to be configured so that the first operating force and the second operating force are transmitted as a force in the pushing and pulling direction of the inner cables 912 and 922 relative to the outer cables 911 and 921, and may be, for example, a handle type, a knob type, or a lever type.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the louver unit 5 is attached to one window frame 3, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the louver unit 5 may be attached to each of multiple window frames 3 arranged in a line along the X-axis. In this case, the louver operating mechanism 6 has multiple distribution units 8 corresponding to each louver unit 5, and one operating unit 7 is located on the indoor side. The transmission cables 91 and 92 are cables with a branching structure that branches into multiple parts along the way. The transmission path between the one operating unit 7 and each of the multiple distribution units 8 can be configured using these branching cables. This makes it possible to operate the louver materials 52 of each of the multiple louver units 5 simultaneously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 External wall structure 2. Exterior walls 2A opening 3 Window frame 3A Window opening 5 Louver Units 51 Louver frame 52 Louver material 521 Louver shaft 6. Louver operating mechanism 7,7A Operation unit 71,71A Control Box 72,72A Operating body 73,73A Operating body 731 Operation axis 732 Rotating member 74,74A Operating force transmission body 8 Distribution section 81 Distribution side operating body 82 Distributor 83 Distribution and operation force transmission body 9 Transmission section 91 First transmission cable 911 First outer cable 912 First Inner Cable 92 Second transmission cable 921 Second outer cable 922 Second Inner Cable

Claims

1. The exterior wall in which an opening is formed, A window frame fitted into the aforementioned opening and having a window opening in which window material is placed, A louver frame is positioned on the outdoor side of the aforementioned window frame and fixed to the aforementioned window frame, A plurality of louver materials are attached to the louver frame so as to be aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction, and are rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction about a louver axis perpendicular to the arrangement direction, The system includes a louver operating mechanism for rotating each of the aforementioned multiple louver materials, The aforementioned louver operating mechanism is An operating unit positioned on the indoor side of the window frame, which receives a first operating force for rotating the plurality of louver materials in the first rotational direction and a second operating force for rotating the plurality of louver materials in the second rotational direction, A distribution unit is arranged in the louver frame and distributes the first operating force and the second operating force to each of the plurality of louver materials, It includes a transmission unit that penetrates at least one of the window frame and the outer wall and transmits the first operating force and the second operating force from the operating unit to the distribution unit, The operating unit is located on the indoor side of the window frame and on the outside of the window opening. The transmission unit comprises a cylindrical outer cable provided through at least one of the window frame and the outer wall, and an inner cable inserted through the outer cable. The operating unit comprises an operating body that receives the first operating force and the second operating force, and an operating-side operating body to which one end of the inner cable is connected, and which performs an operating operation such that the first operating force and the second operating force are transmitted to the outer cable as a force in the pushing or pulling direction of the inner cable. The distribution unit comprises a distribution-side operating body to which the other end of the inner cable is connected and which performs a distribution operation in accordance with the force in the pushing and pulling direction of the inner cable, and a distribution body which distributes the force of the distribution operation of the distribution-side operating body as a rotational force to each of the plurality of louver materials. The operating body has an operating force receiving portion and a shaft portion fixed to the operating force receiving portion, and the operating force receiving portion receives the first operating force and the second operating force by rotating around the shaft portion. The operating body is rotatable around an operating axis parallel to the shaft portion, and rotates in a first operating direction around the operating axis when the operating body receives a first operating force, while rotating in a second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction around the operating axis when the operating body receives a second operating force, wherein the outer wall structure is such that the operating body rotates in a second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction.

2. The outer wall structure according to claim 1, wherein the operating section further comprises an operating force transmission body provided between the operating body and the operating-side operating body, which transmits the first operating force and the second operating force received by the operating body to the operating-side operating body.

3. The operating force transmission body comprises a first operating transmission gear fixed to the shaft portion of the operating body while inserted through the shaft portion of the operating body, and a second operating transmission gear fixed to the operating side operating body while inserted through the operating shaft and meshing with the first operating transmission gear. The outer wall structure according to claim 2, wherein the number of teeth of the first operating transmission gear is less than the number of teeth of the second operating transmission gear.

4. The operating force transmission body further includes a lock gear positioned to engage with the first operating transmission gear. The outer wall structure according to claim 3, wherein the operating body is configured to be displaceable between a position in which the first operating transmission gear and the lock gear are engaged and the rotation of the operating force receiving portion is restricted, and a position in which the engagement between the first operating transmission gear and the lock gear is released and the rotation of the operating force receiving portion is permitted.

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