Aperture device for vehicles

Abstract

A louvre device for vehicles has paired shoes provided at the corresponding lateral end sections of the louvre, paired guide elements extending longitudinally and each having a guide chamber open on one side in a width direction, a cord inserted into the guide chamber of each of the guide elements and connected to a distal end section of the louvre, and a drive device that pulls on the cord to separate the distal end section of the louvre from the winding element, wherein the lateral end section of the louvre is folded towards an opening side of the guide chamber, and each of the shoes has an insertion section that is inserted into a folded lateral end section of the louvre.and the folded lateral end section of the aperture and the insertion section of each of the shoes are inserted into the guide chamber of each of the guide elements and held slidingly by each of the guide elements. This allows the aperture device for vehicles to be designed compactly in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a glare shield device for vehicles, which is provided on a vehicle roof. State of the art

[0002] A known aperture device comprises two rails, an aperture housing section arranged between the end sections of the two rails, and an aperture device capable of blocking light (see, for example, patent literature 1). In this aperture device, a fixed rod (aperture rod) is attached to a distal end section of the aperture, and a drive block is connected to each end of the fixed rod. Each drive block is slidably fitted into the corresponding rail, and by moving each drive block along the rail, for example via a gear cable or the like, the aperture can be pulled out of the aperture housing section and extended. Each rail has a bending guide section that bends and guides the side edge of the aperture, once pulled out of the aperture housing section, and a guide rail section.The side edge of the aperture pulled from the aperture housing section is bent by the bending guide section, enters the guide rail section and is held slidably by the rail.

[0003] Furthermore, a conventionally known sunshade drive device comprises a visor shaft, a sunshade, a first and a second cable drum arranged at both end sections of the visor shaft, a drive system cable, and a driven system cable (see, for example, patent literature 2). In this drive device, one end of the drive system cable is connected to the cable guide groove of the first cable drum so that it can be wound up and pulled, the other end is connected to the connection strip (visor strip) of the sunshade, and the middle section is connected to the drive drum. One end of the driven system cable is connected to the cable guide groove of the second cable drum so that it can be wound up and pulled, and the other end is connected to the connection strip.Furthermore, both end sections of the connecting strip are inserted into guide rails, which are integrally formed on both left and right frame sections of the perimeter frame section of the roof panel, and are guided by the guide rails in such a way that they can be moved in the forward / backward direction. List of citations from patent literature Patent literature 1: JP 2012 - 158 324 A Patent literature 2: JP 2010 - 274 693 A Summary of the invention: Technical problems

[0004] In the rail of the aperture device described in patent reference 1, however, the guide space into which the drive unit is fitted is provided above the guide rail section that holds the side edge of the aperture, independent of the guide rail section itself. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the dimensions of the rail in the vertical direction with the conventional aperture device, thus impairing its ease of assembly. Even in a case where the connecting strip is guided through the guide rail, as in the drive device described in patent reference 2, the dimensions of the guide rail increase in the vertical direction, thereby impairing the ease of assembly of the drive device.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a louver device for vehicles which can be designed to be compact in the height-related direction. Solutions for problems

[0006] A visor device for vehicles according to the present disclosure is a visor device for vehicles that is provided on a vehicle roof, wraps a visor around a winding element and pulls the visor off the winding element, wherein the visor device for vehicles has a pair of shoes provided at corresponding lateral end sections of the visor, a pair of guide elements extending in a longitudinal direction and each having a guide chamber open on one side in a width direction, a rope inserted into the guide chamber of each of the guide elements and connected to a distal end section of the visor, and a drive device that pulls the rope to separate the distal end section of the visor from the winding element, wherein the lateral end section of the visor is folded to an opening side of the guide chamber, and each of the shoes has an insertion section.which is to be inserted into a folded lateral end section of the aperture, and the folded lateral end section of the aperture and the insertion section of each of the shoes are inserted into the guide chamber of each of the guide elements and are slidably held by each of the guide elements.

[0007] The louver device for vehicles described in the present disclosure comprises the paired shoes provided at the corresponding lateral end sections of the louver, the paired guide elements extending longitudinally and each having a guide chamber open on one side in a lateral direction, the cable inserted into the guide chamber of each guide element and connected to the distal end section of the louver, and the drive device that pulls the cable to separate the distal end section of the louver from the winding element. The lateral end section of the louver is folded towards the opening side of the guide chamber, and each shoe has an insertion section to be inserted into the folded lateral end section of the louver.The folded lateral end section of the visor and the insertion section of each shoe are inserted into the guide chamber of each guide element and are held in place by each guide element. By inserting the insertion section of each shoe into the folded lateral end section of the visor and by inserting the insertion section and the folded lateral end section into the individual guide chamber, the dimensions of each guide element, which holds the sunshade and each shoe in a sliding vertical direction, can be reduced, while successfully preventing the visor and each shoe from being removed from the guide chamber. This allows the vehicle visor assembly to be designed more compactly in the vertical direction, thus improving its ease of installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the main part of a vehicle with a louver device for vehicles according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the aperture device for vehicles according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the aperture device for vehicles according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation from which the aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation from which a further aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation from which a further aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic configuration representation from which a further aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic configuration representation from which a further aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic configuration representation, from which a further aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic configuration representation, from which another aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic representation from which another aperture device for vehicles of the present disclosure can be seen. Fig. Figure 13 is a top view showing another shoe and another guide element applicable to the louver device for vehicles of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a sectional view along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0008] Next, embodiments for carrying out the invention of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle V with a visor device (sun visor device) for vehicles (hereinafter simply referred to as the "visor device") 1 of the present disclosure. The vehicle V has a sunroof device SR provided between a front roof panel Rf and a rear roof panel Rr, which are attached to a vehicle body F. The visor device 1 is attached to the vehicle body F such that it is located below a transparent movable panel Pm and a transparent fixed panel Pf of the sunroof device SR. Here, the visor device 1 can be attached to the vehicle body F such that it is located below a fixed transparent roof (glass roof) provided between the front roof panel Rf and the rear roof panel Rr.

[0010] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the louver device 1 has a louver 2, a winding element 3, a louver rod 4, a pair of (two) shoes 5, a pair of (two) guide elements 6, and a drive device 10 for opening and closing the louver 2. The louver 2 is, for example, a rectangular, light-blocking fabric film and has an area that can completely cover the light-transmitting sections of the movable panel Pm and the fixed panel Pf of the sunroof device SR. It should be noted that the louver 2 may have heat-shielding properties.

[0011] The winding element 3 is a cylindrical or columnar body with a relatively small outer diameter (for example, about 10 mm). The proximal end section of the aperture 2 is attached (locked) to the outer surface of the winding element 3. For example, a substantially frustoconical coil (wound element) 30 is coaxially attached to each of the two end sections of the winding element 3 in the axial direction. The two coils 30 are rotatable simultaneously and integrally with the winding element 3. By rotating the winding element 3 and the two coils 30 in a predetermined winding direction about the axis, the aperture 2 can be wound around the winding element 3 and opened.

[0012] The aperture rod 4 is formed, for example, by extruding an aluminum alloy or the like and has, for example, a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional form. The aperture rod 4 is attached to the distal end section of the aperture 2 (the end section opposite the proximal end section, which is attached to the winding element 3). In the present embodiment, a cylindrical section is formed on the distal end section of the aperture 2, into which a rod material is inserted. The cylindrical section and the rod material are inserted into an aperture retaining slot formed in the aperture rod 4, so that the aperture rod 4 is attached to the distal end section of the aperture 2. In the present embodiment, each shoe 5 is formed, for example, from a resin containing potassium titanate fibers and is fitted (attached) longitudinally to the corresponding end section of the aperture rod 4.

[0013] Each guide element 6 is formed, for example, by extruding an aluminum alloy or the like and has a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. Each guide element 6 slidably holds the corresponding shoe 5 and the corresponding end section 20 (see Fig. 3) of the aperture 2. The paired guide elements 6 are attached to a housing 7 and a support element 8 by screws or the like, so that they extend parallel to each other with a distance between them corresponding to the width of the aperture 2. It should be noted that each guide element 6 may be curved in the vertical direction of the vehicle V, so that it extends along the roof of the vehicle V, i.e., the front roof panel Rf, the movable panel Pm, the fixed panel Pf, and the rear roof panel Rr.

[0014] The housing 7 accommodates the drive device 10. Pairs of clamps (not shown) are attached to the support element 8, which rotatably hold the shaft sections of the corresponding coils 30 via bearings (not shown). The housing 7 and the support element 8 are attached to the vehicle body F such that the winding element 3 extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle V and the paired guide elements 6 extend in a forward / reverse direction of the vehicle V below the sunroof device SR. In the present embodiment, the housing 7 is located at the front of the vehicle V and the support element 8 at the rear of the vehicle V.

[0015] Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the aperture 2, the aperture rod 4, the shoe 5, and the guide element 6. As can be seen from the drawings, a hardened section 21 is formed on the lateral end section 20 on both sides of the aperture 2 in a width direction (in which the aperture 2, the aperture rod 4, and the winding element 3 extend). The hardened section 21 is formed by applying a resin or by attaching a sheet material, for example, a resin, to the entire edge section of the lateral end section 20 and has a higher strength than the remaining lateral end section 20 (aperture 2). The hardened section 21 is folded so that it covers the remaining lateral end section 20 from above and is attached to the remaining lateral end section 20 at least at one point in the longitudinal direction.A base section 4b on the side opposite the opening side of the aperture rod 4 abuts the upper surface of the aperture 2.

[0016] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, each shoe 5 has a fitting section 50, which is fitted into the corresponding axial end section of the aperture rod 4, and a support section 51, which is slidably supported by the corresponding guide element 6. The support section 51 has an insertion section (guide section) 52, which projects towards the side opposite the fitting section 50. The insertion section 52 is a thin, plate-shaped projection with a narrower width than the support section 51. In a state where the fitting section 50 is fitted into the end section of the aperture rod 4, the support section 51 of each shoe 5 projects from the aperture rod 4, and the support section 51 and the insertion section 52 abut the upper surface of the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2. Furthermore, the introductory section 52 is inserted below the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2, i.e., the solidified section 21.

[0017] Each guide element 6 has a guide chamber 60 which extends longitudinally (in the direction of the paper surface in Fig. 3) extends and on one side in a latitudinal direction (in Fig. 3 the right / left direction) is open. The paired guide elements 6 are attached to the housing 7 and the support element 8 such that the openings 60 of the guide chambers 60 are opposite each other. In addition, each guide element 6 has a first projection 61, a second projection 62, and a third projection 63, which extend longitudinally. The first projection 61 protrudes from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6, which defines the guide chamber 60, and faces the lower inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap.

[0018] The guide chamber 60 is thus led by the first projection 61 into a first chamber 60a on the opening side 60o (left side in Fig. 3) and a second chamber 60b on the closed end side (right side in Fig. 3) subdivided. The second projection 62 extends from the lower inner surface of the guide element 6, which defines the guide chamber 60 on the closed end face of the first projection 61, and faces the upper inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap. The third projection 63 extends downwards from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6 at the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60 and faces the lower inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the second chamber 60b is designed such that its height in a lateral direction (in Fig. 3 from left to right) gradually decreases the further it is from the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60. That is, the upper inner surface of the guide element 6, which defines the second chamber 60b, is designed such that it decreases from the opening side 60o (side of the first chamber 60a) to the closed end (right side in Fig. 3) is inclined downwards.

[0019] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, (a part of) the support section 51 and the insertion section 52 of each shoe 5, together with the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2, are inserted into the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide element 6. Specifically, the insertion section 52 and the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2 are inserted into the second chamber 60b of the guide chamber 60 such that the insertion section 52 is held from above by the first projection 61 and the distal end section of the lateral end section 20, i.e., the solidified section 21, rests against the first projection 61 or against the inclined inner surface of the guide chamber 60. The lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2 is held in the second chamber 60b from below by the second projection 62.

[0020] Furthermore, (part of) the support section 51, together with the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2, is arranged in the first chamber 60a of the guide chamber 60 and is held from above by the third projection 63. This ensures that the support section 51 and the insertion section 52 of each shoe 5, as well as the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2, are held slidably by the corresponding guide element 6. The step formed on the support section 51 and the third projection 63 abut each other, thus restricting the movement of the shoe 5 in the direction from the aperture rod 4 to the guide element 6.

[0021] The drive device 10 of the aperture device 1 rotates the winding element 3 about the axis via a first cord S1 and separates the aperture rod 4, i.e., the distal end section of the aperture 2, from the winding element 3 via a second cord S2. As shown from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the drive device 10 has a single drum element 15, a single motor M and a power transmission mechanism 16.

[0022] The first cord S1 is a wire (made of metal) with an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mm. The first cord S1 can also be a yarn or similar material made of synthetic fibers or the like. Both ends of the first cord S1 are attached (locked) to the corresponding spools 30, and the first cord S1 is wound around each spool 30 in the opposite direction to the winding direction. It should be noted that a spiral groove or a spirally extending step may be formed on the outer surface of each spool 30 so that the first cord S1 is wound evenly around the spool 30 without becoming entangled.

[0023] The middle section of the first cord S1 is held by the drum element 15. The drum element 15 has a columnar outer circumferential surface and is, for example, oriented around an axis A extending in a vertical direction (see Fig. 4) rotatable. In the present embodiment, the central section of the first cord S1 is inserted into the drum element 15 such that it does not pass through the axis A and is attached to the drum element 15. Furthermore, the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 project outwards at different positions on the outer surface of the drum element 15, so that they are wound around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates in a predetermined first direction about the axis A.

[0024] The second cord S2 is also a wire (made of metal) with an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mm. Here, the second cord S2 can also be a yarn or similar material made of synthetic fibers or the like. In the present embodiment, the second cord S2 is ring-shaped (loop-shaped). The second cord S2 is slidably positioned in the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of a guide element 6 and a cord passage 55 (see Figure 1). Fig. 3) inserted into one of the paired shoes 5 extending from the drive device 10, and further inserted into the space defined above the base section 4b of the aperture rod 4. The second cord S2 inserted into the aperture 4 is slidably inserted into the cord passage 55 formed in the other paired shoe 5 and the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of the other guide element 6, and is drawn towards the drive device 10. This holds a (ring-shaped) second cord S2 from the aperture rod 4 and the paired shoes 5 so that it is slidable in a lateral direction of the aperture 2, and is connected via the aperture rod 4 and the like to the distal end section of the aperture 2.

[0025] A portion of the second string S2 is inserted into the drum element 15 in such a way that it does not pass through the axis A and is attached, for example, to the lower or upper step of the first string S1 on the drum element 15. Furthermore, the section of the second string S2 extending from the drum element 15 to one shoe 5 (one end section of the baffle bar 4) and the section of the second string S2 extending from the drum element 15 to the other shoe 5 (the other end section of the baffle bar 4) protrude from different positions on the outer surface of the drum element 15, so that they are wound around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates about the axis A in a second direction opposite to the first.It should be noted that a spiral groove or a spirally extending step may be formed on the outer surface of the drum element 15 so that the first and second cords S1 and S2 are wound evenly around the drum element 15 without becoming entangled.

[0026] The motor M rotates the drum element 15 forwards and backwards around the axis A via the power transmission mechanism 16. In the present embodiment, the motor M is, for example, a brushed DC motor and is controlled by a control device 100 (see Fig. 1) controlled. The control device 100 has a microcomputer with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input and output interfaces, and the like, and controls the motor M in response to the actuation of an aperture opening and closing switch (not shown) by a user. The power transmission mechanism 16, for example, has a reduction gear, a gear mechanism, and the like. Here, the power transmission mechanism 16 can be omitted, and the motor M can be directly connected to the drum element 15. In addition, the aperture device 1 has a plurality of pulleys P (from Fig. 1), which are rotatably mounted on the housing 7 or the like, in order to regulate the path of the corresponding first cord S1 or second cord S2.

[0027] Next, the operation of the aperture device 1 described above will be described with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described.

[0028] In a state where the aperture 2 is pulled out of the winding element 3 and at least partially closed, the control device 100, when the user gives an instruction to open (fully or partially) the aperture 2 via the aperture opening and closing switch, controls the motor M of the drive device 10 so that the drum element 15 moves in the first direction (in Fig. 4 clockwise) around axis A, as shown Fig. 4 is evident. When the drum element 15 rotates in the first direction, as shown in the diagram. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 are wound around the drum element 15, and the second cord S2 is unwound from the drum element 15 in the direction of both one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5.

[0029] As a result, the first cord S1 is pulled towards the drum element 15, causing the individual spools 30 and the winding element 3 to rotate around the axis in the winding direction of the roller blind 2. The movement of the cover 4 to the side of the winding element 3 is made possible by the unwinding of the second cord S2. This allows the cover 2 to be opened by moving the cover 4 to the side of the winding element 3 while the first cord S1 is pulled to wind the cover 2 around the winding element 3.

[0030] On the other hand, in a state where the aperture 2 is wound around the winding element 3 and at least partially open, when the user gives an instruction to close (fully close or half-close) the aperture 2 via the aperture opening and closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10 so that the drum element 15 rotates in the second direction (in Fig. 5 counterclockwise) around axis A, as shown Fig. 5 is evident. When the drum element 15 rotates in the second direction, as shown in the diagram. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first cord S1 is unwound from the drum element 15 towards each spool 30, and both the section of the second cord S2 that is located between the drum element 15 and one shoe 5, and the section of the second cord S2 that is located between the drum element 15 and the other shoe 5 are wound around the drum element 15.

[0031] As a result, the second cord S2 is pulled towards the drum element 15, and the shutter rod 4 is separated from the winding element 3. The shutter 2 is then unwound from the winding element 3 based on the movement of the shutter rod 4, and the winding element 3 and the individual spools 30 rotate around the axis in the unwinding direction of the shutter 2. This allows the shutter 2 to be closed by pulling on the second cord S2, and both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 can be wound onto the corresponding spools 30, which rotate together with the winding element 3 in accordance with the pulling of the shutter 2.

[0032] As described above, the aperture device 1 has two coils 30 as wound elements, which are coaxial and rotatable as a single unit with the winding element 3 that winds the aperture 2. One end or the other end of a first cord S1, such as a small-diameter wire or yarn, is attached to each coil 30 and wound around each coil 30 of the first cord S1. In the aperture device 1, the aperture 2 can be wound and opened by pulling on the first cord S1 using the drive device 10, rotating each coil 30 and the winding element 3 in the winding direction of the aperture 2.

[0033] As a result, a pre-tensioning mechanism (retraction device) that pre-tensions the aperture 2 in the winding direction can be omitted from the winding element 3, and the diameter of the winding element 3 can be significantly reduced. By using the configuration where the first cord S1 is pulled to open the aperture 2, the aperture's range of motion is not restricted by the pre-tensioning mechanism (tension relief of a spring or the like). This allows the aperture assembly 1 to be designed more compactly in the vertical direction, improving its ease of assembly, and the aperture's range of motion can be easily extended. Furthermore, pre-tensioning the aperture assembly 1 results in weight and cost reductions.The structure for controlling the path of the first cord S1 can be simplified compared to a geared cable or similar device, thus making the entire apparatus more compact. Furthermore, since the loss associated with driving the first cord S1 is also reduced compared to a geared cable or similar device, it is possible to minimize the size of the drive device 10.

[0034] The aperture device 1 has a second cord S2, which is connected to the distal end section of the aperture 2 via the aperture rod 4. The drive device 10 pulls on the second cord S2 to detach the distal end section of the aperture 2 from the winding element 3. This allows the aperture 2 to be pulled away from the winding element 3 and closed by pulling on the second cord S2 using the drive device 10. Furthermore, the structure for controlling the path of the second cord S2 can be simplified compared to a gear cable or similar mechanism, resulting in a more compact overall device. Since the loss associated with driving the second cord S2 is also reduced compared to a gear cable or similar mechanism, it is possible to minimize the size of the drive device 10.

[0035] The aperture device 1 further comprises two coils 30 as wound elements, each coaxially attached to the corresponding axial end section of the winding element 3. Both ends of the first cord S1 are attached to the corresponding coils 30, and the first cord S1 is wound around each coil 30. Furthermore, the aperture rod 4 is attached to the distal end section of the aperture 2, and the second cord S2 is connected to the aperture 2 via the aperture rod 4. Consequently, the drive device 10 pulls on the first cord S1 to rotate the winding element 3 stably in the winding direction of the aperture 2, and the drive device 10 pulls on the second cord S2 to disconnect the aperture rod 4 from the winding element 3, thus allowing the aperture 2 to be closed.

[0036] Here, in the aperture device 1, a first cord S1 can be divided into two parts. That is, one end of the two first cords S1 can be attached and wound around the corresponding spools 30, and the other ends of the two first cords S1 can be attached to the drum element 15 in such a way that both first cords S1 are wound around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates in the first direction. The second cord S2 does not necessarily have to be ring-shaped, and both end sections of a second cord S2 can be attached to the drum element 15.Furthermore, one end of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the corresponding shoes 5 (end sections of the aperture rod 4), and the other ends of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the drum element 15 in such a way that both of the two second cords S2 are wrapped around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates in the second direction.

[0037] The drive device 10 of the aperture device 1 further comprises the single drum element 15, which is rotatable about the axis A, and the single motor M, which rotates the drum element 15 forwards and backwards about the axis A. Furthermore, the first cord S1 is wound around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates in the predetermined first direction. The second cord S2 is wound around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates in the second direction opposite to the first.

[0038] According to such a drive device 10, by rotating the single drum element 15 in the first direction using the single motor M, the aperture 2 can be wound around the winding element 3 and opened, while the movement of the aperture rod 4 to the side of the winding element 3 is enabled. By rotating the single drum element 15 in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, using the single motor M, the aperture rod 4 can be detached from the winding element 3 to close the aperture 2, and the first cord S1 can be wound around each spool 30, which rotates as a result of the aperture 2 being pulled. Furthermore, by using a single drum element 15 and a single motor M, the number of components of the drive device 10 can be reduced to achieve a cost reduction, and the drive device 10, and consequently the aperture device 1, can be reduced in size and weight.

[0039] Furthermore, in the aperture device 1, each of the paired guide elements 6 has a guide chamber 60 that extends longitudinally and is open on one side in a width direction. Each of the support sections 51 of the paired shoes 5 abuts the upper surface of the corresponding end section 20 of the aperture 2, and each of the insertion sections 52 of the paired shoes 5 is inserted below the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2, i.e., the solidified section 21. The second cord S2 is also inserted into the guide chamber 60 of each guide element 6, in particular into the first chamber 60a. The folded end section 20 (solidified section 21) of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5 are inserted into the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide element 6, in particular into the second chamber 60b, and are held slidably by the guide element 6.In this way, the support section 51 of the shoe 5 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2 and, together with the lateral end section 20, is inserted into the individual guide chamber 60. This allows the dimensions of the guide element 6, which holds the aperture 2 and the shoe 5 in a sliding vertical direction, to be reduced, while successfully preventing the aperture 2 and the shoe 5 from being removed from the guide chamber 60. This allows the aperture assembly 1 to be designed more compactly in the vertical direction, thus improving its ease of assembly. It should be noted that in the aperture assembly 1, each of the supported sections 51 of the paired shoes 5 can be attached (fastened) longitudinally to the corresponding end section of the aperture rod 4 in such a way that it rests against the lower surface of the corresponding lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2.

[0040] Each of the guide elements 6 has a first projection 61 that extends longitudinally, projects from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6, and faces the lower inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap. Furthermore, the guide chamber 60 is divided by the first projection 61 into the first chamber 60a on the open side 60o and the second chamber 60b on the closed end side. The distal end of the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5 and the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2 are inserted into the second chamber 60b such that the distal end of the lateral end section 20, i.e., the solidified section 21, points towards the open side 60o, i.e., towards the side of the first projection 61.This reduces the dimension of the guide element 6 in the vertical direction, but the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5 can be held in the second chamber 60b, the inlet of which is narrowed by the first projection 61, and it can be successfully prevented that the aperture 2 and the shoe 5 detach (remove) from the respective guide elements 6 in a lateral direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the first projection 61 of each guide element 6 can abut the distal end of the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2, i.e., the solidified section 21, and hold the insertion section 52 of the corresponding shoe 5 from above. Therefore, the first projection 61 also acts as a retainer, restricting the movement of at least one of the two elements, namely the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2 or the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5, towards the opening side 60. Thus, when the aperture rod 4 (distal end section of the aperture 2) is moved by the drive device 10 towards and away from the winding element 3 to open and close the aperture 2, it is successfully prevented that the individual side end sections 20 of the aperture 2 and the individual shoes 5 detach from the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide element 6.

[0042] The guide chamber 60 of each guide element 6, i.e., the second chamber 60b, is configured such that its height gradually decreases in a lateral direction of the aperture 2, starting from the opening 60o. This allows the folded end section 20 (solidified section 21) of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of each shoe 5 to be successfully held in the second chamber 60b of the guide chamber 60, while the dimension of each guide element 6 is further reduced in the vertical direction. Here, in each guide element 6, not only the second chamber 60b but also the first chamber 60a can be configured such that the height gradually decreases as it is separated from the opening 60o in a lateral direction of the aperture 2.

[0043] Here, the insertion section 52 is not necessarily held by the first projection 61, but may be separated from it. Furthermore, the distal end of the solidified section 21 does not necessarily abut the inner surface that defines the first projection 61 and the second chamber 60b, and in this case, the guide chamber 60 may be a single space not subdivided by the first chamber 60a and the second chamber 60b, in which the first projection 61 is omitted. The first projection 61 may project from the lower inner surface of the guide element 6 and be adjacent to the upper inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap.

[0044] Furthermore, each of the guide elements 6 has a second projection 62 extending longitudinally from the lower inner surface of the guide element 6 onto the closed end face of the first projection 61 and opposite the upper inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap. While this reduces the dimension of each guide element 6 in the vertical direction, the movement of the aperture 2 and the shoe 5 in the vertical direction (height-related direction) can be restricted by the upper first projection 61 and the lower second projection 62, while the frictional resistance between the guide element 6 and the aperture 2 and the shoe 5 is reduced. Here, the second projection 62 can project from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6 and opposite the lower inner surface of the guide element 6 with a gap.

[0045] In a case where the drive cable or the like is held displaceably by the guide element, the space between the guide element and the drive cable or the like must be filled with a lubricant. However, in the aperture device 1, no lubricant is required due to the use of a configuration in which the aperture 2 is opened and closed by pulling the first and second cords S1 and S2. Therefore, a support section such as a drive cable, a partition to prevent contact between the aperture 2 and the lubricant, and the like can be omitted from the guide element 6. This allows the dimension of the guide element 6 to be further reduced in the vertical direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the aperture rod 4 is attached to the distal end section of the aperture 2, and each shoe 5 is fitted into the corresponding end section of the aperture rod 4. The aperture rod 4 forms a space through which the second cord S2 is inserted. Additionally, the second cords S2 are inserted from the drive device 10, via the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of a guide element 6 and the cord passage 55 formed in one shoe 5, into the space of the aperture rod 4, and then pulled through the cord passage 55 formed in the other shoe 5 and the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of the other guide element 6 to the drive device 10. That is, a wire, yarn, or the like with a small diameter can be used as the second cord S2 in the aperture device 1.Therefore, it is possible to guide the second cord S2 between the drive device 10 and the aperture rod 4 via the guide chamber 60 and the cord passage 55 of the shoe 5, while suppressing the expansion of the shoe 5 and the guide element 6. In the aperture device 1, the second cord S2 is inserted into the first chamber 60a of the guide element 6. This makes it difficult for the occupant of the vehicle V to visually detect the second cord S2, and it is possible to successfully suppress a collision between the second cord S2 and the distal end of the end section 20 of the aperture 2, i.e., the solidified section 21 inserted into the second chamber 60b.

[0047] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the second cord S2 is not necessarily inserted through the cord passage 55 of the shoe 5 into the space of the aperture 4, but may only be inserted into the first chamber 60a of each of the paired shoes 5. In the above embodiment, the aperture device 1 is attached to the vehicle body F such that it is located below the sunroof SR or the fixed transparent roof of the vehicle V, but it is not limited to this. That is, the aperture device 1 can be provided on the rear window or the side window of the vehicle V.

[0048] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation illustrating another aperture device 1B of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the components of aperture device 1B are the same elements as in aperture device 1 described above, designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions have been omitted.

[0049] The in Fig. The aperture device 1B shown in Figure 6 corresponds to a device in which one of the two coils 30 from the aperture device 1 described above is omitted. That is, in aperture device 1B, one coil (wound element) 30 is coaxially attached to an axial end section of the winding element 3. The other axial end section of the winding element 3 is rotatably mounted by a holder 9 (see Figure 6). Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) held, which is attached to the support element 8 via a bearing (not shown). In addition, one end of the first cord S1 is attached (locked) to the spool 30, and the first cord S1 is wound around the spool 30 in a direction opposite to the winding direction. The other end of the first cord S1 is attached (locked) to the drum element 15 such that the first cord S1 is wound around the drum element 15 when the drum element 15 rotates about the axis A in a predetermined first direction.

[0050] In a state where the aperture 2 of the aperture device 1B is at least partially closed, the control device 100, when a command to open the aperture 2 is given via an aperture opening and closing switch, controls the motor M of a drive device 10B such that the drum element 15 rotates in a predetermined first direction (clockwise). Fig. 7) rotates around axis A, as shown Fig. 7 is evident. When the drum element 15 rotates in the first direction, as shown in the diagram. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the first cord S1 is wound around the drum element 15, and the second cord S2 is unwound from the drum element 15 towards one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5. This pulls the first cord S1, causing the spool 30 and the winding element 3 to rotate around the axis in the winding direction of the aperture 2. The movement of the aperture rod 4 towards the winding element 3 is made possible by the unwinding of the second cord S2. This allows the aperture 2 to be opened by moving the aperture rod 4 towards the winding element 3 while the first cord S1 is pulled to wind the aperture 2 around the winding element.

[0051] On the other hand, in a state where the aperture 2 of the aperture device 1B is at least partially open, when a command to close the aperture 2 is given via the aperture opening and closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10B so that the drum element 15 moves in a second direction (in Fig. 8 counterclockwise) rotates around axis A in the opposite direction to the first direction, as shown Fig. 8 is evident. When the drum element 15 rotates in the second direction, as shown in the diagram. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first cord S1 is unwound from the drum element 15 towards the spool 30, and both the section of the second cord S2 located between the drum element 15 and one shoe 5, and the section of the second cord S2 located between the drum element 15 and the other shoe 5, are wound around the drum element 15. This pulls the second cord S2 towards the drum element 15 and separates the shutter rod 4 from the winding element 3. The shutter 2 is then pulled off the winding element 3 due to the movement of the shutter rod 4, and the winding element 3 and the spool 30 rotate about the axis in the unwinding direction of the shutter 2. This allows the shutter 2 to be closed by pulling on the second cord S2, and the first cord S1 can be wound around the spool 30, which rotates when the shutter 2 is pulled.

[0052] It should be noted that the aperture device 1B may also be attached to the vehicle body F in such a way that it is located below the sunroof SR or the fixed transparent roof of the vehicle V, or that it may be provided on the rear window or the side window of the vehicle V.

[0053] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 are schematic configuration diagrams representing another aperture device 1C of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the components of aperture device 1C are the same elements as in aperture devices 1 and 1B described above, designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions have been omitted.

[0054] As from the Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the aperture device 1C has a drive device 10C which rotates the winding element 3 around the axis via a first cord S1 and separates the aperture rod 4, i.e., the distal end section of the aperture 2, from the winding element 3 via the annular second cord S2. As can be seen from the drawing, the drive device 10C has a first drum element 11, a second drum element 12, a single motor M, and a power transmission mechanism 17.

[0055] In the aperture device 1C, both ends of the first cord S1 are attached (locked) to the corresponding spools 30, and the first cord S1 is wound around each spool 30 in the opposite direction to the winding direction. The middle section of the first cord S1 is held by the first drum element 11. The first drum element 11 has a columnar outer surface and is rotatable, for example, about a vertically extending axis A1. In the aperture device 1C, the middle section of the first cord S1 is inserted into the first drum element 11 such that it does not pass through the axis A1 and is attached to the first drum element 11.Furthermore, the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 protrude outwards at different positions on the outer circumferential surface of the first drum element 11, so that they are wound around the first drum element 11 when the first drum element 11 is pulled in a predetermined first direction (clockwise in . Fig. 9) rotates around the axis A1.

[0056] In the aperture device 1C, the second cord S2 is held by the aperture rod 4 and the paired shoes 5 such that it is displaceable in a lateral direction of the aperture 2, and is connected to the distal end section of the aperture 2 via the aperture rod 4 and the like. Furthermore, a portion of the second cord S2 is held by the second drum element 12. The second drum element 12 has a columnar outer circumferential surface and is rotatable, for example, about an axis A2 extending in a vertical direction. In the aperture device 1C, a portion of the second cord S2 is inserted into the second drum element 12 such that it does not pass through the axis A2 and is attached to the second drum element 12.Furthermore, the section of the second cord S2 extending from the second drum element 12 to one shoe 5, and the section of the second cord S2 extending from the second drum element 12 to the other shoe 5, protrude outwards from different positions on the outer surface of the second drum element 12, so that they are wound around the second drum element 12 when the second drum element 12 is pulled in a predetermined second direction (clockwise in . Fig. 10) rotates around the axis A2.

[0057] The motor M of the drive device 10C rotates the first and second drum elements 11 and 12 forwards and backwards around the axis A1 or A2 via the power transmission mechanism 17 and is controlled by the control device 100. The power transmission mechanism 17 holds the first and second drum elements 11 and 12 side by side so that they extend parallel to each other and rotates the first and second drum elements 11 and 12 in opposite directions through the power of the motor M. Furthermore, the shutter device 1 has a plurality of pulleys P, which are rotatably mounted on the housing 7 or the like, to control the path of the corresponding first cord S1 or second cord S2.

[0058] In a state where the aperture 2 of the aperture device 1C is at least partially closed, the control device 100, when a command to open the aperture 2 is given via an aperture opening and closing switch, controls the motor M of the drive device 10C so that the first drum element 11 moves in the first direction of pull (clockwise). Fig. 9) rotates around the axis A1 and the second drum element 12 rotates in a direction opposite to the second direction of pull (counterclockwise in Fig. 9) rotates around axis A2, as shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9. When the first drum element 11 rotates in the first direction of pull, both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 are wound around the first drum element 11. When the second drum element 12 rotates in a direction opposite to the second direction of pull, the second cord S2 is unwound from the second drum element 12 towards both one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5. This pulls the first cord S1 towards the first drum element 11, causing the individual spools 30 and the winding element 3 to rotate around the axis in the winding direction of the roller blind 2. The movement of the valance 4 towards the winding element 3 is possible because it depends on the unwinding of the second cord S2. This allows the valance 2 to be opened by moving the valance 4 towards the winding element 3 while the first cord S1 is pulled to wind the valance 2 around the winding element 3.

[0059] On the other hand, in a state where the aperture 2 of the aperture device 1C is at least partially open, when a command to close the aperture 2 is given via the aperture opening and closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10C such that the first drum element 11 moves in a direction opposite to the first direction of pull (counterclockwise). Fig. 10) rotates around the axis A1 and the second drum element 12 rotates in the second direction of pull (clockwise in Fig. 10) rotates around axis A2, as shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10. When the first drum element 11 rotates in a direction opposite to the first direction of pull, the first cord S1 is unwound from the first drum element 11 towards each spool 30. When the second drum element 12 rotates in the second direction of pull, both the section of the second cord S2 located between the second drum element 12 and one shoe 5, and the section of the second cord S2 located between the second drum element 12 and the other shoe 5, are wound around the second drum element 12. This pulls the second cord S2 towards the second drum element 12 and separates the aperture bar 4 from the winding element 3. The aperture 2 is then pulled off the winding element 3 by the movement of the aperture bar 4, and the winding element 3 and the individual spools 30 rotate around the axis in the unwinding direction of the aperture 2.This allows the aperture 2 to be closed by pulling on the second cord S2, and both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 can be wound around the corresponding spools 30, which rotate as a result of pulling the aperture 2.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the drive device 10C, the height of each first drum element 11, corresponding to the winding element 3, and each second drum element 12, corresponding to the shutter bar 4, can be reduced, thereby making the shutter device 1C more compact in terms of height. By using a motor M, the number of components of the drive device 10C can be reduced, resulting in cost savings.

[0061] It should be noted that the blind device 1C is not limited to a device located below the sunroof SR or the like of the vehicle V, but can also be provided on the rear window or the side window of the vehicle V. The blind device 1C can also have a single spool 30, which is rotatable coaxially and integrally with the winding element 3, as well as a first cord S1, one end of which is attached to the spool 30. Furthermore, depending on the operating mode of the first cord S1 and the second cord S2, the power transmission mechanism 17 can be configured around the first and second drum elements 11 and 12 such that it rotates the first and second drum elements 11 and 12 in the same direction by the force of the motor M. Also in the blind device 1C, the second cord S2 need not necessarily be annular, and both end sections of a second cord S2 can be attached to the second drum element 12.Furthermore, one end of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the corresponding shoes 5 (end sections of the aperture rod 4), and the other ends of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the second drum element 12 such that both of the two second cords S2 are wrapped around the second drum element 12 when the second drum element 12 rotates in the second direction of pull.

[0062] The Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 are schematic configuration diagrams representing another aperture device 1D of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the components of aperture device 1D are the same elements as those of aperture devices 1, 1B and 1C described above, designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions have been omitted.

[0063] As from Fig. 11 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the aperture device 1D has a drive device 10D which rotates the winding element 3 around the axis via a first cord S1 and separates the aperture rod 4, i.e., the distal end section of the aperture 2, from the winding element 3 via the annular second cord S2. As can be seen from the drawing, the drive device 10D has the first drum element 11, the second drum element 12, a first motor M1, a second motor M2, a first power transmission mechanism 13, and a second power transmission mechanism 14.

[0064] In the aperture device 1D, both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 are wound around the first drum element 11 when the first drum element 11 is in a predetermined first pull direction (in Fig. 11 (counterclockwise) around axis A1. When the second drum element 12 rotates in a predetermined second direction of pull (clockwise) Fig. 12) rotates around the axis A2, the section of the second cord S2 located between the second drum element 12 and a shoe 5 (an end section of the aperture rod 4), and the section of the second cord S2 located between the second drum element 12 and the other shoe 5 (the other end section of the aperture rod 4) are wound around the second drum element 12.

[0065] The first motor M1, for example, is a brushed DC motor controlled by the control device 100, which rotates the first drum element 11 forwards and backwards around the axis A1 via the first power transmission mechanism 13. The second motor M2, for example, is a brushed DC motor controlled by the control device 100, which rotates the second drum element 12 forwards and backwards around the axis A2 via the second power transmission mechanism 14. The first and second power transmission mechanisms 13 and 14 may, for example, have a reduction gear, a gear mechanism, and the like. Here, the first and second power transmission mechanisms 13 and 14 can be omitted, and the first and second motors M1 and M2 can be directly connected to the corresponding first and second drum elements 11 and 12.Furthermore, the aperture device 1 has a plurality of pulleys P which are rotatably held by the housing 7 or the like in order to control the path of the corresponding first cord S1 or second cord S2.

[0066] In a state where the aperture 2 of the aperture device 1D is at least partially closed, the control device 100, when a command to open the aperture 2 is given via an aperture opening and closing switch, controls the first motor M1 of the drive device 10D to move the first drum element 11 in the first direction of pull (counterclockwise). Fig. 11) to rotate about the axis A1, and to control the second motor M2 of the drive device 10D so that it rotates the second drum element 12 in a direction opposite to the second direction of pull (counterclockwise in Fig. 11) rotates around axis A2, as shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11. When the first drum element 11 rotates in the first direction of pull, both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 are wound around the first drum element 11. When the second drum element 12 rotates in a direction opposite to the second direction of pull, the second cord S2 is unwound from the second drum element 12 towards both one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5. This pulls the first cord S1 towards the first drum element 11, causing the individual spools 30 and the winding element 3 to rotate around the axis in the winding direction of the roller blind 2. The movement of the valance 4 towards the side of the winding element 3 is made possible by the unwinding of the second cord S2. This allows the valance 2 to be opened by moving the valance 4 towards the winding element 3 while the first cord S1 is pulled to wind the valance 2 around the winding element 3.

[0067] On the other hand, in a state where the blind 2 of the blind device 1D is at least partially open, when a command to close the blind 2 is given via the blind opening and closing switch, the control device 100 controls the first motor M1 of the drive device 10D to move the first drum element 11 in a direction opposite to the first direction of pull (clockwise). Fig. 12) to rotate about the axis A1, and to control the second motor M2 of the drive device 10D so that it rotates the second drum element 12 in the second direction of pull (clockwise). Fig. 12) rotates around the axis A2, as shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12. When the first drum element 11 rotates in a direction opposite to the first direction, the first cord S1 is unwound from the first drum element 11 towards each spool 30. When the second drum element 12 rotates in the second direction of pull, both the section of the second cord S2 located between the second drum element 12 and one shoe 5, and the section of the second cord S2 located between the second drum element 12 and the other shoe 5, are wound around the second drum element 12. This pulls the second cord S2 towards the second drum element 12 and separates the aperture bar 4 from the winding element 3. The aperture 2 is then pulled off the winding element 3 due to the movement of the aperture bar 4, and the winding element 3 and the individual spools 30 rotate around the axis in the unwinding direction of the aperture 2.This allows the blind 2 to be closed by pulling on the second cord S2, and both the section at one end and the section at the other end of the first cord S1 can be wound around the corresponding spools 30, which rotate as a result of pulling the blind 2.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the drive device 10D, the height of each first drum element 11, corresponding to the winding element 3, and each second drum element 12, corresponding to the shutter rod 4, can be reduced, thereby making the shutter device 1D more compact in terms of height. In the drive device 10D, adjusting the rotational speeds of the first and second motors M1 and M2 during the opening and closing of the shutter 2 successfully suppresses any sagging of the shutter 2.

[0069] It should be noted that the blinding device 1D is not limited to a device arranged below the sunroof SR or the like of the vehicle V, but can also be provided on the rear window or the side window of the vehicle V. The blinding device 1D can also have a single spool 30, which is rotatable coaxially and integrally with the winding element 3, as well as a first cord S1, one end of which is attached to the spool 30. Also in the blinding device 1D, the second cord S2 need not necessarily be annular, and both end sections of a second cord S2 can be attached to the second drum element 12.One end of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the corresponding shoes 5 (end sections of the aperture 4), and the other ends of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the second drum element 12 such that both of the two second cords S2 are wrapped around the second drum element 12 when the second drum element 12 rotates in the second direction of pull.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the drive device 10D, the height of each first drum element 11, corresponding to the winding element 3, and each second drum element 12, corresponding to the shutter rod 4, can be reduced, thereby making the shutter device 1D more compact in terms of height. In the drive device 10D, adjusting the rotational speeds of the first and second motors M1 and M2 during the opening and closing of the shutter 2 successfully suppresses any sagging of the shutter 2.

[0071] It should be noted that the blinding device 1D is not limited to a device arranged below the sunroof SR or the like of the vehicle V, but can also be provided on the rear window or the side window of the vehicle V. The blinding device 1D can also have a single spool 30, which is rotatable coaxially and integrally with the winding element 3, as well as a first cord S1, one end of which is attached to the spool 30. Also in the blinding device 1D, the second cord S2 need not necessarily be annular, and both end sections of a second cord S2 can be attached to the second drum element 12.One end of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the corresponding shoes 5 (end sections of the aperture rod 4), and the other ends of the two second cords S2 can be attached to the second drum element 12 such that both of the two second cords S2 are wound around the second drum element 12 when the second drum element 12 rotates in the second direction of pull.

[0072] Fig. Figure 13 is a top view showing a further shoe 5X and a further guide element 6X suitable for the aperture devices 1, 1B, 1C and 1D described above, and Fig. 14 is a sectional view along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13. It should be noted that among the components of the shoe 5X and the guide element 6X, the same elements as those of the shoe 5 described above and the same elements as those of the guide element 6 described above are designated with the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0073] As from the Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the shoe 5X has the fitting section 50, which is fitted into the corresponding axial end section of the aperture rod 4, and the support section 51, which is slidably held by the corresponding guide element 6X. The support section 51 has the insertion section (guide section) 52. The insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X is also a thin, plate-shaped projection with a smaller width than the support section 51 and projects laterally from the support section 51 opposite the fitting section 50 side. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen on page 14, the guide element 6X has the guide chamber 60, which extends longitudinally (in Fig. 14 in the direction of the paper surface) extends and on one side in the width direction (in Fig. 14 in right / left direction) of aperture 2 is open, as well as the first projection 61, a second projection 62 and a third projection 63, each extending longitudinally.

[0074] The first projection 61 extends from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X, which defines the guide chamber 60. It faces the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X with a gap between the projections and the lower inner surface. This projection divides the guide chamber 60 into the first chamber 60a on the open side 60o and the second chamber 60b on the closed end side. The second projection 62 extends from the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X at the closed end side of the first projection 61 and faces the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X with a gap between the projections and the lower inner surface. The third projection 63 extends downwards from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X at the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60 and faces the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X with a gap between the projections and the lower inner surface.Here, the first projection 61 can protrude from the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X and lie opposite the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X with a gap, and the second projection 62 can protrude from the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X and lie opposite the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X with a gap. As shown in... Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X, which defines the second chamber 60b, is inclined downwards from the opening side 60o (side of the first chamber 60a) to the closed end, and the second chamber 60b of the guide element 6X is also designed such that its height gradually decreases in a lateral direction with increasing distance from the opening 60o.

[0075] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, (a part of) the support section 51 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X, together with the side end section 20 of the aperture 2, are inserted into the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide element 6X and held slidably by the guide element 6X. In particular, the support section 51 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X abut the upper surface of the side end section 20 of the aperture 2, and the insertion section 52 is inserted below the folded side end sections 20 of the aperture 2, i.e., the solidified section 21. Furthermore, the folded end section 20 (solidified section 21) of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X are inserted into the second chamber 60b such that the solidified section 21 rests against the inclined inner surface of the guide element 6X that defines the second chamber 60b.

[0076] The first projection 61 of the guide element 6X faces the end surface of the solidified section 21 of the aperture 2 with a gap in the width direction of the aperture 2 and faces the upper surface of the insertion section 52 with a small gap in the height direction. Furthermore, the second projection 62 holds the lateral end section 20 of the aperture 2 from below in the second chamber 60b. In the shoe 5X, as shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the insertion section 52 is curved upwards so that it passes between the first projection 61 and the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X, and curved downwards so that it passes between the second projection 62 and the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X. Furthermore, the support section 51 of the shoe 5X has an engagement recess 57 that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide element 6X, and the third projection 63 of the guide element 6X is fitted into the engagement recess 57 from above in a sliding (loose) manner. This restricts the movement of the shoe 5X in a lateral direction of the aperture 2 with respect to the guide element 6X.

[0077] As from the Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 14, the second cord S2 is slidable into the second chamber 60b (guide chamber 60) of a guide element 6X and the cord passage 55 (see Figure 14). Fig. 13) inserted into one of the paired shoes 5X on the side of the drive device 10, and further inserted into the space defined above the base section 4b of the aperture rod 4. The second cord S2 inserted into the aperture rod 4 slides into the cord passage 55, which is formed in the other paired shoe 5X and the second chamber 60b (guide chamber 60) of the other guide element 6X, and is drawn towards the drive device 10. This holds a (ring-shaped) second cord S2 from the aperture rod 4 and the paired shoes 5X so that it is displaceable in a lateral direction of the aperture 2, and connects it to the distal end section of the aperture 2 via the aperture rod 4 and the like.

[0078] The guide element 6X has a thread guide section 64 that extends longitudinally and holds the first thread S1 displaceably outside the guide chamber 60, in particular the second chamber 60b. The thread guide section 64 is a recess defined by an inclined surface 65 formed on the guide element 6X and a wall section 66 projecting upwards from the inclined surface 65. The inclined surface 65 is formed on the guide element 6X such that it extends longitudinally and is inclined downwards, being separated from the opening 60o in the width direction of the aperture 2 on the top of the second chamber 60b. The wall section 66 is formed on the guide element 6X such that it extends longitudinally and projects upwards from an end section of the inclined surface 65 on the side opposite the opening 60o.

[0079] In the aperture devices 1 to 1D described above, with the shoe 5X and the guide element 6X, it is also possible to reduce the dimensions of the guide element 6X, which holds the aperture 2 and the shoe 5X so that they can be moved vertically, while simultaneously preventing the aperture 2 and the shoe 5X from being removed from the guide chamber 60. This allows the aperture devices 1 to 1D to be designed more compactly in the vertical direction, thus improving their ease of assembly. It should be noted that the supported section 51 of the shoe 5X can be attached (fastened) longitudinally to the corresponding end section of the aperture rod 4 in such a way that it rests against the lower surface of the corresponding side end section 20 of the aperture 2.

[0080] The guide chamber 60 of the guide element 6X is divided by the first projection 61 into the first chamber 60a on the opening side 60o and the second chamber 60b on the closed end side, and the folded end section 20 (solidified section 21) of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X are inserted into the second chamber 60b, so that the solidified section 21 rests against the inner surface of the guide element 6X, which delimits the second chamber 60b. As a result, the dimension of the guide element 6X is reduced in the vertical direction, whereas the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X can be held in the second chamber 60b, the inlet of which is narrowed by the first projection 61, and the aperture 2 and the shoe 5X can be successfully prevented from detaching (being removed) from each guide element 6X in a lateral direction.

[0081] Furthermore, the guide chamber 60 of the guide element 6X, i.e., the second chamber 60b, is configured such that its height gradually decreases in a lateral direction of the aperture 2, starting from the opening 60o. This allows the folded end section 20 (solidified section 21) of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of each shoe 5X to be successfully held in the second chamber 60b of the guide chamber 60, while the dimension of each guide element 6X is further reduced in the vertical direction. Here, in each guide element 6X, not only the second chamber 60b but also the first chamber 60a can be configured such that the height gradually decreases as it is separated from the opening 60o in a lateral direction of the screen 2.

[0082] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the first projection 61 of each guide element 6X can rest against the distal end of the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2, i.e., the solidified section 21, and hold the upwardly curved section of the insertion section 52 of the corresponding shoe 5X. Therefore, the first projection 61 also acts as a retainer, restricting the movement of the folded end section 20 of the aperture 2 and the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X towards the opening side 60. Thus, when the aperture rod 4 (distal end section of the aperture 2) is moved by the drive device 10 towards and away from the winding element 3 to open and close the aperture 2, it is successfully prevented that the side end sections 20 of the aperture 2 and the shoes 5X disengage from the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide element 6X.

[0083] Furthermore, the guide element 6X has a second projection 62, which extends longitudinally from the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X onto the closed end face of the first projection 61 and faces the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X with a gap. While this reduces the dimension of each guide element 6X in the vertical direction, the movement of the aperture 2 and the shoe 5X in the vertical direction (height-related direction) can be restricted by the upper first projection 61 and the lower second projection 62, while reducing the frictional resistance between the guide element 6X and the aperture 2 and the shoe 5X. Moreover, the second projection 62, as shown in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 14, the cord retaining section also serves as a cord-holding section, restricting the removal of the second cord S2 from the second chamber 60b (guide chamber 60). This makes it possible to open and close the aperture 2 stably and evenly by pulling or unwinding the second cord S2. It should be noted that the cord retaining section formed in the guide element 6X only needs to restrict the pulling out of the second cord S2 from the second chamber 60b and is not limited to the second projection 62 that extends upwards from the lower inner surface. That is, the cord retaining section of the guide element 6X can, for example, be a recess that extends further downwards from the inner surface on the underside and in which the second cord S2 is arranged.

[0084] The insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X is curved such that it passes between the first projection 61 and the lower inner surface of the guide element 6X, as well as between the second projection 62 and the upper inner surface of the guide element 6X. This allows the movement of the insertion section 52 of the shoe 5X and the folded end section 20 (solidified section 21) of the aperture 2 towards the opening side 60o of the guide chamber 60 to be successfully restricted by the first and second projections 61 and 62.

[0085] Furthermore, the guide element 6X has a third projection 63, which acts as a shoe-retaining section that engages in the engagement recess 57 of the shoe 5X to prevent the shoe 5X from being removed from the guide chamber 60. When the aperture rod 4, i.e., the distal end section of the aperture 2, is moved towards and away from the winding element 3 to open and close the aperture 2, the aperture 2 and the shoe 5X can be held stably and evenly by the guide element 6X.

[0086] The guide element 6X has a cord guide section 64 that extends longitudinally and holds the first cord S1 slidably outside the guide chamber 60, in particular the second chamber 60b. This allows the aperture 2 to be wound stably and evenly around or unwound from the winding element 3 by pulling or unwinding the first cord S1.

[0087] Furthermore, the guide element 6X has the inclined surface 65, which extends longitudinally and is inclined downwards, as it is separated from the opening 60o in a width direction of the aperture 2, and the wall section 66, which extends longitudinally and projects upwards from the inclined surface 65, wherein the cord guide section 64 is a recess defined by the inclined surface 65 and the wall section 66. This successfully prevents the first cord S1 from oscillating in a width direction of the aperture 2 when it is opened and closed. [Summary of embodiments]

[0088] As described above, the vehicle louvre device of the present disclosure is a vehicle louvre device (1, 1B, 1C, 1D) provided on a roof (Pm, Pf) of a vehicle (V), which winds a louvre (2) around a winding element (3) and pulls the louvre off the winding element (3), wherein the vehicle louvre device has a pair of shoes (5, 5X) provided on corresponding lateral end sections (20, 21) of the louvre (2), a pair of guide elements (6, 6X) extending in a longitudinal direction and each having a guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b) open on one side in a lateral direction, a cord (S2) inserted into the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b) of each of the guide elements (6, 6X) and connected to a distal end section of the louvre (2), and a drive device (10, 10B, 10C, 10D), which pulls the cord (S2) to separate the distal end section of the aperture (2) from the winding element (3),the lateral end section (20, 21) of the aperture (2) is folded to an opening side (60o) of the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b), each of the shoes (5, 5X) has an insertion section (52) which is inserted into a folded lateral end section (20, 21) of the aperture, and the folded lateral end section (20, 21) of the aperture (2) and the insertion section (52) of each of the shoes (5, 5X) are inserted into the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b) of each of the guide elements (6, 6X) and are slidably held by each of the guide elements (6, 6X).

[0089] The louver device for vehicles described in the present disclosure comprises the paired shoes provided at the corresponding lateral end sections of the louver, the paired guide elements extending longitudinally and each encompassing the guide chamber open on one side in the lateral direction, the cord inserted into the guide chamber of each guide element and connected to the distal end section of the louver, and the drive device that pulls on the cord to separate the distal end section of the louver from the winding element. The lateral end section of the louver is folded towards the opening side of the guide chamber, and each shoe has the insertion section that is inserted into the folded lateral end section of the louver.The folded lateral end section of the visor and the insertion section of each shoe are inserted into the guide chamber of each guide element and are held in a sliding position by each guide element. In this way, by inserting the insertion section of each shoe into the folded lateral end section of the visor and by inserting the insertion section and the folded lateral end section into the individual guide chamber, the dimensions of each guide element, which holds the sunshade and each shoe sliding vertically, can be reduced, while successfully preventing the visor and each shoe from being removed from the guide chamber. This allows the visor for vehicles to be designed more compactly in the vertical direction, thus improving the mountability of the visor assembly for vehicles.

[0090] Each of the guide elements (6, 6X) can have a retaining section (61) that restricts the movement of the folded end section (20, 21) of the aperture (2) and the insertion section (52) of each of the shoes (5, 5X) towards the opening side (60o).

[0091] This successfully prevents the lateral end section of the aperture and the shoe from detaching from the guide chamber of the guide element when the distal end section of the aperture is moved towards and away from the winding element to open and close the aperture.

[0092] Furthermore, the retaining section can be a projection (61) extending longitudinally, projecting from an upper or lower inner surface of each of the guide elements (6, 6X) and facing the lower or upper inner surface of each of the guide elements (6, 6X), with a space between the retaining section and the lower or upper inner surface, wherein the guide chamber (60) can be divided by the projection (61) into a first chamber (60a) on the open side (60o) and a second chamber (60b) on the closed end side, the cord (S2) can be inserted into the second chamber (60b), and the folded side end section (20, 21) of the aperture (2) and the insertion section (52) of each of the shoes (5, 5X) can be inserted into the second chamber (60b).

[0093] This reduces the dimensions of the guide element in the vertical direction, but the folded end section of the aperture and the insertion section of the shoe can be held in the second chamber, whose inlet is narrowed by the projection, thus successfully preventing the aperture and shoe from detaching (removing) from their respective guide elements in a lateral direction when the aperture is opened and closed.

[0094] The guide chamber (60, 60b) can be designed such that its height gradually decreases in a lateral direction starting from the opening (60o).

[0095] As a result, the folded end section of the aperture and the insertion section of the shoe can be successfully held in the guide chamber, while the dimension of the guide element is further reduced in the vertical direction.

[0096] In addition, each of the guide elements (6, 6X) can have a cord retaining section (62) that extends longitudinally and prevents the cord (S2) from being pulled out of the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0097] This makes it possible to open and close the aperture stably and evenly by pulling or unwinding the cord.

[0098] The projection (61) can extend from the upper inner surface of each of the guide elements (6, 6X) and point towards the lower inner surface of each of the guide elements (6, 6X), with a gap between the projection and the lower inner surface. Each of the guide elements (6, 6X) can have a second projection (62) extending longitudinally, extending from the lower inner surface of each of the guide elements (6, 6X) on a closed end face of the projection (61), and oriented towards the upper inner surface of each of the guide elements (6, 6X), with a gap between the second projection and the upper inner surface, wherein the end section (20) of the aperture (2) can be held from below by the second projection (62), and the second projection (62) can restrict the removal of the cord (S2) from the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0099] This reduces the dimension of the guide element in the vertical direction, but the movement of the canopy and the boot in the vertical direction (vertical direction) may be restricted by the upper projection and the lower second projection, while the frictional resistance between the guide element and the aperture and the boot is reduced, and the removal of the cord from the guide chamber may be restricted by the second projection.

[0100] Furthermore, the insertion section (52) of each shoe (5X) can be curved to pass between the projection (61) and the lower inner surface of each guide element (6X) and between the second projection (62) and the upper inner surface of each guide element (6X).

[0101] As a result, the movement of the insertion section of the shoe and the folded end section of the aperture towards the opening side of the guide chamber can be successfully restricted by the projection and the second projection.

[0102] Each of the guide elements (6X) can have a shoe retention section (63) which engages with a part (57) of each of the shoes (5X) to prevent the removal of each of the shoes (5X) from the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0103] When the distal end section of the diaphragm is moved towards and away from the winding element to open and close the diaphragm, the shoe and the diaphragm can be held stably and evenly by the guide element.

[0104] The visor device for vehicles (1, 1B, 1C, 1D) can have a wound element (30) that is rotatable coaxially and integrally with the winding element (3), as well as a further cord (S1) whose one end is attached to the wound element (30) and which is wound around the wound element (30), wherein the drive device (10, 10B, 10C, 10D) can pull a further cord (S1) to rotate the winding element (30) and the winding element (3) in a winding direction of the sun visor (2), and each of the guide elements (6X) can have a cord guide section (64) that extends longitudinally and receives a further cord (S1) outside the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0105] In such a louvre device for vehicles, the louvre can be wound and opened by pulling an additional cord using the drive device to rotate the wound element and the winding element in the winding direction of the louvre. This eliminates the need for a pre-tensioning mechanism (winder) that tensions the louvre in the winding direction, and the diameter of the winding element can be reduced. By using the configuration where a different cord is pulled to open the louvre, the louvre's range of motion is not restricted by the pre-tensioning mechanism. This allows the louvre device for vehicles to be designed more compactly in the vertical direction, improving its ease of installation, and the louvre's range of motion can be easily relaxed.Furthermore, eliminating the pre-tensioning mechanism allows for a reduction in the overall weight and cost of the device. By guiding another cord through the cord guide section of the guide element, the aperture can be wound stably and evenly around or unwound from the winding element by pulling or unwinding this additional cord.

[0106] Furthermore, each of the guide elements (6X) can have an inclined surface (65) extending longitudinally and inclined downwards, as it is separated in a width direction from the opening (60o), as well as a wall section (66) extending longitudinally and projecting upwards from the inclined surface (65), and the cord guide section (64) can be a recess defined by the inclined surface (65) and the wall section (66).

[0107] This successfully prevents another cord from swinging in a lateral direction of the aperture when the aperture is opened and closed.

[0108] The invention of the present disclosure is by no means limited to the embodiments mentioned above, and it is self-evident that various modifications can be made within the scope of the extension of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments mentioned above are merely particular embodiments of the invention described in the "SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION" and do not limit the elements of the invention described therein. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0109] The invention of the present disclosure can be used in the manufacturing industry for a louver device for vehicles. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2012 - 158 324 A

[0003] JP 2010 - 274 693 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] A blind device for vehicles, which is provided on a vehicle roof, wraps a blind around a winding element and pulls the blind from the winding element, wherein the blind device for vehicles has: Shoes in pairs, provided at corresponding lateral end sections of the aperture; Guide elements in pairs, extending in a longitudinal direction and each having a guide chamber that is open on one side in a lateral direction; a cord that is inserted into the guide chamber of each of the guide elements and connected to a distal end section of the aperture; and a drive device that pulls on the cord to separate the distal end section of the aperture from the winding element, wherein the lateral end section of the aperture is folded towards an opening side of the guide chamber, Each of the shoes has an insertion section that is inserted into a folded lateral end section of the flap, and the folded lateral end section of the aperture and the insertion section of each of the shoes are inserted into the guide chamber of each of the guide elements and are held sliding by each of the guide elements. [2] Awning device for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein each of the guide elements has a retaining section which restricts the movement of at least one of the folded end sections of the awning or the insertion sections of each of the shoes towards the opening side. [3] Aperture device for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein the retaining section is a projection extending longitudinally, extending from an upper or lower inner surface of each of the guide elements and facing the lower or upper inner surface of each of the guide elements with a distance between the retaining section and the upper or lower inner surface, the guide chamber is divided by the projection into a first chamber on an open side and a second chamber on a closed end side, the cord is inserted into the second chamber, and the folded lateral end section of the aperture and the insertion section of each shoe into the second chamber. [4] Aperture device for vehicles according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide chamber is designed such that its height gradually decreases in a lateral direction from the opening. [5] Awning device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the guide elements has a cord retaining holder which extends in the longitudinal direction and prevents the cord from being pulled out of the guide chamber. [6] Aperture device for vehicles according to claim 3, wherein the projection extends from the upper inner surface of each of the guide elements and faces the lower inner surface of each of the guide elements, with a gap between the projection and the lower inner surface, each of the guide elements has a second projection extending longitudinally, projecting from the lower inner surface of each of the guide elements at a closed end side of the projection and oriented towards the upper inner surface of each of the guide elements, with a gap between the second projection and the upper inner surface, the lateral end section of the aperture is held from below by the second projection, and The second protrusion prevents the cord from being removed from the guide chamber. [7] Awning device for vehicles according to claim 6, wherein the insertion section of each shoe is curved such that it passes between the projection and the lower inner surface of each guide element and between the second projection and the upper inner surface of each guide element. [8] Awning device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the guide elements has a shoe retaining ring which engages with a part of each of the shoes to prevent the removal of each of the shoes from the guide chamber. [9] A louvre device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which further comprises: a wound element that is rotatable coaxially and integrally with the winding element; and another cord, one end of which is attached to the wrapped element and which is wrapped around the wrapped element, wherein the drive device pulls another cord to rotate the wound element and the winding element in a winding direction of the aperture, and Each of the guide elements has a cord guide section that extends longitudinally and slidably supports another cord outside the guide chamber. [10] Aperture device for vehicles according to claim 9, wherein Each of the guide elements has an inclined surface that extends longitudinally and slopes downwards, as it is separated from the opening in a lateral direction, and a wall section that extends longitudinally and projects upwards from the inclined surface, and The cord guide section is a recess defined by the inclined surface and the wall section.

Images