Louver for vertical type blind, manufacturing method thereof and vertical type blind

Abstract

To provide a louver for a vertical type blind, a manufacturing method thereof, and the vertical type blind preventing a tear and breaking in a bag-like part from being created.SOLUTION: A louver for a vertical blind is provided with bag-like parts and a receiving member. The bag-like parts are formed at both end parts in a vertical direction of the louver, having a folded part where the louver is folded. The receiving member is received in the bag-like part. The bag-like parts have a fixed part where both are fixed to each other along the vertical direction except a predetermined area of opposite surfaces at least from the folded part to a position apart by a specific distance in the vertical direction at both end parts of the louver in the width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a louver for a vertical blind, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vertical blind. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional vertical blind is described in the following Patent Document 1. The vertical blind described in the document has a louver with a bag-shaped portion formed at the lower end thereof that can accommodate a weight. The bag-shaped portion is formed by folding back the lower end of the louver and sewing the periphery. In this way, the weight can be accommodated at the lower end of the louver with good design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-231673 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, the bag-shaped portion can be formed by sewing when the louver material is polyester or the like, but when a highly light-blocking material such as PVC is selected as the material, light leaks from the sewn holes, making it difficult to form the bag-shaped portion by sewing. Therefore, when PVC or the like is selected as the louver material, it is necessary to form the bag-shaped portion by welding.

[0005] However, when the bag-shaped portion is formed using welding, which is a widely known welding technique, there is a problem in that tears or cuts may occur at the widthwise ends near the folded-over portion due to the characteristics of the welding process.

[0006] Furthermore, even after the bag-shaped portion is formed, there is a problem that tears or cuts may occur at the widthwise end portion near the folded-back portion due to damage over time caused by interference with the weight, etc. This applies whether the bag-shaped portion is formed by sewing or by welding.

[0007] Therefore, there has been a demand for a vertical blind louver that does not develop tears or cuts in the pouch-shaped portion either during or after formation.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a louver for vertical blinds that does not cause tears or cuts in the bag-shaped portion, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vertical blind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a vertical blind louver according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a bag-shaped portion and a storage member. The bag-shaped portion is formed at the vertical end of the louver and has a folded portion where the louver is folded. The storage member is stored in the bag-shaped portion. The bag-shaped portion has a fixing portion where opposing surfaces are fixed to each other at least along the vertical direction at least at both widthwise ends of the louver, except for a predetermined area from the folded portion to a position spaced a predetermined distance in the vertical direction.

[0010] According to this configuration, by leaving the vicinity of the folded portion unfixed, it is possible to prevent tears or cuts from occurring at both widthwise ends of the folded portion due to the influence of fixing, both during and after the formation of the bag-shaped portion.

[0011] The louvers may be made of a thermoplastic resin, and the fixed portions may be formed by welding.

[0012] The fixed portion may be formed by welding.

[0013] According to these configurations, welding is performed except for the vicinity of the folded portion, thereby preventing tears or cuts from occurring in the folded portion when the bag-shaped portion is formed. This is particularly advantageous in welding, where tears or cuts are likely to occur in the folded portion when the bag-shaped portion is formed. As a result, even if a louver is made of a thermoplastic resin such as PVC, which is difficult to sew due to its light-blocking properties, it is possible to form a bag-shaped portion that can accommodate a storage member (weights, etc.) with a good design, just like a louver made of a sewable material.

[0014] The fastening portion may be formed on three ends of the bag-shaped portion excluding the predetermined region.

[0015] With this configuration, the strength of the bag-shaped portion can be improved by three-sided welding, similar to the three-sided sewing performed on louvers made of a sewable material.

[0016] A vertical blind according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a head rail, a plurality of carriers movable within the head rail, and a vertical blind louver as described above suspended from each of the plurality of carriers.

[0017] A method for manufacturing a vertical blind louver according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for manufacturing a vertical blind louver comprising: a bag-shaped portion formed at an upper and lower end of the louver made of a thermoplastic resin; and a housing member housed in the bag-shaped portion, The upper and lower ends of the louver are folded back at folding back portions so as to sandwich the storage member, The method includes forming the bag-shaped portion by welding opposing surfaces to each other at least along the vertical direction, except for a specified area from the folded portion to a position a specified distance in the vertical direction, at least at both widthwise ends of the louver.

[0018] In the above manufacturing method, the welding may be welder welding using a mold, and the mold may be pressed against the bag-shaped portion so as not to abut against the predetermined region.

[0019] According to these configurations, by welding except for the vicinity of the folded portion, it is possible to manufacture a louver that can prevent tears or cuts from occurring in the folded portion when the bag-shaped portion is formed.

[0020] In the above manufacturing method, the mold may have an inclined portion formed so as to be out of contact with the predetermined region when an end position of the mold is aligned with the position of the folded-back portion.

[0021] The inclined portion may be formed in an R shape.

[0022] According to these configurations, by simply making simple changes to the shape of the mold, it is possible to manufacture louvers that can prevent the above-mentioned tears and cuts from occurring during welder welding.

[0023] In the above manufacturing method, the mold may have a surface that comes into contact with the bag-shaped portion and is formed in a substantially U-shape.

[0024] According to this configuration, a louver can be manufactured that can improve the strength of the bag-shaped portion by three-sided welding. Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a louver for vertical blinds that does not cause tears or cuts in the bag-shaped portion, a manufacturing method thereof, and a vertical blind. However, the effect is not limited to the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical blind according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vicinity of the bag-shaped portion of the louver of the vertical blind. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a welding device used to form the pouch-shaped portion of the louver of the vertical blind. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a die for the welding apparatus shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a conventional method for forming a pocket-shaped portion of a louver of a vertical blind. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing a tear that occurs in a pocket-shaped portion of a louver of a conventional vertical blind. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing a method of forming a pouch-shaped portion of a louver of the vertical blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a welding portion of a pocket-shaped portion of a louver of the vertical blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a view showing a mold used to form the bag-shaped portion in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 7A to 7C are views showing a method of forming the bag-shaped portion in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A to 10D are views showing another method of forming the bag-shaped portion in the modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method of forming a pouch-shaped portion of a louver of a vertical blind according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a front view of the vicinity of the pocket-shaped portion of the louver of the vertical blind according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0029] [Vertical blinds configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical blind according to the present embodiment.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the vertical blind 100 has a head rail 10 fixed to an opening such as a window frame by a bracket 11, a number of carriers (not shown) that can slide longitudinally (X direction) within the head rail 10, and louvers 12 suspended from each of the carriers.

[0031] A plurality of louvers 12 are provided along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the vertical blind 100, and are made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

[0032] Although not shown, a carrier moving mechanism for moving the carrier and a louver rotating mechanism for rotating the louvers 12 are provided within the head rail 10.

[0033] The carrier movement mechanism has an operation cord (opening / closing operation part) 13. One end of the operation cord 13 is connected to the master carrier at the head of the multiple carriers, and the other end is guided through the head rail 10 to a control unit at one end of the head rail 10 and hung down, then turns around and is introduced back into the head rail 10, turns again at the other end of the head rail 10, is guided through the head rail 10, and is connected to the master carrier.

[0034] The portion of the operating cord 13 exposed from the head rail 10 functions as an opening / closing operating section that opens and closes the deployment and folding of the louvers 12. An operating weight 13a is attached to the lower end (turning end) of the operating cord 13.

[0035] The louver rotation mechanism is composed of a drive shaft that extends in the longitudinal direction (X direction) within the head rail 10 and is rotatably supported, and an operating rod (rotation operating part) 14 that is connected to the drive shaft via a gear disposed within the control unit. The operating rod 14 hangs down from the control unit.

[0036] Each carrier is provided with a rotation transmission mechanism that meshes with the drive shaft, and the rotation transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the drive shaft caused by the operating rod 14 to the carrier, thereby allowing the multiple louvers 12 to rotate together.

[0037] A pouch-shaped portion 20 is formed at the lower end in the up-down direction (Y direction) of each louver 12. The pouch-shaped portion 20 will be described in detail below.

[0038] [Details of the pouch] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vicinity of the bag-shaped portion 20 of the louver 12, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

[0039] As shown in both figures, the bag-shaped portion 20 is formed by folding back the lower end of each louver 12 upward at the folding back portion 21. Inside the bag-shaped portion 20, plate-shaped weights 22 (housing members) are housed to hang down each louver 12 in a stretched state in the vertical direction (Y direction) and to prevent flapping due to wind, etc.

[0040] The bag-shaped portion 20 has a U-shaped welded portion (fixed portion) 23 formed by welding opposing surfaces of the bag-shaped portion 20 together along three sides, namely both ends and the upper end in the width direction (X direction). As a welding method, for example, welder welding is used, but other welding methods may also be used. By welding the three sides, the strength of the bag-shaped portion 20 can be improved, similar to the three-side sewing conventionally performed on louvers made of sewable materials.

[0041] 2, the welded portion 23 is formed except for a predetermined region from the folded portion 21 at the lower end of the bag-shaped portion 20 to a position a predetermined distance D in the up-down direction (Y direction). That is, the upper end of the bag-shaped portion 20 has the welded portion 23, and the left and right ends have the welded portion 23 and non-welded portions 24 where the welded portion 23 is not formed.

[0042] The above-mentioned specified distance D is, for example, about 2 mm, but is not limited to this, and when each louver 12 is folded, the distance is appropriately adjusted so that the gap between each louver 12 is not too large, depending on the thickness (bulge) in the Z direction formed by the opposing fabric of the non-welded portion 24.

[0043] [Louver manufacturing method] Next, a manufacturing method for the louver 12 (the pouch-shaped portion 20) of the vertical blind 100 configured as above will be described.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a welding device used to form the bag-shaped portion 20, and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a mold for the welding device of Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, (a) is a perspective view of the mold, and (b) is a bottom view of the mold.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, welder welding is used as the welding method. Welder welding is a technology that uses high-frequency dielectric heating to weld the thermoplastic resin material (dielectric) to be welded. Since the material itself becomes the heat source and the inside melts, there is almost no change in appearance such as the surface being burned, and it is a welding method that is excellent in terms of design.

[0046] 4, the welding device 50 used in this embodiment has a high-frequency power supply 51, a mold 52 which also serves as one (upper) electrode of a pair of electrodes, and the other (lower) electrode 53 which also serves as a stage for placing the louver 12. The welding device 50 applies an AC voltage from the high-frequency power supply 51 between the mold (electrode) 52 and the electrode 53, and quickly switches the positive and negative polarities of the mold (electrode) 52 and the electrode 53 to quickly change the orientation of atoms or molecules in the louver 12, which is a dielectric, and generate internal heat due to collisions and friction between the atoms or molecules, thereby welding the two folded pieces of fabric of the louver 12 together.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the mold 52 has a bottom surface 52a that contacts the bag-shaped portion 20 and has an approximately U-shape along three sides of the bag-shaped portion 20 excluding the folded portion 21, and the portion that contacts the bottom surface 52a is welded.

[0048] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a method for forming the pouch-shaped portion of a louver of a conventional vertical blind, in which (a) is a perspective view of the vicinity of the pouch-shaped portion, and (b) is a left side view of the vicinity of the pouch-shaped portion.

[0049] As shown in the figure, in conventional louver L, the vertical (Y direction) ends of the louver L are folded back at fold back portion F so as to sandwich a weight W, and the three opposing surfaces other than fold back portion F are welded together along a mold M with a U-shaped bottom to form a bag-shaped portion B having a welded portion E. At this time, as shown in the figure (b), the mold M is positioned so that the bottom end of the mold M in the vertical direction of the louver L coincides with the fold back portion F of the louver L.

[0050] However, with this method, as shown in FIG. 7, when both ends in the width direction of the folded portion F are welded, a crease is formed at the folded end of the welded portion E, and tears T or cuts may occur at the crease.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a left side view of the vicinity of the pouched portion 20, illustrating a method of forming the pouched portion 20 of the louver 12 of the vertical blind 100 according to this embodiment.

[0052] As shown in the figure, the mold 52 used in this embodiment has a bottom surface 52a that abuts against the bag-shaped portion 20, which is approximately U-shaped, as in the conventional mold 52, but the length of the mold 52 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the louver 12 is shortened by the above-mentioned specified distance D.

[0053] Then, the lower end of the louver 12 in the vertical direction (Y direction) is folded back at the fold-back portion 21 so as to sandwich the weight 22, and the mold 52 is pressed against the louver 12 so as not to abut a predetermined area near the fold-back portion 21 (the area from the fold-back portion 21 to a position a predetermined distance D in the vertical direction), and the opposing surfaces of the louver 12 are welded to each other except for the predetermined area, thereby forming the bag-shaped portion 20.

[0054] As a result, as shown in Figure 9, a specified area at the widthwise (X-direction) end of the folded portion 21 is formed as a non-welded portion 24, and the bag-shaped portion 20 is formed with a space between the opposing surfaces of the louver 12 without any creases as in the conventional method.This improves the strength of the bag-shaped portion 20 by three-sided welding, while preventing tears or cuts from occurring in the folded portion 21 as in the conventional method.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, by leaving the vicinity of the folded portion 21 of the louver 12 unwelded, it is possible to prevent tears or cuts from occurring at both widthwise ends of the folded portion 21 due to the characteristics of welder welding, both during and after the formation of the bag-shaped portion 20. Furthermore, even for the louver 12 made of a thermoplastic resin such as PVC, which is difficult to sew due to its light-blocking properties, it is possible to form the bag-shaped portion 20 that houses the weight 22 with a good design, just like a louver made of a sewable material.

[0056] <Modification of the first embodiment> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a mold 52 used to form the bag-shaped portion 20 in a modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a method of forming the bag-shaped portion 20 using the mold 52.

[0057] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, all corners of bottom surface portion 52a of mold 52 are formed vertically. In contrast to this, in this modified example, mold 52 has inclined portion 52b at a corner corresponding to the lower end of louver 12 in the up-down direction (Y direction). Inclined portion 52b is formed so as not to abut against a predetermined region (non-welded portion 24) corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined distance D when the end position is aligned with the position of folded-back portion 21.

[0058] 10, in this modified example, the inclined portion 52b is formed in an R-shape. However, the inclined portion 52b may be formed in a flat shape.

[0059] 11, in this modification, an end of a mold 52 in the up-down direction (Y direction) of louver 12 is aligned with the position of folded-back portion 21 and pressed against louver 12 to weld the opposing surfaces of louver 12 to each other. Then, the above-mentioned predetermined area corresponding to inclined portion 52b becomes a non-welded portion 24, and the contact point of mold 52 excluding the predetermined area becomes a welded portion 23, thereby forming a bag-shaped portion 20.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the end of the mold 52 may be pressed against the louver 12 so as to be aligned further up and down (in the Y direction) above the position of the folded portion 21, thereby more reliably forming the non-welded portion 24.

[0061] In this way, by simply making a simple modification to the end of the mold 52, such as forming the inclined portion 52b, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned tears and cuts from occurring during welding.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the welded portion 23 was formed on three ends of the bag-shaped portion 20 excluding the non-welded portion 24, but the welded portion 23 may be formed only on both ends of the bag-shaped portion 20 in the width direction (X direction) of the louver 12, or in addition to the both ends, the welded portion 24 may be partially formed on the end opposite the non-welded portion 24.

[0063] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment and the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method of forming the pouch-shaped portion 20 of the louver 12 of the vertical blind 100 according to this embodiment.

[0065] In the above-described first embodiment, the lower end of the louver 12 is folded back at the folded back portion 21 so as to sandwich the weight 22 therebetween, and the three opposing surfaces other than the folded back portion 21 are welded to form the bag-shaped portion 20.

[0066] In contrast, in this embodiment, no folded portion is provided, and rectangular louver pieces 55 and weights 22 corresponding to the shape of the bag-shaped portion 20 are prepared as shown in Fig. 1(a), and the four sides of the louver pieces 55 are aligned with the four sides of the opposing surface of the louver 12 as shown in Fig. 1(b), and the weights 22 are sandwiched between them, and as shown in Fig. 1(c), the two are welded together using a mold having a rectangular bottom surface to form the bag-shaped portion 20 having the welded portion 23. In this embodiment, the louver 12 and the louver pieces 55 are also made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PVC. The outer size of the bottom surface of the mold is formed to be slightly smaller than the size of the louver pieces 55.

[0067] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the bag-shaped portion 20 does not have the non-welded portion 24, the occurrence of the above-mentioned tears and cuts during welding can be prevented.

[0068] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 14 is a front view of the vicinity of the pouch-shaped portion 20 of the louver 12 of the vertical blind 100 according to this embodiment.

[0069] In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the purpose is to prevent the occurrence of tearing or cuts in the fabric when welding the bag-shaped portion 20. However, in this embodiment, the purpose is to prevent the corners of the bag-shaped portion 20 from being torn due to damage over time caused by abrasion with the weight 22, etc.

[0070] In this embodiment, the fabric material of the louver 12 is polyester or the like that can be sewn (no light leakage from sewing holes), and the bottom end of the material is folded back so as to sandwich the weight 22 and sewn (three-sided sewing) to form a sewn portion 26 as a fixed portion in place of the above-mentioned welded portion 23, thereby forming the bag-shaped portion 20. At that time, the vicinity of the folded back portion 21 (a predetermined region from the folded back portion 21 to a position spaced a predetermined distance D in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the louver 12) is formed as a non-sewn portion 27. Note that if no light leakage occurs from the sewing holes, a thermoplastic resin such as PVC may be used instead of polyester.

[0071] In this way, even when the louvers 12 are folded back and sewn, by forming the non-sewn portions 27 in the vicinity of the folded back portions 21, it is possible to prevent the folded back portions 21 from breaking due to damage over time.

[0072] <Other Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[0073] In the first and second embodiments described above, the welded portion 23 is formed in the bag-shaped portion 20 that accommodates the weight 22 at the lower end of each louver 12, but instead of or in addition to this, a similar welded portion may be formed in the bag-shaped portion that accommodates the louver hook member (not shown) provided at the upper end of each louver 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10…Head rail 11…Bracket 12…Louver 13...Operation cord (opening / closing operation part) 14...Operation rod (rotation operation part) 20...Pacific part 21…Folded section 22…Weight 23…Welded part 24…Non-welded area 26...Sewing section 27…Non-sewn part 50…Welding device 51...High frequency power supply 52...Mold (electrode) 52a...Bottom part 52b…Slope part 53...Electrode 55…Louver piece 100...Vertical blinds D...Predetermined distance

Claims

1. a bag-shaped portion formed at an upper and lower end of the louver and having a folded portion where the louver is folded; A storage member stored in the bag-shaped portion; Equipped with The bag-shaped portion has a fixing portion where opposing surfaces are fixed to each other at least along the vertical direction, except for a predetermined region from the folded portion to a position at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction, at least at both ends of the louver in the width direction. Louvers for vertical blinds.

2. 2. The vertical blind louver according to claim 1, The louver is made of a thermoplastic resin; The fixed portion is formed by welding. Louvers for vertical blinds.

3. 3. The vertical blind louver according to claim 2, The fixed portion is formed by welding. Louvers for vertical blinds.

4. A vertical blind louver according to claim 2 or 3, The fixing portion is formed on three ends of the bag-shaped portion excluding the predetermined region. Louvers for vertical blinds.

5. Head rail and a plurality of carriers movable within the head rail; the vertical blind louver of claim 1 suspended from each of the plurality of carriers; Equipped with vertical blinds.

6. A method for manufacturing a vertical blind louver comprising: a bag-shaped portion formed at an upper and lower end of the louver made of a thermoplastic resin; and a housing member housed in the bag-shaped portion, The upper and lower ends of the louver are folded back at folding back portions so as to sandwich the storage member, At least at both ends of the louver in the width direction, the opposing surfaces are welded to each other at least along the vertical direction, except for a predetermined region from the folded portion to a position spaced a predetermined distance in the vertical direction, to form the bag-shaped portion. A method for manufacturing louvers for vertical blinds.

7. A method for manufacturing a vertical blind louver according to claim 6, comprising the steps of: The welding is welder welding using a mold, The mold is pressed against the bag-shaped portion so as not to come into contact with the predetermined area. A method for manufacturing louvers for vertical blinds.

8. A method for manufacturing the vertical blind louver according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: The die has an inclined portion formed so as not to come into contact with the predetermined region when the end position of the die is aligned with the position of the folded portion. A method for manufacturing louvers for vertical blinds.

9. A method for manufacturing a vertical blind louver according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: The inclined portion is formed in an R shape. A method for manufacturing louvers for vertical blinds.

10. A method for manufacturing a vertical blind louver according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising the steps of: The die has a surface that comes into contact with the bag-shaped portion and is formed in a substantially U-shape. A method for manufacturing louvers for vertical blinds.

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