Shield device

Abstract

To provide a shield device capable of suppressing dropout from a head part of a cap.SOLUTION: A shield device is provided with: an operation side cap 21 placed on an end part of a head box 11; a support member 26 on which a pulley 25 is placed; and a cover 22 placed between a cap 23 and a head end part. The cap 23 is provided with a first elastic piece 32 extending along inner faces of head side walls 11b, 11c from a main face part 31 placed so as to seal an end part opening 11g. The first elastic piece 32 is provided with a first engagement part 32a engaging with first connection holes 32b with which the head side walls 11b, 11c are provided. The cover 22 is provided with a limiting part 45 limiting elastic displacement of the first engagement part 32a of the first elastic piece 32 in a disengaged direction from the first connection hole 32b; and a pair of cover side walls 42, 43 covering the head side walls 11b, 11c from an outer side to limit displacement of the head side walls in a separating direction therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shielding device in which a cap is placed at the end of a head portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Horizontal blinds, a type of shading device, have a lifting cord attached to a bottom rail attached to the bottom of slats suspended from a head box. Horizontal blinds are equipped with a winding shaft that winds and unwinds the lifting cord, and an operation unit that rotates the winding shaft through user operation. The operation unit is equipped with a pulley that transmits rotational force to the winding shaft, and an operation cord that rotates the pulley.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, an operation unit is attached to an end opening of a head box. Specifically, the operation unit is attached to the head box via an auxiliary member. In this case, the operation unit is attached to the auxiliary member and the auxiliary base material is attached to the head box using an engagement structure in which an engagement protrusion or claw portion engages with a connecting portion or an engagement surface. The end of the head box opposite the operation unit is closed with a cap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7025980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If a closing member such as an operation unit or cap that closes the end of the head box is simply attached to the head box by an engagement structure, the engagement may come off during long-term use after installation, and in some cases the closing member may fall off from the head box. In particular, when the operation unit is used as the closing member, repeated pulling force is applied to the operation unit through the operation cord, which deteriorates the engagement structure, and as a result, the probability of the operation unit coming off the head box increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a head portion having an end opening formed by the main wall and the ends of the head side walls; a cap disposed at the head end of the head portion; and a cover disposed between the cap and the head end, wherein the cap comprises a main surface portion disposed to close the end opening, and an elastic piece extending from the main surface portion along the inner surface of at least one of the head side walls and elastically displaced in a direction toward or away from the inner surface, the elastic piece having an engaging portion that engages with a connecting portion provided on the head side wall. The cover comprises a restricting portion that restricts elastic displacement of the engaging portion of the elastic piece in a direction away from the connecting portion when the cover is disposed on the head portion, and a pair of cover side walls that cover the head side walls from the outside and restrict displacement of the head side walls in a direction away from each other.

[0007] In the above-described shielding device, the cap may be configured such that components of an operation unit for operating the movement mechanism are disposed on the main surface portion. In the above-described shielding device, the cover side wall may be configured to cover the connecting portion from the outside.

[0008] In the above shielding device, the elastic piece may be a first elastic piece, the engaging portion may be a first engaging portion, the connecting portion may be a first connecting portion, the cap may further include a second elastic piece, and the second elastic piece may include a second engaging portion that engages with the second connecting portion provided on the main wall.

[0009] In the above shielding device, the cover side wall may be configured to include a third engaging portion that engages with a third connecting portion that the head side wall includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cap from falling off the head portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a horizontal blind according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the horizontal blind in this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one head end side of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one head end side of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the other head end side of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cap is being removed from the other head end side of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the box cover is removed from the head box and the head cover is removed in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is being removed from one head end of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the operation unit is being removed from one head end of the head box in this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cap is being removed from the operation unit in this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the operation unit in this embodiment is reversed left and right. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cap is attached to the operation unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the operation unit and the cap are attached to the other head end side of the head box. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is attached to the other head end side of the head box. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cap is attached to one head end side of the head box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a horizontal blind to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [Overall structure] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, a horizontal blind 10, which is an example of a shading device, comprises a head box 11, a ladder cord 12, slats 13, a bottom rail 14, and a lifting cord 15.

[0013] The head box 11 has an internal space 11d that is U-shaped in side view and has an open top. The head box 11 is attached to a mounting portion such as a ceiling, a window frame, or a curtain box. The head box 11 supports the slats 13 and the bottom rail 14 from above.

[0014] The head box 11, which serves as a head unit, includes a main wall 11a serving as a bottom wall, a first head sidewall 11b serving as a front wall extending from a first long side of the main wall 11a, and a second head sidewall 11c serving as a rear wall extending from a second long side of the main wall 11a. The first head sidewall 11b and the second head sidewall 11c form a pair of sidewalls. An internal space 11d surrounded by the main wall 11a, the first head sidewall 11b, and the second head sidewall 11c houses a movement mechanism for raising and lowering the slats 13 and the bottom rail 14, which serve as shielding members. The internal space 11d is closed by a long, plate-shaped head cover 11e. A longitudinally extending groove 11f is provided near the pair of head sidewalls 11b and 11c. The groove 11f serves as a third connecting portion, and, for example, the third engaging portion 46 of the cover 22 is engaged with the groove 11f.

[0015] A first end opening 11g is defined by an end of the main wall 11a and the ends of the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c at one head end in the longitudinal direction of the head box 11 (see FIG. 3). A second end opening 11h is defined at the other head end in the longitudinal direction of the head box 11. A pair of second connecting holes 11i are provided in the main wall 11a near the first end opening 11g and the second end opening 11h, respectively, as second connecting portions.

[0016] The ladder cord 12 hangs down from the head box 11. The ladder cord 12 includes a pair of warp threads and a weft thread that is suspended between the pair of warp threads. A plurality of weft threads are provided between the pair of warp threads in the vertical direction, which is the opening and closing direction of the horizontal blind 10. Each weft thread provided between the pair of warp threads in the vertical direction supports a slat 13.

[0017] The slats 13 are an example of a shielding material for blocking sunlight and the like. Each slat 13 has a long, thin rectangular plate shape. The slats 13 are supported by a weft thread disposed between a pair of warp threads so that the tilt of the slats 13 can be adjusted. The horizontal blind 10 includes a plurality of slats 13 arranged in the vertical direction.

[0018] The bottom rail 14 is a weight member for maintaining the multiple slats 13 in a lowered state. The bottom rail 14 is disposed below the lowest slat 13 among the multiple slats 13. The bottom ends of a pair of warp threads in the ladder cord 12 are connected to the bottom rail 14. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which two ladder cords 12 are provided, the number of ladder cords 12 is not limited, and any number necessary to support the slats 13 may be provided.

[0019] The lifting / lowering cord 15 hangs down from the head box 11 near the ladder cord 12. The lifting / lowering cord 15 is inserted through an insertion hole provided in the center of the short side of each slat 13. The lower end of the lifting / lowering cord 15 is connected to the bottom rail 14. When the lifting / lowering cord 15 is pulled up, the bottom rail 14 is pulled up, causing the multiple slats 13 to rise and stack on top of the bottom rail 14. There is no limit to the number of lifting / lowering cords 15; it is sufficient to provide the number necessary to raise and lower the slats 13.

[0020] The head box 11 includes a drive shaft 16, a cord support device 17, and an operation unit 20. The drive shaft 16 is a square shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the head box 11. The drive shaft 16 is connected to the cord support device 17 and the operation unit 20. The drive shaft 16 transmits the rotational force applied from the operation unit 20 to the cord support device 17. The drive shaft 16 and the cord support device 17 are a movement mechanism that raises and lowers the slats 13 and the bottom rail 14.

[0021] The cord support device 17 has a plurality of mechanisms for supporting the ladder cord 12 and the lifting cord 15. Specifically, the cord support device 17 includes a tilt section, a winding section, and a delay unit.

[0022] The tilt portion is connected to the drive shaft 16 so as not to rotate relative to the drive shaft 16. The ladder cord 12 is engaged with the tilt portion. As the tilt portion rotates in conjunction with the drive shaft 16, one warp thread of the ladder cord 12 rises and the other warp thread descends, thereby adjusting the angle of the slat 13.

[0023] The winding section has a cylindrical shape. The winding section is connected to the drive shaft 16 via a delay unit. The lifting cord 15 is wound around the outer periphery of the winding section. The winding section rotates in conjunction with the drive shaft 16 to wind and unwind the lifting cord 15.

[0024] The delay unit is equipped with a stopper device that restricts the rotation of the drive shaft 16 to prevent the slats 13 and bottom rail 14 from descending due to their own weight. In addition, the delay unit operates the winding section to rotate in conjunction with the drive shaft 16 when the drive shaft 16 rotates more than the amount of rotation required for the tilt operation that adjusts the angle of the slats 13.

[0025] The cord support device 17 may be equipped with an obstacle detection device. If the bottom rail 14 collides with an obstacle while the slat 13 is being lowered, the obstacle detection device stops the rotation of the winding part, thereby stopping the lowering of the slat 13 and the bottom rail 14.

[0026] [Head box head end structure] 3, one head end of the head box 11 is a portion where the operation unit 20 is disposed. Specifically, one head end of the head box 11 includes the operation unit 20, an operation-side cap 21, and a cover 22. The other head end of the head box 11 includes a non-operation-side cap 23.

[0027] The operation unit 20 is equipped with a ball chain 24. The ball chain 24 is pulled out from the front of the head box 11 (towards the front of the page in FIG. 1). In the horizontal blind 10, the drive shaft 16 is rotated by operating the ball chain 24. Then, the winding shaft and tilt section of the cord support device 17 rotate in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 16, thereby performing various operations such as tilting, raising, and lowering the slats 13. Note that the front refers to the direction toward the interior of the room, opposite to the direction toward the exterior of the window, etc., when viewed from the horizontal blind 10.

[0028] The operation unit 20 includes a pulley 25 around which the ball chain 24 is wound, and a support member 26 that supports the pulley 25. The pulley 25 includes a drive hole 25a in the center with which the drive shaft 16 is engaged, and a ball recess 25b with which the ball of the ball chain 24 is engaged. The ball recess 25b is provided on the outer periphery of the pulley 25. The pulley 25 is one of the components of the operation unit 20. A speed reducer configured with a planetary gear or the like is provided between the pulley 25 and the drive shaft 16.

[0029] 3 and 4, one head end of the head box 11 has a first end opening 11g defined by an end of the main wall 11a and ends of the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c. A support member 26 is disposed adjacent to the first end opening 11g. The support member 26 has a rectangular annular shape, and a pulley 25 is disposed inside the support member 26. The front surface of the outer circumferential surface of the support member 26 is continuous with the first head side wall 11b, the rear surface is continuous with the second head side wall 11c, and the bottom surface is continuous with the main wall 11a.

[0030] The front surface of the support member 26, which is continuous with the first head side wall 11b, is provided with a pull-out hole 26b and a cord guide 26a through which two ball chains 24, which are looped around the pulley 25, are pulled outward. The upper surface of the support member 26 is provided with a pair of positioning walls 27. The pair of positioning walls 27 are walls that position the operation-side cap 21 relative to the support member 26. The positioning portion 34 of the operation-side cap 21 engages between the pair of positioning walls 27. The inside of the support member 26 is provided with an annular guide portion 28 that restricts displacement of the ball chain 24 looped around the pulley 25 and makes it difficult for the ball to come out of the ball recess 25b.

[0031] The operation side cap 21 includes a main surface portion 31, a first elastic piece 32, and a second elastic piece 33. The main surface portion 31 is a plate portion that is placed on the support member 26 and closes the first end opening 11g. The main surface portion 31 includes a pulley shaft 31a in the center that rotatably supports the pulley 25. The pulley shaft 31a is engaged with the drive hole 25a and supports the pulley 25 for rotation. The main surface portion 31 also includes a guide ring 31b in which the pulley shaft 31a is located at the center. The guide ring 31b guides the rotation of the pulley 25.

[0032] The first elastic pieces 32 are a pair of pieces that are erected on both sides of the upper edge on the inner surface of the main surface portion 31. The pair of first elastic pieces 32 are pieces that are elastically displaceable in the directions of the front and rear surfaces of the head box 11. Each first elastic piece 32 has a first engagement portion 32a at its tip, facing outward from the other.

[0033] 4 and 5, one of the first elastic pieces 32 extends to the position of the recessed groove 11f on the inner surface of the first head side wall 11b. A first engagement portion 32a of one of the first elastic pieces 32 protrudes toward the first head side wall 11b. A first connecting hole 32b serving as a first connecting portion with which the first engagement portion 32a engages is provided in the recessed groove 11f of the first head side wall 11b.

[0034] The other first elastic piece 32 extends to the position of the recessed groove 11f on the inner surface of the second head side wall 11c. A first engagement portion 32a of the other first elastic piece 32 protrudes toward the second head side wall 11c. A first connecting hole 32b serving as a first connecting portion with which the first engagement portion 32a engages is provided in the recessed groove 11f of the second head side wall 11c.

[0035] A positioning portion 34 that engages with the pair of positioning walls 27 is protruded between the pair of first elastic pieces 32 on the inner surface of the main surface portion 31. By engaging the positioning portion 34 with the pair of positioning walls 27, the operation-side cap 21 is restricted from shifting in the front-rear direction relative to the support member 26.

[0036] A pair of positioning protrusions 35 are provided on the inner surface of the main surface portion 31, outside the pair of first elastic pieces 32. The pair of positioning protrusions 35 are positioned so as to fit along the inner surfaces of the head side walls 11b, 11c. This also restricts the operation-side cap 21 from shifting in the front-rear direction relative to the support member 26.

[0037] The second elastic pieces 33 are a pair of pieces that are erected on the lower edge of the inner surface of the main surface portion 31. The pair of second elastic pieces 33 are pieces that can be elastically displaced in the up-down direction of the head box 11. Each second elastic piece 33 has a second engagement portion 33a at its tip end, facing downward from the other.

[0038] The cover 22 is disposed between the operation-side cap 21 and the first end opening 11g of the head box 11. Specifically, the cover 22 is disposed on the support member 26. The cover 22 includes a main plate portion 41, a first cover side wall 42, and a second cover side wall 43. The first cover side wall 42 is located on the side of the first head side wall 11b, and the second cover side wall 43 is located on the side of the second head side wall 11c.

[0039] The main plate portion 41 is disposed on the support member 26 between the operation-side cap 21 and the first end opening 11g of the head box 11. A first cover side wall 42 stands upright from the front edge of the main plate portion 41, and a second cover side wall 43 stands upright from the rear edge. An abutment wall 44 that abuts against the guide portion 28 stands upright on the inner surface of the main plate portion 41, between the first cover side wall 42 and the second cover side wall 43. The abutment wall 44 has a tip that is recessed in an arc shape corresponding to the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface of the guide portion 28.

[0040] 5, the main plate portion 41 is provided with restricting portions 45 on both sides of the abutment wall 44. The pair of restricting portions 45 are walls parallel to the first head side wall 11b and the second head side wall 11c, and are provided spaced apart from the first head side wall 11b and the second head side wall 11c. The spaces between the first head side wall 11b and one restricting portion 45 and between the second head side wall 11c and the other restricting portion 45 are spaces into which the respective first elastic pieces 32 are inserted. The restricting portions 45 restrict elastic displacement of the first engagement portion 32a in a direction in which it comes off the first connecting hole 32b.

[0041] The first cover sidewall 42 and the second cover sidewall 43 are plate portions that cover the first head sidewall 11b and the second head sidewall 11c from the outside. The first cover sidewall 42 and the second cover sidewall 43 restrict the first head sidewall 11b and the second head sidewall 11c from bending in directions away from each other and cover and conceal the first connecting hole 32b. The first cover sidewall 42 and the second cover sidewall 43 are provided with third engaging portions 46 that engage with recessed grooves 11f that serve as third connecting portions provided in the first head sidewall 11b and the second head sidewall 11c. The third engaging portions 46 engaged with the recessed grooves 11f make it difficult for the cover 22 to come off upward from the head box 11.

[0042] To assemble one head end, first, the ball chain 24 is guided into the support member 26 through the lead-out hole 26b and hooked onto the pulley 25 arranged in the guide portion 28. The support member 26, which includes the pulley 25 hooked onto the ball chain 24, is placed on the inner surface of the main surface portion 31 of the operation-side cap 21. The unit of the operation-side cap 21, support member 26, and pulley 25 is then inserted into the first end opening 11g of the head box. The pair of first elastic pieces 32 are then inserted so as to fit along the inner surfaces of the head side walls 11b and 11c. The first engaging portion 32a is then engaged with the first connecting hole 32b. At the same time, the second engaging portion 33a of the second elastic piece 33 is engaged with the second connecting hole 11i. Then, the cover 22 is attached to one head end of the head box 11 from above the support member 26. Specifically, the third engagement portion 46 of the cover 22 is engaged with the recessed groove 11f.

[0043] [Head box other head end structure] 6, the other head end of the head box 11 is the non-operation side end, and the operation unit 20 is not arranged thereon. However, as will be described later, the operation unit 20 arranged at one head end of the head box 11 can be replaced with the operation unit 20 at the other head end. A non-operation side cap 23 that closes the second end opening 11h is attached to the other head end of the head box 11.

[0044] The non-operation-side cap 23 includes a main plate portion 51 and a peripheral wall 52 erected around the main plate portion 51. The peripheral wall 52 further includes a fitting wall 53 that fits into the second end opening 11h. The fitting wall 53 extends into and fits into the main wall 11a, the first head side wall 11b, and the second head side wall 11c. A ceiling portion 52a located within the peripheral wall 52, spanning the first head side wall 11b and the second head side wall 11c, has a U-shape and extends above the fitting wall 53. Side portions of the ceiling portion 52a are located outside the first head side wall 11b and the second head side wall 11c near the second end opening 11h, and cover the first connecting hole 32b formed in the recessed groove 11f. The non-operation side cap 23 is not attached by engaging an elastic piece at the other head end of the head box 11, but is easily attached to the head box 11 by simply fitting the fitting wall 53 into the second end opening 11h. Since no operating force is applied to the non-operation side cap 23 to raise and lower the slats 13 or bottom rail 14, the attachment structure is simpler than that of the operation side.

[0045] [Horizontal blind operation] The horizontal blind 10 configured as described above operates as follows. When the ball chain 24, which is pulled out and suspended from the front of the head box 11, is pulled, the slats 13 and bottom rail 14 are raised and lowered. The slats 13 are also tilted. In this operation, the bottom rail 14 is pulled, causing the pulley 25 to rotate, and at this time, the operating unit 20 becomes a vibration source.

[0046] In this regard, the elastic displacement of the first elastic piece 32 in the direction in which the first engagement portion 32a disengages from the first connecting hole 32b is restricted. Therefore, the first engagement portion 32a can be prevented from disengaging from the first connecting hole 32b under repeated vibration. At the same time, the pair of cover side walls 43, 43 of the cover 22 can restrict the displacement of the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c in the direction in which they move away from each other. In addition, the second engagement portion 33a of the second elastic piece 33 engages with the second connecting hole 11i. Furthermore, the third engagement portion 46 engages with the recessed groove 11f, which is the third connecting portion, making the cover 22 less likely to disengage upward from the head box 11. These factors combine to make it less likely that the operating-side cap 21 will fall off the end openings 11g, 11h of the head box 11.

[0047] Furthermore, the cover 22 covers and conceals the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 32a and the first connection hole 32b with the pair of cover side walls 42, 43. This makes it possible to prevent the design of the head box 11 from being impaired.

[0048] [Replacing the operation unit] 7 to 16 show the procedure for reattaching the operation unit 20 arranged at one head end of the head box 11 to the other head end.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7, first, the non-operation side cap 23 is removed from the second end opening 11h of the head box 11. The non-operation side cap 23 can be easily removed from the second end opening 11h because only the fitting wall 53 is fitted into the second end opening 11h. Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the head cover 11e is pulled out from the second end opening 11h.

[0050] 9, the cover 22 is removed from above the support member 26 at one head end of the head box 11. The cover 22 is removed from the head box 11 by bending the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c toward each other to remove the third engagement portion 46 from the recessed groove 11f. Alternatively, the ceiling portion 52a of the cover 22 is bent so as to warp and move the tip of the first cover side wall 42 and the tip of the second cover side wall 43 away from each other, thereby removing the third engagement portion 46 from the recessed groove 11f.

[0051] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10 , the unit of the operation-side cap 21, the support member 26, and the pulley 25 is removed from the first end opening 11g of the head box. Specifically, the pair of first elastic pieces 32 are bent inward to disengage the first engagement portion 32a from the first connecting hole 32b. At the same time, the second elastic piece 33 is bent upward to disengage the second engagement portion 33a from the second connecting hole 11i. The operation of removing the unit of the operation-side cap 21, the support member 26, and the pulley 25 from the first end opening 11g of the head box may be performed using a jig such as a tool. This allows the unit of the operation-side cap 21, the support member 26, and the pulley 25 to be removed from the first end opening 11g.

[0052] Next, as shown in Fig. 11, the operation side cap 21 is removed from the unit of the support member 26 and the pulley 25. Next, as shown in Fig. 12, the unit of the support member 26 and the pulley 25 is moved from one head end of the head box 11 to which it was attached to the other head end, while keeping the orientation the same.

[0053] 13, an operation-side cap 21 is attached to the unit of the support member 26 and the pulley 25 at the other head end of the head box 11. When the operation-side cap 21 is transferred from one head end of the head box 11 to the other head end, it is turned over so that the first elastic piece 32, the second elastic piece 33, etc. face the second end opening 11h.

[0054] As shown in Figure 14, the unit of the operation-side cap 21, support member 26, and pulley 25 is attached to the second end opening 11h of the head box. That is, the pair of first elastic pieces 32 are inserted so as to fit along the inner surfaces of the head side walls 11b and 11c. The first engagement portion 32a is engaged with the first connecting hole 32b. At the same time, the second engagement portion 33a of the second elastic piece 33 is engaged with the second connecting hole 11i.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 15, the cover 22 is attached to the other head end of the head box 11 from above the support member 26. Specifically, the third engagement portion 46 of the cover 22 is engaged with the recessed groove 11f. Thereafter, the head cover 11e is inserted between the first head side wall 11b and the second head side wall 11c in the direction from the first end opening 11g to the second end opening 11h. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16, the non-operation side cap 23 is attached to the first end opening 11g. That is, the fitting wall 53 is fitted into the second end opening 11h.

[0056] [Effects of the embodiment] The horizontal blinds described above can provide the following effects: (1) The restricting portion 45 of the cover 22 restricts the elastic displacement of the first elastic piece 32 in the direction in which the first engaging portion 32a comes out of the first connecting hole 32b. Therefore, the operating-side cap 21 is less likely to fall off from the end openings 11g and 11h.

[0057] (2) The cover 22 not only restricts the elastic displacement of the first elastic piece 32 by the restricting portion 45, but also restricts the displacement of the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c, which include the first connecting hole 32b, in the direction away from each other, by the pair of cover side walls 43, 43. This makes it even more difficult for the operation-side cap 21 to fall off from the end openings 11g, 11h of the head box 11.

[0058] (3) The operation unit 20 is disposed at one head end or the other head end of the head box 11, and the operation-side cap 21 becomes a source of vibration during operation. Therefore, there is a risk that the operation-side cap 21 may come off the head box 11 as a result of repeated use and vibration. In this regard, the first elastic piece 32 is restricted from elastically displacing the first engagement portion 32a in a direction that disengages from the first connecting hole 32b. In addition, the pair of cover side walls 42, 43 also restrict the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c from displacing away from each other. Therefore, even if vibrations associated with operation are repeatedly applied to the end of the head box 11 where the operation unit 20 is disposed, the operation-side cap 21 is less likely to come off the end openings 11g, 11h.

[0059] (4) The cover side walls 42, 43 can cover and conceal the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 32a and the first connection hole 32b. (5) The operation side cap 21 is less likely to fall off from the end openings 11g and 11h of the head box 11 because the second engaging portion 33a of the second elastic piece 33 engages with the second connecting hole 11i.

[0060] (6) The third engagement portion 46 engages with the recessed groove 11f, which is the third connecting portion, making it difficult for the cover 22 to come off upward from the head box 11. This prevents the pair of head side walls 11b, 11c from bending in directions away from each other, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the second engagement portion 33a from coming off the second connecting hole 11i.

[0061] (7) The operation-side cap 21 can be attached to either end of the head box 11 because the first connecting hole 32b and the second connecting hole 11i are provided on both the head end and the other head end. When replacing the operation unit 20, all that is required is to move the unit consisting of the support member 26 and the pulley 25 from one head end to the other, then flip the cap 23 over to the operation side and place it on the operation-side cap 21. In this way, the end of the horizontal blind 10 where the operation unit 20 is to be placed can be easily selected depending on the installation location.

[0062] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0063] The cover 22 may omit the third engagement portion 46. Even in this configuration, the cover side walls 42, 43 are positioned outside the head side walls 11b, 11c, thereby preventing the head side walls 11b, 11c from bending in directions away from each other. In this case, the head box 11 may omit the recessed groove 11f.

[0064] The operating side cap 21 may omit the second elastic piece 33. In this case, the second connecting hole 11i may be omitted in the head box 11. Also, the second engaging portion 33a may be omitted from the second elastic piece 33. In this case, the second elastic piece 33 functions as an insertion guide piece when inserting the operating side cap 21 into the end openings 11g, 11h.

[0065] The first connecting hole 32b does not have to be located at a position overlapping with the cover side walls 42, 43. This is because the first connecting hole 32b is located in an inconspicuous position within the recessed groove 11f and is therefore not noticeable from an external perspective.

[0066] As an example, when one head end of the head box 11 is set to the operating side, the other head end on the non-operating side may be configured to close the second end opening 11h using the operating-side cap 21, support member 26, and cover 22, omitting the pulley 25. In this case, the pulley 25 and ball chain 24 are not required from the support member 26, so the cord guide 26a and pull-out hole 26b may be omitted.

[0067] The first elastic pieces 32 do not necessarily have to be a pair, and may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, if four first elastic pieces 32 are provided, two first elastic pieces 32 may be provided above and below the first head side wall 11b, and two first elastic pieces 32 may be provided above and below the inner surface of the second head side wall 11c. Furthermore, only one first elastic piece 32 may be provided along the first head side wall 11b or the second head side wall 11c.

[0068] The number of second elastic pieces 33 is not limited to one pair, but may be, for example, one or three or more. The engaging portion of the first elastic piece 32 may be configured as a recess or a hole instead of a protrusion. In this case, the first connecting portion is not a hole but a protrusion that engages with the recess or hole of the first elastic piece 32.

[0069] The engaging portion of the second elastic piece 33 may be configured as a recess or a hole instead of a protrusion. In this case, the second connecting portion is not a hole but a protrusion that engages with the recess or hole of the second elastic piece 33.

[0070] The non-operation side cap 23 may also be provided with a first elastic piece 32, and the first engagement portion 32a may be engaged with the first connecting hole 32b. This makes it difficult for the non-operation side cap 23 to come off the head end.

[0071] The non-operation side cap 23 may also be provided with a second elastic piece 33, and the second engagement portion 33a may be engaged with the second connecting hole 11i. This makes it difficult for the non-operation side cap 23 to come off the head end.

[0072] The support member 26 may be provided integrally with the operating side cap 21. The support member 26 may also be provided integrally with the non-operating side cap 23. As in the case where the non-operation side cap 23 is attached to the head end of the head box 11, the first elastic piece 32 may be provided and the support member 26 may be omitted.

[0073] The operation unit 20 may use a string-like operation cord such as a braided string instead of the ball chain 24. The shading device is not limited to the horizontal blinds described above, but may be, for example, a vertical blind, a roller blind, a roll-up curtain, or the like.

[0074] In the case of a shading device in which the shading material moves horizontally rather than vertically, like the slats of curtains or vertical blinds, the head box may have an opening on the bottom for the runner to run through, and the top may be closed. In other words, this is applicable to a shading device in which the head part has an opening on one of the top, front, bottom, or rear sides, and both ends are closed with caps. Furthermore, a shading device in which an operation unit is located at one end of the head is preferred. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 11...Head box 11a…Main wall 11b...First head side wall 11c...2nd head side wall 11d…Internal space 11e...Headcover 11f…concave groove 11g...First end opening 11h…Second end opening 11i…Second connection hole 20...Operation unit 21...Operation side cap 22...Cover 23...Non-operating side cap 24...Ball chain 25...pulley 25a...Drive hole 25b...Ball recess 26...Support member 26a... Chord Guide 26b...Extraction hole 27...Positioning wall 28...Guide section 31…Main surface part 32...First elastic piece 32a...first engagement part 32b...1st connection hole 33...Second elastic piece 33a...Second engagement part 41…Main plate part 42...First cover side wall 43...Second cover side wall 45...Regulatory Department 46...Third engagement portion

Claims

1. a head portion including a main wall extending in a longitudinal direction and a pair of head side walls erected on the main wall, the head portion being surrounded by the main wall and the head side walls to form an internal space in which a movement mechanism for moving a shielding material in an opening / closing direction is disposed, and end openings being formed by end portions of the main wall and the head side walls; a cap disposed on a head end of the head portion; a cover disposed between the cap and the head end, the cap includes a main surface portion disposed to close the end opening, and an elastic piece extending from the main surface portion along an inner surface of at least one of the head side walls and elastically deformable in a direction toward and away from the inner surface, the elastic piece has an engaging portion that engages with a connecting portion that the head side wall has, The cover is a shielding device that includes a regulating portion that, when placed on the head portion, regulates elastic displacement of the engaging portion of the elastic piece in a direction away from the connecting portion, and a pair of cover side walls that cover the head side walls from the outside and regulate displacement of the head side walls in a direction away from each other.

2. In the cap, components of an operation unit for operating the movement mechanism are arranged on the main surface. The shielding device of claim 1 .

3. The cover side wall covers the connecting portion from the outside. The shielding device of claim 1 .

4. the elastic piece is a first elastic piece, the engaging portion is a first engaging portion, and the connecting portion is a first connecting portion, The cap further includes a second elastic piece, The second elastic piece includes a second engaging portion that engages with a second connecting portion that the main wall includes.

4. A shielding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cover side wall includes a third engaging portion that engages with a third connecting portion that the head side wall includes.

5. The shielding device of claim 4.

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