Vertical blinds

Abstract

This invention provides a vertical blind that minimizes the decrease in operability by allowing the runner to move smoothly through the shaft connection. [Solution] The runner 2 is connected in the direction of movement and is equipped with multiple hanger rails 1a, 1b that house shafts 31a, 31b. The shafts 31a and 31b are connected by abutting ends 36a, 36b, and the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are connected so that they cannot rotate relative to each other, forming a connecting shaft. Each of the abutting ends 36a, 36b is equipped with an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the runner 2 moves the connecting shaft across the abutting portions with the abutting ends 36a, 36b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical blind that enables the movement of a shielding material using a shaft.

Background Art

[0002] In a vertical blind, slats are each suspended and supported from a plurality of runners that are movably supported within a hanger rail, and adjacent runners are connected to each other via a plate-like spacer. In a vertical blind, when a first end runner located at the leading end in the moving direction is moved in a first moving direction that is the unfolding side, the runners other than the first end runner are also successively moved in the first moving direction by the spacer that connects the adjacent runners. As a result, the slats suspended and supported by each runner are pulled out along the hanger rail.

[0003] Further, when the first end runner is moved in a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction, the deployed slats are in a folded state. Each runner is guided in its movement by a hanger rail, and a shaft disposed inside the hanger rail is inserted therethrough. The shaft is rotated when tilted by an operating rod. An engagement groove extending in the axial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. In the engagement groove, a worm, which is an engagement member disposed in an insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted in the runner, is engaged. The worm is connected to a suspension shaft provided on the runner. The suspension shaft suspends the slat. By rotating the suspension shaft by the worm, tilt adjustment of the slat is performed.

[0004] By the way, among vertical blinds, there are large vertical blinds that are long in the moving direction of the runners. The large vertical blind is configured by connecting a plurality of hanger rails. In this case, the shafts are also connected at their ends by a connecting member (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, two connected shafts are connected by inserting a connecting pin into a connecting hole in which an open end faces the butting end. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4742860 [Patent Document 2] Korean Registered Patent No. 102054460 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] By the way, the connecting portion where the two connected shafts are butted together is formed by the abutting end face of one shaft and the abutting end of the other shaft. The abutting ends of each shaft are made up of vertical surfaces so that no gap is formed in the abutting portion when they are joined together.

[0007] For example, each shaft may have manufacturing errors in the position of the engagement grooves formed on its outer surface, or in its diameter (thickness). Such errors can cause steps to form in the depth and width directions of the engagement grooves at the connecting portion. Furthermore, because the butt end faces are perpendicular to the central axis of each shaft, the steps become steep vertical walls, thus creating steps. In addition, each shaft may also have steps formed by burrs formed on its butt end.

[0008] As described above, if a step is formed at the joint of the abutting ends, the runner will get caught on the step when passing through the abutting portion of the shaft, hindering smooth movement. In such cases, the feel of operating the vertical blind will be reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A vertical blind for solving the above problems is a vertical blind that allows the movement of a shielding material using a shaft, each of which houses the shaft that movably supports a runner that suspends and supports the shielding material, and is equipped with a plurality of hanger rails that can be connected in the direction of movement of the runner, one of the hanger rails that are connected to each other is a first hanger rail, the other hanger rail is a second hanger rail, the shaft housed in the first hanger rail is a first shaft, and the shaft housed in the second hanger rail is a second shaft, the first shaft and the second shaft are connected so as not to rotate relative to each other that they constitute a connecting shaft, the first abutting end of the first shaft and the second abutting end of the second shaft abutting together and the first shaft and the second shaft are connected so as not to rotate relative to each other, each of the first abutting end and the second abutting end has an inclined surface portion or a curved surface portion in the direction of the axis, and the runner moves along the connecting shaft across the abutting portion between the first abutting end and the second abutting end.

[0010] In the above-described vertical blind, the first shaft and the second shaft have a basic circular cross-sectional shape and are provided with engagement grooves that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction and extend in the axial direction, and the ends of the peaks formed between the engagement grooves are provided with the inclined surface portion or curved surface portion, and each of the runners is provided with a bearing hole through which the first shaft and the second shaft are inserted, and an engagement member disposed in the bearing hole and engaging with the engagement groove, and furthermore, a support hole through which the first shaft and the second shaft are inserted is provided, and a support member is provided that can support the connecting shaft on the inner circumferential surface of the support hole.

[0011] In the above-described vertical blind, the first shaft may be provided with a first non-circular hole facing the first abutting end, and the second shaft may be provided with a second non-circular hole facing the second abutting end, and the first shaft and the second shaft may be connected by inserting a connecting shaft having a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shapes of the first non-circular hole and the second non-circular hole into the first non-circular hole and the second non-circular hole.

[0012] In the above-described vertical blind, the first hanger rail and the second hanger rail may be connected by an upper connecting plate that is positioned on the outer surface of the ceiling wall, which each has.

[0013] In the vertical blind described above, the runner may be provided with a suspension shaft for the shielding material, and each of the first hanger rail and the second hanger rail may be provided with a pair of bottom walls that constitute a rail opening through which the suspension shaft is inserted, and the first hanger rail and the second hanger rail may be connected by a lower connecting plate positioned on the inner surface side of the bottom wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the runner can move smoothly through the shaft connection portion, thereby suppressing a decrease in the feel of operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a partially cutaway top view of the vertical blind in this embodiment, and (b) is a front view. Both (a) and (b) show the slats in their unfolded state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vertical blinds in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing the relationship between the runner and the shaft in this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main part of the butt joint between the first and second shafts. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view showing the relationship between the support member and the shaft in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view showing the runner and support member passing through the shaft connection section. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partially cutaway front view of the vertical blind in this embodiment, showing the slats in a folded state. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a side view showing the relationship between the support member and the shaft as a reference example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a horizontal blind to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. 〔Overall Configuration〕 As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and (b), in the vertical blind, a large number of runners 2 are supported so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction within two mutually connected first hanger rails 1a and second hanger rails 1b. A slat 3 as a shielding material is suspended and supported on each runner 2. A balance weight 7 is attached to the lower end of each slat 3, and the balance weights 7 are connected at equal intervals by a bottom cord 8. Thereby, even when the slat 3 moves, the swaying of the slat 3 is suppressed.

[0017] Adjacent runners 2 are connected by a spacer having an elongated plate shape with flexibility within the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b. The first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction in which the runners 2 move.

[0018] This vertical blind is a single-opening shielding device. When the runner 2 is moved in the deployment direction D1, which is the first moving direction, the opening space 9 below the hanger rails 1a and 1b is blocked. Further, when the runner is moved in the folding direction D2, which is the second moving direction opposite to the deployment direction D1, the opening space 9 is opened.

[0019] The connected hanger rail composed of a series of connected first hanger rails 1a and second hanger rails 1b has a first rail end 1x and a second rail end 1y at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the runner closest to the first rail end 1x is the end runner 2x.

[0020] A tilt pole 4a, which constitutes the operating section, is connected to the end 1y of the second rail. The tilt pole 4a hangs down on the front side of the vertical blind. A drive cord 4b also hangs down from the end 1y of the second rail. The tilt pole 4a can be rotated to adjust the angle (tilt adjustment) of the slats 3. The drive cord 4b consists of two cords connected at the bottom end. Pulling one cord downwards moves the slats 3 in the unfolding direction D1, and pulling the other cord downwards moves the slats 3 in the folding direction D2.

[0021] [Hanger rail] As shown in Figure 2, the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b are the same member having the same configuration and are connectable. Each hanger rail 1a, 1b comprises a front wall 11a, 11b, a rear wall 12a, 12b, a top wall 13a, 13b, and a pair of bottom walls 14a, 14b. The pair of bottom walls 14a, 14b are spaced apart, forming rail openings 15a, 15b between them. The internal space of the hanger rails 1a, 1b accommodates the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b, and is also the space in which the runner 2 is movably positioned. The runner 2 is guided to move by the hanger rails 1a, 1b, and the shafts 31a, 31b are inserted through it. The first shaft 31a is an axial member positioned in the internal space of the first hanger rail 1a. The second shaft 31b is an axial member positioned in the internal space of the second hanger rail 1b.

[0022] The opposing front walls 11a, 11b and rear walls 12a, 12b are equipped with concave guide rails 16a, 16b that guide the movement of the runner 2. A suspension shaft 25, which is provided on the runner 2 and suspends the runner 2, is inserted through the rail openings 15a, 15b.

[0023] An upper connecting plate 18 is used to connect the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b. Furthermore, a lower connecting plate 19 is used. The upper connecting plate 18 is positioned to straddle the boundary between the top walls 13a and 13b when the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b are abutted together, and is placed over the outer surface of the top walls 13a and 13b. Mounting grooves 18a are provided at the corners between the top walls 13a and 13b and the front walls 11a and 11b and the rear walls 12a and 12b. Engaging projections 18b, provided on the edges forming the long side of the upper connecting plate 18, engage with the mounting grooves 18a. The upper connecting plate 18 is then fixed to the top walls 13a and 13b by fixing screws 18c. In this way, the upper connecting plate 18 connects the top wall 13a of the first hanger rail 1a to the top wall 13b of the second hanger rail 1b. The position of the upper connecting plate 18 is such that it is not easily visible to the user, thus preventing the vertical blinds from looking unsightly.

[0024] The lower connecting plates 19 connect the pair of bottom walls 14a of the first hanger rail 1a and the pair of bottom walls 14b of the second hanger rail 1b. The lower connecting plates 19 are elongated rectangular plates with approximately the same width as the bottom walls 14a. The lower connecting plates 19 are positioned on the inner surfaces of the bottom walls 14a and 14b on the front wall 11a and 11b sides, and also on the inner surfaces of the bottom walls 14a and 14b on the rear wall 12a and 12b sides. Each lower connecting plate 19 is then fixed to each bottom wall 14a and 14b by fixing screws 19a. The position of the lower connecting plates 19 is on the inside of the hanger rails 1a and 1b, in a position that is not easily visible to the user, thus preventing the vertical blinds from looking unsightly.

[0025] [Runner] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each runner 2 comprises a main body 21. The main body 21 comprises a pair of side walls 22 facing each other. The main body 21 comprises a bearing hole 23 that penetrates the side walls 22. An engaging member 24, composed of a worm, is rotatably disposed in the bearing hole 23. The main body 21 is also provided with a suspension shaft 25 extending downward from the bottom. A worm wheel is provided on the suspension shaft 25, and the worm wheel meshes with the worm of the engaging member 24. The slats 3 are suspended and supported from the suspension shaft 25. An engaging hole 24a is provided in the center of the engaging member 24 through which a first shaft 31a and a second shaft 31b are inserted. Engaging claws 24b are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the engaging hole 24a. The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are inserted into the engaging hole 24a so as to be movable in the axial direction, but not so as to rotate relative to each other. When the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are rotated by the operation of the tilt pole 4a, the suspension shaft 25 is rotated through the engaging member 24. As a result, the slat 3 is tilted.

[0026] The main body 21 is equipped with rollers 26 on both sides in the front-to-back direction of the vertical blind. The rollers 26 engage with guide rails 16a, 16b formed inward from the front walls 11a, 11b and rear walls 12a, 12b of the hanger rails 1a, 1b. As a result, the runner 2 moves within the hanger rails 1a, 1b in the unfolding direction D1 and the folding direction D2 (longitudinal direction) while being supported by the hanger rails 1a, 1b.

[0027] 〔shaft〕 As shown in Figure 4, the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are the same member having the same configuration. The shafts 31a and 31b have a circular cross-section as their basic shape and are provided with engagement grooves 32a and 32b at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b have a point-symmetric shape in cross-sectional view. The engagement grooves 32a and 32b are straight grooves extending in the axial direction of the shafts 31a and 31b. In this embodiment, six engagement grooves 32a and 32b are provided at equal intervals in the axial direction. Each engagement groove 32a and 32b is a recessed groove having a U-shape or V-shape. The engagement claws 24b of the engagement member 24 engage with the engagement grooves 32a and 32b. As an example, the two surfaces constituting the engagement grooves 32a and 32b may be inclined planes or inclined curved surfaces that bulge outward or inward. Furthermore, the angle between the two surfaces constituting the engagement grooves 32a and 32b may be 90 degrees, or it may be an acute or obtuse angle close to 90 degrees. As a result, the engagement claws 24b of the engagement member 24 engage with the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b, causing the engagement member 24 to rotate in accordance with the rotation. In addition, the peaks 33a and 33b between the engagement grooves 32a and 32b have arcuate surfaces at their tops.

[0028] A first non-circular hole 34a passing through the central axis is formed in the first shaft 31a. A second non-circular hole 34b passing through the central axis is formed in the second shaft 31b. The non-circular holes 34a and 34b are connecting holes for connecting the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b. The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are connected by a connecting shaft 35 that is inserted through the first non-circular hole 34a and the second non-circular hole 34b. The non-circular holes 34a and 34b are, for example, regular hexagonal insertion holes. Corresponding to the shape of the non-circular holes 34a and 34b, the connecting shaft 35 also has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, for example, a regular hexagonal rod-shaped member. The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are connected by inserting the first end of the connecting shaft 35 into the first non-circular hole 34a, inserting the second end of the connecting shaft 35 into the second non-circular hole 34b, and butting the first abutting end 36a of the first shaft 31a with the second abutting end 36b of the second shaft 31b.

[0029] As a result, the first shaft 31a is unable to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 35, and the second shaft 31b is also unable to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 35. In other words, the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31a become a single unit. As a result, the engagement groove 32a of the first shaft 31a and the engagement groove 32b of the second shaft 31b become straight grooves without displacement in the circumferential direction. The peaks 33a of the first shaft 31a and the peaks 33b of the second shaft 31b also become straight peaks 33a and 33b without displacement in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b have a point-symmetric shape in cross-sectional view. Therefore, when connecting the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b via the connecting shaft 35, rotational alignment work is unnecessary other than inserting the connecting shaft 35 into the non-circular holes 34a and 34b, making the connection work easy.

[0031] In the first shaft 31a, the end that abuts against the end of the second shaft 31b (the second abutting end 36b) is the first abutting end 36a. In the second shaft 31b, the end that abuts against the end of the first shaft 31a (the first abutting end 36a) is the second abutting end 36b. The first abutting end 36a and the second abutting end 36b are, respectively, first abutting flat surfaces 39a and second abutting flat surfaces 39b, which are flat around the non-circular holes 34a and 34b. The portions connecting the first abutting flat surfaces 39a and second abutting flat surfaces 39b to the ends of the peaks 33a and 33b are composed of inclined surfaces or curved surfaces 37a and 37b. That is, in the abutting ends 36a and 36b, the ends of the peaks 33a and 33b are composed of inclined surfaces or curved surfaces 37a and 37b. At the abutting portion where the first abutting end 36a and the second abutting end 36b are joined, the first abutting flat surface 39a and the second abutting flat surface 39b are joined together, thereby creating a valley 38 in the inclined or curved portion 37a, 37b (see Figure 6).

[0032] The end of the first shaft 31a opposite to the first abutment end 36a may or may not have an inclined surface portion or a curved surface portion 37a, 37b. The end of the second shaft 31b opposite to the second abutment end 36b may or may not have an inclined surface portion or a curved surface portion 37a, 37b.

[0033] The connection between the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b does not have a direct anti-dislodgement mechanism for the connecting shaft 35. In this regard, in the connecting shaft 31 to which the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b are connected, each end is located at the first rail end 1x and the second rail end 1y. The connecting shaft 31 is sandwiched between the end caps located at the first rail end 1x and the end caps located at the second rail end 1y. This prevents the connecting shaft 31 from coming loose from the connecting shaft 35 for both the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b.

[0034] [Support members] As shown in Figure 1, a support member 5 is further positioned adjacent to the end runner 2x on the first rail end 1x side. The support member 5 has a configuration almost identical to that of the runner 2, but it omits the structure for suspending the slat 3 (engaging member 24, suspension shaft 25, etc.).

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the support member 5 comprises a main body portion 41. The main body portion 41 comprises a pair of side walls 42 facing each other. The main body portion 41 comprises support holes 43 that penetrate the side walls 42. The support holes 43 are through holes of a size that allows shafts 31a and 31b to be inserted. The main body portion 41 comprises guide portions 44 on both sides in the front-rear direction of the vertical blind. The guide portions 44 are members that replace the rollers 26 of the runner 2 and are projections that engage with the guide rails 16a and 16b. Furthermore, a guide piece 44a is provided on the lower side of the guide portion 44. Rail component pieces 16c that constitute the guide rails 16a and 16b are inserted into the groove between the guide portion 44 and the guide piece 44a. The guide portion 44 and the guide piece 44a sandwich the rail component pieces 16c. A magnet 45 is arranged on the side wall 42 of the main body portion 41. Magnets 17 are also placed on the end runners 2x (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0036] Furthermore, a restricting portion 46 is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion 41. The restricting portion 46 is, for example, a projection that protrudes upward. In this embodiment, two support members 5 are used, and the positions where the restricting portions 46 are formed differ on the two support members 5. Locking pieces (not shown) corresponding to the positions of the two restricting portions 46 are provided at predetermined positions on the hanger rails 1a and 1b. For example, the locking piece is composed of a piece that prevents movement in the folding direction D2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the support member 5 is positioned adjacent to the end runner 2x. The support member 5 is movably positioned between the end runner 2x and the first rail end 1x. Two support members 5 are positioned between the end runner 2x and the first rail end 1x. The two support members 5 are magnetically attracted to each other by magnets 45 located on the main body 41. The end runner 2x and the support member 5 adjacent to the end runner 2x are also magnetically attracted by magnets 17 and 45.

[0038] [Operation of vertical blinds] Figure 1 shows the deployed state with the slats 3 extended and the opening space 9 closed. At this time, the end runner 2x is located close to the first rail end 1x, and the subsequent runners 2 are located at equal intervals toward the second rail end 1y. The angle of the slats 3 can be adjusted by rotating the tilt pole 4a. Between the end runner 2x and the first rail end 1x, the end runner 2x and two support members 5 are located close to each other.

[0039] The connecting hanger rail, formed by linking the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b, is a long member, and accordingly, the connecting shaft 31, which connects the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b, is also a long and heavy shaft member. In this respect, the connecting shaft 31 is distributed between the first rail end 1x and the second rail end 1y, for example, at equal intervals, with runners 2 following the end runners 2x positioned thereon. The connecting shaft 31 is inserted through the engagement holes 24a of the engagement members 24 located in the bearing holes 23 of each runner 2. Therefore, the connecting shaft 31 is supported by a plurality of runners 2 supported by the connecting hanger rail between the first rail end 1x and the second rail end 1y. This prevents the connecting shaft 31 from bending downward, for example, due to its own weight.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, when the drive cord 4b is operated to move the runner 2 in the folding direction D2 in order to open the opening space 9, the two support members 5 are magnetically attracted to the side wall 22 of the end runner 2x and begin to move together in the same direction.

[0041] In this process, the first support member 5 is initially left in place at the first intermediate position A, which occurs before the end runner 2x moves to a position close to the second rail end 1y. For example, the restricting portion 46 of the first support member 5 is locked to the corresponding locking piece, causing it to remain in place at the first intermediate position A. For example, the first intermediate position A is the first intermediate position between the two ends of the first hanger rail 1a. This first intermediate position may be the central position between the two ends of the first hanger rail 1a, or it may be a position biased towards either end.

[0042] Furthermore, as the runner 2 is moved in the folding direction D2, the second support member 5 is left behind at the second intermediate position B, which follows the first intermediate position A. For example, the regulating portion 46 of the second support member 5 is locked to the corresponding locking piece, causing it to remain at the second intermediate position B. For example, the second intermediate position B is the second intermediate position between the two ends of the second hanger rail 1b. This second intermediate position may be the central position between the two ends of the second hanger rail 1b, or it may be a position biased towards either end. At this point, only the end runner 2x remains. Subsequently, the end runner 2x moves to a proximity position close to the second rail end 1y.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, when the slats 3 are folded, all runners 2, including the end runners 2x, are located close to the second rail end 1y. Therefore, the distance between the end runners 2x and the first rail end 1x is the greatest. There are no runners 2 between the end runners 2x and the first rail end 1x, but the two support members 5 are located spaced apart. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, even if the connecting shaft 31 bends under its own weight, the connecting shaft 31, which is inserted through the support holes 43 of the support member 5, is supported by the ridges 33a and 33b contacting the inner circumferential surface 43a that constitutes the support holes 43. This prevents the connecting shaft 31 from bending downward under its own weight.

[0044] Furthermore, vertical blinds can also be used in a state where the opening space 9 is half closed. Even in the fully extended or partially extended state, the angle of the slats 3 may be adjusted by rotating the tilt pole 4a. In this case, the connecting shaft 31 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the tilt pole 4a. At this time, as shown in Figure 5, even if the connecting shaft 31 is bent downwards and the peaks 33a and 33b are in contact with the inner circumferential surface 43a of the support hole 43 (the connecting shaft 31 shown by the dashed line in Figure 5), the tops of the peaks 33a and 33b are made up of arcuate surfaces, so it can rotate smoothly while sliding against the inner circumferential surface 43a.

[0045] Figure 8 shows the case where the connecting shaft 31 is a hexagonal shaft 51. The hexagonal shaft 51 has six flat surfaces and six corners on its outer surface. When the hexagonal shaft 51 rotates for tilt adjustment, the corners of the hexagon collide with the inner surface 43a of the support hole 43, generating noises such as collision sounds during rotation, and the vibrations from the collisions reduce the feel of operation. In this respect, the connecting shaft 31 has its peaks 33a and 33b composed of arcuate surfaces, so it can rotate smoothly and the generation of noises such as collision sounds can be suppressed.

[0046] When changing the slat 3 from the deployed state (state in Figure 7) to the folded state (state in Figure 1), the drive code 4b is used to move the runner 2 in the deployment direction D1. This causes the end runner 2x to start moving in the deployment direction D1. When the end runner 2x reaches the second intermediate position B, one support member 5 is magnetically attracted to and integrated with the end runner 2x, and it continues to move in the deployment direction D1. When it reaches the first intermediate position A, another support member 5 is magnetically attracted and integrated, and it moves to the first rail end 1x.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, when the slats 3 are deployed or folded, the runners 2, including the end runners 2x, and the support members 5 move along the connecting shaft 31. At this time, as shown in Figure 6, they pass through the valley portion 38, which is the connecting portion between the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b.

[0048] Incidentally, for example, at the ends of the first shaft 31a, such as the first abutment end 36a, and at the ends of the second shaft 31b, such as the second abutment end 36b, there is a risk of burrs or other protrusions occurring during manufacturing. Also, due to manufacturing tolerances, there may be slight differences in diameter (thickness), and there may be differences in the width and depth of the engagement grooves 32a and 32b. Furthermore, the positions of the engagement grooves 32a and 32b in the circumferential direction of the shaft may also be slightly misaligned. In this way, even if there are dimensional differences between the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b, or if there are burrs, these can be absorbed by the valley portion 38, which is composed of inclined or curved surfaces 37a and 37b. In other words, with the runner 2, the engagement claw 24b of the engagement member 24 can move smoothly between the engagement grooves 32a and 32b by dropping into the valley portion 38 and then riding up. Furthermore, the support member 5 can move smoothly between the engagement groove 32a and the engagement groove 32b by riding up even though the corners of the inner circumferential surface 43a of the support hole 43 fall into the valley portion 38.

[0049] [Effects of the Embodiment] The vertical blinds described above can provide the following effects: (1) The valley portion 38 at the joint between the first abutting end 36a of the first shaft 31a and the second abutting end 36b of the second shaft 31b is composed of an inclined surface portion or a curved surface portion 37a, 37b. Therefore, the runner 2 and the support member 5 can move smoothly through the valley portion 38. This suppresses a decrease in the operability of the vertical blind.

[0050] (2) By making the connecting shaft 31 supported by the inner circumferential surface 43a of the support hole 43 in the support member 5, downward deflection of the connecting shaft 31 can be suppressed. (3) The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b have a circular cross-sectional shape as their basic form, and the peaks of the peaks 33a and 33b are formed with arcuate surfaces, so that they can rotate smoothly without rattling even when in contact with the inner circumferential surface 43a of the support hole 43. This suppresses a decrease in the operability of the vertical blind.

[0051] (4) The first abutment end 36a of the first shaft 31a and the second abutment end 36b of the second shaft 31b are connected by inserting the connecting shaft 35 into the non-circular holes 34a and 34b. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a connecting member on the outer surface in order to connect the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b. Consequently, the runner 2 and the support member 5 can be moved across the abutment portion of the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b.

[0052] (5) The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b have a point-symmetric shape in cross-sectional view. Therefore, when connecting the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b via the connecting shaft 35, there is no need for rotational alignment work other than inserting the connecting shaft 35 into the non-circular holes 34a and 34b, making the connection work easy.

[0053] (6) The first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b are connected at the top walls 13a and 13b by an upper connecting plate 18. The upper connecting plate 18 is positioned in a location that is not easily visible to the user, thus preventing the vertical blinds from looking unsightly.

[0054] (7) The first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b are connected by a lower connecting plate 19 at a pair of bottom walls 14a and 14b. The lower connecting plate 19 is positioned inside the hanger rails 1a and 1b, in a location that is not easily visible to the user, thus preventing the vertical blinds from looking unsightly.

[0055] (8) The first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b are connected by an upper connecting plate 18 and a lower connecting plate 19. Therefore, the connection between the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b is strong. The connected hanger rail formed by the connection of the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b becomes long and heavy, but it is reinforced by the upper connecting plate 18 and the lower connecting plate 19 and is less likely to bend downwards.

[0056] [Example of change] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0057] The first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b can be connected by simply placing the lower connecting plate 19 on either one of the pair of bottom walls 14a and 14b. The connection between the first hanger rail 1a and the second hanger rail 1b may be configured by omitting either the upper connecting plate 18 or the lower connecting plate 19.

[0058] The shape of the connecting shaft and the non-circular holes 34a and 34b is not limited to a hexagon, but may be a polygon such as a triangle, square, pentagon, heptagon, or octagon, or a star shape, etc. The number of engagement grooves 32a and 32b provided on the first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b is not limited to six, but may be three, four, five, seven, eight, etc., as long as they are provided at equal intervals.

[0059] The first shaft 31a and the second shaft 31b have a point-symmetrical shape in cross-sectional view, and their shapes are not particularly limited as long as a plurality of engagement grooves 32a and 32b are engaged at equal intervals.

[0060] The number of connected hanger rails is not limited to two, but may be three or more. Accordingly, the number of connected shafts is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

[0061] In the vertical blind described above, the number of support members 5 positioned between the first rail end 1x and the end runner 2x is determined by the length of the connecting hanger rail. Therefore, the number of support members 5 may be as little as one, or it may be preferable to provide three or more in order to suppress downward deflection of the connecting shaft 31.

[0062] In a vertical blind, in addition to the end runner 2x positioned on the first rail end 1x side, a further end runner 2x may be positioned on the second rail end 1y side. In this case, one or more support members 5 are positioned between the second rail end 1y and the further end runner 2x. For example, in Figure 1, an end runner 2x and a support member 5 are also positioned on the second rail end 1y side, so that the runner 2 can be moved in the D1 direction to fold the slats 3, and moved in the D2 direction to unfold the slats.

[0063] • As a vertical blind, a baton may be connected to the end runner 2x, and the baton may be used to move the runner 2 in the D1 and D2 directions. Furthermore, the vertical blind may be an electrically powered vertical blind driven by a motor. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1a, 1b... Hanger rail 1x, 1y… Rail end 2… Runner 2x…End runners 3...Slat 4a...Tilt pole 4b...Drive code 5…Support member 11a,11b...Front wall 12a,12b…Back wall 13a,13b…Ceiling wall 14a, 14b…Bottom wall 15a, 15b... Rail openings 16a, 16b… Guide rails 17…Magnet 18…Upper connecting plate 19…Lower connecting plate 23...Bearing hole 24…Engaging member 24a...Engagement hole 24b…Engagement claw 25... Suspension shaft 26...Laura 31…Connecting shaft 31a, 31b… shaft 32a, 32b…Engagement groove 33a, 33b... Yamabe 34a, 34b… Non-circular holes 35...Connection shaft 37a, 37b...Slanted surface part or curved surface part 42…Side wall 43...Support hole 43a…Inner peripheral surface 45…Magnet 46... Regulatory Department 51...Hexagonal shaft

Claims

1. A vertical blind that allows the shading material to be moved using a shaft, Each houses the shaft that movably supports the runner that suspends and supports the shielding material, and is equipped with a plurality of hanger rails that can be connected in the direction of movement of the runner, One of the hanger rails connected to each other is a first hanger rail, the other hanger rail is a second hanger rail, the shaft housed in the first hanger rail is a first shaft, and the shaft housed in the second hanger rail is a second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft are connected in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to each other, with the first abutting end of the first shaft and the second abutting end of the second shaft being joined together, thus forming a connecting shaft. Each of the first and second abutting ends is provided with an inclined surface or a curved surface in the direction of the axis, The runner moves the connecting shaft across the abutment portion between the first abutment end and the second abutment end. Vertical blinds.

2. The first shaft and the second shaft have a basic circular cross-sectional shape and are provided with engagement grooves that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction and extend in the axial direction. The ends of the peaks formed between the engagement grooves are provided with the inclined surface portion or the curved surface portion, Each of the runners comprises a bearing hole through which the first shaft and the second shaft are inserted, and an engaging member disposed in the bearing hole and engaging with the engaging groove, Furthermore, the system includes a support member that has support holes through which the first shaft and the second shaft are inserted, and which is capable of supporting the connecting shaft on the inner circumferential surface of the support holes. The vertical blind according to claim 1.

3. The first shaft is provided with a first non-circular hole facing the first abutment end, and the second shaft is provided with a second non-circular hole facing the second abutment end. The first shaft and the second shaft are connected by inserting a connecting shaft having a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shapes of the first non-circular hole and the second non-circular hole into the first non-circular hole and the second non-circular hole. A vertical blind according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first hanger rail and the second hanger rail are connected by upper connecting plates that are positioned on the outer side of the ceiling wall of each. The vertical blind according to claim 1.

5. The runner is equipped with a suspension shaft for the shielding material, Each of the first hanger rail and the second hanger rail is provided with a pair of bottom walls that constitute a rail opening through which the suspension shaft is inserted, The first hanger rail and the second hanger rail are connected by a lower connecting plate positioned on the inner surface side of the bottom wall. A vertical blind according to claim 1 or 4.

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