Operation assistive device

Abstract

To provide an operating aid that facilitates opening / closing of a blind even for an operator with an impaired hand who cannot easily grip an operating cord.SOLUTION: An operating aid 10, which can be attached to an operating cord that can open / close a roll screen Sr and is configured to assist an operation of the operating cord, includes a gripping portion 11, an insertion portion 12, and an engagement portion 12d. The gripping portion 11 can be gripped with a finger F. The insertion portion 12 allows an operating cord to insert therein. The engagement portion 12d can engage with a part of the operating cord. The operating aid 10 can switch between an engaged state in which the part of the operating cord inserted into the insertion portion 12 is engaged with the fastening portion 12d and an unengaged state in which the part of the operation cord is out of engagement with the engagement portion 12d, depending on a tilting operation via the gripping portion 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation aid, and more particularly to a structure of an operation aid suitable for assisting the operation of an opening / closing body such as a blind. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional blind operating device has been disclosed in which the blind comprises a head box, a shading material that can be raised and lowered below the head box, and an operating cord hanging from the head box, allowing the shading material to be raised and lowered by moving the operating cord.The operating cord has a grip attached to it that can be held by an operator, and the grip has a stopper that can engage and disengage with the operating cord (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-242559 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned grip is equipped with a grip case which is attached to the operating cord of the blind, through which the operating cord is inserted and which can be held by the operator, and a stopper which is disposed inside the grip case and which can be engaged and disengaged with the operating cord by operating the grip.

[0005] The grip (operation aid) of the conventional technology can integrate the operating cord and the grip, and the operator can open or close the blind by grasping the grip and moving it upward or downward. In this case, the grip is larger in diameter than the operating cord and is easy to grasp, so opening and closing operations are easy even for products with a large operating load.

[0006] However, there are some operators who have difficulty gripping the grip or who are disabled in their hands, and so there is a demand for an operating aid that allows even such operators to easily open and close the blinds.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an operating aid that enables even an operator with disabilities, who have difficulty gripping the operating cord, to easily open and close blinds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors conceived an operating aid that could be configured with a gripping portion that can be held with at least one finger, an insertion portion through which an operating cord can be inserted, and a locking portion capable of locking a portion of the operating cord, and that, in response to tilting the operating aid, could be easily switched between a locked state in which a portion of the operating cord inserted through the insertion portion is locked in the locking portion, and an unlocked state in which a portion of the operating cord is not locked in the locking portion.Based on this, the inventors invented a new operating aid as described below.

[0009] (1) The operating aid according to the present invention is an operating aid that can be attached to an operating cord capable of opening and closing an opening / closing body, and that assists in the operation of the operating cord, and is equipped with a gripping portion that can be held with at least one finger, an insertion portion through which the operating cord can be inserted, and a locking portion that can lock a portion of the operating cord, and is capable of switching between a locked state in which the portion of the operating cord inserted into the insertion portion is locked into the locking portion and an unlocked state in which the portion of the operating cord is not locked into the locking portion in response to a tilting operation via the gripping portion.

[0010] (2) The gripping portion is preferably formed in a ring shape.

[0011] (3) It is preferable that the operating cord is made of a ball chain with a plurality of ball portions connected together, and that the locking portion is formed in a shape capable of locking the ball portions.

[0012] (4) It is preferable that the locking portion is formed on the opposite side of the insertion portion to the gripping portion.

[0013] (5) It is preferable that the locking portion is formed on both the upper end and the lower end of the insertion portion.

[0014] (6) It is preferable that the operating cord further has at least one groove portion that enables the operating cord to be attached to and detached from the insertion portion while remaining endless.

[0015] (7) The operating aid according to the present invention may be comprised of an upper part and a lower part which are stacked one on top of the other while being rotatable relative to one another, and the upper part and the lower part may have the grooves at different positions from each other.

[0016] (8) It is preferable that the device further includes a locking groove portion capable of fastening the operation cord, the locking groove portion being formed by the groove portion. Effect of the Invention

[0017] The operation aid according to the present invention can be held by the fingers to open and close the operation cord, so that even an operator with a disability who has difficulty gripping the operation cord or the operation aid for assisting the operation of the operation cord can easily open and close the blinds. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a blind according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the configuration of an operation auxiliary tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 2A is a state diagram of the operation auxiliary tool as viewed from one side, and FIG. 2B is a state diagram of the operation auxiliary tool as viewed from the other side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation auxiliary tool according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5]5A and 5B are perspective views showing the configuration of an operation aid according to a first embodiment, in which FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing the state before a ball chain is introduced into the gripping portion, FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing the state after the ball chain has been introduced into the gripping portion, and FIG. 5(C) is a diagram showing the state after the ball chain has been introduced into the insertion portion. [Figure 6] 6A is a right side view showing the configuration of the operation aid according to the first embodiment, FIG. 6(A) is a state diagram showing a ball chain being introduced inside the insertion portion, FIG. 6(B) is a state diagram showing a state in which the operation aid is tilted from the state shown in FIG. 6(A) to lock a part of the ball chain into the locking portion, and FIG. 6(C) is a state diagram showing a state in which the operation aid is operated from the state shown in FIG. 6(B) to pull down the ball chain. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing the configuration of an operation aid according to the first embodiment, and shows the state in which the operation aid indicated by the dashed double-dashed line has been rotated to move the operation aid from the ball chain at the back to the ball chain at the front. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a blind according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the ball chain is bundled upward using an operating aid. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are perspective views showing the configuration of an operation support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 9A is a state diagram of the operation support device as viewed from one side, and FIG. 9B is a state diagram of the operation support device as viewed from the other side. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing the configuration of an operation aid according to a second embodiment, in which FIG. 10(A) is a diagram showing the state before a ball chain is introduced into the gripping portion, FIG. 10(B) is a diagram showing the state after the ball chain has been introduced into the gripping portion, and FIG. 10(C) is a diagram showing the state after the ball chain has been introduced into the insertion portion. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the configuration of an operation auxiliary tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the operation auxiliary tool, and FIG. 11B is a perspective exploded assembly view of the operation auxiliary tool. [Figure 12]12A and 12B are perspective views showing the configuration of an operating aid according to a third embodiment, in which FIG. 12(A) is a diagram showing the state before a ball chain is introduced into the inside of the insertion portion, FIG. 12(B) is a diagram showing the state after the ball chain has been introduced into the inside of the insertion portion of the lower part, and FIG. 12(C) is a diagram showing the state after the upper and lower parts are closed and the ball chain has been introduced into the inside of the insertion portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] (Overall composition) Before describing the configuration of the operation aid according to the present invention, the overall configuration of a blind to which the operation aid is applied will be described.

[0020] The blind as the opening and closing body can be any type of blind, such as a roll screen, a horizontal blind, a pleated screen, or a Roman shade, but in this embodiment, a roll screen will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0021] 1, the illustrated roller blind Sr is installed inside a rectangular opening such as a window frame of a building. The roller blind Sr is installed inside a room separated from the outside of the building by window glass (not shown).

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the roller screen Sr is equipped with a channel-shaped set frame Fs, a sheet-shaped screen Sc, and a weight bar Bw. The set frame Fs is fixed to the upper surface of an opening such as a window frame using a pair of brackets Br·Br.

[0023] 1, the set frame Fs has a pair of side plates Ps·Ps fixed to both ends thereof. The pair of side plates Ps·Ps rotatably support the winding pipe Pr via an operation unit Uc.

[0024] 1, one end of the screen Sc is connected to a winding pipe Pr, and the other end of the screen Sc hangs down from the winding pipe Pr and is connected to a weight bar Bw.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the winding pipe Pr is provided with an operation unit Uc on the operation section side. The operation unit Uc has a sprocket disposed inside. The winding pipe Pr has a sprocket disposed coaxially thereon. A ball chain Cb, which serves as an operation cord, is wound around the sprocket. The looped ball chain Cb hangs down from the operation unit Uc.

[0026] 1 or 7, the winding pipe Pr can wind up the screen Sc by pulling downward the ball chain Cb arranged on the front side (the indoor Ri side). On the other hand, the winding pipe Pr can unwind the screen Sc by pulling downward the ball chain Cb arranged on the rear side (the outdoor Ro side). When the operation of the ball chain Cb is stopped, the winding pipe Pr can maintain its stopped position. The operation support tool 10 according to the first embodiment is attached to the ball chain Cb.

[0027] (Configuration of operation aids) Next, the configuration of the operation support tool 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 7, the operation support tool 10 has a circular grip part 11 and a square insertion part 12. The grip part 11 can be held by one finger F (see Fig. 6). A ball chain Cb can be inserted into the insertion part 12 (see Fig. 5(C)).

[0028] 2 to 5, the operation aid 10 has a locking portion 12d formed of a square groove. The locking portion 12d is formed on the side of the insertion portion 12 opposite the grip portion 11. The locking portion 12d can lock a part of the ball chain Cb. The ball chain Cb connects multiple ball portions B with a line L. It is preferable that the locking portion 12d is formed in a shape that can lock the ball portions B. The locking portion 12d is formed on both the upper end and the lower end of the insertion portion 12.

[0029] 6, the operation support tool 10 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to a tilting operation via the grip portion 11. In the locked state, a part of the ball chain Cb inserted into the insertion portion 12 is locked to the locking portion 12d. In the unlocked state, the ball chain Cb is not locked to the locking portion 12d.

[0030] 2 to 4, the gripping portion 11 has an oval opening 11a in the center. A finger F can be inserted into the opening 11a (see FIG. 6). In reality, the gripping portion 11 is formed in a ring shape. The insertion portion 12 has a rectangular opening 12a in the center. A ball chain Cb can be inserted into the opening 12a.

[0031] 2, 3 and 5, the gripping portion 11 has a slit-shaped groove 11s with a portion of the outer periphery cut off. The width of the groove 11s is formed to be equal to or narrower than the diameter of the wire L. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the arc portion of the gripping portion 11 is expanded outward, and the wire L of the ball chain Cb passes through the groove 11s, so that the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the gripping portion 11. The arc portion of the gripping portion 11 elastically returns to its original state, so that the ball chain Cb can be sealed inside the gripping portion 11.

[0032] 2, 3, and 5, a slit-shaped groove 12s is provided between the gripping portion 11 and the insertion portion 12. The groove 12s communicates the opening 11a with the opening 12a. The width of the groove 12s is formed to be equal to or narrower than the diameter of the wire L. From the state shown in FIG. 5(B), the arc portion of the gripping portion 11 is expanded outward, so that the wire L of the ball chain Cb can pass through the groove 12s. Then, the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the insertion portion 12. By releasing the arc portion of the gripping portion 11, the gripping portion 11 elastically returns to its original state, and the ball chain Cb can be sealed inside the insertion portion 12. In this way, the operation support tool 10 is made of an elastic member such as resin. Although the width of the groove 12s is formed to be narrower than the diameter of the wire L, it may be formed to be wider.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2(B) or FIG. 4 and FIG. 6(B), the insertion part 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped protruding part 12p protruding inward. By tilting the operation aid 10 from a state where the ball chain Cb is introduced into the inside of the insertion part 12 (see FIG. 6(A)), the ball part B of the ball chain Cb abuts against the protruding part 12p as shown in FIG. 6(B), and the ball chain can be bent at that position. By providing the protruding part 12p inside the insertion part 12, it becomes easier to lock the ball chain Cb to the locking part 12d. In addition, by providing the protruding part 12p inside the insertion part 12, the thickness is increased, so the strength of the part is increased, and it is possible to prevent the operation aid 10 from being damaged by the operation load.

[0034] (Function of operation aids) Next, the action and effect of the operation aid 10 will be described while explaining the operation of the operation aid 10. First, the endless ball chain Cb is introduced into the inside of the gripping part 11 from its outer periphery. From the state shown in Fig. 5(A), the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the inside of the gripping part 11 by passing it through the groove part 11s (see Fig. 5(B)).

[0035] Next, from the state where the ball chain Cb is introduced inside the gripping part 11 (see FIG. 5(B)), by spreading the arc part of the gripping part 11 outward, the ball chain Cb can pass through the groove part 12s, and the ball chain Cb can be introduced inside the insertion part 12 (see FIG. 5(C)). This allows the operation support tool 10 to be attached to the ball chain Cb.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6(A), the ball chain Cb is introduced into the insertion portion 12, and the operation aid 10 is held horizontally with the fingers F with respect to the hanging ball chain Cb. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the operation aid 10 is tilted downward to lock the ball chain Cb at the locking portion 12d. Next, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the operation aid 10 is moved in the tilted direction to pull down the ball chain Cb. In this way, the operation aid 10 can assist the operation of the ball chain Cb. When the operation aid 10 is held horizontally again as shown in FIG. 6(A), the position of the operation aid 10 relative to the ball chain Cb can be changed in the vertical direction. By changing the position at which the ball chain Cb is locked, the operation aid 10 can repeatedly pull down the ball chain Cb.

[0037] 7, the operation support tool 10 shown by the solid line has a ball chain Cb on the front side (room Ri side) inserted into its insertion part 12. By tilting the operation support tool 10 downward, the ball chain Cb on the front side can be locked with a locking part 12d formed at the upper end part (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 4). Then, by moving the operation support tool 10 in the tilted direction, the ball chain Cb on the front side can be pulled down.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 7, the operation auxiliary tool 10 shown by the imaginary line is the inverted operation auxiliary tool 10 shown by the solid line. Specifically, the operation auxiliary tool 10 shown by the imaginary line is in the state where it is moved in the direction of the arrow along the ball chain Cb, which is the operation auxiliary tool 10 shown by the solid line. The operation auxiliary tool 10 shown by the imaginary line has the ball chain Cb on the rear side (outdoor Ro side) inserted into its insertion part 12. By tilting the operation auxiliary tool 10 downward, the ball chain Cb on the rear side can be locked to the locking part 12d formed on the opposite side to the locking part 12d that locks the ball chain Cb on the front side (indoor Ri side). Then, by moving the operation auxiliary tool 10 in the tilted direction, the ball chain Cb on the rear side can be pulled down. In this way, by moving the operation aid 10 along the ball chain Cb while the ball chain Cb is inserted through the insertion portion 12, both operations of pulling the front side and pulling the rear side of the endless ball chain Cb can be achieved with a single operation aid 10.

[0039] 2, 3, and 5, the gripping portion 11 can also clamp the ball chain Cb from the outer circumferential direction. After a pair of arcuate portions formed on the gripping portion 11 are spread outward, the pair of arcuate portions are closed to clamp the ball chain Cb from the outer circumferential direction. 1 It can be said that 2s is a locking groove portion capable of fastening the ball chain Cb.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 8, by clamping the ball chain Cb from the outer periphery, the ball chain Cb can be bound in a position out of reach of small children and pets.

[0041] The operating aid 10 is equipped with a gripping portion 11 that can be held with one finger F, and in response to tilting operation via the gripping portion 11, it can be switched between a locked state in which a portion of the ball chain Cb inserted into the insertion portion 12 is locked with the locking portion 12d, and a non-locked state in which a portion of the ball chain Cb is not locked with the locking portion 12d. Therefore, even an operator with a disability who has difficulty gripping the operating cord or an operating aid for assisting in operation of the operating cord can easily open and close the blinds using the operating cord.

[0042] The operation aid 10 has an operation cord consisting of a ball chain Cb with a plurality of ball parts B connected together, and the locking part 12d is formed in a shape capable of locking the ball parts B, so that a part of the operation cord can be locked to the operation aid 10 by using the ball parts B.

[0043] Referring to Figure 4, the operating aid 10 has the locking portion 12d formed on the opposite side of the insertion portion 12 from the gripping portion 11. Therefore, when the operating aid 10 is operated so that the gripping portion 11 side is tilted downward, a part of the ball chain Cb is locked to the locking portion 12d on the opposite side. As a result, the operating aid 10 can be moved in a direction in which it is easier to apply force even by operating only with the finger F, thereby allowing the blinds to be opened or closed.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the locking portions 12d are formed on both the upper and lower ends of the insertion portion 12, so that, as described above with reference to Figure 7, both the operation of pulling the front side and the operation of pulling the rear side of the endless operating cord can be achieved with a single operating aid 10.

[0045] Referring to Figure 5, the operating aid 10 has a groove portion 12s that enables the ball chain Cb to be attached and detached to the insertion portion 12 in an endless state, so that the operating aid can be attached and detached to an endless operating cord.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 8, since the ball chain Cb can be fastened to the locking groove portion made of the groove portion 11s, the ball chain Cb can be bound in a position out of reach of small children and pets.

[0047] [Second embodiment] (Configuration of operation aids) Next, the configuration of the operation support tool 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. With reference to Fig. 9 or 10, the operation support tool 20 has a circular gripping part 21 and a square-shaped insertion part 22. The gripping part 21 can be held by one finger F. A ball chain Cb can be inserted into the insertion part 22 (see Fig. 10(C)).

[0048] 9, the operation support tool 20 has a locking portion 22d formed of a square groove. The locking portion 22d is formed on the side of the insertion portion 22 opposite the grip portion 21. The locking portion 22d can lock a part of the ball chain Cb. It is preferable that the locking portion 22d is formed in a shape that can lock the ball portion B. The locking portion 22d is formed on both the upper end and the lower end of the insertion portion 22.

[0049] 9 or 10, the gripping portion 21 has an oval opening 21a in the center. A finger F can be inserted into the opening 21a. In reality, the gripping portion 21 is formed in a ring shape. The insertion portion 22 has a rectangular opening 22a in the center. A ball chain Cb can be inserted into the opening 22a.

[0050] 9 or 10, the gripping part 21 has a crank-shaped groove 21s with a part of the outer circumference broken off. The groove 21s is connected to a pair of introduction grooves 211·211 and an outer circumferential groove 212. The width of the groove 21s is formed to be equal to or narrower than the diameter of the wire L. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the wire L is introduced from one introduction groove 211, passes through the outer circumferential groove 212, and then is led out from the other introduction groove 211, so that the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the inside of the gripping part 11. Then, the ball chain Cb can be sealed inside the gripping part 21 (see FIG. 10(B)). Here, since the operation support tool 20 is made of an elastic member such as resin, even if the width of the groove 21s is narrower than the wire L, the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the inside of the gripping part 11 through the introduction groove 211 and the outer circumferential groove 212 as described above. Although the width of the groove 21s is formed to be narrower than the diameter of the wire L, it may be formed to be wider.

[0051] 9 or 10, a slit-shaped groove 22s is provided between the gripping portion 21 and the insertion portion 22. The groove 22s connects the opening 21a and the opening 22a. The width of the groove 22s is formed to be equal to or narrower than the diameter of the wire L. From the state shown in FIG. 10(B), the arc portion of the gripping portion 21 is expanded outward, so that the wire L of the ball chain Cb can pass through the groove 22s. Then, the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the insertion portion 22. By releasing the arc portion of the gripping portion 21, the gripping portion 21 elastically returns to its original state, and the ball chain Cb can be sealed inside the insertion portion 22. In this way, the operation support tool 20 is made of an elastic member such as resin.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 9(B), the insertion part 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped protruding part 22p protruding inward. When the operation aid 20 is tilted from a state in which the ball chain Cb is introduced into the inside of the insertion part 22, the ball part B of the ball chain Cb abuts against the protruding part 22p, and the ball chain can be bent at that position. It can also be locked to the protruding part 12p. By providing the protruding part 22p inside the insertion part 22, it becomes easier to lock the ball chain Cb to the locking part 22d. In addition, by providing the protruding part 22p inside the insertion part 22, the thickness is increased, so the strength of the part is increased, and it is possible to prevent the operation aid 20 from being damaged by the operation load.

[0053] (Function of operation aids) Next, the action and effect of the operation aid 20 will be described while explaining the operation of the operation aid 20. First, the endless ball chain Cb is introduced into the inside of the gripping part 21. From the state shown in Fig. 10(A), the line body L of the ball chain Cb is passed through the groove part 21s, so that the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the inside of the gripping part 21 (see Fig. 10(B)).

[0054] Next, from the state where the ball chain Cb is introduced inside the gripping part 21 (see FIG. 10(B)), by spreading the arc part of the gripping part 21 outward, the ball chain Cb can pass through the groove part 22s, and the ball chain Cb can be introduced inside the insertion part 22 (see FIG. 10(C)). This allows the operation support tool 20 to be attached to the ball chain Cb.

[0055] The ball chain Cb is introduced into the insertion portion 22, and the operation aid 20 is held horizontally with the fingers F relative to the hanging ball chain Cb. The operation aid 20 is then tilted downward to lock the ball chain Cb at the locking portion 22d. Next, the operation aid 20 is moved in the tilted direction to pull down the ball chain Cb. In this way, the operation aid 20 can assist in the operation of the ball chain Cb.

[0056] The insertion part 12 shown in the first embodiment and the insertion part 22 shown in the second embodiment are substantially the same, but are distinguished by different reference numerals for convenience of explanation. The operation aid 20 according to the second embodiment has the same effect as the operation aid 10 according to the first embodiment, but the operation aid 20 has a crank-shaped groove 21s, which provides a special effect that the ball chain Cb is unlikely to fall off the grip part 21.

[0057] [Third embodiment] (Configuration of operation aids) Next, the configuration of the operation support tool 30 according to the third embodiment will be described. Referring to Fig. 11 or 12, the operation support tool 30 is composed of an upper part 3t and a lower part 3b. The upper part 3t and the lower part 3b are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about an axis pin 31p.

[0058] 11 or 12, the operation support device 30 can be configured such that the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b can be stacked vertically (see FIG. 11(A)), and the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b can also be opened relative to each other with the pivot pin 31p as the axial center (see FIG. 12(A)).

[0059] 11, the upper part 3t has a circular gripping portion 31 and a square insertion portion 32. Similarly, the lower part 3b has a circular gripping portion 31 and a square insertion portion 32. When the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b are overlapped, the gripping portion 31 can be held with one finger F. A ball chain Cb can be inserted into the insertion portion 32 (see FIG. 12(C)).

[0060] 11, the gripping portion 31 has an oval opening 31a in the center. A finger F can be inserted into the opening 31a. In reality, the gripping portion 31 is formed in a ring shape. The insertion portion 32 has a rectangular opening 32a in the center. A ball chain Cb can be inserted into the opening 32a.

[0061] 11(B), a shaft hole 31h penetrates an end of the gripping portion 31. By inserting a shaft pin 31p into the shaft hole 31h, the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b can be rotatably connected to each other.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 11, the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b have locking parts 32d formed as rectangular grooves in the insertion part 32. The locking parts 32d are formed on the side of the insertion part 32 opposite the grip part 31. The locking parts 32d can lock a part of the ball chain Cb. It is preferable that the locking parts 32d are formed in a shape capable of locking the ball part B. When the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b are overlapped, the locking parts 32d are formed on both the upper end and the lower end of the insertion part 32.

[0063] 11, the upper part 3t has a slit-shaped groove 33s in the insertion part 32, which is formed by cutting off a part of the outer periphery. Similarly, the lower part 3b has a slit-shaped groove 33s in the insertion part 32, which is formed by cutting off a part of the outer periphery. The upper part 3t and the lower part 3b have the groove 33s in different positions. The ball chain Cb can be introduced into the groove 33s from the outer periphery direction.

[0064] 11(B), the upper part 3t has a recess 32i formed in the lower surface of the insertion portion 32. Moreover, the upper part 3t has a protrusion 32j protruding from the lower surface of the insertion portion 32. Similarly, the lower part 3b has a recess 32i formed in the upper surface of the insertion portion 32. Moreover, the lower part 3b has a protrusion 32j protruding from the upper surface of the insertion portion 32.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 11(A) or FIG. 12(C), when the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b are stacked together, the recessed part 32i and the protruding part 32j fit together to prevent the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b from opening.

[0066] (Function of operation aids) Next, the action and effect of the operation aid 30 will be described while explaining the operation of the operation aid 30. First, the endless ball chain Cb is introduced into the inside of the insertion part 32 of the lower part 3b from its outer circumferential direction. From the state shown in Fig. 12(A), the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the inside of the insertion part 32 by passing it through the groove part 33s (see Fig. 10(B)).

[0067] Next, the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b are closed together, and the endless ball chain Cb is introduced from its outer periphery into the inside of the insertion part 32 of the upper part 3t. From the state shown in Fig. 12(B), the ball chain Cb is passed through the groove part 33s, so that the ball chain Cb can be introduced into the inside of the insertion part 32 (see Fig. 12(C)). This allows the operation support tool 30 to be attached to the ball chain Cb.

[0068] 11 or 12, the operating aid 30 has a gripping portion 31 that can be held with one finger F, and in response to a tilting operation via the gripping portion 31, it can be switched between a locked state in which a portion of the ball chain Cb inserted into the insertion portion 32 is locked with the locking portion 32d, and a non-locked state in which a portion of the ball chain Cb is not locked with the locking portion 32d. Therefore, even an operator with a disability who has difficulty gripping the operating cord or an operating aid for assisting in the operation of the operating cord can easily open and close the blinds using the operating cord.

[0069] The operation aid 30 has an operation cord consisting of a ball chain Cb with a plurality of ball parts B connected together, and the locking part 32d is formed in a shape capable of locking the ball parts B, so that a part of the operation cord can be locked to the operation aid 30 by using the ball parts B.

[0070] Referring to Figure 11, the operating aid 30 has the locking portion 32d formed on the opposite side of the insertion portion 32 from the gripping portion 31. Therefore, when the operating aid 30 is operated so that the gripping portion 31 is tilted downward, a part of the ball chain Cb is locked to the locking portion 32d on the opposite side. As a result, the operating aid 30 can be moved in a direction in which it is easier to apply force even by operating only with the finger F, thereby allowing the blinds to be opened or closed.

[0071] Referring to Figure 11, since the locking portion 32d is formed on both the upper and lower ends of the insertion portion 32, both the operation of pulling the front side and the operation of pulling the rear side of the endless operating cord can be achieved with a single operating aid 30.

[0072] Referring to Figure 12, the operating aid 30 has a groove portion 33s that enables the ball chain Cb to be attached and detached to the insertion portion 32 in an endless state, so that the operating aid can be attached and detached to the endless operating cord.

[0073] 11 or 12, the operation support tool 30 has the advantage that the ball chain Cb can be directly introduced into the insertion part without using the grip part. In addition, the operation support tool 30 has the advantage that the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b can be configured from the same part. Furthermore, since the position of the groove part 33s is different between the upper part 3t and the lower part 3b, the provision of the groove part 33s can prevent the strength of the operation support tool 30 from decreasing.

[0074] The opening and closing body applied to the operation aid of the present invention is not limited to a roller blind. It is generally applicable to all blinds. In addition, as long as the opening and closing body can be opened and closed using an operation cord that can be partially engaged with the operation aid of the present invention, it may be applied to an accordion door, an awning, a screen door, a shutter, a sliding window (sash), a projection screen, etc., in addition to blinds. In addition, the operation cord applied to the operation aid of the present invention is not limited to a ball chain. For example, by inserting a string-like operation cord into the insertion part and twisting it, the operation cord can be pulled through the operation aid. In addition, the operation aid of the present invention is not limited to one that can be held and operated with one finger, and may be held and operated with multiple fingers by changing the shape and size of the gripping part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Operation aids 11 Gripping part 12 Insertion part 12d Locking part Cb Ball Chain (Operation Code) F finger Sr Roll Screen (opening and closing body)

Claims

1. An operation aid that can be attached to an operation cord capable of opening and closing an opening / closing body and that assists in the operation of the operation cord, A gripping portion that can be gripped with at least one finger; an insertion portion through which the operation cord can be inserted; a locking portion capable of locking a part of the operation cord, An operating aid that can be switched between a locked state in which a portion of the operating cord inserted into the insertion portion is locked into the locking portion, and a non-locked state in which a portion of the operating cord is not locked into the locking portion, in response to a tilting operation via the gripping portion.

2. The operating aid according to claim 1 , wherein the grip portion is formed in a ring shape.

3. The operating cord is made of a ball chain having a plurality of ball parts connected together, The operation aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking portion is formed into a shape capable of locking the ball portion.

4. The operation aid according to claim 1 , wherein the locking portion is formed on a side of the insertion portion opposite to a side of the gripping portion.

5. The operation aid according to claim 1 , wherein the locking portion is formed on both an upper end and a lower end of the insertion portion.

6. 6. The operating aid according to claim 1, further comprising at least one groove that enables the operating cord to be attached to and detached from the insertion portion while remaining endless.

7. The device is made up of an upper part and a lower part which are stacked one on top of the other while being rotatable relative to each other, The operating aid according to claim 6 , wherein the upper part and the lower part have the grooves at different positions.

8. The operating cord may further include a locking groove portion capable of being clamped therein. The operation aid according to claim 6 , wherein the locking groove portion comprises the groove portion.

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