Pleated screens

Abstract

To provide a pleat screen allowing a length of a pitch cord to be easily adjusted ever in a simple structure where existing rail members can be diverted.SOLUTION: A pleat screen 1 comprises: a lower screen 15 in which a plurality of pleats 151 are formed so as to be folded and expanded in a vertical direction; an intermediate bar 14 to which one end of the lower screen 15 is connected through an attachment plate 142; a pitch cord 18b that are suspended downward to allow pitches between the plurality of pleats 151 to be held; and a pitch cord fixation 144 on which one end of the pitch cord 18b is engaged and is detachably fixed on the intermediate bar 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pleated screen. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional pleated screen is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The pleated screen disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a head rail, a bottom rail that is suspended from the head rail via a bottom rail lifting cord so that it can be raised and lowered, a screen material that is stretched between the head rail and the bottom rail so that it can be folded up and down, and a pitch keep cord (hereinafter referred to as a pitch cord) that is stretched between the head rail and the bottom rail to maintain the pleat pitch of the screen material. The pitch cord is guided by a cord guide attached to the head rail and hangs down close to the pleat ridge on the rear surface of the screen material, and its upper end is configured to be attached to a cord terminal that is elastically and detachably fixed to an attachment groove on the bottom or rear surface of the head rail. With this configuration, the length of the pitch cord can be easily adjusted by removing the cord terminal from the head rail. However, with the pleated screen, the head rail must also be modified to allow the cord terminal to be attached and detached, which poses a problem in that existing head rails cannot be used. The above problem is not limited to cases where the cord terminal is detachable from the head rail, but also applies to cases where the cord terminal is detachable from the bottom rail, or to an intermediate rail that connects multiple screens arranged above and below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-336824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that allows the length of the pitch cord to be easily adjusted while still having a simple structure that can reuse existing rail materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The pleated screen of the present invention comprises a screen in which multiple pleats are formed so that they can be folded and unfolded in the vertical direction, a rail material to which one end of the screen is connected via a fixing member, a pitch cord that hangs down to maintain the pitch between the multiple pleats, and a cord fixing device to which one end of the pitch cord is engaged and which is removably fixed to the fixing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that allows for easy adjustment of the pitch cord length while having a simple structure that allows for the use of existing rail materials. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pleated screen according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the head box showing the internal structure of the head box of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a pleated screen according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mounting plate and pitch cord fixture of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the pitch cord fixture of the first embodiment as seen from above, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the pitch cord fixture of the first embodiment as seen from below. [Figure 6]FIG. 6(a) is a side view showing the state in which the pitch cord fixture is attached to the mounting plate of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a side view showing the state in which the pitch cord fixture is attached to the mounting plate of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the mounting plate with the pitch cord fixture of the first embodiment attached, viewed from the top side of the mounting plate, and FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of the mounting plate with the pitch cord fixture of the first embodiment attached, viewed from the bottom side of the mounting plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a plan view of the mounting plate with the pitch cord fastener of the first embodiment attached, viewed from the top side of the mounting plate, and FIG. 8(b) is a plan view of the mounting plate with the pitch cord fastener of the first embodiment attached, viewed from the bottom side of the mounting plate. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are top views of a mounting plate to which a pitch cord fixture according to a first embodiment is attached, showing the state before and after adjusting the length of the pitch cord. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are side views of the pleated screen of the first embodiment, showing the state before and after adjusting the length of the pitch cord. [Figure 11] 11(a) is a perspective view showing the state before the pitch cord fixture is attached to the mounting plate, FIG. 11(b) is a perspective view showing the mounting plate with the pitch cord fixture attached, and FIG. 11(c) is a top view showing the mounting plate with the pitch cord fixture attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0009] First Embodiment The pleated screen of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. First, the overall configuration of the pleated screen will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pleated screen 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a top view of the head box 12 showing the internal structure of the head box 12 of this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the pleated screen 1 of this embodiment.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the pleated screen 1 is configured as a two-tiered system using two screens, one above the other. The pleated screen 1 includes a bracket 11, a head box 12, an upper screen 13, a middle bar 14, a lower screen 15, a bottom rail 16, a lifting cord 17a, a dimming cord 17b, pitch cords 18a and 18b, and a drive unit 19.

[0011] The directions used in the explanation are defined as follows. In Figure 1, the longitudinal direction of the pleated screen 1 is indicated by D1. This longitudinal direction D1 is referred to as the side. Furthermore, when viewing the pleated screen 1 from the side, the direction of the pitch cords 18a and 18b relative to the lift cord 17a is referred to as the rear, and the opposite direction is referred to as the front. Furthermore, when the pleated screen 1 is in use, the direction from the bottom rail 16 to the head box 12 is referred to as the upward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the downward direction.

[0012] The pleated screen 1 will be described below from top to bottom. First, we will explain the head box 12. The head box 12 is a box body having a long box shape. A bracket 11, which is a member for fixing the pleated screen 1 to a window frame or the like, is provided on the upper part of the head box 12. A pitch cord fixing device 12a for fixing the upper end of the pitch cord 18a is provided on the lower part of the head box 12. A drive unit 19 is built into the head box 12. A mounting plate 121 is provided at the bottom of the head box 12. Insertion holes 121a are formed in the mounting plate 121, through which the lifting / lowering cord 17a and the dimming cord 17b are inserted. The mounting plate 121 and the upper end of the upper screen 13 are connected with staples or the like, and the mounting plate 121 is inserted into the mounting space at the bottom of the head box 12. As a result, the upper end of the upper screen 13 is connected to the bottom of the head box 12 over the entire length in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0013] The upper screen 13 is made up of a plurality of pleats 131 connected in the vertical direction so as to be able to fold and unfold. Each of the plurality of pleats 131 is formed with an insertion hole 131a through which the lifting / lowering cord 17a and the dimmer cord 17b are inserted.

[0014] The lower part of the upper screen 13 is connected to the intermediate bar 14. The intermediate bar 14 is a member configured in the shape of a long rectangular parallelepiped. The intermediate bar 14 includes mounting plates 141 and 142 provided on the upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, and a cord clip 143 provided inside the intermediate bar 14 at approximately the center in the short side direction. The upper mounting plate 141 has insertion holes 141a through which the lift cord 17a and the dimming cord 17b are inserted. The lower end of the upper screen 13 is connected to this mounting plate 141 with staples or the like, and the mounting plate 141 is inserted into the mounting space above the intermediate bar 14. As a result, the lower end of the upper screen 13 is connected to the top of the intermediate bar 14 over the entire length in the longitudinal direction D1. In this way, the intermediate bar 14 and the head box 12 are connected by the upper screen 13. In addition, the lower end of the pitch cord 18a is fixed to the intermediate bar 14 by sandwiching the lower end of the pitch cord 18a between the mounting plate 141 and the intermediate bar 14. In addition, the cord clip 143 guides the lift cord 17a inserted through the insertion hole 141a downward to the intermediate bar 14, and also fixes the lower end of the dimmer cord 17b or guides the dimmer cord 17b to turn toward the end of the intermediate bar 14. The lower mounting plate 142 has openings 142a through which the lifting / lowering cords 17a and pitch cords 18b are inserted. The upper end of the lower screen 15 is connected to this lower mounting plate 142 with staples or the like, and the mounting plate 142 is inserted into the mounting space below the intermediate bar 14. This connects the upper end of the lower screen 15 to the lower part of the intermediate bar 14 over its entire length in the longitudinal direction D1. The lower mounting plate 142 has locking portions 144e that secure the upper ends of the pitch cords 18b to the mounting plate 142, and the pitch cords 18b are secured to these locking portions 144e.

[0015] The lower screen 15 has a plurality of pleats 151 connected in the vertical direction so as to be able to fold and unfold, similar to the upper screen 13. Each of the plurality of pleats 151 has an insertion hole 151a through which the light control cord 17b is inserted.

[0016] The bottom rail 16 is a long rectangular parallelepiped member configured to have approximately the same size as the intermediate bar 14. The bottom rail 16 includes a mounting plate 161 provided on its upper side and a cord holder 162 provided inside the mounting plate 161. An insertion hole 161a through which the lifting cord 17a is inserted is formed in the mounting plate 161. The lower end of the lower screen 15 is connected to the mounting plate 161 with staples or the like, and the mounting plate 161 is inserted into the mounting space above the bottom rail 16. As a result, the lower end of the lower screen 15 is connected to the upper part of the bottom rail 16 over the entire length in the longitudinal direction D1. In this way, the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 are connected by the lower screen 15. In addition, the pitch cord 18b is fixed to the bottom rail 16 by sandwiching the lower end of the pitch cord 18b between the mounting plate 161 and the bottom rail 16.

[0017] Next, the cord provided on the pleated screen 1 will be described. The lifting cord 17a is a cord that suspends and supports the bottom rail 16 so that it can be raised and lowered. One end of the lifting cord 17a is connected to the drive unit 19 in the head box 12. The other end passes through the insertion hole 121a and hangs down from the head box 12. The other end is inserted from top to bottom through the insertion holes 131a of each pleat 131 of the upper screen 13, the insertion holes 141a of the mounting plate 141 of the intermediate bar 14, the opening 142a of the mounting plate 142, the insertion holes 151a of each pleat 151 of the lower screen 15, and the insertion hole 161a of the mounting plate 161 of the bottom rail 16, and is connected to the cord holder 162 of the bottom rail 16. With this connection, the bottom rail 16 is suspended and supported so that it can be raised and lowered by the lifting cord 17a.

[0018] The dimmer cord 17b is a cord that suspends and supports the intermediate bar 14 so that it can be raised and lowered. One end of the dimmer cord 17b is connected to the drive unit 19. The other end passes through the insertion hole 121a and hangs down from the head box 12, and is inserted sequentially from top to bottom through the insertion holes 131a of each pleat 131 of the upper screen 13 and the insertion hole 141a of the mounting plate 141 of the intermediate bar 14, and is connected to the cord clip 143 of the intermediate bar 14 or a cap attached to the end of the intermediate bar 14. With this connection, the intermediate bar 14 is suspended and supported so that it can be raised and lowered by the dimmer cord 17b.

[0019] The pitch cord 18a is a cord that maintains the pitch between the multiple pleats 131 when the upper screen 13 is unfolded. The pitch cord 18a connects the head box 12 and the intermediate bar 14, and is provided with multiple loop cords 181. Each of the multiple loop cords 181 is connected to the lifting / lowering cord 17a in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the pleats 131 of the upper screen 13. This connects the pitch cord 18a and the lifting / lowering cord 17a.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the multiple loop cords 181 is provided so that the distance between adjacent loop cords 181, i.e., the pitch, is maintained at the same pitch. As a result, when the upper screen 13 is unfolded, the pitch between the multiple pleats 131 is maintained at the same pitch.

[0021] The pitch cord 18b has a similar configuration to the pitch cord 18a. The pitch cord 18b and the pitch cord 18a correspond to different screens. The pitch cord 18a corresponds to the upper screen 13, while the pitch cord 18b corresponds to the lower screen 15.

[0022] The pitch cord 18b connects the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16, and includes a plurality of loop cords 182. Each of the loop cords 182 is connected to the lifting / lowering cord 17a in a manner that corresponds one-to-one with each of the pleats 151 of the lower screen 15. This connects the pitch cord 18b and the lifting / lowering cord 17a. Furthermore, each of the multiple loop cords 182 is arranged so that the pitch between adjacent loop cords 182 is maintained at the same pitch. As a result, when the lower screen 15 is unfolded, the pitch between the multiple pleats 151 is maintained at the same pitch.

[0023] Next, we will explain the drive device 19. The drive device 19 includes a first rotating shaft 191a, a first winding drum 192a, a second rotating shaft 191b, a second winding drum 192b, a first stopper 193a, a second stopper 193b, a first brake 194a, a second brake 194b, an operation unit 195, a pulley 196, an operation chain 197, an interlocking mechanism 198, and a lower limit 199.

[0024] The first rotating shaft 191a and the second rotating shaft 191b are rotating shafts arranged side by side inside the head box 12. The first rotating shaft 191a is disposed at the front inside the head box 12, and the second rotating shaft 191b is disposed at the rear inside the head box 12. The first winding drum 192a is inserted through the first rotary shaft 191a so as to be rotatable therewith, and the second winding drum 192b is inserted through the second rotary shaft 191b so as to be rotatable therewith.

[0025] In addition, one end of the lifting cord 17a introduced into the head box 12 is connected to the first winding drum 192a, and one end of the dimmer cord 17b introduced into the head box 12 is connected to the second winding drum 192b.

[0026] The connected lifting / lowering cord 17a is wound on and unwound from the first winding drum 192a, thereby raising and lowering the bottom rail 16. Similarly, the connected light control cord 17b is wound on and unwound from the second winding drum 192b, thereby raising and lowering the intermediate bar 14.

[0027] The first stopper 193a is provided on the first rotating shaft 191a and restricts the rotation of the first rotating shaft 191a. The second stopper 193b is provided on the second rotating shaft 191b and restricts the rotation of the second rotating shaft 191b. The first brake 194a is provided on the first rotating shaft 191a and reduces the speed of rotation of the first rotating shaft 191a. The second brake 194b is provided on the second rotating shaft 191b and reduces the speed of rotation of the second rotating shaft 191b.

[0028] The operation unit 195 is provided near one end of the head box 12, and switches the destination of the rotational force transmitted by the pulley 196 to either the first rotating shaft 191a or the second rotating shaft 191b in accordance with the operation of the operation chain 197. The pulley 196 transmits the rotational force to the first rotating shaft 191a or the second rotating shaft 191b in accordance with switching of the transmission destination by the operation unit 195.

[0029] The operating chain 197 is wound around the pulley 196 and hangs down from the head box 12 , and functions as an operating part that operates the rotational drive of the pulley 196 . The interlocking mechanism 198 switches between an independent state in which the first rotating shaft 191a and the second rotating shaft 191b rotate independently, and an interlocking state in which they rotate in conjunction with each other. The lower limit 199 defines the lowest position of the bottom rail 16, etc.

[0030] (Pleated screen operation) Next, the operation of the pleated screen will be explained. 1 shows a state in which the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 are unfolded. In this state, the bottom rail 16 is lowered, and the rotation of the second rotation shaft 191b is restricted by the second stopper 193b so that the intermediate bar 14 is positioned between the head box 12 and the bottom rail 16.

[0031] To fold the upper screen 13 from this state, the operating chain 197 is operated to rotate the second rotating shaft 191b in a predetermined direction. As a result, the second winding drum 192b winds up the light-controlling cord 17b, and the intermediate bar 14 rises together with the other end of the light-controlling cord 17b. As the intermediate bar 14 rises, the upper screen 13 is gradually folded from bottom to top. When the upper screen 13 is completely folded, only the lower screen 15 remains unfolded. After the upper screen 13 is completely folded, operation by the operating chain 197 is completed, and the second stopper 193b restricts the rotation of the second rotating shaft 191b, maintaining the state in which only the lower screen 15 remains unfolded.

[0032] When folding the lower screen 15 downward from the state shown in FIG. 1, the operating chain 197 is operated to rotate the second rotating shaft 191b in a predetermined direction, and the restriction on rotation of the second rotating shaft 191b by the second stopper 193b is released. As a result, second rotating shaft 191b is released from the restraint of second stopper 193b and becomes free to rotate, and the weight of intermediate bar 14 unwinds light-dimmer cord 17b wound around second winding drum 192b, causing intermediate bar 14 to descend together with the other end of light-dimmer cord 17b. This descent of intermediate bar 14 causes lower screen 15 to gradually fold downward. When lower screen 15 is completely folded, only upper screen 13 remains unfolded.

[0033] Furthermore, the operation when both the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 are folded is as follows. When both the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 are unfolded, the light control cord 17b is in a tensioned state. Therefore, the interlocking mechanism 198 is in a stand-alone state. Therefore, the operation chain 197 is operated to rotate only the first rotating shaft 191a in a predetermined direction. This causes the first rotating shaft 191a to rotate, and the first winding drum 192a winds up the lifting / lowering cord 17a, causing the lower screen 15 to be folded up sequentially from bottom to top.

[0034] After the lower screen 15 is completely folded, the operating chain 197 is continued to be operated to cause the first winding drum 192a to wind the lifting / lowering cord 17a. This causes the folded lower screen 15 to abut against the intermediate bar 14, and the bottom rail 16 pushes up the intermediate bar 14. At this time, the tension on the light control cord 17b is slackened because the weight of the intermediate bar 14 is no longer applied to it, and the interlocking mechanism 198 enters an interlocking state. As a result, the first rotating shaft 191a and the second rotating shaft 191b rotate together, causing the first winding drum 192a to wind up the lifting / lowering cord 17a and the second winding drum 192b to wind up the light control cord 17b. This winding of the lifting / lowering cord 17a and the light control cord 17b causes the bottom rail 16 and the intermediate bar 14 to rise together, and the upper screen 13 is sequentially folded up from bottom to top.

[0035] After the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 are completely folded, when the operation by the operating chain 197 is terminated, the rotation of the first rotating shaft 191a and the second rotating shaft 191b is restricted by the first stopper 193a and the second stopper 193b, respectively. This restriction keeps the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 in a folded state.

[0036] Furthermore, when the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 are to be unfolded from their folded state, the operation chain 197 is operated to release the constraints imposed by the first stopper 193a and the second stopper 193b. As a result, the bottom rail 16 and the lower screen 15, as well as the intermediate bar 14 and the upper screen 13, each descend under their own weight, and the upper screen 13 and the lower screen 15 are unfolded together.

[0037] When the bottom rail 16 and the intermediate bar 14 are lowered, the rotation of the first rotating shaft 191a is slowed down by the first brake 194a, and the rotation of the second rotating shaft 191b is slowed down by the second brake 194b. This reduces the impact during descent. When only the upper screen 13 is deployed, or when only the lower screen 15 is deployed, the upper screen 13 descends together with the intermediate bar 14, and the lower screen 15 descends together with the bottom rail 16, just as when both are deployed.

[0038] (Pitch code on bottom screen) Next, the fixing of the pitch cord 18b corresponding to the lower screen 15 to the intermediate bar 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the pleated screen 1 of the first embodiment, the pitch cord 18b is fixed to the intermediate bar 14 via a mounting plate 142 and a pitch cord fixture 144.

[0039] First, the structures of the mounting plate 142 and the pitch cord fixture 144 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 4 is a perspective view of mounting plate 142 and pitch cord fastener 144. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are both perspective views of pitch cord fastener 144. Figure 5(a) shows the surface of pitch cord fastener 144 that faces upward when mounted on mounting plate 142, i.e., the top surface of pitch cord fastener 144. Figure 5(b) shows the surface of pitch cord fastener 144 that faces downward when mounted on mounting plate 142, i.e., the bottom surface of pitch cord fastener 144.

[0040] Pitch cord fixture 144 is used by being fixed to mounting plate 142. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, mounting plate 142 has opening 142a formed therein for fixing pitch cord fixture 144. Opening 142a is a through-hole having a substantially rounded rectangular shape. Pitch cord fixture 144 is fixed to mounting plate 142 by fitting into opening 142a.

[0041] The shape of opening 142a formed in mounting plate 142 corresponds to the planar shape of pitch cord fixture 144. In this embodiment, since pitch cord fixture 144 has a rounded rectangular shape, opening 142a also has a rounded rectangular shape.

[0042] 4, the longitudinal direction of opening 142a is indicated by D2 and the lateral direction is indicated by D3. Similarly, the longitudinal direction of pitch cord fixture 144 or base portion 144a of pitch cord fixture 144 is indicated by D4 and the lateral direction is indicated by D5.

[0043] Base portion 144a of pitch cord fixture 144 is formed so as to be longer than the length of opening 142a in at least one of longitudinal direction D2 and lateral direction D3 of opening 142a. This prevents pitch cord fixture 144 from passing through opening 142a, and allows pitch cord fixture 144 to be fixed to mounting plate 142 by fitting pitch cord fixture 144 into opening 142a.

[0044] The mounting plate 142 is fixed to the intermediate bar 14 by being inserted into the intermediate bar 14 from the side. The pitch cord fastener 144 fixed to the mounting plate 142 is fixed to the intermediate bar 14 via the mounting plate 142.

[0045] One end of pitch cord 18b is fixed to pitch cord fixture 144. The length of pitch cord 18b can be adjusted by adjusting the position of pitch cord 18b fixed to pitch cord fixture 144.

[0046] In order to guide the pitch cord 18b from below the mounting plate 142 to the pitch cord fastener 144, a pitch cord insertion portion 142b extending from the opening 142a of the mounting plate 142 is formed in the opening 142a. Similar to the opening 142a, the pitch cord insertion portion 142b is a through-hole formed in the mounting plate 142. The pitch cord insertion portion 142b is formed in a shape that extends from the center of the opening 142a in the longitudinal direction D2 toward the outside in the lateral direction D3. By inserting the pitch cord 18b through the pitch cord insertion portion 142b, the pitch cord 18b passes from below to above the mounting plate 142. This allows one end of the pitch cord 18b to be fixed to the pitch cord fastener 144 on the upper surface of the pitch cord fastener 144.

[0047] 4, pitch cord fixture 144 is formed with lift cord insertion portion 145c and introduction portion 145d. Lift cord insertion portion 145c is a through hole formed in the center of base portion 144a of pitch cord fixture 144. This through hole has a rounded rectangular shape in plan view. The introduction portion 145d is a cutout portion of the base portion 144a that connects the outer periphery 145a of the base portion 144a to the lift-cord insertion portion 145c. The introduction portion 145d allows the lift-cord 17a to be easily inserted into the lift-cord insertion portion 145c.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of how to fasten the pitch cord fixture 144 to the mounting plate 142. In the following description, reference will be made to FIG. 6 in addition to FIG. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are side views of the mounting plate 142 and pitch cord fastener 144, showing the state when the pitch cord fastener 144 is being fitted to the mounting plate 142. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the side views of the mounting plate 142 and pitch cord fastener 144 in the short direction D3 of the opening 142a. Figure 6(a) shows the state when the pitch cord fastener 144 begins to be fitted to the mounting plate 142, and Figure 6(b) shows the state after the pitch cord fastener 144 has been fitted to the mounting plate 142.

[0049] First, the structure of the top surface of the pitch cord fixture 144 will be described with reference to FIG. 5(a). Pitch cord fixture 144 has a base portion 144a that is a rectangle with rounded corners. As a structure for fitting pitch cord fixture 144 to mounting plate 142, base portion 144a is formed with first fitting claw 144b, second fitting claw 144c, and position restriction portion 144d.

[0050] The first engagement claw 144b has a portion 144b1 that protrudes upward from the base portion 144a, and a portion 144b2 that extends from the portion 144b1 in a direction parallel to the base portion 144a. Two first engagement claws 144b are formed near one side of the base portion 144a along the longitudinal direction D4. A portion 144b2 of each first engagement claw 144b extending in a direction parallel to the base portion 144a extends in the lateral direction D5 of the base portion 144a.

[0051] Two second engagement claws 144c are formed on the side of the base portion 144a opposite to the side on which the first engagement claws 144b are formed. Similar to the first engagement claw 144b, the second engagement claw 144c also has a portion 144c1 that protrudes upward from the base portion 144a and a portion 144c2 that extends from there in a direction parallel to the base portion 144a (shown in FIG. 6(a)).

[0052] The length of a portion 144c2 of the second engagement claw 144c extending in a direction parallel to the base portion 144a is shorter than the length of the same portion 144b2 of the first engagement claw 144b, and the extending direction is opposite to the extending direction of the same portion of the first engagement claw 144b.

[0053] A position restricting portion 144d is formed on base portion 144a. Position restricting portion 144d is a protrusion extending in longitudinal direction D4 of base portion 144a. Position restricting portion 144d restricts the position of pitch cord fastener 144 in longitudinal direction D4 when pitch cord fastener 144 is fixed to mounting plate 142.

[0054] Next, the procedure for fixing the pitch cord fixture 144 to the mounting plate 142 will be described. When fixing pitch cord fixture 144 to mounting plate 142, as shown in FIG. 6(a), first, first engagement claw 144b is fitted into mounting plate 142. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(b), second engagement claw 144c is fitted into mounting plate 142. This allows pitch cord fixture 144 to be fixed to mounting plate 142.

[0055] Specifically, first, the first engagement claw 144b is fitted into the mounting plate 142 so that the mounting plate 142 abuts against the rear of the first engagement claw 144b. 6(a), a sloped portion 146 is formed near the side of the base portion 144a on which the first engagement claw 144b is formed. The sloped portion 146 is a portion where the thickness of the base portion 144a decreases toward the end face of the base portion 144a. By forming the inclined portion 146, when fitting the first engagement claw 144b into the mounting plate 142, it becomes easier to fit the first engagement claw 144b into the mounting plate 142 so that the mounting plate 142 abuts against the back of the first engagement claw 144b.

[0056] After the first engagement claw 144b is fitted to the mounting plate 142, the second engagement claw 144c is fitted to the mounting plate 142. Here, the length of portion 144c2 of second engagement claw 144c extending in a direction parallel to base portion 144a is shorter than the length of portion 144b2 of first engagement claw 144b extending in a direction parallel to base portion 144a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(b), after first engagement claw 144b is fitted into mounting plate 142, second engagement claw 144c can be fitted into mounting plate 142, thereby easily completing the fixation of pitch cord fastener 144 to mounting plate 142. In this manner, pitch cord fixture 144 is detachably fixed to opening 142 a of mounting plate 142 .

[0057] Next, the fixing of the pitch cord 18b to the pitch cord fixing device 144 will be described. 5(a), a locking portion 144e is formed on a base portion 144a of the pitch cord fixture 144 as a structure for fixing the pitch cord 18b. The locking portion 144e is a protrusion that stands upright in a substantially perpendicular direction from the base portion 144a. The locking portion 144e has a portion 144e1 that extends in the longitudinal direction D4 of the base portion 144a and a portion 144e2 that is continuous with the portion 144e1 and extends in the lateral direction D5 of the base portion 144a.

[0058] An insertion hole 144f is formed in a portion 144e1 of the locking portion 144e that extends in the longitudinal direction D4 of the base portion 144a. The insertion hole 144f is a through-hole formed in a portion of the locking portion 144e that stands up from the base portion 144a.

[0059] Note that portion 144e2 of locking portion 144e extending in widthwise direction D5 of base portion 144a has the same function as position restricting portion 144d. That is, portion 144e2 of locking portion 144e extending in widthwise direction D5 of base portion 144a and the tip end portion of position restricting portion 144d are positioned approximately symmetrically in longitudinal direction D4 of pitch cord fastener 144. This restricts the position of the mounting plate 142 relative to the longitudinal direction D2 of the opening 142a when the pitch cord fixture 144 is fitted into the opening 142a of the mounting plate 142. The restriction of the position of the pitch cord fixture 144 will be described later.

[0060] Furthermore, a notch 145b is formed in the outer periphery 145a of the base portion 144a. The notch 145b is a portion where a part of the base portion 144a is cut out from the outer periphery 145a of the base portion 144a. The notch 145b is formed in the center of the outer periphery 145a of the base portion 144a in the longitudinal direction D4.

[0061] Next, the manner in which pitch cord 18b is fixed to pitch cord fixture 144 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are both perspective views of the mounting plate 142 fitted with the pitch cord fastener 144. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are both plan views of the mounting plate 142 fitted with the pitch cord fastener 144. Also, Figures 7(a) and 8(a) show the upper surface, i.e., the top surface, of the mounting plate 142, and Figures 7(b) and 8(b) show the lower surface, i.e., the bottom surface, of the mounting plate 142. 7(b) and 8(b), pitch cord 18b is inserted from below mounting plate 142 into notch 145b of pitch cord fixture 144. After passing through notch 145b, pitch cord 18b passes through pitch cord insertion portion 142b of mounting plate 142 and reaches above mounting plate 142.

[0062] 7(a) and 8(a), pitch cord 18b that has reached the top of mounting plate 142 passes between two first engagement claws 144b and is inserted through insertion hole 144f formed in locking portion 144e. A knot 18c is formed at the tip of pitch cord 18b that has passed through insertion hole 144f. The size of knot 18c is larger than the size of insertion hole 144f. Therefore, pitch cord 18b is locked in insertion hole 144f of locking portion 144e by knot 18c. This prevents pitch cord 18b from slipping downward from mounting plate 142 and secures it to pitch cord fastener 144.

[0063] When fixing pitch cord 18b to mounting plate 142 in this manner, pitch cord 18b can be easily fixed to mounting plate 142 by first engaging knot 18c of pitch cord 18b with insertion hole 144f and then fitting pitch cord fixture 144 into mounting plate 142.

[0064] Furthermore, the notch 145b is positioned so as to be located behind the intermediate bar 14 when the pitch cord fastener 144 is fitted into the mounting plate 142 and the mounting plate 142 is attached to the intermediate bar 14. This allows the pitch cord 18b to hang down toward the rear side of the pleated screen 1 through the notch 145b. As a result, the pitch cord 18b can be prevented from being pinched between the pitch cord fastener 144 and the mounting plate 142.

[0065] Next, the positioning of the pitch cord fixture 144 relative to the mounting plate 142 will be described. As described above, the locking portion 144e not only locks the pitch cord 18b, but also positions the pitch cord fastener 144 relative to the mounting plate 142. 6(a) and 6(b), the positioning of the pitch cord fixture 144 in the short direction D3 of the mounting plate 142 is performed by the first engagement claw 144b and the second engagement claw 144c because the first engagement claw 144b and the second engagement claw 144c abut against the inner periphery 142c of the opening 142a.

[0066] Meanwhile, the positioning of the pitch cord fastener 144 in the longitudinal direction D2 of the mounting plate 142 is determined by the position restricting portion 144d and the locking portion 144e. As shown in FIG. 8(a), a portion 144e2 of the locking portion 144e extending in the short direction D5 of the pitch cord fastener 144 abuts against the inner periphery 142c of the opening 142a. The position where the locking portion 144e abuts against the inner periphery 142c of the opening 142a and the position where the position restricting portion 144d abuts against the inner periphery 142c of the opening 142a are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction D2 of the opening 142a. Therefore, the positioning of the pitch cord fastener 144 in the longitudinal direction D2 of the mounting plate 142 is determined by the locking portion 144e and the position restricting portion 144d.

[0067] Next, adjustment of the length of the pitch cord 18b will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 9 is a top view of the mounting plate 142 fitted with the pitch cord fastener 144. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the pleated screen 1 as seen from the side, particularly showing the configuration in the vicinity of the intermediate bar 14. 9 and 10, the diagram to the left of the arrow is the diagram before the length of the pitch cord 18b is adjusted, and the diagram to the right of the arrow is the diagram after the length of the pitch cord 18b is adjusted so that the length of the pitch cord 18b is shortened.

[0068] When the pleated screen 1 is viewed from the front, the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 are preferably parallel to each other. When the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 are not parallel, the distance between the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 on the left and right sides of the pleated screen 1 is different. The distance between the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 is determined by the pitch cord 18b. Therefore, if the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 are not parallel, the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 can be made parallel by adjusting the length of the pitch cord 18b.

[0069] Specifically, the distance between the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 can be adjusted by adjusting the length L3 shown in FIG. 10 is the point where the first loop cord 182 is connected to the pitch cord 18b from the intermediate bar 14. Lengths L3 and L4 shown in FIG. 10 both indicate the lengths of the pitch cord 18b from the pitch cord fixture 144 to point P.

[0070] The distance from point P on the loop cord 182 to the bottom rail 16 is the same on the left and right sides of the pleated screen 1. This is because a series of loop cords 182 are connected to the pitch cord 18b at regular intervals from point P to the bottom rail 16. Therefore, if the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 are not parallel, the length of the pitch cord 18b from the intermediate bar 14 to the point P, i.e., the length L3, is adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16, thereby making the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 parallel.

[0071] Specifically, the length L3 of the pitch cord 18b on the lowered side of the bottom rail 16 is shortened. This allows the lowered side of the bottom rail 16 to be lifted, and as a result, the intermediate bar 14 and the bottom rail 16 can be made parallel to each other.

[0072] To shorten the length L3 of pitch cord 18b, the length from the end of pitch cord 18b to knot 18c is shortened, as shown by the change from the view on the left side of the arrow to the view on the right side of the arrow in Figure 9.

[0073] The length from the end of pitch cord 18b to knot 18c in the diagram to the left of the arrow in Figure 9 is designated as L1. The length from the end of pitch cord 18b to knot 18c in the diagram to the right of the arrow is designated as L2. Length L2 is longer than length L1.

[0074] By increasing the length from the end of pitch cord 18b to knot 18c, the length of pitch cord 18b shown in Figure 10 can be shortened from length L3 to length L4. In other words, length L3 can be shortened to length L4 by the difference between length L2 and length L1. This allows the lowered side of bottom rail 16 to be raised, thereby making intermediate bar 14 and bottom rail 16 parallel to each other.

[0075] <Second embodiment> Next, a pleated screen 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view showing the mounting plate 142 and the pitch cord fastener 144 before the pitch cord fastener 144 is fitted into the mounting plate 142, FIG. 11(b) is a perspective view of the mounting plate 142 with the pitch cord fastener 144 fitted into it, and FIG. 11(c) is a top view of the mounting plate 142 with the pitch cord fastener 144 fitted into it.

[0076] Unlike the pleated screen of the first embodiment, the pleated screen of the second embodiment does not have a locking portion 144e and an insertion hole 144f formed in a pitch cord fixture 144. In the pitch cord fixture 144 of the second embodiment, a position restricting portion 144d is formed at the position where the locking portion 144e and the insertion hole 144f are formed in the pitch cord fixture 144 of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(a), a total of two position restricting portions 144d are formed on the base portion 144a of the pitch cord fixture 144, one on each side in the longitudinal direction D4, with the lift-lowering cord insertion portion 145c sandwiched therebetween.

[0077] The fixing of the pitch cord 18b to the mounting plate 142 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b). Unlike the first embodiment, the locking portion 144e is not formed on the pitch cord fixture 144. In the second embodiment, the pitch cord 18b is locked by the pitch cord insertion portion 142b.

[0078] Pitch cord 18b is inserted from below mounting plate 142 into a notch (not shown) of pitch cord fixture 144. After passing through the notch, pitch cord 18b passes through pitch cord insertion portion 142b of mounting plate 142 and reaches above mounting plate 142. A knot 18c is formed at the tip of pitch cord 18b. The size of this knot 18c is larger than the size of pitch cord insertion portion 142b. Therefore, pitch cord 18b is locked in pitch cord insertion portion 142b of mounting plate 142 by knot 18c. This prevents pitch cord 18b from slipping downward from mounting plate 142 and secures it to mounting plate 142.

[0079] When engaging pitch cord 18b with mounting plate 142 in this manner, pitch cord 18b with knot 18c formed thereon is inserted through opening 142a so that knot 18c is positioned above mounting plate 142, and pitch cord fixture 144 is then fitted into mounting plate 142, thereby easily engaging pitch cord 18b with mounting plate 142.

[0080] The size of knot 18c in the second embodiment is preferably larger than knot 18c in the first embodiment. The width of pitch cord insertion portion 142b in the longitudinal direction D2 of mounting plate 142 may be larger than the diameter of insertion hole 144f in the first embodiment. In this case, knot 18c is preferably not simply a knot of pitch cord 18b, but a large knot that can also be called an enlarged portion that is sufficiently larger than the width of pitch cord insertion portion 142b. This allows pitch cord 18b to be securely fastened to pitch cord insertion portion 142b of mounting plate 142 by knot 18c.

[0081] In the above description, it has been explained that knot 18c is locked at pitch cord insertion portion 142b. However, the position at which knot 18c is locked is not limited to pitch cord insertion portion 142b. For example, knot 18c may be locked at a portion surrounded by notch 145b of pitch cord fastener 144 and mounting plate 142.

[0082] Next, the positioning of the pitch cord fixture 144 in the longitudinal direction D2 of the mounting plate 142 will be described. 11(b) and 11(c), when the pitch cord fastener 144 is fitted into the mounting plate 142, the two position restricting portions 144d abut against the inner periphery 142c of the opening 142a of the mounting plate 142. Therefore, the positioning of the pitch cord fastener 144 in the longitudinal direction D2 of the mounting plate 142 is determined by the two position restricting portions 144d. In the first embodiment, the pitch cord fixture 144 is positioned in the longitudinal direction D2 of the mounting plate 142 by the locking portion 144e and the position restricting portion 144d. The method of positioning the mounting plate 142 in the longitudinal direction D2 differs between the first and second embodiments.

[0083] In the above-described embodiments, the intermediate bar 14 is used as an example of the rail material, and the pitch cord 18b corresponding to the lower screen 15 is used as an example of the pitch cord. However, the rail material and the like in the present invention are not limited to the above-described examples. For example, the rail material may be the head box 12. In that case, the pitch cord may be the pitch cord 18a corresponding to the upper screen 13. The rail material may also be a bottom rail 16. Furthermore, when the rail material is an intermediate bar 14, the fixing member may be an upper mounting plate 141 of the intermediate bar 14 instead of a lower mounting plate 142 of the intermediate bar 14.

[0084] With the above-described configuration, the pleated screen of each embodiment has a simple structure that allows existing rail materials to be reused, yet allows the length of the pitch cord to be easily adjusted. The following provides a more detailed explanation of the characteristic configuration of the pleated screen 1 and the effects obtained from that configuration.

[0085] The pleated screen 1 comprises a screen formed with multiple pleats that can be folded and unfolded in the vertical direction, a rail material to which one end of the screen is connected via a fixing member, a pitch cord that hangs down to maintain the pitch between the multiple pleats, and a cord fixing device to which one end of the pitch cord is engaged and which is removably fixed to the fixing member.

[0086] Here, the pleats include pleats 131 and 151. The screens include upper screen 13 and lower screen 15. The fixing members include mounting plates 121, 141, 142, and 161. The rail members include head box 12, intermediate bar 14, and bottom rail 16. The pitch cords include pitch cords 18a and 18b. The cord fixtures include pitch cord fixtures 12a and 144.

[0087] According to the above-described configuration, the cord fastener, to which one end of the pitch cord is attached, can be attached and detached to the fixing member. Therefore, when adjusting the length of the pitch cord, the cord fastener can be removed without removing the fixing member from the rail material. As a result, even with a simple structure that uses existing rail material, the length of the pitch cord can be easily adjusted.

[0088] In addition, in the pleated screen, the cord fixing device may have a locking portion 144e to which one end of the pitch cord is detachably locked.

[0089] With the above-described configuration, the pitch cord can be easily adjusted in length by removing it from the cord fastener. For example, if the pitch cord is configured so that a knot at one end is fastened to the fastener, the length of the pitch cord can be adjusted simply by adjusting the position of the knot.

[0090] The pleated screen comprises a screen in which multiple pleats are formed so that they can be folded and unfolded in the vertical direction, a rail material to which one end of the screen is connected via a fixing member, a pitch cord that hangs down to maintain the pitch between the multiple pleats, a bulge 18c provided at one end of the pitch cord, and a cord fixing device that is detachably fixed to the fixing member with one end of the pitch cord inserted through an opening 142a formed in the fixing member, and the bulge prevents the pitch cord from falling off.

[0091] According to the above-described configuration, the pitch cord can be attached to and detached from the fixing member without being locked by the cord fixing device, which makes it easier to adjust the length of the pitch cord.

[0092] Furthermore, in a pleated screen, the cord fixing device can have a base portion 144a formed wider than the opening formed in the fixing member in at least one of the short and long directions of the opening, and at least one or more engaging claws standing up from the base portion, and the engaging claws can be engaged with the fixing member in the opening, thereby being removably fixed to the fixing member. Here, the engagement claws include a first engagement claw 144b and a second engagement claw 144c.

[0093] According to the above-described configuration, the cord fixture can be easily attached to and detached from the fixing member, and the cord fixture can be fixed so that it will not come off and fall off even if a load is applied to the pitch cord.

[0094] Furthermore, the pleated screen may further include a lifting / lowering cord 17a that hangs down through the opening to enable the screen to be raised and lowered, and the base portion may have a lifting / lowering cord insertion portion 145c that is opened so that the lifting / lowering cord can be inserted therethrough, and an introduction portion 145d that is formed so that the lifting / lowering cord can be introduced into the lifting / lowering cord insertion portion from the outer periphery.

[0095] According to the above-described configuration, the cord fixture can be attached to and detached from the fixing member while the lifting cord is left hanging down.

[0096] Furthermore, in the pleated screen, the base portion further has a notch 145b formed in part of the outer periphery, and the notch is formed on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction of the screen when the cord fixing device is attached to the fixing member, and the pitch cord can hang down on the rear side of the screen through the notch.

[0097] According to the above-described configuration, the pitch cord can be hung down on the rear side of the screen without being pinched between the cord fixing device and the fixing member.

[0098] Furthermore, in the pleated screen, the cord fixing device further has a position regulating portion 144d standing up from the base portion, and the position regulating portion abuts against the inner periphery 142c of the opening when the cord fixing device is attached to the fixing member, thereby regulating misalignment of the cord fixing device relative to the fixing member.

[0099] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the cord fixture from shifting out of position when the cord fixture is attached to the fixing member.

[0100] Furthermore, in a pleated screen, the fixing member can be attached by being inserted into the rail material from the longitudinal direction, and the cord fixing device can be attached and detached to the fixing member while the fixing member remains attached to the rail material.

[0101] According to the above-described configuration, even in a configuration in which the fixing member must be inserted into the rail material from the longitudinal direction and attached, the pitch cord can be adjusted by removing only the cord fixing device without removing the fixing member from the rail material, making the adjustment work easier. Furthermore, if a screen or other shielding material is fully closed when there are differences in the lengths of the pitch cords hanging from the rail material, the bottom rail or intermediate bar will move left or right, causing it to "slant" and hit the window frame, etc. In this regard, if the pitch cord adjustment work is made easier as described above, it will be possible to easily make adjustments so that "slant" does not occur.

[0102] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Pleated screen 11 Bracket 12 Head box (rail material) 13 Upper screen (screen) 14 Intermediate bar (rail material) 15 Lower screen (screen) 16 Bottom rail (rail material) 17a Lifting cord 17b dimmer cord 18a pitch chord 18b pitch chord 18c Knot (ampullary part) 121 Mounting plate (fixing member) 121a Insertion hole 131 pleats 131a Insertion hole 141 Mounting plate (fixing member) 141a Insertion hole 141 142 Mounting plate (fixing member) 142a opening 142b Pitch cord insertion part 142c inner circumference 144 pitch cord fastener (cord fastener) 144a Base 144b 1st mating claw 144c 2nd matching claw 144d Position regulation part 144e Locking part 144f Insertion hole 145a Outer perimeter 145b Notch 145c Lifting cord insertion section 145d Introduction 146 Slope 151 pleats 151a Insertion hole 161 Mounting plate (fixing member) 161a Insertion hole

Claims

1. A screen having a plurality of pleats formed thereon so as to be foldable and unfoldable in the vertical direction; a rail member to which one end of the screen is connected via a fixing member; a pitch cord that hangs down to maintain the pitch between the plurality of pleats; A pleated screen comprising: a cord fixing device to which one end of the pitch cord is engaged and which is detachably fixed to the fixing member.

2. The pleated screen according to claim 1, wherein the cord fastener has a fastening portion to which one end of the pitch cord is detachably fastened.

3. A screen having a plurality of pleats formed thereon so as to be foldable and unfoldable in the vertical direction; a rail member to which one end of the screen is connected via a fixing member; a pitch cord that hangs down to maintain the pitch between the plurality of pleats; a bulge provided at one end of the pitch cord; a cord fastener that is detachably fastened to the fixing member with one end of the pitch cord inserted through an opening formed in the fixing member, The pleated screen has a bulging portion that prevents the pitch cord from falling off.

4. The cord fixture includes a base portion formed to be wider than the opening in at least one of a short-side direction and a long-side direction of the opening formed in the fixing member; At least one engagement claw standing upright from the base portion, The pleated screen according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fitting claws are fitted into the fixing members in the openings, thereby being detachably fixed to the fixing members.

5. a lifting cord suspended through the opening to enable the screen to be raised and lowered; The pleated screen according to claim 4, wherein the base portion has a lift cord insertion portion that is opened so that the lift cord can be inserted therethrough, and an introduction portion that is formed so that the lift cord can be introduced into the lift cord insertion portion from the outer periphery.

6. the base portion further has a notch formed in a part of the outer periphery, the notch is formed on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the screen when the cord fastener is attached to the fixing member, The pleated screen according to claim 4, wherein the pitch cord hangs down on the rear side of the screen through the notch.

7. The cord fastener further includes a position restricting portion that stands upright from the base portion, The pleated screen according to claim 4, wherein the position regulating portion abuts against the inner periphery of the opening when the cord fixing device is attached to the fixing member, thereby regulating misalignment of the cord fixing device relative to the fixing member.

8. The fixing member is attached by being inserted into the rail material from the longitudinal direction, The pleated screen according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cord fixing device is detachable from the fixing member while the fixing member remains attached to the rail material.

Images