Vertical blinds

Abstract

To provide a vertical blind that suppresses the occurrence of gaps between slats due to the rotation angle of the slats and improves the operability related to the rotation of the slats.SOLUTION: In a vertical blind of the present invention, hanging shafts 6a, 6b that suspend and support each slat 2a, 2b are rotatably supported by a plurality of runners 3a, 3b supported on a hanger rail 1. By rotating a tilt shaft 4, the slats 3a, 3b can be rotated. A first runner 3a is arranged adjacent to a second runner 3b, the first runner 3a transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 to the hanging shaft 6a, the second runner 3b does not transmit the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 to the hanging shaft 6b, converts a force generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b and directly or indirectly transmits it to the hanging shaft 6b, and has a bias switching mechanism (66, 35) that rotationally guides the hanging shaft 6b without vertical movement of the hanging shaft 6b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical blind with multiple slats that are angle adjustable. [Background technology]

[0002] In vertical blinds, slats are suspended from a number of runners that are movably supported within a hanger rail so that each slat can be adjusted in angle, and the amount of light entering the room can be adjusted appropriately by pulling out the slats along the hanger rail and adjusting the angle of the slats.

[0003] The slats are made of a light-blocking or semi-transparent material, and the angle can be adjusted by operating the operating device.

[0004] Incidentally, one type of vertical blind has been disclosed in which a suspension shaft that suspends and supports slats is rotatably supported on each runner, and a gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of a tilt shaft inserted into each runner to the suspension shaft is provided for each runner (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).The tilt shaft is then rotated by an operating device to rotate the suspension shaft of each runner for all runners via the gear mechanism, thereby enabling the slats to be rotated.

[0005] On the other hand, a vertical blind has been disclosed in which the rotation of the tilt axis is not transmitted on every other one of a plurality of runners, and the hooks of the runners that are not transmitting the rotation are provided with coil springs that urge in one rotational direction, so that the blinds automatically return to a state in which the gaps between the louvers (slats) suspended and supported by each runner are almost completely closed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4966849 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4953916 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 3228687 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the vertical blinds disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 and 2, all runners are provided with gear mechanisms to enable the slats to be rotated. This configuration has the problem of gaps occurring between the slats depending on the rotation angle, and furthermore, since the gear mechanism is set with a gear ratio in the direction in which the operating load becomes heavier, there is room for improvement in terms of operability in rotating the slats.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a vertical blind in which the rotation of the tilt shaft of every other runner is not transmitted, and the hooks of the runners that are not transmitted are provided with coil springs that urge in one rotation direction, automatically returning the gaps between the louvers (slats) suspended and supported by each runner to a state where they are almost completely closed. However, with this configuration, the operating load increases depending on the rotation angle of the louvers (slats), and there is still room for improvement in terms of operability related to the rotation of the slats.

[0009] Therefore, in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a vertical blind that suppresses the occurrence of gaps between slats due to the rotation angle of the slats and improves the operability of rotating the slats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The vertical blind of the present invention is a vertical blind that supports a plurality of runners on a hanger rail, rotatably supports a suspension shaft that suspends and supports a slat on each runner, and rotates a tilt shaft inserted into each runner to rotate the slat, and the plurality of runners are composed of a first runner and a second runner disposed adjacent to the first runner, and the first runner is provided with a gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft to the suspension shaft of the first runner, and the second runner is provided with a gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft to the suspension shaft of the first runner, The rotation is not transmitted to the hanging shaft of the second runner, and the second runner has a force conversion mechanism that converts a force generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft of the second runner according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner into a force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft of the second runner, and the force conversion mechanism is configured to transmit the force in the rotational direction directly or indirectly to the hanging shaft according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner, and to guide the rotation of the hanging shaft without moving it up and down.

[0011] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force conversion mechanism converts the force generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the suspension axis of the second runner according to the rotation angle of the suspension axis of the second runner into a rotational force of the suspension axis of the second runner so that the slat suspended and supported by the second runner is rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail, with the rotation angle of the suspension axis of the second runner as the boundary at which the slat is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail.

[0012] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the first runners and the second runners are arranged alternately, different types of slats are suspended from the first runners and the second runners, respectively, and the slats suspended from the suspension shaft of the second runner are configured to rotate by contact with the slats that rotate with the rotation of the suspension shaft of the first runner.

[0013] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force conversion mechanism is characterized in that it has a means for converting a force generated in a horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging shaft of the second runner according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner into a force in the rotation direction of the hanging shaft of the second runner, and for transmitting the force in the rotation direction directly to the hanging shaft according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner.

[0014] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force conversion mechanism is characterized in that it has an intermediate shaft that converts a force generated in a horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging shaft of the second runner according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner into a rotational force, and rotates based on the rotational force, and a rotation transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the intermediate shaft to the hanging shaft of the second runner, thereby indirectly transmitting the rotational force to the hanging shaft according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner.

[0015] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force generated in the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the suspension axis of the second runner is a pulling force generated in the horizontal direction, and the pulling force is configured to be generated by either a tension spring or a magnetic force, or both.

[0016] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force generated in the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the suspension axis of the second runner depending on the rotation angle of the suspension axis of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in the horizontal direction, and the pressing force is configured to be generated by either a compression spring or a magnetic force, or both.

[0017] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force generated in the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging axis of the second runner depending on the rotation angle of the hanging axis of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in the vertical direction, and the pressing force is configured to be generated by either the weight of the slat related to the hanging axis of the second runner or a pressing spring, or both, and the force conversion mechanism has a means for transmitting the pressing force to the hanging axis of the second runner by a cam structure.

[0018] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force generated in the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging shaft of the second runner depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in the horizontal direction, and the pressing force is generated by a pressing spring that presses horizontally against an elliptical cylindrical portion formed on the upper part of the hanging shaft of the second runner, and the force conversion mechanism is characterized by having a means for directly transmitting the pressing force to the hanging shaft of the second runner.

[0019] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the force generated in the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging axis of the second runner depending on the rotation angle of the hanging axis of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in the horizontal direction, and the pressing force is generated by a pressing spring that presses horizontally against the elliptical cylindrical portion formed on the intermediate axis, and the force conversion mechanism is characterized by having a means for indirectly transmitting the pressing force to the hanging axis of the second runner.

[0020] Furthermore, in the vertical blind of the present invention, a slat hanger is provided to hold the upper edge of the slat, and each of the plurality of runners is configured to suspend and support the slat hanger at approximately the longitudinal center thereof, and a stopper is formed at both longitudinal ends of the slat hanger, and the stopper is formed in a shape that abuts each slat adjacent to a certain slat at only one point or at two points, and even when abutting at two points, the distance between the two points is less than the thickness of the main body of the slat hanger.

[0021] In addition, in the vertical blind of the present invention, the retaining member is characterized by having an inner curved portion that bulges outward in a circular shape and continues from the side of the main body of the slat hanger, and an outer end portion that is cut out at the very end of the main body of the slat hanger with a width corresponding to the thickness of the main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to configure a vertical blind that suppresses the occurrence of gaps between slats depending on the rotation angle and improves the operability of rotating the slats. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a vertical blind according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1(a) and 1(b) are side views showing partial cross sections of first and second runners of a first embodiment of a vertical blind according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1(a) to 1(c) are side views, each partially in section, illustrating the operation of the second runner of the first embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention. [Figure 4]1(a) to 1(e) are respectively a side view schematically showing the operation of the suspension axis of the second runner of the first embodiment of the vertical blind of the present invention, and a plan view schematically showing how the second slat suspended and supported by the second runner rotates together with the adjacent first slat. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are plan views each showing a schematic rotation of each slat in a vertical blind according to the present invention from a fully closed state to a reverse fully closed state, and from a reverse fully closed state to a fully closed state, respectively. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view showing a state in which each slat of the vertical blind according to the present invention is rotated back to the fully closed state halfway from the fully closed state to the reverse fully closed state. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are plan views each showing the rotation of each slat from fully closed to reverse fully closed, and from reverse fully closed to fully closed, respectively, when a gear mechanism that transmits rotation from the tilt shaft is provided on all runners of a conventional vertical blind. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which each slat rotates back to fully closed halfway from fully closed to reverse fully closed when a gear mechanism that transmits rotation from the tilt shaft is provided on all runners of a conventional vertical blind. [Figure 9] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views each showing a schematic structure and operation of a second runner of a second embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with a part shown in cross section. [Figure 10] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of the second runner of a modified example of the second embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and (b) and (c) are side views showing the schematic structure and operation of the second runner of a modified example of the second embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with a portion shown in cross section. [Figure 11] 1(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of a second runner of a third embodiment in a vertical blind according to the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view and corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner of the third embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of the second runner of a modified example of the third embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view and corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner of the modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of a second runner of a fourth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view and corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of the second runner of a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view and corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner of the modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views each showing a schematic structure and operation, with a part in cross section, of a second runner of a fifth embodiment of a vertical blind according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of the second runner of the sixth embodiment in the vertical blind according to the present invention, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view and corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10(a) is a plan view showing the schematic structure of the second runner of a modified example of the sixth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view and corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner of the modified example of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the general shape of a typical slat hanger of the prior art, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view showing the rotational movement of each slat when the prior art slat hanger is applied to the vertical blinds of the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples) of the present invention. [Figure 19]FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the outline of the shape of a slat hanger according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view showing the rotational movement of each slat when the slat hanger according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a vertical blind according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples) of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1A is a plan view showing the general shape of a typical slat hanger of the prior art, and a partially enlarged view of the prevention mechanism thereof; FIG. 1B is a plan view showing the general shape of a slat hanger of one embodiment of the present invention, and a partially enlarged view of the prevention mechanism thereof; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A vertical blind according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the upper and lower sides of the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 are defined as the upper direction (or upper side) and the lower direction (or lower side), respectively, and the left side of the vertical blind is defined as the left side of the vertical blind, and the right side of the vertical blind is defined as the right side of the vertical blind. In the examples described below, the side viewed from the front view of the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 is defined as the front side (or indoor side), and the opposite side is defined as the rear side (or outdoor side).

[0025] [Overall structure of vertical blinds] Fig. 1 is a front view showing the schematic configuration of a vertical blind according to the present invention. The vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 has a number of first and second slats 2a, 2b suspended from a clothes rail 1, and each slat 2a, 2b is suspended from a first and second runner 3a, 3b, respectively, which are supported movably within the clothes rail 1.

[0026] Slats 2a are made of a light-blocking fabric such as drape fabric, and slats 2b are made of a semi-transparent fabric such as lace fabric that allows some light to pass through, and slats 2a and slats 2b are arranged alternately.

[0027] That is, a first suspension shaft 6a that supports and suspends the slat 2a is rotatably supported on each of the runners 3a, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6a. Also, a second suspension shaft 6b that supports and suspends the slat 2b is rotatably supported on each of the runners 3b, and a hook 61 is also provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b.

[0028] A first slat hanger 14a for suspending and supporting a slat 2a is hung on the hook 61 of each runner 3a. A second slat hanger 14b for suspending and supporting a slat 2b is hung on the hook 61 of each runner 3b. In this embodiment, the first slat hanger 14a and the second slat hanger 14b are identical (same shape and same length), but they may be of different shapes or lengths when, for example, the sizes of the slats 2a and 2b are changed.

[0029] Although details will be described later, a tilt shaft 4 having three splines is inserted and engaged with each of the runners 3a, while a tilt shaft 4 is inserted and disengaged with each of the runners 3b, allowing relative movement between the runners 3a and 3b in the axial direction of the tilt shaft 4. That is, for each runner 3a, the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is directly transmitted to the runners 3a via a gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in FIG. 2(a) described later), but since no gear mechanism is provided for each runner 3b, the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted to the runners 3b (described later with reference to FIG. 2(b)). However, the slat 2b suspended and supported by the suspension shaft 6b of the runner 3b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which rotates with the rotation of the suspension shaft of the runner 3a. Both ends of the tilt shaft 4 are rotatably supported by end caps 5a and 5b attached to both ends of the hanger rail 1.

[0030] A tilt operation rod 9 is suspended from one end of the hanger rail 1, and when the tilt operation rod 9 is rotated, the tilt shaft 4 is rotated via a tilt gear mechanism (not shown) disposed within the end cap 5a. The rotation of the tilt shaft 4 rotates the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a, causing the slats 2a suspended and supported by each runner 3a to rotate. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, slats 2b are configured to rotate by coming into contact with the rotating slat 2a.

[0031] An operating cord 10 hanging down from the end cap 5a is arranged so that it can circle inside the hanger rail 1, and is attached to, for example, the leading runner of the runners 3a that is arranged closest to the end cap 5b. The runners 3a and 3b are connected by a spacer 11, which sets the maximum distance between the runners 3a and 3b.

[0032] Therefore, when the leading runner is moved by operating the operating cord 10, the following runners are successively pulled out following the leading runner, or the following runners are successively pushed back by the leading runner. By this operation, the slats 2a, 2b suspended from the runners 3a, 3b respectively are pulled out along the hanger rail 1, or folded into the other end of the hanger rail 1.

[0033] [First embodiment] The structure of each runner 3a, 3b of the first embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 2(a) and (b). Figures 2(a) and (b) are side views, each showing a partial cross section, of the first and second runners 3a, 3b of the first embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention. In Figures 2(a) and (b), similar components are given the same reference numerals.

[0034] (First runner 3a) First, as shown in FIG. 2(a), a hanging shaft 6a that suspends and supports a slat 2a is rotatably supported on each of the runners 3a, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the hanging shaft 6a. A first slat hanger 14a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is then hung on the hook 61 of the hanging shaft 6a. The hanger rail 1 movably supports each runner 3a with an opening 1a formed in its bottom surface. FIG. 2(a) shows a state in which the surface of the slat 2a is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1. The runners 3a have the same basic structure as a conventional one, in which no spring is provided on the hanging shaft 6a.

[0035] That is, the runner 3a has a first hollow cavity 31a that is approximately rectangular and opens upward inside its first runner case 30a, and the worm 12 is rotatably supported in a bearing hole 34 formed in the side wall of the hollow cavity 31a.

[0036] The suspension shaft 6a is rotatably supported in the hollow portion 31a in the center of the runner case 30a, and the worm wheel 13 that meshes with the worm 12 is attached to an upper end portion 63 of the suspension shaft 6a above the flange portion 62 via a friction body 64. The friction body 64 is provided to ensure friction between the outer circumferential surface of the upper end portion 63 of the suspension shaft 6a and the inner circumferential surface of the worm wheel 13. The suspension shaft 6a and the worm wheel 13 are always rotated together within a predetermined rotation range due to friction generated between the friction body 64 and the inner circumferential surface of the worm wheel 13. The tilt shaft 4 is inserted into the center of the worm 12 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction but not rotatable relative to the worm 12. Therefore, when the tilt shaft 4 rotates, the suspension shaft 6a rotates via the worm 12 and the worm wheel 13. Furthermore, a stopper (not shown) that sets the rotation range is provided between the hanging shaft 6a (below the flange portion 62) and the hollow portion 31a in the runner case 30a, and when the slat 2a is rotated in a direction substantially along the hanger rail 1 as the hanging shaft 6a rotates, further rotation of the hanging shaft 6a in the same direction is prevented. Then, in a state in which the rotation of the hanging shaft 6a is prevented, the worm wheel 13 rotates freely relative to the hanging shaft 6a. In other words, the rotation range of the hanging shaft 6a when the slat 2a is rotated from the fully closed state to the reverse fully closed state, which is reversed by approximately 180 degrees, is set to approximately 180 degrees.

[0037] In the runner 3a, rollers 8 are rotatably supported on roller shafts 32 extending horizontally on both front-rear sides of the runner case 30a (on both the left and right sides in FIG. 2(a)), and these rollers 8 move within the hanger rail 1 using ribs 1b protruding from the inside surface of the hanger rail 1 as guide rails. Furthermore, on both front-rear sides of the runner case 30a of the runner 3a (on both the left and right sides in FIG. 2(a)), through-holes 33 are formed through which the operating cord 10, which is arranged so as to be able to run around within the hanger rail 1, can be inserted. In this way, in cord-operated vertical blinds in which the transport of each runner is controlled by the operating cord 10, which is arranged so as to be able to run around within the hanger rail 1, the operating cord 10 is inserted through these through-holes 33. Note that instead of a configuration in which the operating cord 10 runs around, a configuration in which a transport cord that moves around by operating the operating cord 10 may be used.

[0038] (Second runner 3b) Next, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a hanging shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is rotatably supported on each of the runners 3b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the hanging shaft 6b. A second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on the hook 61 of the hanging shaft 6b. The hanger rail 1 movably supports each runner 3b with an opening 1a formed in its bottom surface. FIG. 2(b) shows a state in which the surface of the slat 2b is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1. Unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3b does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in FIG. 2(a)) of the runner 3a. Therefore, the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted to the slat 2b, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a.

[0039] That is, runner 3b opens upward inside second runner case 30b, and as shown in the figure, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped hollow second cavity 31b is formed in part having a support wall for suspension shaft 6b, and tilt shaft 4 is inserted through bearing hole 34 without engaging with it. Therefore, rotation of tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted to suspension shaft 6b.

[0040] The hanging shaft 6b is rotatably supported in a hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, and a runner cap 7 is provided on the upper part of a second flange portion 65 of the hanging shaft 6b via a compression spring (compression spring) 15. The runner cap 7 is fixed to the upper end of the hollow portion 31b. The compression spring (compression spring) 15 provided between the runner cap 7 and the flange portion 65 of the hanging shaft 6b "does not bias the hanging shaft 6b in one rotational direction," but "generates a pressing force in a direction that always presses the hanging shaft 6b downward."

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, a triangular protrusion 66 having a downward triangular apex is formed on the circumferential surface of the suspension shaft 6b below the flange portion 65 of the suspension shaft 6b. This triangular protrusion 66 is similarly formed at a position directly opposite the central axis of the suspension shaft 6b by 180 degrees (on the back side of the surface shown in the figure), that is, a pair of triangular protrusions 66 are formed at positions on the circumferential surface that are axially symmetric with respect to the central axis of the suspension shaft 6b.

[0042] Furthermore, in the hollow portion 31b of the runner case 30b, the inner side wall that rotatably supports the suspension shaft 6b is formed with a slope portion 35 having a triangular apex facing upward as shown in the figure that engages with the apex of the triangular protrusion 66 on the suspension shaft 6b, and the slope portion 35 guides the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b while moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b. These triangular slope portions 35 are similarly formed on the cylindrical inner peripheral walls on both the left and right sides of the hollow portion 31a (the cylindrical inner peripheral walls on both the front and rear sides in the illustration of FIG. 2(b)) at positions that are directly opposite each other by 180 degrees across the central axis of the suspension shaft 6b that supports rotation, and are smoothly continuous; in other words, a pair of slope portions 35 are formed so as to smoothly continue at positions on the inner side walls of the hollow portion 31a that are axially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the suspension shaft 6b that supports rotation.

[0043] That is, the runner 3b is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a force conversion mechanism (slope portion 35 and triangular convex portion 66) that converts the pressing force generated vertically downward relative to the hanging shaft 6b by at least the weight of the slat 2b and the compression spring (compression spring) 15 into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This pressing force conversion mechanism (slope portion 35 and triangular convex portion 66) can convert the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0044] Furthermore, because a pressing force constantly acts on the hanging shaft 6b in a downward direction due to the weight of the slats 2b that it supports, a pressing force is constantly generated in the direction of constantly pressing the hanging shaft 6b downward, even without providing a pressing spring (compression spring) 15, and the slope section 35 can guide the rotation of the hanging shaft 6b while moving it up and down according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. However, the pressing spring (compression spring) 15 functions to assist the pressing force due to the weight of the runner 3b relative to the hanging shaft 6b. For this reason, for example, when configuring slats 2b so that various fabrics can be used, providing a pressing spring (compression spring) 15 is preferable because it can stabilize the operation of guiding the rotation of the hanging shaft 6b by the slope section 35 while moving it up and down according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b.

[0045] 3(a) to 3(c) show side views with partial cross sections to explain the operation of the second runner 3b. Fig. 3(a) shows a state when the surface of the slat 2b is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the weight of the slat 2b and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 of the hanging shaft 6b cause the apex of the triangular protrusion 66 of the hanging shaft 6b to engage with the slope portion 35 of the runner case 30b, making it possible to convert the force into a rotational biasing force. In the state shown in Fig. 3(a), the position of the hanging shaft 6b is at the highest position in its movable range relative to the runner case 30b.

[0046] From the state shown in FIG. 3(a), slat 2b comes into contact with slat 2a, which rotates in accordance with the rotation of tilt shaft 4, with almost no gap between them. As a result, when suspension shaft 6b begins to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3(a), for example, suspension shaft 6b rotates while the apex of triangular convex portion 66 is guided along slope portion 35, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(b), suspension shaft 6b is guided to rotate while moving downward.

[0047] At this time, the weight of the slat 2b and the pressing force of the compression spring (spring) 15 act on the hanging shaft 6b, so the hanging shaft 6b maintains a state in which slat 3b is in contact with slat 2a with almost no gap between them, and is rotationally guided through the state shown in Fig. 3(b) to the state shown in Fig. 3(c) in which the surface of slat 2b is positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the clothes rail 1. Note that even when the hanging shaft 6b begins to rotate from the state shown in Fig. 3(a) in the direction opposite to the direction shown in Fig. 3(a), the hanging shaft 6b is rotationally guided to a state exactly opposite to the state shown in Fig. 3(c) in which the surface of slat 2b is positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the clothes rail 1.

[0048] In this way, the hanging shaft 6b moves up and down according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b, and therefore the slats 2b suspended and supported by the hooks 61 of the hanging shaft 6b also move up and down according to the rotation angle of the slats 2b. The range D of up and down movement of the slats 2b is set to approximately 2 mm, which is so small that the up and down movement is almost imperceptible to the operator. Furthermore, when both slats 2a, 2b are in a nearly fully closed state, the slat height at the lowest limit of the range of up and down movement of slat 2b is set to be approximately the same as the slat height of slat 2a, so that the shielding effect is not impaired and the aesthetic appearance is maintained from the standpoint of design.

[0049] Furthermore, slat 2b rotates due to contact caused by the rotation of slat 2a. Therefore, unlike runner 3a, runner 3b does not need to be provided with a stopper (not shown) that sets a rotation range between hanging shaft 6b and hollow portion 31b in runner case 30b. However, similar to runner 3a, runner 3b may be provided with a stopper that prevents further rotation of hanging shaft 6b in the same direction when slat 2b rotates in a direction substantially along hanger rail 1 with the rotation of hanging shaft 6b.

[0050] The runners 3b have rollers 8 rotatably supported on roller shafts 32 extending horizontally on both front-to-rear sides of the runner case 30b (on both the left and right sides in FIG. 2(b)), and these rollers 8 move within the hanger rail 1 using ribs 1b protruding from the inner surface of the hanger rail 1 as guide rails. Also, on both front-to-rear sides of the runner case 30b of the runner 3b (on both the left and right sides in FIG. 2(b)), through-holes 33 are formed through which the operating cord 10, which is arranged so as to be able to run around within the hanger rail 1, can be inserted. In this way, in cord-operated vertical blinds in which the transport of each runner is controlled by the operating cord 10, which is arranged so as to be able to run around within the hanger rail 1, the operating cord 10 is inserted through these through-holes 33. Note that instead of a configuration in which the operating cord 10 runs around, a configuration in which a transport cord that moves around when the operating cord 10 is operated may be used.

[0051] (Rotation of slat 2b) Figures 4(a) to (e) are respectively a side view schematically showing the operation of the suspension shaft 6b on the second runner 3b of the first embodiment of the vertical blind of the present invention, and a plan view schematically showing how the second slat 2b suspended and supported by the second runner 3b rotates together with the adjacent first slat 2a.

[0052] First, FIG. 4(a) shows a side view of the suspension shaft 6b of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state. When the operation cord 10 is operated to pull out the leading runner along the hanger rail 1, the following runners 3a and 3b are sequentially pulled out at a predetermined interval. After that, when the tilt operation rod 9 is operated to rotate the slat 2a until it is aligned with the hanger rail 1, the slat 2b also moves along the hanger rail 1, and the fully closed state shown in FIG. 4(a) is reached. The rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a and the suspension shaft 6b in the state shown in FIG. 4(a) is 0 degrees. Furthermore, in the fully closed state shown in FIG. 4(a), the heights of the slats 2a and 2b are the same.

[0053] When the tilt shaft 4 is rotated in one direction by rotating the tilt control rod 9 from the state shown in Figure 4(a) and the face of each slat 2a becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the clothes rail 1 (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is 90 degrees), as shown in Figure 4(b), both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hangers 14b) are arranged to abut against the upper edge of each slat 2a, so each slat 2b also rotates. When the face of each slat 2a becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the clothes rail 1, the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b is about 45 degrees, and the weight of the slats 2b and the pressing force of the compression springs (compression springs) 15 act on the hanging shaft 6b that supports and suspends each slat 2b, so it tries to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the slats 2a. Therefore, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides thereof, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a and 2b.

[0054] When the tilt shaft 4 is further rotated in one direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 from the state shown in FIG. 4(b), the surface of each slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1, as shown in FIG. 4(c), with almost no gap between the slats 2a and 2b (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is 135 degrees, and the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b is approximately 90 degrees). When the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b is approximately 90 degrees, the downward apex of the triangular convex portion 66 of the hanging shaft 6b engages with the upward apex of the slope portion 35 of the runner case 30b, and the position of the hanging shaft 6b is at the uppermost position in the range of movement relative to the runner case 30b. In other words, the state of the slat 2b shown in FIG. 4(c) is a state in which it is elevated by a distance D (approximately 2 mm) from the state of the slat 2b shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0055] If an attempt is made to rotate the tilt shaft 4 further in that direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 from the state shown in Figure 4(c), as shown in Figure 4(d), the apex of the triangular convex portion 66 of the hanging shaft 6b is guided by the slope portion 35 and begins to descend in the direction in which the position of the hanging shaft 6b descends as a relative movable range with respect to the runner case 30b. Because the weight of the slats 2b and the pressing force of the compression springs 15 act on the hanging shafts 6b that support and suspend each slat 2b, the slats 2b switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotational direction of slats 2a, and each slat 2b instantly rotates so that both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hangers 14b) abut against the upper edge of each slat 2a in the opposite relationship to that shown in Figure 4(b).

[0056] Then, after passing through the state shown in Fig. 4(d), when the tilt shaft 4 is rotated in that direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 and slat 2a is placed in the reverse fully closed position, which is the opposite of that shown in Fig. 4(a), the position of the suspending shaft 6b reaches the lowest position in its range of movement relative to the runner case 30b and reaches its lowest point, with almost no gap between slats 2a and 2b, and the rotation angle of the suspending shafts 6a and 6b in the state shown in Fig. 4(d) becomes approximately 180 degrees, and slat 2b is also placed in the reverse fully closed position, as shown in Fig. 4(e). Furthermore, in the reverse fully closed position shown in Fig. 4(e), the heights of the slats 2a and 2b are the same.

[0057] More specifically, Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are plan views each showing the rotation of each slat 2a, 2b of the vertical blind according to the present invention from fully closed to fully reverse closed, and from fully reverse closed to fully closed. Figure 5(a) shows the transition of rotating each slat 2a, 2b by approximately 180 degrees from fully closed to fully reverse closed as steps S1 to S10. Figure 5(b) shows the transition of rotating each slat 2a, 2b by approximately 180 degrees from fully reverse closed to fully closed as steps S11 to S20.

[0058] 5(a), when the slats 2a and 2b are in a fully closed state (step S1), the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a and the suspension shaft 6b is set to 0 degrees. In the fully closed state shown in step S1, the heights of the slats 2a and 2b are the same.

[0059] When the tilt shaft 4 starts to rotate in the reverse fully closed direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 from the state shown in step S1, each slat 2b also rotates because both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hanger 14b) are arranged to abut against the upper edge of each slat 2a. Until the surface of each slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (steps S2 to S6), each slat 2b tries to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of slat 2a due to the weight of the slat 2b and the pressing force of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 acting on the hanging shaft 6b that supports and suspends each slat 2b. As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, leaving almost no gap between the slats 2a and 2b.

[0060] When the surface of each slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (step S7), the position of the suspension shaft 6b is at the top of its range of movement relative to the runner case 30b.

[0061] If an attempt is made to rotate the tilt shaft 4 in the reverse fully closed direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 from the state shown in step S7, the position of the hanging shaft 6b is guided in a downward direction as a relative movable range with respect to the runner case 30b. Because the weight of the slats 2b and the pressing force of the compression springs 15 act on the hanging shafts 6b that support and suspend each slat 2b, the slats 2b switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotational direction of the slats 2a, and each slat 2b instantly rotates so that both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hangers 14b) abut against the upper edge of each slat 2a in the opposite relationship to steps S2 to S6 (step S8).

[0062] Then, after passing through the state shown in step S8, when the tilt shaft 4 is rotated in the reverse fully closed direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 and slat 2a is fully reverse closed, the position of the suspending shaft 6b is guided in a downward direction as part of its relative movable range with respect to runner case 30b with almost no gap between slats 2a, 2b (step S9), and when the position of the suspending shaft 6b reaches the lowest position in its relative movable range with respect to runner case 30b and has descended to the bottom, the rotation angle of the suspending shafts 6a and 6b becomes approximately 180 degrees, and slat 2b is also fully reverse closed, as shown in step S10. Furthermore, in the reverse fully closed state shown in step S10, the heights of the slats 2a, 2b are the same.

[0063] Figure 5(b) shows the transition of rotating each slat 2a, 2b approximately 180 degrees from reverse fully closed to fully closed as steps S11 to S20.The operation is the same as Figure 5(a) except that the direction of rotation of each slat 2a, 2b is different.

[0064] 5(b), when the slats 2a, 2b are in the reverse fully closed state (step S11), the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a and the suspension shaft 6b is set to 180 degrees. In the reverse fully closed state shown in step S11, the heights of the slats 2a, 2b are the same.

[0065] When the tilt shaft 4 starts to rotate in the fully closed direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 from the state shown in step S11, each slat 2b also rotates because both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hanger 14b) are arranged to abut against the upper edge of each slat 2a. Until the surface of each slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (steps S12 to S16), each slat 2b tends to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of slat 2a due to the weight of the slat 2b and the pressing force of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 acting on the hanging shaft 6b that supports and suspends each slat 2b. As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, leaving almost no gap between the slats 2a and 2b.

[0066] When the surface of each slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (step S17), the position of the suspension shaft 6b is at the top of its range of movement relative to the runner case 30b.

[0067] If an attempt is made to rotate the tilt shaft 4 further in the fully closed direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 from the state shown in step S17, the position of the hanging shaft 6b is guided in a downward direction as a relative movable range with respect to the runner case 30b. Because the weight of the slats 2b and the pressing force of the compression springs 15 act on the hanging shafts 6b that support and suspend each slat 2b, the slats 2b switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotational direction of the slats 2a, and each slat 2b instantly rotates so that both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hangers 14b) abut against the upper edge of each slat 2a in the opposite relationship to steps S12 to S16 (step S18).

[0068] Then, after passing through the state shown in step S18, when the tilt shaft 4 is rotated in the fully closed direction by rotating the tilt operation rod 9 and slat 2a is fully closed, the position of the suspending shaft 6b is guided in a downward direction as part of its relative movable range with respect to runner case 30b with almost no gap between slats 2a and 2b (step S19), and when the position of the suspending shaft 6b reaches the lowest position in its relative movable range with respect to runner case 30b and has descended to the bottom, the rotation angle of the suspending shafts 6a and 6b becomes approximately 0 degrees, and slat 2b is also fully closed, as shown in step S20. Furthermore, in the fully closed state shown in step S20, the heights of the slats 2a and 2b are the same.

[0069] 6 is a plan view schematically showing how the slats 2a, 2b of the vertical blind according to the present invention are rotated back to the fully closed state halfway from the fully closed state to the reverse fully closed state. Steps S1 to S7 shown in FIG. 6 are the same as steps S1 to S7 shown in FIG.

[0070] In FIG. 6, the state shown in step S7 is one in which the surface of each slat 2b is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1, and the position of the hanging shaft 6b is at the top of its range of movement relative to the runner case 30b.

[0071] Then, from the state shown in step S7, when an attempt is made to rotate the tilt shaft 4 back to fully closed by rotating the tilt control rod 9 while the tilt shaft 4 is moving from fully closed to reverse fully closed, the position of the hanging shaft 6b is guided in a downward direction as part of the range of movement relative to the runner case 30b. Because the weight of the slats 2b and the pressing force of the compression springs 15 act on the hanging shafts 6b that support and suspend each slat 2b, the slats 2b return to a state in which they rotate in the same direction as the rotational direction of the slats 2a, and both ends of the upper edge of each slat 2b (more precisely, both ends of the second slat hangers 14b) come into contact with the upper edge of each slat 2a in the same relationship as in step S6, causing each slat 2b to rotate (step S8').

[0072] Then, after passing through the state shown in step S8', when the tilt axis 4 is rotated in the fully closed direction by rotating the tilt control rod 9 and slat 2a is fully closed, the position of hanging axis 6b is guided in a downward direction as a relative movable range with respect to runner case 30b, with almost no gap between slats 2a and 2b (steps S9' to S11'), and when the position of hanging axis 6b reaches the lowest position as a relative movable range with respect to runner case 30b and has descended to the bottom, the rotation angle of hanging axis 6a and hanging axis 6b becomes nearly 0 degrees, and slat 2b is also fully closed, as shown in step S12'.

[0073] When the slats 2a, 2b are rotated back to the reverse fully closed position halfway from the reverse fully closed position to the fully closed position, the operation is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 except that the rotation direction of the slats 2a, 2b is different.

[0074] As described above, in the vertical blind according to the present invention, the runner 3b is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (slope portion 35 and triangular convex portion 66) that converts a pressing force generated vertically downward relative to the hanging shaft 6b due to at least the weight of the slat 2b into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This pressing force conversion mechanism (slope portion 35 and triangular convex portion 66) can convert a force (pressing force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0075] Therefore, in the vertical blind according to the present invention, in order to rotate the slat 2b, a mechanism for adjusting the rotation speed of the hanging shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotation speed of the hanging shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required, and the force required for tilting is reduced because the weight of the slat 2b and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 act on the hanging shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b.

[0076] As a comparative example, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operation of a conventional vertical blind as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in which all runners 3a, 3b are provided with gear mechanisms (worms 12 and worm wheels 13) that transmit rotation from the tilt shaft 4, will be described. For the sake of convenience, in Figures 7 and 8, the conventional vertical blind will also be described as each slat 2a, 2b.

[0077] 7(a) and 7(b) are plan views schematically showing how each slat 2a, 2b rotates from fully closed to fully reversed closed and from fully reversed closed to fully closed when all runners 3a, 3b in a conventional vertical blind as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are provided with gear mechanisms (worm 12 and worm wheel 13) that transmit rotation from tilt shaft 4. In the conventional vertical blind as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the gear ratios of the gear mechanisms differ between the runner 3 that suspends and supports slat 2a and the runner 3 that suspends and supports slat 2b, and the rotation angle of slat 2b is set to be, for example, twice the rotation angle of slat 2a. In other words, the rotational speed difference is set so that slat 2b rotates at, for example, half the speed of slat 2a.

[0078] First, referring to FIG. 7(a), when each slat 2a, 2b is in a fully closed state (step S101), and the tilt axis 4 begins to rotate in the reverse fully closed direction by rotating the tilt control rod 9, slat 2a and slat 2b rotate at a rotational speed difference corresponding to the gear ratio of each gear mechanism (steps S102 to S105), and a gap may occur between slats 2a, 2b.

[0079] While slat 2a is pushing against adjacent slat 2b (steps S106 to S108), no gap is created between slats 2a and 2b, but since slat 2b is not completely closed when slat 2a is fully reverse closed (step S109), it is necessary to allow the rotation of suspension shaft 6a that supports slat 2a to slip (to spin freely) and rotate tilt operation rod 9 an additional amount until slat 2b is fully closed (step S110). This increases the operating force required for tilt operation.

[0080] Similarly, referring to Figure 7(b), when each slat 2a, 2b is in a reverse fully closed state (step S111), and the tilt axis 4 begins to rotate in the fully closed direction by rotating the tilt control rod 9, slat 2a and slat 2b rotate at a rotational speed difference corresponding to the gear ratio of each gear mechanism (steps S112 to S115), and a gap may occur between slats 2a, 2b.

[0081] While slat 2a is pushing against adjacent slat 2b (steps S116 to S118), no gap is created between slats 2a and 2b, but since slat 2b is not completely closed when slat 2a is fully reverse closed (step S119), it is necessary to allow the rotation of suspension shaft 6a that supports slat 2a to slip (to spin freely) and rotate tilt operation rod 9 an additional amount until slat 2b is fully closed (step S120). This increases the operating force required for tilt operation.

[0082] 8 is a plan view schematically showing how each slat 2a, 2b rotates back to fully closed halfway from fully closed to reverse fully closed when all runners 3a, 3b in a conventional vertical blind as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are provided with a gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13) that transmits rotation from the tilt shaft 4. Steps S101 to S107 shown in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S101 to S107 shown in FIG. 7.

[0083] 8, in the state shown in step S107, slat 2a pushes adjacent slat 2b, and no gap is created between slats 2a and 2b. However, if tilt shaft 4 is rotated back to fully closed by tilt operation rod 9 while moving from fully closed to reverse fully closed, slat 2a must push adjacent slat 2b. Therefore, after step S108' in which no gap is created between slats 2a and 2b, by the time the pushing action corresponds to the difference in rotational speed, slat 2a may be fully closed even if slat 2a is fully closed, while slat 2b is not fully closed (steps S109' to S112'), and a gap may be created between slats 2a and 2b. Then, until slat 2b is fully closed, the rotation of suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports slat 2a must slip (be idled), and tilt operation rod 9 must be rotated an additional amount, which increases the operating force required for tilt operation.

[0084] In particular, in conventional vertical blinds such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the tilt shaft 4 is rotated from fully closed to fully reverse closed by rotating the tilt control rod 9, and then begins to rotate back to fully closed, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b becomes noticeable. This also occurs when the tilt shaft 4 is rotated from fully reverse closed to fully reverse closed, and then begins to rotate back to fully reverse closed.

[0085] As described above, in conventional vertical blinds such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, all runners 3a, 3b are provided with a gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13) that transmits rotation from the tilt axis 4, and the gear ratio of the gear mechanism differs between the runner 3 that supports slat 2a and the runner 3 that supports slat 2b; for example, the rotation angle of slat 2b is set to be twice the rotation angle of slat 2a, which causes gaps to occur between slats 2a, 2b depending on the slat angle, making it even more difficult to operate.

[0086] On the other hand, in the vertical blind according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 6, in order to rotate the slat 2b, a mechanism for adjusting the rotation speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotation speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required. The weight of the slat 2b and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 act on the suspension shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. In this way, in the vertical blind according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b, and even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the bias switching mechanism is configured to guide the rotation of the hanging shaft 6b while moving it up and down according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using the triangular protrusion 66 provided on the hanging shaft 6b and the slope portion 35 provided on the runner case 30b, but it is not necessary to be limited to this form. For example, the bias switching mechanism may be configured by providing a slope portion similar to the slope portion 35 on the hanging shaft 6b side, and a triangular protrusion similar to the triangular protrusion 66 on the runner case 30b side. Furthermore, the bias switching mechanism may be configured by providing a pin on one of the hanging shaft 6b and the runner case 30b, and providing a guide hole that guides the movement of the pin on the other, and by providing the bias switching mechanism to guide the rotation of the hanging shaft 6b while moving it up and down according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b.

[0088] The second runner 3b in the first embodiment described above has been described as having a force conversion mechanism (slope portion 35 and triangular convex portion 66) that converts the pressing force generated vertically downward by at least the weight of the slat 2b relative to the hanging shaft 6b and, more preferably, by a pressing spring (compression spring) 15, into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. For this reason, the force conversion mechanism (slope portion 35 and triangular convex portion 66) in the second embodiment is configured to guide the hanging shaft 6b in rotation while moving it up and down depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. On the other hand, when a biasing force conversion mechanism is configured for the second runner 3b that converts a force generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the suspension shaft 6b in accordance with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b, it is more preferable to configure the second runner 3b to transmit the biasing force in the rotational direction to the suspension shaft 6b directly or indirectly in accordance with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b, and to rotationally guide the suspension shaft 6b without moving it up and down. For example, as described in the following embodiment, the biasing force conversion mechanism can be configured to rotate the slats 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b using only the force of a spring, and the second runner 3b can be configured to rotationally guide the suspension shaft 6b without moving it up and down. Furthermore, instead of using a spring, a biasing force conversion mechanism can be configured to use magnetic force to rotate the slats 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b using only the magnetic force, and the second runner 3b can be configured to rotationally guide the suspension shaft 6b without moving it up and down. More specifically, the second runners 3b of the second to fifth embodiments each having a force conversion mechanism that converts the force to rotate the slats 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only spring force, and the second runner 3b of the sixth embodiment in which the force conversion mechanism is configured to rotate the slats 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only magnetic force will be described below.

[0089] Second Embodiment 9(a) and 9(b) are side views, each showing a schematic structure and operation of a second runner 3b of a second embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with a partial cross section. In FIG. 9, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is applied to the vertical blind shown in FIG. 1 to realize the operation described in FIGS. 5 and 6. Since the other components, such as the first runner 3a and the spacer 11, are the same as those described above, their illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[0090] First, the runner 3b of the second embodiment rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61. Unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0091] However, the runner 3b of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b, which is rotatably supported in the hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, is a flange-shaped upper end portion 67, and the upper surface of the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 has a wave-shaped slope portion 68 in which the concave and convex portions alternate smoothly every 90 degrees in the rotational direction.

[0092] Then, above the wave-shaped slope portion 68 at the upper end of this hanging shaft 6b, a flange-shaped pressing member 16 is disposed, on which a columnar protruding portion 17 with a downward-facing triangular apex is formed, and a runner cap 7 is provided above this pressing member 16 via a compression spring (compression spring) 15. The runner cap 7 is fixed to the upper end of the hollow portion 31b, and can be formed in any shape. The compression spring (compression spring) 15 provided between the runner cap 7 and the pressing member 16 "does not bias the hanging shaft 6b in one rotation direction," but "generates a pressing force in a direction that always presses the pressing member 16 downward."

[0093] Furthermore, pressing member 16 is non-rotatable in hollow portion 31b in the center of runner case 30b but is supported so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (not shown), and the downward-facing triangular apex of convex column portion 17 thereof abuts against wavy surface-shaped slope portion 68 at the upper end of suspension shaft 6b, constantly pressing suspension shaft 6b downward from above. For this reason, wavy surface-shaped slope portion 68 is configured to rotationally guide suspension shaft 6b in this example without moving suspension shaft 6b up and down, according to the rotation angle of suspension shaft 6b.

[0094] That is, the runner 3b of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a force conversion mechanism (a pressing member 16 having a wavy slope portion 68 and a convex pillar portion 17 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b) that converts the pressing force generated vertically downward by a pressing spring (compression spring) 15 relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This force conversion mechanism (a pressing member 16 having a wavy slope portion 68 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b and a convex pillar portion 17) can convert the force (pressing force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a rotational force of the hanging shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary at which the slat 2b is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1.

[0095] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 9(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0096] First, Fig. 9(b-1) shows a side view of the suspension shaft 6b on the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Fig. 4(a)). At this time, the downward triangular apex of the convex column portion 17 of the pressing member 16 abuts against the lowest position of the unevenness in the wave-shaped slope portion 68 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b. The rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b in the state shown in Fig. 9(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0097] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Fig. 9(b-1) to the state shown in Fig. 9(b-2), a pressing force is applied by the compression spring 15, and therefore the force conversion mechanism (pressing member 16 having the wave-shaped slope portion 68 and the convex pillar portion 17 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b) operates, causing the pressing member 16 to slide upward, while the suspension shaft 6b attempts to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b (the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, leaving almost no gap between the slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding Fig. 4(b)). In addition, in the runner 3b of the second embodiment, the pressing member 16 slides up and down, so the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down, unlike the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 converts the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0098] When the hanging shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Fig. 9(b-2) as shown in Fig. 9(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Fig. 4(c)). At this time, the pressing member 16 slides upward with the downward-facing triangular apex of the convex pillar portion 17 of the pressing member 16 abutting against the highest position of the unevenness in the wave-shaped slope portion 68 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b.

[0099] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 9(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 9(b-4), a pressing force is applied by the pressure spring (compression spring) 15, and the force switching mechanism (pressing member 16 having a wavy slope portion 68 and a convex pillar portion 17 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b) is activated, causing the pressing member 16 to slide downward and switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0100] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 9(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 9(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0101] In this way, the runner 3b of the second embodiment is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (a pressing member 16 having a wavy slope portion 68 and a convex pillar portion 17 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the pressing spring (compression spring) 15, and in particular, because the pressing member 16 slides in the vertical direction, the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down, unlike in the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the pressing spring (compression spring) 15 can convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0102] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 acts on the suspension shaft 6b to ensure that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0103] [Second embodiment (modified example)] Fig. 10(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner of a modified example of the second embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Figs. 10(b) and 10(c) are side views, each showing the schematic structure and operation of the second runner of a modified example of the second embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with a partial cross-section. In Fig. 10, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the second embodiment (modified example) shown in Fig. 10 is applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 to realize the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6. Since the other components, such as the first runner 3a and the spacer 11, are the same as those described above, their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0104] First, runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant) shown in FIG. 10 rotatably supports a hanging shaft 6b that suspends and supports slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the hanging shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports slat 2b is hung on this hook 61; and unlike runner 3a, runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in FIG. 2(a)), so the rotation of tilt shaft 4 inserted into bearing hole 34 formed in runner 3b is not directly transmitted, but slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 described above. In the runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant) shown in FIG. 10, the tilt shaft 4 (not shown) inserted into the bearing hole 34 is configured so as not to interfere with functional members (such as the compression spring 15 and pressing member 16R described later) inside the runner 3b, and FIG. 10 does not strictly illustrate the relative sizes of the bearing hole 34 and the functional members inside the runner 3b, but rather illustrates the structure in an easy-to-understand manner for the sake of convenience of explanation.

[0105] However, unlike the first embodiment described above, the runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant) is provided with, in addition to the rotatably supported hanging shaft 6b, an intermediate shaft 67R, which in this example rotates based on the force generated in the up-down direction (vertical direction) by compression spring 15, in hollow portion 31b in the center of runner case 30b as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), and a rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example) that rotationally transmits the biasing force of the intermediate shaft 67R in the rotational direction to the hanging shaft 6b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b by rotationally transmitting the rotation of the intermediate shaft 67R to the hanging shaft 6b, and the upper end (upper surface) of the intermediate shaft 67R has a wave-shaped slope portion 68R where the concave and convex portions alternate smoothly every 90 degrees in the rotational direction. In this example, the rotation transmission mechanism is constituted by the drive gear 41a and the driven gear 41b, but it is also possible to use a configuration in which rotation is transmitted using a belt or wire, or a configuration in which rotation is transmitted by frictional contact between the gears using rubber material, etc.

[0106] A flange-shaped pressing member 16R, on which a columnar protruding portion 17R with a downward-facing triangular apex is formed, is disposed above the wave-shaped slope portion 68R at the upper end of the intermediate shaft 67R, and a runner cap 7 is provided above the pressing member 16R via a compression spring (compression spring) 15. The runner cap 7 is fixed to the upper end of the hollow portion 31b and can have any shape, but in this example, it has a portion 7a that supports the upper end of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 and a portion 7b that rotatably supports the upper end 67a of the suspending shaft 6b, and is formed into a substantially inverted L-shape in front view as shown in the figure. Furthermore, a drive gear 41a is fixedly formed at the lower end of the intermediate shaft 67R, and a driven gear 41b is fixedly formed on the axial circumference of the upper end 67a of the suspending shaft 6b, and the drive gear 41a and the driven gear 41b are engaged with each other. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 provided between the runner cap 7 and the pressing member 16R "does not bias the suspension shaft 6b in one rotation direction," but "generates a pressing force in a direction that always presses the pressing member 16R downward."

[0107] Furthermore, pressing member 16R is supported (not shown) in hollow portion 31b in the center of runner case 30b so as to be non-rotatable but slidable in the vertical direction, and the downward-facing triangular apex of protruding column portion 17R abuts against wave-shaped slope portion 68R at the upper end of intermediate shaft 67R, constantly pressing intermediate shaft 67R downward. The rotation of intermediate shaft 67R is then transmitted to hanging shaft 6b via a rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example).

[0108] 10, the runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant) shown in Fig. 10 converts the force generated in the vertical direction by the pressing member 16R having the protruding post portion 17R into a rotational biasing force, and the biasing force switching mechanism is made up of the relay shaft 67R which rotates based on the rotational biasing force, and the rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example) which rotationally transmits the rotation of the relay shaft 67R to the suspension shaft 6b. For this reason, the biasing force switching mechanism of the second embodiment (variant) is configured to rotationally guide the suspension shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down.

[0109] 10 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a biasing force conversion mechanism that converts a pressing force generated indirectly in the vertical downward direction on the hanging shaft 6b by a pressing spring (compression spring) 15 into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b and transmits the force, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. The biasing force conversion mechanism of the second embodiment (variant) can convert and transmit a force (pressing force) that is generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the relay shaft 67R depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b via a rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example) so that the slats 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b are rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary at which the slats 2b are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1.

[0110] Incidentally, in this example, the intermediate shaft 67R is shown as rotating about its axis based on the force generated in the up-down direction (vertical direction) by the compression spring 15, but it may also be configured to rotate about its axis based on the force generated in the horizontal direction by the compression spring 15 or the like, in which case the drive gear 41a and the driven gear 41b can be configured with bevel gears or the like, and the rotation of the intermediate shaft 67R can be transmitted to the hanging shaft 6b.

[0111] In this way, by configuring the runner 3b to have a biasing force switching mechanism that "indirectly" converts a force generated in the horizontal direction or up-down direction (vertical direction) with respect to the suspension shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b, it is possible to suppress axial wobble of the suspension shaft 6b caused by the biasing force switching mechanism. That is, in the second embodiment (variant) shown in Fig. 10, the force generated in the up-down direction (vertical direction) is converted into a force in the rotational direction by the biasing force switching mechanism to rotate the relay shaft 67R, and the rotation of the relay shaft 67R is rotationally transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b by the rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example), and the biased force is transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b "indirectly" rather than directly as in the example shown in Fig. 9, so that the axial wobble of the suspension shaft 6b can be suppressed while the suspension shaft 6b can be rotationally guided without moving up and down according to its rotation angle.

[0112] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant) will be described with reference to Figure 10(c). Note that the operation states of Figures 10(c-1) to (c-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment (variant), as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0113] First, Figure 10(c-1) shows a side view of the suspension shaft 6b on the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, the downward-facing triangular apex of the protruding column portion 17R of the pressing member 16R abuts against the lowest position of the unevenness of the wave-shaped slope portion 68R at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b. The rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 10(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0114] 10(b-2), when the suspension shaft 6b has rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle from the state shown in Fig. 10(b-1), a pressing force is applied by the pressing spring (compression spring) 15, and therefore, by operation of the force switching mechanism of the second embodiment (variant), the rotation of the relay shaft 67R is transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b by the rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example), causing the pressing member 16R to slide upward, and causing the suspension shaft 6b to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b (the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a, 2b (see corresponding Fig. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant), the pressing member 16R slides up and down, so the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down as in the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 converts the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0115] When the hanging shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Fig. 10(b-2) as shown in Fig. 10(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Fig. 4(c)). At this time, the pressing member 16R slides upward with the downward-facing triangular apex of the convex pillar portion 17R of the pressing member 16R abutting against the highest position of the unevenness on the wave-shaped slope portion 68R at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b.

[0116] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 10(b-3) to the state shown in FIG. 10(b-4), a pressing force is applied by the pressure spring (compression spring) 15, and therefore, by operation of the force conversion mechanism of the second embodiment (variant), the rotation of the relay shaft 67R is transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b by the rotation transmission mechanism (drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b in this example), while sliding the pressing member 16R downward, it switches to rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding FIG. 4(d)).

[0117] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 10(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 10(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0118] In this way, the runner 3b of the second embodiment (variant) has a force conversion mechanism that indirectly converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the push spring (compression spring) 15, and the force conversion mechanism of this second embodiment (variant) makes it possible to convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b using the pressing force of the push spring (compression spring) 15, without the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b moving up and down as in the first embodiment.

[0119] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the relay shaft 67R according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b and transmitted via a rotation transmission mechanism (in this example, drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b) so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 acts on the suspension shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0120] Third Embodiment Fig. 11(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner 3b of the third embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Fig. 11(b) is a plan view (top view) and a corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner 3b of the third embodiment. In Fig. 11, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 11 realizes the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6 when applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1, and other components such as the first runner 3a and spacer 11 are the same as those described above, so their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0121] First, the runner 3b of the third embodiment rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61. Unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0122] However, unlike the first embodiment described above, the runner 3b of the third embodiment has a flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b, which is rotatably supported in the hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, and the upper surface of the flange-shaped upper end 67 has a slide groove 69 drilled in a direction approximately perpendicular to the surface of the slat 2b supported by suspension on the suspension shaft 6b, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). Also, an elliptical wall 31c having an elliptical cylindrical shape is formed in the portion of the hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b that is located at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b.

[0123] A pair of tension members 18, which are constantly biased in directions away from each other by a horizontally disposed compression spring 15, are disposed in slide grooves 69 drilled in the upper surface of flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of suspension shaft 6b so as to be slidably guided therein. However, the triangular apex located at the end of each tension member 18 is disposed so as to be constantly in contact with elliptical wall 31c, and while the apex of each tension member 18 is guided by elliptical wall 31c, it constantly presses against elliptical wall 31c so as to tension it. Note that slide groove 69 does not necessarily have to be groove-shaped, as long as it can guide the pair of tension members 18 so as to be slidably movable. Furthermore, compression spring 15 of this embodiment "does not bias in one rotational direction of suspension shaft 6b," but "generates a pressing force in a direction that constantly presses elliptical wall 31c horizontally."

[0124] The pair of tension members 18 are guided by the elliptical wall 31c and are always able to slide while pressing against the elliptical wall 31c in a tensioning manner, so in this example, they are able to guide the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down.

[0125] 11 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a biasing force conversion mechanism (elliptical wall 31c and a pair of tension members 18) that converts a pressing force generated in the horizontal direction by a compression spring 15 relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This biasing force conversion mechanism (elliptical wall 31c and a pair of tension members 18) can convert a force (pressing force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0126] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 11(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0127] First, Figure 11(b-1) shows a top view and a side view of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b and the adjacent first slat 2a are rotated to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, the tops of the pair of tension members 18 abut against the major axis positions of the elliptical wall 31c. The rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 11(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0128] 11(b-2) from the state shown in FIG. 11(b-1). When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle, the pressing force of the compression spring 15 acts, and the biasing force switching mechanism (the elliptical wall 31c and the pair of tension members 18) operates, causing the pair of tension members 18 to slide toward the axis center, while the suspension shaft 6b attempts to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b (the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding FIG. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the third embodiment, the pair of tension members 18 slide and move horizontally, and therefore the suspension shaft 6b and slats 2b do not move up and down, unlike the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 switches the biasing force to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0129] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 11(b-2) as shown in Figure 11(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Figure 4(c)). At this time, the pair of tension members 18 slide in the direction of the axis center with each apex of the pair of tension members 18 abutting against the minor axis position of the elliptical wall 31c.

[0130] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 11(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 11(b-4), a pressing force is applied by the compression spring 15, and the force conversion mechanism (the elliptical wall 31c and the pair of tension members 18) is activated, causing the pair of tension members 18 to slide away from each other and switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0131] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 11(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 11(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0132] In this way, the runner 3b of the third embodiment is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (elliptical wall 31c and a pair of tension members 18) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the push spring (compression spring) 15, and in particular, because the pair of tension members 18 slide horizontally, the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down as in the first embodiment, and the pushing force of the push spring (compression spring) 15 can convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0133] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 acts on the suspension shaft 6b to ensure that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0134] [Third embodiment (modified example)] Fig. 12(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner 3b of a modified example of the third embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Fig. 12(b) is a plan view (top view) and a corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner 3b of the modified example of the third embodiment. In Fig. 12, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the third embodiment (modified example) shown in Fig. 12 is applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 to realize the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6, and other components such as the first runner 3a and spacer 11 are the same as those described above, so their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0135] First, the runner 3b of the third embodiment (variant) rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61; and unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0136] However, unlike the first embodiment, the runner 3b of the third embodiment (variant) differs from the runner 3b of the first embodiment in that, as shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b, which is rotatably supported in a hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, is configured as an elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion 67, and a rectangular wall 31d having a rectangular cylindrical shape is formed at the portion of the hollow portion 31b where the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b is located. The elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion 67 is configured as an elliptical columnar portion that includes a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, within the rectangular wall 31d, a pair of pressing members 18P are disposed opposite each other so as to sandwich the elliptical side peripheral surface of the elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion 67. A pair of pressing springs (compression springs) 15 are provided so as to constantly generate a force that presses the elliptical side peripheral surface of the elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., the "elliptical columnar portion") 67 in the horizontal direction via the pair of pressing members 18P. In this example, a pair of pressing member 18P and pressing spring (compression spring) 15 is used, but only one pair of them may be provided, and one pair of pressing member 18P and pressing spring (compression spring) 15 may be used.

[0137] Furthermore, the compression spring 15 of this embodiment (variant) "does not bias the suspension shaft 6b in one rotational direction," but "generates a pressing force in a direction that always presses against the elliptical side peripheral surface of the elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., the "elliptical cylindrical portion") 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b from the opposing horizontal direction, as if sandwiching it."

[0138] The elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., "elliptical columnar portion") 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b allows the hanging shaft 6b to rotate freely while being pressed by a pair of pressing members 18P and a pressing spring (compression spring) 15, and therefore in this example, the hanging shaft 6b is guided to rotate without moving up and down.

[0139] That is, the runner 3b of the third embodiment (variant) shown in FIG. 12 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a force conversion mechanism (an elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b and a pair of pressing members 18P) that converts the pressing force generated in the horizontal direction by a pair of pressing springs (compression springs) 15 relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This force conversion mechanism (an elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., an "elliptical cylindrical portion") 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b and a pair of pressing members 18P) can convert the force (pressing force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b into a rotational force of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0140] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the third embodiment (variant) will be described with reference to Figure 12(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 12(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment (variant), as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0141] First, Figure 12(b-1) shows a top view and a side view of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, a pair of pressing members 18P abuts against the minor axis of the elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., the "elliptical columnar portion") 67. The rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 12(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0142] 12(b-2), when the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle from the state shown in Fig. 12(b-1), a pressing force is applied by the compression spring 15, and therefore the force conversion mechanism (the oval flange-shaped upper end portion 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b and the pair of pressing members 18P) operates, causing the suspension shaft 6b to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b (the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding Fig. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the third embodiment (variant), the hanging shaft 6b is made rotatable while being pressed by a pair of pressing members 18P and a pressing spring (compression spring) 15, so that the elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., the "elliptical columnar portion") 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b in this example is configured to guide the hanging shaft 6b in rotation without moving the hanging shaft 6b up and down.

[0143] When the hanging shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Fig. 12(b-2) as shown in Fig. 12(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see corresponding Fig. 4(c)). At this time, the pair of pressing members 18P abuts against the major axis positions of the oval flange-shaped upper end portion 67.

[0144] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 12(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 12(b-4), a pressing force is applied by the pressure spring (compression spring) 15, and the force switching mechanism (the oval flange-shaped upper end portion 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b and the pair of pressing members 18P) operates, switching the rotation direction to the same direction as the rotation direction of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0145] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 12(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 12(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0146] In this way, the runner 3b of the third embodiment (variant) is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (an elliptical flange-shaped upper end portion (i.e., an "elliptical cylindrical portion") 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b and a pair of pressing members 18P) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the compression spring (compression spring) 15, and in particular, since the hanging shaft 6b is made rotatable while being pressed by the pair of pressing members 18P and the compression spring (compression spring) 15, the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down as in the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 can convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0147] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 acts on the suspension shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0148] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 13(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner 3b of the fourth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Fig. 13(b) is a plan view (top view) and a corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner 3b of the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 13, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 13 realizes the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6 when applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1, and other components such as the first runner 3a and spacer 11 are the same as those described above, so their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0149] First, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61. Also, unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0150] However, unlike the first embodiment described above, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment has a flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b, which is rotatably supported in a hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, as shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), and a fulcrum 70 for attaching one end of the tension spring 19 is provided on a part of the upper edge of the flange-shaped upper end 67. In addition, a fulcrum 31d for attaching the other end of the tension spring 19 is formed on the end of the hollow portion 31b in the runner case 30b.

[0151] The flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b is constantly biased by the tension spring 19 in the horizontal direction in which the tension spring 19 contracts, and this biasing force biases the suspension shaft 6b in the rotational direction. In other words, the tension spring 19 of this embodiment "does not bias the suspension shaft 6b in one rotational direction," but "generates a tension force in the direction in which the tension spring 19 contracts (in the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b, in two directions with the longest position as the boundary)."

[0152] Furthermore, since the tension spring 19 is expandable and contractible, the flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b in this example is configured to guide the suspension shaft 6b to rotate without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down.

[0153] 13 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a biasing force conversion mechanism (fulcrum 31d on runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b) that converts the tensile force generated in the horizontal direction by tension spring 19 relative to the suspension shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b in accordance with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b. Note that rubber material may be used instead of tension spring 19. This force conversion mechanism (fulcrum 31d in runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 at flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of hanging shaft 6b) can convert the force (pulling force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to hanging shaft 6b into a rotational force of hanging shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of hanging shaft 6b of runner 3b, so that slat 2b suspended and supported by runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0154] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 13(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0155] First, Figure 13(b-1) shows a top view and a side view of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, the fulcrum 70 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b is positioned in one of the two patterns that provide the shortest variable range of the tension spring 19. The rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 13(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0156] 13(b-2) from the state shown in FIG. 13(b-1). When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle, a pulling force is applied by the tension spring 19, and the operation of the biasing force switching mechanism (fulcrum 31d on the runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on the flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b) causes the suspension shaft 6b to rotate in the opposite direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b. As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding FIG. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment, the tension spring 19 is freely expandable in the horizontal direction, and therefore the suspension shaft 6b and slats 2b do not move up and down, unlike in the first embodiment, and the pulling force of the tension spring 19 switches the bias to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0157] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 13(b-2) as shown in Figure 13(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Figure 4(c)). At this time, the fulcrum 70 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b is positioned in a state where the variable range of the tension spring 19 is at its longest.

[0158] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 13(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 13(b-4), a pulling force is applied by the tension spring 19, and the force switching mechanism (fulcrum 31d on runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on the flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b) operates, switching the rotation direction to the same as the rotation direction of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0159] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 13(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 13(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0160] In this way, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (fulcrum 31d on the runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on the flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the tension spring 19, and in particular, because the tension spring 19 is flexible in the horizontal direction, the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down as in the first embodiment, and the tension force of the tension spring 19 can be used to convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0161] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pulling force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. Since the tension force of the tension spring 19 acts on the suspension shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, the operating force required for tilting is reduced. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0162] [Fourth embodiment (modified example)] Fig. 14(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner 3b of a modified fourth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Fig. 14(b) is a plan view (top view) and a corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner 3b of the modified fourth embodiment. In Fig. 14, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment (modified) shown in Fig. 14 is applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 to realize the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6, and other components such as the first runner 3a and spacer 11 are the same as those described above, so their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0163] First, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment (variant) rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61; and unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0164] However, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment (variant) differs from the first embodiment described above in that, as shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b, which is rotatably supported in the hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, is a flange-shaped upper end portion 67, and a part of the upper surface edge of the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 has a fulcrum 70 for attaching one end of the compression spring (compression spring) 15. In addition, a fulcrum 31d for attaching the other end of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 is formed at the end of the hollow portion 31b in the runner case 30b.

[0165] Furthermore, flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of suspension shaft 6b is constantly biased by compression spring (compression spring) 15 in the horizontal direction in which compression spring (compression spring) 15 extends, and this biasing force biases suspension shaft 6b in the rotational direction. In other words, compression spring (compression spring) 15 of this embodiment (variant) "does not bias suspension shaft 6b in one rotational direction," but "generates a pressing force in the direction in which compression spring (compression spring) 15 extends (two directions in the rotational direction of suspension shaft 6b, with the shortest position as the boundary)."

[0166] Furthermore, since the compression spring 15 is expandable and contractible, the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 of this example is configured to guide the suspension shaft 6b in rotation without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down.

[0167] 14 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a biasing force conversion mechanism (fulcrum 31d on runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of suspension shaft 6b) that converts the pushing force generated in the horizontal direction by pushing spring (compression spring) 15 relative to suspension shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of suspension shaft 6b in accordance with the rotation angle of suspension shaft 6b. Note that rubber material may be used instead of pushing spring (compression spring) 15. This force conversion mechanism (fulcrum 31d in runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 at flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of hanging shaft 6b) can convert the force (pressing force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to hanging shaft 6b into a rotational force of hanging shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of hanging shaft 6b of runner 3b, so that slat 2b suspended and supported by runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0168] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment (variant) will be described with reference to Figure 14(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 14(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment (variant), as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0169] First, Figure 14(b-1) shows a top view and a side view of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, the fulcrum 70 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b is positioned in one of the two patterns that provide the longest variable range of the compression spring 15. The rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 14(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0170] 14(b-2), when the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle from the state shown in Fig. 14(b-1), a pressing force is applied by the compression spring 15, and therefore the operation of the force switching mechanism (fulcrum 31d on the runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on the flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b) causes the suspension shaft 6b to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b (the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding Fig. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment (variant), the compression spring 15 is freely expandable and contractible in the horizontal direction, so that the suspension shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down as in the first embodiment, and the pressure of the compression spring 15 converts the force to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0171] When the hanging shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 14(b-2) as shown in Figure 14(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Figure 4(c)). At this time, the fulcrum 70 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b is positioned in a state where the variable range of the compression spring (compression spring) 15 is the shortest.

[0172] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 14(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 14(b-4), a pressing force is applied by the push spring (compression spring) 15, and the force switching mechanism (fulcrum 31d on runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 at the upper end of suspension shaft 6b) operates, switching the rotation direction to the same direction as the rotation direction of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0173] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 14(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 14(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0174] In this way, the runner 3b of the fourth embodiment (variant) is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (fulcrum 31d on runner case 30b and fulcrum 70 on flange-shaped upper end 67 at the upper end of the hanging shaft 6b) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the compression spring 15, and in particular, because the compression spring 15 is freely expandable and contractible in the horizontal direction, the hanging shaft 6b and slat 2b do not move up and down as in the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 can convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0175] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 acts on the suspension shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0176] Fifth Embodiment 15(a) and 15(b) are side views, each showing a schematic structure and operation of a second runner 3b of a fifth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with a partial cross section. In FIG. 15, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is applied to the vertical blind shown in FIG. 1 to realize the operation described in FIGS. 5 and 6. Since the other components, such as the first runner 3a and the spacer 11, are the same as those described above, their illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[0177] First, the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61. Unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0178] However, the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that, as shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), the upper part of the hanging shaft 6b, which is rotatably supported in the hollow portion 31b in the center of the runner case 30b, is a cylindrical portion 71, and the cylindrical portion 71 has a serpentine guide groove 72 on the circumferential surface thereof, whose concave and convex portions smoothly alternate every 90 degrees in the rotational direction.

[0179] Furthermore, above the cylindrical portion 71 of this hanging shaft 6b, there is disposed a pressing member 20 having a disk-shaped main body with a pair of arms 21 extending downward from its peripheral edge, and above this pressing member 20 there is disposed a runner cap 7 via a compression spring 15. The runner cap 7 is fixed to the upper end of the hollow portion 31b, and can be formed in any shape. The compression spring 15 disposed between the runner cap 7 and the pressing member 16 "does not bias the pressing member 20 in one rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b," but "generates a pressing force in a direction that always presses the pressing member 20 downward."

[0180] Furthermore, protrusions 22 that protrude inwardly are formed on the lower ends of the pair of arm portions 21 of the pressing member 20, and these protrusions 22 engage with serpentine guide grooves 72 that are formed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 71 of the suspension shaft 6b. The pressing member 20 is not rotatable in hollow portion 31b in the center of runner case 30b, but is supported so as to be able to slide in the vertical direction (not shown), and the protrusions 22 are guided by the serpentine guide grooves 72, so that the pressing member 20 always presses the suspension shaft 6b from above downward. For this reason, the serpentine guide groove 72 is configured to rotationally guide the suspension shaft 6b in this example, without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down, according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b.

[0181] That is, the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is configured with a type of cam structure so as to have a force conversion mechanism (a pressing member 20 having a serpentine guide groove 72 formed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 71 of the hanging shaft 6b and an arm portion 21 with a protrusion 22) that converts the pressing force generated vertically downward by a pressing spring (compression spring) 15 relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a pressing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This force conversion mechanism (a pressing member 20 having a serpentine guide groove 72 formed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 71 of the hanging shaft 6b and an arm portion 21 with a protrusion 22) can convert the force (pressing force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a rotational force of the hanging shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b is rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0182] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 15(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0183] First, Fig. 15(b-1) shows a side view of the hanging shaft 6b on the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Fig. 4(a)). At this time, the protrusion 22 of the pressing member 20 is engaged with the lowest position of the unevenness in the serpentine guide groove 72 of the hanging shaft 6b. The rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b in the state shown in Fig. 15(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0184] 15(b-2), when the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle from the state shown in Fig. 15(b-1), a pressing force is applied by the compression spring 15, and therefore the actuation of the force switching mechanism (pressing member 20 having serpentine guide groove 72 formed on the circumferential surface of cylindrical portion 71 of suspension shaft 6b and arm portion 21 with protrusion 22) causes the pressing member 20 to slide upward, while the suspension shaft 6b attempts to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b (direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of slat 2b are pressed against slats 2a on both sides, leaving almost no gap between slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding Fig. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment, the pressing member 20 slides up and down, so unlike the first embodiment, the hanging shaft 6b and the slat 2b do not move up and down, and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 converts the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0185] When the hanging shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 15(b-2) as shown in Figure 15(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Figure 4(c)). At this time, the pressing member 20 slides upward with the protrusion 22 of the pressing member 20 abutting against the highest position of the unevenness in the serpentine guide groove 72 of the hanging shaft 6b.

[0186] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 15(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 15(b-4), a pressing force is applied by the pressure spring (compression spring) 15, and the force switching mechanism (pressing member 20 having serpentine guide groove 72 formed on the circumferential surface of cylindrical portion 71 of suspension shaft 6b and arm portion 21 with protrusion 22) is activated, causing the pressing member 20 to slide downward and switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b, and instantly rotating each slat 2b (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0187] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 15(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 15(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0188] In this way, the runner 3b of the fifth embodiment is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (a pressing member 20 having a serpentine guide groove 72 formed on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 71 of the hanging shaft 6b and an arm portion 21 with a protrusion 22) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b using only the force of the compression spring 15, and in particular, because the pressing member 20 slides in the vertical direction, the hanging shaft 6b and the slat 2b do not move up and down, unlike in the first embodiment, and the pressing force of the compression spring 15 can be used to convert the force to rotate the hanging shaft 6b.

[0189] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (pressing force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, a mechanism for adjusting the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. The pressure spring (compression spring) 15 acts on the suspension shaft 6b to ensure that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0190] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 16(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner 3b of the sixth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Fig. 16(b) is a plan view (top view) and a corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner 3b of the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 16, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 16 realizes the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6 when applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1, and other components such as the first runner 3a and spacer 11 are the same as those described above, so their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0191] First, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61; and unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0192] However, unlike the first embodiment, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment has a lid 31e on the top surface of the runner case 30b, which is provided to close a hollow second cavity 31b (not shown) therein, as shown in FIG. 16(a). A circular hole 31f is formed in the lid 31e at the center of the runner case 30b. Furthermore, a pair of magnets 74a, 74b are embedded adjacent to and sandwiching the circular hole 31f on an axis extending in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the runner case 30b. In the example shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), each of the pair of magnets 74a, 74b is cylindrical with a north pole at the top and a south pole at the bottom (i.e., the top end in the figure is the north pole). Meanwhile, the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b is a circular flange-shaped upper end 67, which is rotatably supported by the circular hole 31e. A magnet 73 is embedded in a portion of the upper circular edge of the flange-shaped upper end 67, and has a polarity arrangement in which magnets 74a and 74b are attracted to each other by magnetic force generated mainly in the horizontal direction. That is, in the example shown in Figures 16(a) and (b), magnet 73 is cylindrical with a south pole at the top and a north pole at the bottom (i.e., the top end in the figure is the south pole).

[0193] For this reason, magnet 73 provided on a part of the upper circular edge of flange-shaped upper end portion 67 of suspension shaft 6b in runner 3b of the sixth embodiment attracts with stronger magnetic force one of a pair of magnets 74a, 74b arranged on the axis in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in the figure) of runner case 30b that is closer in distance, and a pulling force caused by this magnetic force that is generated mainly in the horizontal direction always generates a clockwise or counterclockwise rotational force on suspension shaft 6b. For example, in the state shown in Figure 16(a), a clockwise rotational force (direction of the arrow in the figure) is generated on suspension shaft 6b due to the magnetic force that attracts magnet 73 to magnet 74a, which is closer in distance.

[0194] Therefore, in the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment, the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having the magnet 73 is configured to guide the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b in a direction determined by the magnetic force according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b, without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down.

[0195] 16 is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74a, 74b) that converts a magnetic force that is generated mainly in a horizontal direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This force conversion mechanism (magnet 73, flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74a, 74b) can convert a force (pulling force due to magnetic force) that is generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b, according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0196] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 16(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 16(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0197] First, Figure 16(b-1) shows a top view and a side view of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, the magnet 73 provided on a part of the upper circular edge of the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 of the suspension shaft 6b is closest to the magnet 74a arranged on the axis in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in the figure) of the runner case 30b. The rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 16(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0198] 16(b-2) from the state shown in FIG. 16(b-1) to a state where the suspension shaft 6b has rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction as a rotation angle, the magnetic force between the magnets 73 and 74a is stronger than the magnetic force between the magnets 73 and 74b, and therefore, by operation of the force switching mechanism (the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having the magnet 73, and the magnets 74a and 74b), the suspension shaft 6b attempts to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the suspension shaft 6b (the direction of the arrow in the figure). As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a and 2b (see corresponding FIG. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment, the magnetic force acts mainly in the horizontal direction, and therefore the suspension shaft 6b and the slats 2b do not move up and down, unlike the first embodiment, and the magnetic force switches the bias to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0199] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 16(b-2) as shown in Figure 16(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see the corresponding Figure 4(c)). At this time, the magnetic force between the magnets 73 and 74a is in balance with the magnetic force between the magnets 73 and 74b.

[0200] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 16(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 16(b-4), the magnetic force between magnets 73 and 74b is stronger than the magnetic force between magnets 73 and 74a, and therefore the force switching mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74a and 74b) operates to switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b, and each slat 2b instantly rotates (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0201] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 16(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 16(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0202] In this way, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (magnets 73, 74a, 74b) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b using only magnetic force, and in particular, since the magnetic force acts mainly horizontally, there is no need to move the suspension shaft 6b and slat 2b up and down, as in the first embodiment, and the magnetic force that acts mainly horizontally can be converted to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0203] 5 and 6, and the force (pulling force due to magnetic force) generated in the non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the clothes rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the clothes rail 1 as the boundary. For this reason, even in the vertical blind according to the invention configured as shown in Fig. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, no mechanism is required to adjust the rotational speed of the hanging shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotational speed of the hanging shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a in order to rotate the slat 2b, and a pulling force due to magnetic force acts on the hanging shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, thereby reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a, 2b are rotated in the opposite direction, almost no gap is created between the slats 2a, 2b. In this way, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in Figure 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a, 2b, and even when the slat angle is rotated in the opposite direction halfway through, the gap between the slats 2a, 2b can be reduced.

[0204] [Sixth embodiment (modified example)] Fig. 17(a) is a plan view (top view) showing the schematic structure of the second runner 3b of a modified sixth embodiment of the vertical blind according to the present invention, and Fig. 17(b) is a plan view (top view) and a corresponding side view showing the operation of the second runner 3b of the modified sixth embodiment. In Fig. 17, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (modified sixth embodiment) shown in Fig. 17 is applied to the vertical blind shown in Fig. 1 to realize the operation described in Figs. 5 and 6, and other components such as the first runner 3a and the spacer 11 are the same as those described above, so their illustration and description will be omitted.

[0205] First, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant) rotatably supports a suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b, and a hook 61 is provided at the lower end of the suspension shaft 6b, and a second slat hanger 14b that suspends and supports the slat 2b is hung on this hook 61; and unlike the runner 3a, the runner 3a does not have the gear mechanism (worm 12 and worm wheel 13 shown in Figure 2(a)), so the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not directly transmitted, but the slat 2b is configured to rotate by contact with the slat 2a, which is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 described above.

[0206] However, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant) differs from the first embodiment described above in that, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the upper surface of the runner case 30b is provided with a lid portion 31e that covers the hollow second cavity 31b (not shown) therein. A circular hole 31f is formed in the lid portion 31e at the center of the runner case 30b. Furthermore, a pair of magnets 74c, 74d are embedded adjacent to and sandwiching the circular hole 31f on an axis extending in the left-right direction (the up-down direction in the figure) of the runner case 30b. In the example shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), each of the pair of magnets 74c, 74d is curved plate-shaped with an S pole at the top and an N pole at the bottom (i.e., the top end in the figure is the S pole). Meanwhile, the upper end of the suspension shaft 6b is a circular flange-shaped upper end 67 that is rotatably supported by the circular hole 31e. Magnet 73 is embedded in a portion of the upper circular edge of flange-shaped upper end 67. The magnet 73 has a polarity arrangement that repels magnets 74c and 74d with a magnetic force generated mainly in the horizontal direction. That is, in the example shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), magnet 73 is cylindrical with a south pole at the top and a north pole at the bottom (i.e., the top end in the figure is the south pole).

[0207] As a result, the magnet 73 provided on a part of the upper circular edge of the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 of the suspension shaft 6b in the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant example) repels with a stronger magnetic force the closer of the pair of magnets 74c, 74d arranged on the axis in the left-right direction (up-down direction in the figure) of the runner case 30b, and this repulsive force caused by the magnetic force that is generated mainly in the horizontal direction always generates a rotational force in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction on the suspension shaft 6b.

[0208] Therefore, in the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant), the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having the magnet 73 is configured to guide the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b in a direction determined by the magnetic force according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b, without moving the suspension shaft 6b up and down.

[0209] 17 is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74c, 74d) that converts a magnetic force that is generated mainly in a horizontal direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b. This force conversion mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74c, 74d) can convert a force (repulsive force due to magnetic force) that is generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b, according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as the slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1 as the boundary.

[0210] More specifically, the operation of the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant) will be described with reference to Figure 17(b). Note that the operation states of Figures 17(b-1) to (b-5) correspond to the operation states of Figures 4(a) to (e), respectively. Note that in this embodiment (variant), as in the first embodiment, the suspension shaft 6a of each runner 3a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt shaft 4, but the rotation of the tilt shaft 4 is not transmitted to the suspension shaft 6b of each runner 3b.

[0211] First, Figure 17(b-1) shows a top view and a side view of the second runner 3b when the second slat 2b has been rotated together with the adjacent first slat 2a to the fully closed state (see corresponding Figure 4(a)). At this time, the magnet 73 provided on a part of the upper circular edge of the flange-shaped upper end portion 67 of the suspension shaft 6b is in a state where it is furthest from the magnets 74c and 74d arranged on the axis in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in the figure) of the runner case 30b. The rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b in the state shown in Figure 17(b-1) is set to 0 degrees.

[0212] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 45 degrees in one direction from the state shown in FIG. 17(b-1) as shown in FIG. 17(b-2), the operation of the force switching mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74c, 74d) causes the suspension shaft 6b to rotate in the opposite direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) to the rotational direction of the suspension shaft 6b. As a result, the ends of the slats 2b are pressed against the slats 2a on both sides, and almost no gap is created between the slats 2a, 2b (see corresponding FIG. 4(b)). Furthermore, in the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant), the magnetic force acts mainly in the horizontal direction, and therefore the suspension shaft 6b and slats 2b do not move up and down, unlike in the first embodiment, and the magnetic force switches the bias to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0213] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 90 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 17(b-2) to the state shown in Figure 17(b-3), the surface of the slat 2b becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the hanger rail 1 (the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6a is approximately 135 degrees, see corresponding Figure 4(c)).

[0214] When the suspension shaft 6b is rotated approximately 135 degrees in one direction from the state shown in Figure 17(b-3) to the state shown in Figure 17(b-4), the force switching mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 having magnet 73, magnets 74c, 74d) is activated, causing the slats 2b to switch to rotating in the same direction as the rotation of the suspension shaft 6b, and instantly rotating each slat 2b (see corresponding Figure 4(d)).

[0215] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 17(b-4), when the suspension shaft 6b rotates approximately 180 degrees in one direction as shown in Figure 17(b-5), the slats 2a, 2b are fully reverse closed with almost no gap between them (see corresponding Figure 4(e)).

[0216] In this way, the runner 3b of the sixth embodiment (variant) is configured to have a force conversion mechanism (flange-shaped upper end portion 67 with magnet 73, magnets 74c, 74d) that converts the force to rotate the slat 2b in accordance with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft 6b using only magnetic force, and in particular, since the magnetic force acts mainly horizontally, there is no need to move the suspension shaft 6b and slat 2b up and down, as in the first embodiment, and the magnetic force that acts mainly horizontally can be converted to rotate the suspension shaft 6b.

[0217] The operation of the slats 2a, 2b is the same as in Figures 5 and 6, and the force (repulsive force due to magnetic force) generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b can be converted into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b, depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, so that the slat 2b suspended and supported by the runner 3b can be rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1, with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b being the boundary, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail 1. Therefore, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), a mechanism for adjusting the rotation speed of the suspension shaft 6b that suspends and supports the slat 2b and the rotation speed of the suspension shaft 6a that suspends and supports the slat 2a is not required to rotate the slat 2b. Furthermore, a magnetic repulsive force acts on the suspension shaft 6b so that almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b, reducing the operating force required for tilting. Furthermore, even when the slats 2a and 2b are rotated in the reverse direction, almost no gap occurs between the slats 2a and 2b. Thus, even in the vertical blind according to the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 1 using the runner 3b of this embodiment (variant), it is possible to reduce the operating force while reducing the gap between the slats 2a and 2b. Therefore, even when the slat angle is rotated in the reverse direction midway, the gap between the slats 2a and 2b can be reduced.

[0218] Therefore, according to the vertical blind of the present invention, it is possible to configure a vertical blind that suppresses the occurrence of gaps between the slats depending on the rotation angle and improves the operability of rotating the slats.

[0219] The present invention has been described above using examples of specific embodiments (including modified examples). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the technical spirit thereof. For example, a vertical blind may be constructed using any one of the runners 3b of the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples), or two or more of these may be combined to form a vertical blind. Furthermore, as a further modified example of the third to sixth embodiments (modified examples), an intermediate shaft may be configured as described in the second embodiment (modified example) shown in FIG. 10, and the force switching mechanism may transmit the rotation of the intermediate shaft to the hanging shaft 6b via a rotation transmission mechanism (e.g., drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b). Furthermore, a force switching mechanism may be constructed by combining two or more of the techniques for the force switching mechanisms related to the runners 3b described in each embodiment (including modified examples).

[0220] Therefore, the runner 3b has a biasing force changing mechanism that converts a force that is generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b, into a biasing force in the rotational direction of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b, and this biasing force changing mechanism converts and transmits the force to the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b directly, or indirectly via a rotation transmission mechanism (for example, drive gear 41a and driven gear 41b). In particular, as exemplarily explained as the second to sixth embodiments (including modified examples), it is preferable to configure this biasing force changing mechanism to rotationally guide the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b without moving the hanging shaft 6b up and down in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft 6b of the runner 3b.

[0221] [Example of a slat hanger] Next, a description will be given of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) suitable for use in the vertical blinds according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modifications) described above. The slat hangers 14a and 14b can both have the same shape.

[0222] (Typical slat hanger of the prior art) First, Figure 18(a) is an oblique view showing the general shape of a typical slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of the prior art, and Figure 18(b) is a plan view showing the rotational movement of each slat 2a (or 2b) when the prior art slat hanger 14a (or 14b) is applied to a vertical blind according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples) of the present invention.

[0223] A typical slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of the prior art shown in FIG. 18(a) is configured to hold the upper edge of a slat 2a (or 2b) and is formed in the shape of a long plate made of synthetic resin. More specifically, flange-shaped retainers 143 are formed on both ends of the long plate-shaped main body 140 of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b). A mounting groove 141 having an opening 142 is formed in the center of the main body 140. Similar to the retainer 143, the peripheral edge of the mounting groove 141 is formed with a flange-shaped anti-misalignment portion that protrudes in the thickness direction of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b). Meanwhile, the upper edge of the slat 2a (or 2b) is folded back and sewn to form a bag-shaped portion, through which the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) is inserted. Furthermore, a cutout hole is formed in the center of the upper edge of the slat 2a (or 2b) to expose the mounting groove 141 of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b). The slat hanger 14a that supports the slat 2a in a suspended manner is hung on the hook 61 of the hanging shaft 6a of each runner 3a, and similarly, the slat hanger 14b that supports the slat 2b in a suspended manner is hung on the hook 61 of the hanging shaft 6b of each runner 3b. The mounting groove 141 itself can take a variety of shapes to suit the shapes of the hooks 61.

[0224] The retaining member 143 in a typical slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of the prior art shown in Figure 18(a) functions as a retainer for the upper edge of the slat 2a (or 2b), and is formed with a flat inner flat portion 143a that protrudes perpendicularly to the side of the main body portion 140 and an outer curved portion 143b that is curved in a semi-elliptical shape, and the corner where the inner flat portion 143a and the outer curved portion 143b are connected is rounded to form a flange-like shape (this will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 20(a)).

[0225] When such a conventional slat hanger 14a (or 14b) is applied to the vertical blinds according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modifications) of the present invention described above, the rotational movement of each slat 2a (or 2b) may be accompanied by a slight catching movement between adjacent slats 2a, 2b (in other words, between adjacent slat hangers 14a, 14b), which does not cause any operational problems in achieving the functions and effects according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modifications) of the present invention, but is not desirable in terms of dynamic aesthetics.

[0226] This slightly catching operation of the prior art slat hanger 14a (or 14b) will be explained with reference to Figure 18(b). Figures 18(b-1) to 18(b-3) shown as Figure 18(b) illustrate the detailed operation of step S6 in Figure 6 described above.

[0227] In the state shown in Figure 18(b-1), both ends of the upper edge of a certain slat 2b (more precisely, the anti-slip devices 143 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b) are arranged to abut the upper edges of each slat 2a adjacent to that slat 2b, so that when each slat 2a is rotated clockwise as shown, each slat 2b also rotates, but there is a force acting on each slat 2b to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of each slat 2a.

[0228] If the rotation of each slat 2a continues in the clockwise direction from the state shown in Figure 18(b-1), the state will be reached as shown in Figure 18(b-2), where the retaining members 143 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b of a certain slat 2b abut against the retaining members 143 at both ends of the first slat hanger 14a of each slat 2a adjacent to that slat 2b.

[0229] If the rotation of each slat 2a in the clockwise direction is continued in the state shown in Figure 18(b-2), as shown in the enlarged view of the dashed circular frame in the state shown in Figure 18(b-3), a slight catching action may occur when the retaining members 143 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b of a certain slat 2b abut at two points: the abutment point S1 against the retaining members 143 at both ends of the first slat hanger 14a of each slat 2a adjacent to that slat 2b, and the abutment point S2 against the upper edge of each slat 2a.

[0230] As a result of careful consideration, it was found that when the distance d1 between the contact points S1 and S2 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a catching action such as that shown in FIG. 18(b-3) occurs.

[0231] (Slat hanger according to one embodiment of the present invention) Next, Fig. 19(a) is a perspective view showing the outline of the shape of a slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of one embodiment according to the present invention, and Fig. 19(b) is a plan view showing the rotational movement of each slat 2a (or 2b) when the slat hanger of one embodiment according to the present invention is applied to the vertical blind according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modifications) of the present invention. In Fig. 19, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Fig. 18.

[0232] The slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 19(a) has a similar shape to that shown in Figure 18, except that instead of forming flange-shaped retainers 143 at both ends of the main body 140, circular protrusion-shaped retainers 144 are formed at both ends of the main body 140. That is, the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 19(a) has circular protrusion-shaped retainers 144 formed at both ends of the long plate-shaped main body 140. Also, a mounting groove 141 having an opening 142 is formed in the center of the main body 140. A flange-shaped displacement prevention portion is formed on the periphery of the mounting groove 141 in the thickness direction of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b). Meanwhile, the upper edge of the slat 2a (or 2b) is folded back and sewn to form a bag-like portion, and the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) is inserted into this bag-like portion. A cutout hole is formed in the center of the upper edge of the slat 2a (or 2b) to expose the mounting groove 141 of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b). The slat hanger 14a that supports the slat 2a in a suspended state is hung on the hook 61 of the hanging shaft 6a of each runner 3a, and similarly, the slat hanger 14b that supports the slat 2b in a suspended state is hung on the hook 61 of the hanging shaft 6b of each runner 3b. The shape of the mounting groove 141 itself can be any shape to match the shape of the hook 61.

[0233] The retaining member 144 in the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 19(a) functions as a retaining member for the upper edge of the slat 2a (or 2b), and is formed with an inner curved portion 144a that bulges outward from the side of the main body 140 and is connected to the main body 140, and an outer end portion 144b that is cut out flat in this example with a width corresponding to the thickness of the main body 140, and the corners where the inner curved portion 144a and the outer end portion 144b are connected are rounded to form a circular bulge (this will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 20(b)).

[0234] When the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 19(a) is applied to the vertical blind according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples) of the present invention described above, the rotational movement of each slat 2a (or 2b) eliminates the catching movement between adjacent slats 2a and 2b (in other words, between adjacent slat hangers 14a and 14b) as described with reference to Figure 18, thereby providing the functions and effects according to the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples) of the present invention and creating a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing state.

[0235] The operation of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 19(a) will be described with reference to Fig. 19(b). Fig. 19(b-1) to Fig. 19(b-3) shown as Fig. 19(b) illustrate the detailed operation of step S6 in Fig. 6 described above.

[0236] In the state shown in Figure 19(b-1), both ends of the upper edge of a certain slat 2b (more precisely, the retaining members 144 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b) are arranged to abut the upper edges of each slat 2a adjacent to that slat 2b, so that when each slat 2a is rotated clockwise as shown, each slat 2b also rotates, but there is a force acting on each slat 2b to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of each slat 2a.

[0237] If the rotation of each slat 2a continues in the clockwise direction from the state shown in Figure 19(b-1), the state will be reached as shown in Figure 19(b-2), where the retaining members 144 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b of a certain slat 2b abut against the retaining members 144 at both ends of the first slat hanger 14a of each slat 2a adjacent to that slat 2b.

[0238] In the state shown in Figure 19(b-2), if the rotation operation of each slat 2a in the clockwise direction is continued, as shown in the enlarged view of the dashed circular frame in the state shown in Figure 19(b-3), the retaining members 144 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b of a certain slat 2b will abut only at one point (abutment point S1) on the upper edge of each slat 2a adjacent to that slat 2b, or at two points: that abutment point S1 and the abutment point S2 where the retaining members 144 of the first slat hanger 14a of each slat 2a abut, and even when abutting at these two points, the distance d2 between the abutment points S1-S2 is less than a predetermined value at which it can be considered that the abutment is at approximately one point. In this way, the retaining members 144 at both ends of the second slat hanger 14b abut against each slat 2a adjacent to the slat 2b at one or two points, and even when abutting at two points, the distance between the two points (distance between the abutment points S1-S2) d2 is less than a predetermined value (in the embodiment, less than the thickness of the main body 140 as a design guideline) at which the abutment is considered to be at almost one point, thereby eliminating the catching action as described with reference to Figure 18, thereby providing the functions and effects related to the first to sixth embodiments (including modified examples) of the present invention and creating a dynamic aesthetically pleasing state.

[0239] Therefore, referring to Figure 20, the shapes of the retainer 143 according to the prior art described with reference to Figure 18 and the retainer 144 according to the present invention described with reference to Figure 19 will be specifically compared and explained.

[0240] (Prior art retainer) First, of Figures 20(a-1) and (a-2) shown as Figure 20(a), Figure 20(a-1) is a plan view showing the general shape of a typical slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of the prior art described with reference to Figure 18, and Figure 20(a-2) is a partial enlarged view of the retainer 143.

[0241] As shown in Fig. 20(a-2), in the typical slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of the prior art described with reference to Fig. 18, the retaining member 143 is formed with a flat inner flat portion 143a protruding perpendicular to the side surface of the main body portion 140 and an outer curved portion 143b curved in a semi-elliptical shape, and the inner flat portion 143a and the outer curved portion 143b are rounded at the corner where they are continuous to form a flange shape.

[0242] More specifically, in the example of the retaining member 143 shown in Fig. 20(a-2), on the longitudinal axis L0 of the main body portion 140, the end portion P1 of the main body portion 140 is defined, and the shape of the outer curved portion 143b is defined along a semi-elliptical shape (half of an ellipse) with a minor diameter a and a major diameter b having the end portion P1 as the center of the ellipse. Here, in this example, the major diameter b is set to b = 3t with respect to the thickness t of the main body portion 140. Also, the minor diameter a is determined based on c which is designedly defined as the maximum length including the retaining member 143 of the main body portion 140, and a = 2c, and t < a < b. And the inner flat portion 143a protrudes perpendicular to the side surface of the main body portion 140, and a rounded corner portion 143c is formed by rounding the corner where the inner flat portion 143a and the outer curved portion 143b are continuous. In the typical slat hanger 14a (or 14b) of the prior art formed in this way, as described with reference to Fig. 18, the distance d1 between the contact points S1 - S2 is relatively large and is at least equal to the thickness t of the main body portion 140 or more.

[0243] (The retaining member according to the present invention) On the other hand, among Fig. 20(b-1) and Fig. 20(b-2) shown as Fig. 20(b), Fig. 20(b-1) is a plan view showing the schematic shape of the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) according to the present invention described with reference to Fig. 19, and Fig. 20(a-2) is a partial enlarged view regarding the retaining member 144.

[0244] As shown in Fig. 20(b-2), in the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) according to the present invention described with reference to Fig. 19, the retaining member 144 has an inner curved portion 144a that circularly bulges and continues with respect to the side surface of the main body portion 140, and an outer end portion 144b that is flatly cut out with a width corresponding to the thickness of the main body portion 140 as the outermost end of the main body portion 140. The inner curved portion 144a and the outer end portion 144b are rounded at the corner where they are continuous to form a circularly bulging shape.

[0245] More specifically, in the example of the retaining member 144 shown in Fig. 20(b-2), on the axis L0 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 140, the end portion P1 of the main body portion 140 is defined, and the shape of the inner curved portion 144a is defined so as to follow a circle with a diameter a centered on this end portion P1. Here, in this example, the diameter a is determined based on c that is designedly determined as the maximum length including the retaining member 143 of the main body portion 140. However, since the outer end portion 144b that is flatly cut out with a width corresponding to the thickness t of the main body portion 140 is provided, e shorter than c (t < a, a / 4 < e < a / 2) is defined. And a rounded corner portion 144c is formed by rounding the corner where the inner curved portion 144a and the outer end portion 144b are continuous. In the slat hanger 14a (or 14b) according to the present invention formed in this way, as described with reference to Fig. 19, the distance d2 between the contact points S1-S2 becomes less than a predetermined value that can be regarded as almost contacting at a single point (in the embodiment, less than the thickness t of the main body portion 140 as a design guideline), and the catching operation as in the prior art described with reference to Fig. 18 disappears.

[0246] In the example shown in FIG. 20(b), the inner curved portion 144a is described as having a single curvature and a circular shape with a single center. However, it may also have a complex curved surface shape with multiple curvatures based on multiple centers without a recess. Furthermore, the outer end portion 144b is described as having a flat shape, but it may also have a curved shape without a recess. For example, the outer end portion 144b may not be a flat cutout portion as shown, but may have a single curvature and a circular shape (i.e., an overall circular shape) along with the inner curved portion 144a, with a single center. In the above example, the provision of the outer end portion 144b allows the distance d2 between the contact points S1 and S2 to be shortened. However, if the distance d2 between the contact points S1 and S2 is at least less than the thickness t of the main body portion 140, the catching action can be suppressed more than in the prior art. In other words, it is preferable that the retainer 144 be shaped to minimize the distance d2 between the contact points S1 and S2.

[0247] Therefore, the vertical blinds according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, but are limited only by the scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0248] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of gaps between slats due to the rotation angle and improve the operability of rotating the slats, and therefore it is useful for use in vertical blinds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0249] 1 clothes rail 2a First slat 2b Second slat 3a First Runner 3b Second runner 4 tilt axes 5a,5b End caps 6a First suspension axis 6b Second suspension axis 7 Runner Cap 11 Spacer 12 Worm (gear mechanism) 13 Worm wheel (gear mechanism) 14a First slat hanger 14b Second slat hanger 15 Compression spring 16 Pressing member (force switching mechanism according to the second embodiment) 16R Pressing member (biasing force switching mechanism according to the second embodiment (modification)) 17 Protruding pillar portion (force conversion mechanism according to the second embodiment) 17R: Projecting column portion (force switching mechanism according to the second embodiment (modified example)) 18. Tension member (force conversion mechanism according to the third embodiment) 18P pressing member (biasing force switching mechanism according to the third embodiment (modified example)) 19 Extension spring 20 Pressing member (force switching mechanism according to the fifth embodiment) 21 Arm portion (force conversion mechanism according to the fifth embodiment) 22 Protrusion (force conversion mechanism according to the fifth embodiment) 30a First Runner Case 30b Second Runner Case 31a First cavity 31b Second cavity 31c Elliptical wall (force conversion mechanism according to the third embodiment) 31d Fulcrum (the biasing mechanism according to the fourth embodiment and its modified examples) 34 Bearing hole 35 Slope portion (force conversion mechanism according to the first embodiment) 41a Drive gear (rotation transmission mechanism (force switching mechanism) according to the second embodiment (modification)) 41b Driven gear (rotation transmission mechanism (force changing mechanism) according to the second embodiment (modification)) 61 Hook 62 First flange portion 65 Second flange 66 Triangular protrusion (force conversion mechanism according to the first embodiment) 67 Flanged upper end 67R Intermediate shaft (force switching mechanism according to the second embodiment (modified example)) 68 Wave-shaped slope portion (force conversion mechanism according to the second embodiment) 68R Wave-shaped slope portion (force switching mechanism according to the second embodiment (modification)) 69 Slide groove 70 Flange-shaped upper end fulcrum (force switching mechanism according to the fourth embodiment and its modified examples) 71 Cylinder 72 Serpentine guide groove (force switching mechanism according to the fifth embodiment) 73 Magnet (force switching mechanism according to the sixth embodiment and its modifications) 74a, 74b Magnets (force switching mechanism according to the sixth embodiment) 74c, 74d Magnets (force switching mechanism according to the sixth embodiment (modified example)) 143 Stopper (typical slat hanger of the prior art) 144 Stopper (slat hanger according to the present invention)

Claims

1. A vertical blind in which a plurality of runners are supported on a hanger rail, a suspension shaft for suspending and supporting a slat is rotatably supported on each runner, and the slat can be rotated by rotating a tilt shaft inserted into each runner, the plurality of runners include a first runner and a second runner disposed adjacent to the first runner, the first runner is provided with a gear mechanism that transmits rotation of the tilt shaft to the suspension shaft in the first runner, and the second runner does not transmit rotation of the tilt shaft to the suspension shaft in the second runner, the second runner has a biasing force conversion mechanism that converts a force generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner in accordance with a rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner into a biasing force in a rotational direction of the suspension shaft of the second runner, The force conversion mechanism is configured to transmit the rotational force directly or indirectly to the hanging shaft of the second runner depending on the rotation angle of the hanging shaft, and to guide the rotation of the hanging shaft without moving it up and down.

2. 2. The vertical blind according to claim 1, wherein the force conversion mechanism converts a force generated in a non-rotational direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner according to the rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner into a rotational force of the suspension shaft of the second runner so that the slat suspended and supported by the second runner is rotated to either fully closed or reverse fully closed as a slat angle along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail, with the rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner as the boundary at which the slat is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail.

3. the first runners and the second runners are arranged alternately, different types of slats are suspended and supported by the first runner and the second runner, 3. The vertical blind according to claim 1, wherein the slats suspended and supported by the suspension shaft of the second runner are configured to rotate by contact with the slats that rotate with rotation of the suspension shaft of the first runner.

4. 4. The vertical blind according to claim 1, wherein the force conversion mechanism converts a force generated in a horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging shaft of the second runner according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner into a force in a rotation direction of the hanging shaft of the second runner, and transmits the force in the rotation direction directly to the hanging shaft according to the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner.

5. 4. The vertical blind according to claim 1, wherein the force conversion mechanism includes: an intermediate shaft that converts a force generated in a horizontal or vertical direction relative to the hanging shaft of the second runner in accordance with a rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner into a rotational force, and that rotates based on the rotational force; and a rotation transmission mechanism that rotationally transmits the rotation of the intermediate shaft to the hanging shaft of the second runner, thereby indirectly transmitting the rotational force to the hanging shaft in accordance with the rotation angle of the hanging shaft of the second runner.

6. a force generated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner is defined as a tensile force generated in a horizontal direction; 6. The vertical blind according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the tension force is generated by either a tension spring or a magnetic force, or both.

7. a force generated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner according to a rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in a horizontal direction; 6. The vertical blind according to claim 4, wherein the pressing force is generated by either a compression spring or a magnetic force, or both.

8. a force generated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner according to a rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in a vertical direction; The pressing force is generated by either the weight of the slat related to the suspension shaft of the second runner or a pressing spring, or both of them; 6. The vertical blind according to claim 4, wherein the biasing mechanism has a means for transmitting the pressing force to the suspension shaft of the second runner by a cam structure.

9. a force generated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner according to a rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in a horizontal direction; the pressing force is generated by a compression spring that presses the elliptical columnar portion formed on the upper portion of the suspension shaft of the second runner from a horizontal direction, 5. The vertical blind according to claim 4, wherein the biasing and converting mechanism has a means for directly transmitting the pressing force to the suspension shaft of the second runner.

10. a force generated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction relative to the suspension shaft of the second runner according to a rotation angle of the suspension shaft of the second runner is defined as a pressing force generated in a horizontal direction; the pressing force is generated by a compression spring that presses the elliptical columnar portion formed on the intermediate shaft from a horizontal direction, 6. The vertical blind according to claim 5, wherein the biasing and converting mechanism has a means for indirectly transmitting the pressing force to the suspension shaft of the second runner.

11. 11. A vertical blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a slat hanger is provided to hold the upper edge of the slat, each of the plurality of runners is configured to support and suspend the slat hanger at approximately the longitudinal center, and a stopper is formed at both longitudinal ends of the slat hanger, and the stopper abuts each slat adjacent to a certain slat at only one point or at two points, and even when abutting at two points, the distance between the two points is formed in a shape that is less than the thickness of the main body of the slat hanger.

12. The vertical blind according to claim 11, characterized in that the retainer has an inner curved portion that bulges outward from the side of the main body of the slat hanger, and an outer end portion that is cut out at the very end of the main body of the slat hanger with a width corresponding to the thickness of the main body.

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