Operating device

Abstract

To provide a technology which can improve operability.SOLUTION: An operation device is to operate a first drive shaft which drives a shield device to perform a first movement that changes a shield state of the shield device comprising at least one or more shields, and a second drive shaft which drives the shield device to perform a second movement which is different from the first movement that changes the shield state of the shield device. The operation device comprises a transmission axle, a coupling member, and a switch linkage part. To the transmission axle, rotation drive power is transmitted from the pulley that is in a rotary operation performed by an operator. The coupling member is arranged to be able to rotate integrally with the transmission axle and to be able to move in the axis direction of the transmission axle, and is coupled to be able to transmit the rotation force of the transmission axle to a first drive shaft when the coupling member is moved to a first direction side in the axis direction, and is coupled to be able to transmit the rotation force of the transmission axle to a second drive shaft when the coupling member is moved to a second direction side that is opposite in the first direction. The switch linkage part in cooperation with the coupling member, according to a switching operation performed by an operator, transforms the rotary motion of the coupling member to a linear motion to move the coupling member to either the first direction side or the second direction side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to an operating device for a shading device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventionally known shielding device having an operating device is that disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. The shielding device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first drive shaft rotatably supported within a head box and capable of moving a first moving member, a second drive shaft rotatably supported within the head box and capable of moving a second moving member, a first pulley capable of rotatably driving the first drive shaft, and a second pulley capable of rotatably driving the second drive shaft, and raises and lowers the first shielding material by operating a first operating cord that is provided so as to be able to be wound and unwound by the first pulley, and raises and lowers the second shielding material by operating a second operating cord that is provided so as to be able to be wound and unwound by the second pulley.

[0003] With this type of shielding device, the first pulley and the second pulley can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction, so that the hanging position of the first operating cord and the hanging position of the second operating cord can be made different in the left-right direction, thereby allowing the two types of operating cords that open and close the first shielding material and the second shielding material to hang from the head box in an easily distinguishable manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-20132 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, such a shading device requires two first and second pulleys to rotate the first and second drive shafts, and two operating cords to rotate the first and second pulleys. Although the hanging positions of the two operating cords can be set to different positions in the left and right directions, there is a possibility that the two operating cords may become entangled or interfere with each other depending on how they are operated, so improved operability has been desired. Also, even in a shading device in which a pulley is rotated by a single endless operating cord and different opening and closing operations are performed depending on the direction of rotation, one side and the other side of the endless operating cord hang from different positions, so improved operability has also been desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating a first drive shaft that drives a shielding device having at least one shielding material to perform a first operation that changes the shielding state of the shielding device, and a second drive shaft that drives the shielding device to perform a second operation different from the first operation that changes the shielding state of the shielding device, the operating device comprising: a transmission shaft to which a rotational driving force is transmitted from a pulley that is rotated by an operator; a connecting member that is rotatable integrally with the transmission shaft and is movable in the axial direction of the transmission shaft, and that is connected to the first drive shaft when moved toward a first direction in the axial direction so as to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft, and that is connected to the second drive shaft when moved toward a second direction that is opposite to the first direction so as to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft; and a switching interlocking unit that cooperates with the connecting member to convert the rotational motion of the connecting member into linear motion in response to a switching operation by the operator, and moves the connecting member toward either the first direction or the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the operability of the operation code can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view perspective view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an operating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of an operating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the internal configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 in a state where the operating cord is not pulled. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 in a state in which the operating cord is pulled. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the connecting mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connecting member. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connecting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a switching interlocking mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of a switching interlocking mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of a switching interlocking mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the switching interlocking mechanism in the first connected state. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the switching interlocking mechanism in the second connected state. [Figure 17] 10 is a bottom view illustrating the connection between the switching interlocking mechanism and the connecting member. FIG. [Figure 18]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operating device in a first connected state. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the cam member with its tip pointing toward the first connecting path. [Figure 20] 10 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when being shifted to the first connecting state. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when a rotational force is transmitted in the first connected state. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when it is shifted from the first connected state to the unconnected state. FIG. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a change in the relative position of the cam member with respect to the cam groove when the state shifts to the first connected state. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a shielding device in which a bottom rail is raised; [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the operating device in a second connected state. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the cam member with its tip pointing toward the second connecting path. [Figure 27] 10 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when being shifted to the second connecting state. FIG. [Figure 28] 10 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when a rotational force is transmitted in the second connected state. FIG. [Figure 29] 10 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when it is shifted from the second connected state to the unconnected state. FIG. [Figure 30] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a change in the relative position of the cam member with respect to the cam groove when the cam member is shifted to the second connected state. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a shielding device in which an intermediate bar is raised; [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view perspective view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the operating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the operating device when it is being shifted to a coupled state. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a shading device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an operating device in a first connected state according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the operating device in the second connected state according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drive device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a drive device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the shading device in a fully open state. [Figure 44] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the shading device in a first driving state. [Figure 45] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the shielding device in a fully closed state. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the shading device in a second driving state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a shading device to which the present invention is applied to a pleated screen equipped with two types of screens that can be raised and lowered as shading materials will be described as an example. In this embodiment, the indoor side of the shading device when installed will be referred to as the front, the outdoor side as the back, the direction consisting of the front and back as the front-to-back direction, and the longitudinal direction of the shading device as the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment (Overall composition) The overall configuration of the shading device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the shading device according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic plan perspective view thereof. Note that Fig. 1 shows the shading device with the bottom rail lowered, and only the inside of the head box is shown.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shading device 1 of this embodiment includes a head box 2, a bottom rail 31 as a first movable member, two lifting cords 32 formed in the shape of strings or tapes, a screen 33 as a first shading material, an intermediate bar 41 as a second movable member, two dimmer cords 42 formed in the shape of strings or tapes, the screen 43 as a second shading material, and an operating device 6.

[0013] The head box 2 is fixed to a window frame or the like (not shown) via a bracket 21, and is formed in the shape of a long box with an internal storage space. The head box 2 accommodates a first drive shaft 201a, two first winding drums 202a, a first braking device 203a, a first stopper device 204a, a second drive shaft 201b, two second winding drums 202b, a second braking device 203b, a second stopper device 204b, an interlocking gear 205, and a limiter 206.

[0014] The first drive shaft 201a, the two first winding drums 202a, the first brake device 203a, and the first stopper device 204a constitute a first drive system that raises and lowers the bottom rail 31. The second drive shaft 201b, the two second winding drums 202b, the second brake device 203b, and the second stopper device 204b constitute a second drive system that raises and lowers the intermediate bar 41. The interlocking gear 205 is configured to interlock the second drive system with the first drive system under predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the first drive system is disposed on the rear side, and the second drive system is disposed on the front side, and the first drive system and the second drive system are arranged side by side at different positions in the front-to-back direction. Note that, for example, the first drive system and the second drive system may be arranged side by side at different positions in the up-down direction, or the arrangement of the first drive system and the second drive system may be reversed in the front-to-back direction or the up-to-down direction.

[0015] The first and second drive shafts 201a, 201b are each a rectangular columnar member extending in the left-right direction, and are rotatably supported within the head box 2 with their axes oriented in the left-right direction. The axis of the first drive shaft 201a is located at the same position as and rearward of the axis of the second drive shaft 201b in the up-down direction, but the positions of the axes are different in the front-to-rear direction. In the following description, the axis of the first drive shaft 201a will be referred to as the first axis, and the axis of the second drive shaft 201b will be referred to as the second axis.

[0016] The two first winding drums 202a are inserted through the first drive shaft 201a so as to rotate integrally with the first drive shaft 201a, and one end of a corresponding one of the two lift-up cords 32 is connected to the first winding drums 202a so as to be able to be wound and unwound. The two second winding drums 202b are inserted through the second drive shaft 201b so as to rotate integrally with the second drive shaft 201b, and one end of a corresponding one of the two light-controlling cords 42 is connected to the second winding drums 202b so as to be able to be wound and unwound. The first stopper device 204a restricts the rotation of the first drive shaft 201a. The second stopper device 204b restricts the rotation of the second drive shaft 201b. The first brake device 203a decelerates the rotation of the first drive shaft 201a. The second brake device 203b decelerates the rotation of the second drive shaft 201b. The limiter 206 determines the lower limit position of the bottom rail 31 by restricting the amount of unwinding of the lifting cord 32 .

[0017] The bottom rail 31 is a member formed long in the left-right direction, to which the other ends of the two lifting / lowering cords 32 are connected, and is supported by hanging from the head box 2 so as to be located at the lowest end of the shading device 1. The intermediate bar 41 is a member formed long in the left-right direction, to which the other ends of the two dimmer cords 42 are connected, and is supported by hanging from the head box 2 so as to be located between the head box 2 and the bottom rail 31 in the vertical direction. The screen 33 is a shielding member formed in a pleated shape that can be folded up and down, and has an upper end connected to the underside of the intermediate bar 41 and a lower end connected to the upper surface of the bottom rail 31, through which the two lifting / lowering cords 32 are partially inserted in the vertical direction. The screen 43 is a shielding member formed in a pleated shape that can be folded up and down, and has an upper end connected to the underside of the head box 2 and a lower end connected to the upper surface of the intermediate bar 41, through which the two dimmer cords 42 are partially inserted in the vertical direction.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the operating device 6 is provided at one of the left and right ends of the head box 2, in this embodiment at the right end in the figure, and raises and lowers the bottom rail 31 and the intermediate bar 41 in response to operation of the operating part 63 by the user of the shading device 1.

[0019] (Configuration of the operation device) The configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the operating device according to this embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the operating device 6 includes a housing 60 (see FIG. 4), a first output shaft 61a, a second output shaft 61b, a pulley 62, an operating unit 63, a transmission shaft 65, a connecting member 66, a first receiving member 67a, a second receiving member 67b, an input gear 68a, an output gear 68b, an intermediate gear 68c, and a switching interlocking mechanism 69.

[0021] The housing 60 is composed of two housing sections 60a and 60b and a separator 60c. All components of the operating device 6 except for the operating section 63 are housed in a space defined by the two housing sections 60a and 60b. The housing space within the housing 60 is separated in the left-right direction by the separator 60c, and of the components housed in the housing space, only the pulley 62 is housed in the space on the right side of the housing space.

[0022] (Pulley configuration) The configuration of the pulley according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Figs. 4 and 5 are a plan view and a bottom view, respectively, showing the internal configuration of the operating device according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, in the following description, a view of the bottom surface as seen from diagonally below will also be referred to as a bottom view. Figs. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along line AA in Fig. 4 when the operating cord is not pulled and when it is pulled, respectively.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the pulley 62 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft 601 formed in the housing 60a. A string-like operation cord 631 is connected to the outer periphery of the pulley 62 so that it can be wound and unwound. A power spring 621 is provided inside the pulley 62. As shown in FIG. 6, one end of the power spring 621 is connected to the pulley 62 and the other end is connected to the fixed shaft 601, and the power spring 621 constantly applies a biasing force to the pulley 62 in the winding direction so that the operation cord 631 is wound. As a result, when the operator pulls down the operation cord 631 by more than a predetermined amount, the operation cord 631 is unwound from the pulley 62 and the pulley 62 rotates, as shown in FIG. 7, and the power spring 621 contracts in diameter. Thereafter, when the operator releases the pull on the operating cord 631 by, for example, letting go of the pull, the pulley 62 rotates in the reverse direction due to the restoring force of the power spring 621, and the operating cord 631 is wound up.

[0024] In the following explanation, with regard to the rotation direction around the first axis, the rotation direction in which the operating cord 631 is unwound from the pulley 62 (counterclockwise in Figures 6 and 7) will be referred to as the unwinding direction, and the rotation direction in which the pulley 62 winds up the operating cord 631 will be referred to as the winding direction (clockwise in Figures 6 and 7).

[0025] (Configuration of the operation section) The configuration of the operation unit according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, operation unit 63 includes operation cord 631, a hollow cylindrical switching operation unit 632, a hollow cylindrical operation rod 633, and cord stopper 635. A hollow cylindrical gripping portion 634 for an operator to grip is formed at the lower end of operation rod 633, and cord stopper 635 is provided at the lower end of the gripping portion 634. As shown in Fig. 4, operation cord 631 has one end connected to pulley 62 and the other end hanging down from pulley 62, inserted through switching operation unit 632 and operation rod 633, and connected to cord stopper 635. Operation cord 631 is urged upward by the urging force of power spring 621, but cord stopper 635 abuts against the lower end of gripping portion 634, preventing further winding of operation cord 631. When the operator pulls cord stopper 635 away from gripping portion 634, operating cord 631 is unwound from pulley 62, causing pulley 62 to rotate. When the operator releases his / her hand after pulling down by a predetermined amount or more, operating cord 631 is wound around pulley 62, and cord stopper 635 and gripping portion 634 come into contact with each other again.

[0027] The switching operation unit 632 is supported at its upper end by the housing units 60a and 60b so as to be rotatable about its axis. Two engagement units 632E protruding radially outward are formed at different circumferential positions on the outer periphery of the upper end of the switching operation unit 632 (see FIG. 13). With this switching operation unit 632, as will be described in detail later, a switching interlocking mechanism 69 is activated in response to a switching operation by the operator. As shown in FIG. 3, the switching operation unit 632 is provided with a substantially C-shaped torque spring 639 that fastens the switching operation unit 632 while being fixed to the housing 60. This requires a predetermined amount of torque or more when the operator grips the grip unit 634 and attempts to rotate it, allowing the operator to perform the rotation operation with an appropriate operating feel.

[0028] (Configuration of the connecting mechanism) The connecting mechanism according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8. Figure 8 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the connecting mechanism according to this embodiment.

[0029] The connecting mechanism is a mechanism that transmits the rotational force from the pulley 62 to either the first drive shaft 201a or the second drive shaft 201b, and is composed of the first output shaft 61a, the second output shaft 61b, the transmission shaft 65, the connecting member 66, the first receiving member 67a, the second receiving member 67b, the input gear 68a, the output gear 68b, and the intermediate gear 68c.

[0030] 3, the transmission shaft 65 is an elongated member formed to extend in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the housing 60 so that its axis is concentric with the first axis. An input gear 68a is inserted into the transmission shaft 65 so as to be rotatable relative to the input gear 68a, a pulley 62 is connected to the right end of the transmission shaft 65 so as to be rotatable integrally therewith, and a first output shaft 61a is connected to the left end of the transmission shaft 65 so as to be rotatable relative to the input gear 68a.

[0031] 4 and 5, the first output shaft 61a is an elongated member formed to extend in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the housing 60 and the transmission shaft 65 so that its axis is concentric with the first axis. The first drive shaft 201a is connected to the inner end of the first output shaft 61a in the left-right direction (the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5) so as to be rotatable together with the first output shaft 61a.

[0032] A first receiving member 67a is integrally formed on the outer left-right side of the first output shaft 61a (right side in Figs. 4 and 5). The first receiving member 67a is formed in a generally disk shape that protrudes radially outward around the entire circumference of the first output shaft 61a. A plurality of engagement teeth 671 are formed on the outer left-right surface of the first receiving member 67a at mutually different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0033] 4 and 5, the second output shaft 61b is an elongated member formed to extend in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the housing 60 so that its axis is concentric with the second axis. The second drive shaft 201b is connected to the inner end of the second output shaft 61b in the left-right direction (the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5) so as to be rotatable together with the second drive shaft 201b.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the input gear 68a is a spur gear that is provided to rotate relative to the transmission shaft 65. A second receiving member 67b is formed integrally with the input gear 68a on the left-right inner side (left side in Figures 4 and 5). The second receiving member 67b is formed in a generally disk shape that protrudes radially outward around the entire circumference of the transmission shaft 65. A plurality of engagement teeth 671 are formed on the left-right inner surface of the second receiving member 67b at mutually different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the output gear 68b is a spur gear provided to rotate integrally with the second output shaft 61b. The intermediate gear 68c is supported by the housing 60 so as to be rotatable about an axis facing the left-right direction, and is a spur gear provided to mesh with the input gear 68a and the output gear 68b. When a rotational driving force is input to the input gear 68a, the output gear 68b can output a rotational driving force in the same direction as the input gear 68a via the intermediate gear 68c and through the second output shaft 61b.

[0036] (Connecting member) The configuration of the connecting member according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Figs. 8 to 11. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 8. Figs. 10 and 11 are perspective views showing the configuration of the connecting member. Note that Fig. 10 shows the connecting member with the first transmission member and cylindrical cam removed, and Fig. 11 shows the connecting member with the first transmission member removed.

[0037] The connecting member 66 is a member provided so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the transmission shaft 65, and is connected to either the first receiving member 67a or the second receiving member 67b to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft 65 to either the first output shaft 61a or the second output shaft 61b. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 to 11, the connecting member 66 includes a cylindrical cam 661, a cylindrical member 662, a clutch spring 663, a first transmission member 664, and a second transmission member 665.

[0038] The first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665 are provided corresponding to the first receiving member 67a and the second receiving member 67b, respectively, and each has a disk-shaped portion through which the transmission shaft 65 is inserted. The connecting member 66 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape overall, and the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665 form the side surfaces of the connecting member 66 on the inner side in the left-right direction (the left side in FIG. 8) and the outer side in the left-right direction (the right side in FIG. 8), respectively.

[0039] 8, a plurality of engagement teeth 664E are formed at mutually different circumferential positions on the inner surface in the left-right direction of the disk-shaped portion of the first transmission member 664. These plurality of engagement teeth 664E are provided corresponding to the plurality of engagement teeth 671 of the first receiving member 67a, and specifically, each of the plurality of engagement teeth 664E is formed to be able to engage with each of the plurality of engagement teeth 671 of the first receiving member 67a in the rotational direction of the transmission shaft 65.

[0040] A plurality of engagement teeth 665E are formed at mutually different circumferential positions on the outer surface in the left-right direction of the disk-shaped portion of the second transmission member 665. These plurality of engagement teeth 665E are provided corresponding to the plurality of engagement teeth 671 of the second receiving member 67b, and specifically, each of the plurality of engagement teeth 665E is formed to be able to engage with each of the plurality of engagement teeth 671 of the second receiving member 67b in the rotational direction of the transmission shaft 65.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the first transmission member 664 has a cylindrical portion formed on the left-right outer side of its disk-shaped portion. As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, a plurality of protrusions 65P are formed on the outer periphery of the transmission shaft 65, protruding radially outward over a predetermined distance in the axial direction. The cylindrical portion of the first transmission member 664 is formed so that the transmission shaft 65 can be inserted therethrough, and its inner circumferential shape is formed so that it can fit into the plurality of protrusions 65P. This allows the first transmission member 664 to rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 65 and to move axially.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, second transmission member 665 has a plurality of protruding pieces that protrude inward in the left-right direction from its disk-shaped portion. As shown in Figs. 3 and 9, a plurality of grooves that extend in the left-right direction are formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of first transmission member 664, and into which the protruding pieces of second transmission member 665 can fit. The plurality of protruding pieces of second transmission member 665 fit into the plurality of grooves formed in the cylindrical portion of first transmission member 664, thereby connecting first transmission member 664 and second transmission member 665 so that they can rotate together. At this time, a columnar portion sandwiched between the disk-shaped portions of first transmission member 664 and second transmission member 665 is formed by the cylindrical portion and the plurality of protruding pieces.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 to 11, the cylindrical member 662 is a member formed in a substantially cylindrical shape into which the columnar portion formed by the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665 can be inserted. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a notch 662N is formed at the inner end of the cylindrical member 662 in the left-right direction, i.e., at the end on the side where the first transmission member 664 is located when the columnar portion is inserted. As shown in FIG. 9, the first transmission member 664 is formed with a protrusion 664P provided to correspond to the notch 662N. When the first transmission member 664, the second transmission member 665, and the cylindrical member 662 are assembled, the protrusion 664P fits into the notch 662N, so that the cylindrical member 662 rotates integrally with the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 10, clutch spring 663 is a linear elastic member wound so as to fasten the peripheral wall of cylindrical member 662, and both ends thereof are bent so as to face radially outward. As shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 11, cylindrical cam 661 is a member formed in a substantially cylindrical shape into which cylindrical member 662 around which clutch spring 663 is wound can be inserted, and is provided so as to be rotatable relative to cylindrical member 662. As shown in Fig. 11, cylindrical cam 661 is formed with two notches 661N formed so as to be able to engage with both ends of clutch spring 663 in the circumferential direction, respectively.

[0045] When the clutch spring 663 fastens the cylindrical member 662, the two notches 661N engage with both ends of the clutch spring 663, and the rotational force of the cylindrical member 662 is transmitted to the cylindrical cam 661 via the clutch spring 663, causing the cylindrical member 662 to rotate integrally with the cylindrical member 662. Each of the two notches 661N is formed to circumferentially engage with an end portion so as to relax the clutch spring 663 when the cylindrical cam 661 rotates integrally with the cylindrical member 662 by a predetermined angle range or more. When the clutch spring 663 is in a relaxed state, the clutch spring 663 releases the fastening of the cylindrical member 662, and the cylindrical cam 661 rotates together with the clutch spring 663 relative to the cylindrical member 662.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8, a cam groove CG is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical cam 661 over a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction. The cam groove CG is a groove formed so that a cam member 693C (see FIG. 12), which will be described later, slides relative to the cylindrical cam 661. The cam groove CG has a non-connecting path CG0 extending in the circumferential direction, and a first connecting path CG1 and a second connecting path CG2 connected to the non-connecting path CG0. The first connecting path CG1 is formed to extend in the unwinding direction (upper side in FIG. 8) at an incline outward in the left-right direction (right side in FIG. 8) with respect to the non-connecting path CG0. The second connecting path CG2 is formed to extend in the unwinding direction at an incline inward in the left-right direction (left side in FIG. 8) with respect to the non-connecting path CG0. The unwinding direction end of the non-connecting path CG0, the winding direction end of the first connecting path CG1, and the winding direction end of the second connecting path CG2 are connected to each other, and the cam groove CG is formed in a substantially Y-shape as a whole.

[0047] As will be described in detail later, the cam member 693C is provided movably but is immovable in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical cam 661. The two notches 661N of the cylindrical cam 661 are formed corresponding to the distance range in the circumferential direction of the cam groove CG. Specifically, one of the two notches 661N is formed at a position that restricts rotation of the cylindrical cam 661 in the unwinding direction when the cam member 693C reaches the unwinding direction end of the first connecting path CG1 and the second connecting path CG2. Furthermore, the other of the two notches 661N is formed at a position that restricts rotation of the cylindrical cam 661 in the winding direction when the cam member 693C reaches the winding direction end of the non-connecting path CG0.

[0048] With the connecting member 66 configured in this manner, as will be described later, the connecting member 66 is moved in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 65 in response to the operation of the cam member 693C, thereby switching the connecting mechanism between a first connected state, a second connected state, and a non-connected state. In the first connected state, the first transmission member 664 and the first receiving member 67a are engaged in the rotational direction and are connected to each other so as to transmit a rotational force. In the second connected state, the second transmission member 665 and the second receiving member 67b are engaged in the rotational direction and are connected to each other so as to transmit a rotational force. In the non-connected state, the first transmission member 664 and the first receiving member 67a are not connected to each other so as to transmit a rotational force, and the second transmission member 665 and the second receiving member 67b are not connected to each other so as to transmit a rotational force.

[0049] (Configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism) The configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 16. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism. Figs. 13 and 14 are upper and lower perspective views, respectively, showing the configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism. Figs. 15 and 16 are plan views showing the switching interlocking mechanism in the first and second connected states, respectively.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 , the switch interlocking mechanism 69 includes a switch transmission unit 691, a switch conversion unit 692, a switch guide unit 693, a retaining ring 694, and an elastic restriction unit 695. The switch transmission unit 691 moves left and right in response to a switching operation performed on the switch operation unit 632, and transmits linear motion resulting from the switching operation to the switch conversion unit 692. The switch conversion unit 692 converts the linear motion transmitted by the switch transmission unit 691 into rotational motion. The switch guide unit 693 is rotated by the switch conversion unit 692, thereby guiding the connecting member 66 left and right so as to switch the connecting mechanism between the first connected state and the second connected state. The retaining ring 694 is used to attach the switch guide unit 693 to the switch conversion unit 692.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the switching transmission unit 691 is formed in a generally plate-like shape extending in the left-right direction, is positioned below the second output shaft 61b (see FIG. 5), and is supported by the housing 60 so as to be movable in the left-right direction with the in-plane direction of its plate surface facing horizontally. The switching transmission unit 691 is formed with an engaged portion 691E and a connecting hole 691H. The engaged portion 691E is formed at the front end portion on the outer left-right side (right side in FIG. 12) of the switching transmission unit 691, and protrudes forward so as to engage with each of the two engaging portions 632E of the switching operation unit 632. The connecting hole 691H is an elongated through-hole extending in the front-rear direction, formed on the inner left-right side (left side in FIG. 12) of the switching transmission unit 691.

[0052] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the switching conversion unit 692 is a generally plate-shaped member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and has one end wider than the other portions. The switching conversion unit 692 is supported by the housing 60 so that it can rotate around an axis facing up-down with the in-plane direction of its plate surface facing horizontally. The rotation angle range of the switching conversion unit 692 is limited by the housing 60 so that the one end formed with a wider width is always positioned rearward. The switching conversion unit 692 is formed with a connecting hole 692H, an engaging portion 692E, a rotating shaft 692A, and a connecting pin 692P.

[0053] The connecting hole 692H is a through-hole formed to extend in the width direction at one end (hereinafter referred to as the rear end) of the switching conversion unit 692, which is formed to have a large width. The engaging portion 692E is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes upward at the other end (hereinafter referred to as the front end) side of the connecting hole 692H. The rotating shaft 692A is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes upward at the front end side of the engaging portion 692E, and is journaled by the housing 60 so that its axial direction faces the up-down direction. The connecting pin 692P is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes upward at the front end, and is inserted into the connecting hole 691H of the switching transmission unit 691.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the switching guide 693 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape, and is a member supported by the switching converter 692 and the housing 60 so as to be rotatable around an axis facing up and down with the in-plane direction of the plate surface facing horizontally. The rotation angle range of the switching guide 693 is limited so that one end is always positioned forward and the other end is always positioned rearward. The switching guide 693 is formed with a cam member 693C, two guided portions 693G, an engaged portion 693E, and a connecting pin 693P (see FIG. 14). In the following description, for convenience, the one end of the switching guide 693 positioned forward will be referred to as the front end, and the other end positioned rearward will be referred to as the rear end.

[0055] The cam member 693C protrudes upward from the upper surface of the switching guide 693 and is formed in a roughly teardrop shape tapering toward the front end when viewed from above. The two guided portions 693G are provided opposite each other on the upper surface of the switching guide 693 to sandwich the cam member 693C, and are each formed in a roughly fan shape protruding upward in a plan view. Two guiding portions 60G (see FIGS. 3, 15, and 16) are formed in the housing 60b corresponding to the two guided portions 693G. The two guided portions 693G are fitted into and guided by the two guiding portions 60G formed as grooves. As a result, the switching guide 693 is supported by the housing 60 so as to be rotatable about an imaginary axis facing up and down so that the orientation of the front end of the cam member 693C can be changed. Furthermore, the housing 60b is formed with a rotation limiting portion 60L, which is a hole formed in a generally rectangular shape in plan view so that the cam member 693C can be fitted therein (see FIGS. 15 and 16). The rotation angle range of the switching guide 693 is limited by the two guide portions 60G and the rotation limiting portion 60L, as described above.

[0056] The engaged portion 693E is formed as a notch at the front end of the switching guide portion 693, with which the engaging portion 692E of the switching conversion portion 692 can engage in the left-right direction when the switching guide portion 693 is assembled to the switching conversion portion 692. The connecting pin 693P is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the switching guide portion 693. The connecting pin 693P is formed so as to slidably fit into the connecting hole 692H of the switching conversion portion 692 when the switching guide portion 693 is assembled to the switching conversion portion 692.

[0057] The retaining ring 694 is a plate-like member formed in a generally C-shape in plan view. A groove is formed around the entire periphery on the side surface of the rotating shaft 692A of the switching conversion unit 692, thereby forming a small-diameter portion in one portion of the rotating shaft 692A that is smaller in diameter than the other portion. The retaining ring 694 is formed so as to be inserted into the groove of the rotating shaft 692A and fitted into the small-diameter portion of the rotating shaft 692A after the switching guide unit 693 is assembled to the switching conversion unit 692. The retaining ring 694 is formed so as to overlap a portion of the engagement portion 692E and a portion of the switching guide unit 693 in the vertical direction when fitted into the small-diameter portion of the rotating shaft 692A, thereby preventing the switching guide unit 693 from falling off from the switching conversion unit 692.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3, 13, and 14, the elastic restriction portion 695 is formed by bending an elastic member formed in a long plate shape. The elastic restriction portion 695 is bent so that both ends are substantially perpendicular to the plate surface, and a protrusion is formed in the center that protrudes in the opposite direction to the bending direction of both ends. As shown in FIG. 13, the elastic restriction portion 695 is fixedly provided to the housing 60 so that the protrusion faces rearward. As will be described in detail later, the connecting pin 692P of the switching conversion portion 692 is provided so as to be moved in the left-right direction by the switching transmission portion 691. The elastic restriction portion 695 is a so-called leaf spring in which the protrusion is positioned on the movement path of the connecting pin 692P to restrict the movement of the switching transmission portion 691, and the connecting pin 692P can bend to overcome the protrusion against the elastic force of the elastic restriction portion 695. The elastic restriction portion 695 can give the operator a clicking sensation when the connecting pin 692P passes over the protruding portion of the elastic restriction portion 695, which in turn allows the operator to understand the operating state.

[0059] (Operation of the switching interlocking mechanism) The operation of the switch interlocking mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figure 17 is a bottom view illustrating the connection between the switch interlocking mechanism and the connecting member.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 15, when the switching operation unit 632 is rotated counterclockwise in plan view by a rotation operation on the operation unit 63, one of the two engaging portions 632E of the switching operation unit 632 engages with the engaged portion 691E of the switching transmission unit 691 from the outer side in the left-right direction (the right side in Fig. 15), and the switching transmission unit 691 is moved inward in the left-right direction (the left side in Fig. 15). When the switching transmission unit 691 is moved inward in the left-right direction, the connecting pin 692P of the switching conversion unit 692 moves inward in the left-right direction, climbing over the elastic restricting portion 695, and the switching conversion unit 692 is rotated clockwise in plan view around its rotation axis 692A. When the switching conversion unit 692 is rotated clockwise, the engaging portion 692E of the switching conversion unit 692 is moved outward in the left-right direction. When the engaging portion 692E is moved outward in the left-right direction, the front end portion of the switching guide portion 693, where the engaged portion 693E that engages with the engaging portion 692E is formed, is pressed outward in the left-right direction, the switching guide portion 693 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above, and the tip portion of the cam member 693C of the switching guide portion 693 is tilted outward in the left-right direction.

[0061] 16, when the switching operation unit 632 is rotated clockwise in plan view by a rotation operation on the operation unit 63, the other of the two engaging portions 632E of the switching operation unit 632 engages with the engaged portion 691E of the switching transmission unit 691 from the inside in the left-right direction (left side in FIG. 16), and the switching transmission unit 691 is moved outward in the left-right direction (right side in FIG. 16). When the switching transmission unit 691 is moved outward in the left-right direction, the connecting pin 692P of the switching conversion unit 692 moves outward in the left-right direction, climbing over the elastic restricting portion 695, and the switching conversion unit 692 is rotated counterclockwise in plan view around its rotation axis 692A. When the switching conversion unit 692 is rotated counterclockwise, the engaging portion 692E of the switching conversion unit 692 is moved inward in the left-right direction. When the engaging portion 692E is moved inward in the left-right direction, the front end portion of the switching guide portion 693, which forms the engaged portion 693E that engages with the engaging portion 692E, is pressed inward in the left-right direction, the switching guide portion 693 is rotated clockwise when viewed from above, and the tip portion of the cam member 693C of the switching guide portion 693 tilts inward in the left-right direction.

[0062] The connecting member 66 and the switching guide portion 693 are provided in the housing 60 so that the cam member 693C fits into the cam groove CG of the cylindrical cam 661. By changing the orientation of the tip of the cam member 693C in the left-right direction in response to a rotation operation of the operating portion 63, the path of the cam groove CG into which the cam member 693C fits when the connecting member 66 is rotated in the unwinding direction is changed, as will be described in detail later.

[0063] (Transition to first driving state) The transition operation to the first drive state will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 24. Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the operating device in the first connected state. Fig. 19 is a bottom view showing the cam member with its tip facing the first connection path. Fig. 20 is a bottom view showing the connection member when transitioning to the first connected state. Fig. 21 is a bottom view showing the connection member when a rotational force is transmitted in the first connected state. Fig. 22 is a bottom view showing the connection member when transitioning from the first connected state to the non-connected state. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a change in the relative position of the cam member with respect to the cam groove when transitioning to the first connected state. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing the shading device when the bottom rail is raised.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 24(a), when the operating unit 63 is rotated counterclockwise in a plan view, and as shown in Fig. 24(b) the operator pulls down the cord stopper 635 to pull the operating cord 631, the connecting member 66 moves inward in the left-right direction (to the left in Fig. 18) as shown in Fig. 18, and the connecting mechanism enters the first connected state. In the first connected state, the rotation of the pulley 62 is transmitted to the first output shaft 61a connected to the first drive shaft 201a, and the shading device 1 enters the first drive state in which the first drive shaft 201a is rotationally driven.

[0065] When the connecting mechanism is shifted to the first connecting state, first, as shown in FIG. 19, the switching guide portion 693 is rotated so that the tip of the cam member 693C is tilted outward in the left-right direction (to the right in FIG. 19). When the pulley 62 is rotated in the unwinding direction in this state, as shown in FIGS. 23(a) and (b), the relative position of the cam member 693C, which is fixedly provided in the circumferential direction of the connecting member 66, and the cam groove CG changes so that the cam member 693C enters the first connecting path CG1, and as shown in FIG. 23(c), the cam member 693C is positioned at the end of the first connecting path CG1 in the unwinding direction. In the state shown in FIG. 23(b), the end of the partition wall separating the first connecting path CG1 and the second connecting path CG2 abuts against the inner side surface of the cam member 693C in the left-right direction (the left side in FIG. 23), and the cam member 693C is guided to enter the first connecting path CG1.

[0066] Since the cam member 693C is fixed in the left-right direction, when the cam member 693C is positioned on the first connecting path CG1, the connecting member 66 is moved inward in the left-right direction (to the left in Figure 20) as shown in Figure 20, and the connecting mechanism is switched to the first connecting state.

[0067] Furthermore, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the unwinding direction, as shown in Fig. 21, the other components of the connecting member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and the clutch spring 663, and the first output shaft 61a is rotated in the unwinding direction via the transmission shaft 65, the connecting member 66, and the first receiving member 67a, thereby bringing the shading device 1 into the first drive state. In the first drive state, the two first winding drums 202a to which rotational force is transmitted from the first drive shaft 201a wind up the two lifting cords 32 connected thereto, respectively, and thereby the bottom rail 31 is raised as shown in Fig. 24(b).

[0068] When the operator releases cord stopper 635 that has been pulled down, pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction by the restoring force of power spring 621, and operating cord 631 is wound around pulley 62 until cord stopper 635 abuts the lower end of gripping portion 634, as shown in Figure 24(c). At this time, connecting member 66 is rotated in the winding direction, and the relative position of cam member 693C and cam groove CG changes so that cam member 693C enters non-connecting path CG0, as shown in Figure 23(d), and cam member 693C is positioned at the end of non-connecting path CG0 in the winding direction, as shown in Figure 23(e).

[0069] By positioning the cam member 693C on the non-coupling path CG0, the coupling member 66 is moved outward in the left-right direction (to the right in FIG. 22), and the coupling mechanism is switched to the non-coupling state, as shown in Fig. 22. Furthermore, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction, other components of the coupling member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and the clutch spring 663, but because the coupling mechanism is in the non-coupling state, the rotation is not transmitted to either the first or second receiving member 67a, 67b.

[0070] (Transition to second driving state) The transition operation to the second drive state will be described with reference to Figs. 25 to 31. Fig. 25 is a plan view showing the operating device in the second connected state. Fig. 26 is a bottom view showing the cam member with its tip facing the second connection path. Fig. 27 is a bottom view showing the connection member when transitioning to the second connected state. Fig. 28 is a bottom view showing the connection member when a rotational force is transmitted in the second connected state. Fig. 29 is a bottom view showing the connection member when transitioning from the second connected state to the non-connected state. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a change in the relative position of the cam member with respect to the cam groove when transitioning to the second connected state. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing the shading device when the intermediate bar is raised.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 31(a), when the operating unit 63 is rotated clockwise in a plan view, and as shown in Fig. 31(b) the operator pulls down the cord stopper 635 to pull the operating cord 631, the connecting member 66 moves outward in the left-right direction (to the right in Fig. 25) as shown in Fig. 25, and the connecting mechanism enters the second connected state. In the second connected state, the rotation of the pulley 62 is transmitted to the second output shaft 61b connected to the second drive shaft 201b, and the shading device 1 enters the second drive state in which the second drive shaft 201b is rotationally driven.

[0072] When the connecting mechanism is shifted to the second connecting state, first, as shown in FIG. 26, the switching guide portion 693 is rotated so that the tip of the cam member 693C is tilted inward in the left-right direction (to the left in FIG. 26). When the pulley 62 is rotated in the unwinding direction in this state, as shown in FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b), the relative position of the cam member 693C, which is fixedly provided in the circumferential direction of the connecting member 66, and the cam groove CG changes so that the cam member 693C enters the second connecting path CG2, and as shown in FIG. 30(c), the cam member 693C is positioned at the end of the second connecting path CG2 in the unwinding direction. In the state shown in FIG. 30(b), the end of the partition wall separating the first connecting path CG1 and the second connecting path CG2 abuts against the side surface of the cam member 693C on the outward left-right direction (the right side in FIG. 30), and the cam member 693C is guided to enter the second connecting path CG2.

[0073] Since the cam member 693C is fixed in the left-right direction, when the cam member 693C is positioned on the second connection path CG2, the connection member 66 is moved outward in the left-right direction (to the right in Figure 27) as shown in Figure 27, and the connection mechanism is switched to the second connection state.

[0074] 28, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the unwinding direction, other components of the connecting member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and the clutch spring 663, and the second output shaft 61b rotates in the unwinding direction via the transmission shaft 65, the connecting member 66, and the second receiving member 67b, thereby placing the shading device 1 in the second drive state. In the second drive state, the two second winding drums 202b to which the rotational force is transmitted from the second drive shaft 201b wind up the two light-control cords 42 connected thereto, thereby lifting the intermediate bar 41 as shown in FIG. 31(b).

[0075] When the operator releases cord stopper 635 that has been pulled down, pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction by the restoring force of power spring 621, and operating cord 631 is wound around pulley 62 until cord stopper 635 abuts the lower end of gripping portion 634, as shown in Figure 31(c). At this time, connecting member 66 is rotated in the winding direction, and the relative position of cam member 693C and cam groove CG changes so that cam member 693C enters non-connecting path CG0, as shown in Figure 30(d), and cam member 693C is positioned at the end of non-connecting path CG0 in the winding direction, as shown in Figure 30(e).

[0076] By positioning the cam member 693C on the non-coupling path CG0, the coupling member 66 is moved inward in the left-right direction (to the left in FIG. 29), and the coupling mechanism is switched to the non-coupling state, as shown in Fig. 29. Furthermore, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction, other components of the coupling member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and the clutch spring 663, but because the coupling mechanism is in the non-coupling state, the rotation is not transmitted to either the first or second receiving member 67a, 67b.

[0077] (Effect of the control device) The effects of the operating device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0078] According to the operating device 6 of the first embodiment described above, the connecting member 66 and the switching interlocking mechanism 69, specifically the cam member 693C, work together to convert the rotational motion of the connecting member 66 into linear motion in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 65, thereby making it possible to easily switch the drive shaft that transmits the rotational force of the pulley 62 using the rotational force of the connecting member 66, thereby improving the operability of switching the driven object.

[0079] Furthermore, by using the cam member 693C and the cylindrical cam 661 having the cam groove CG formed therein to move the connecting member 66 in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 65, the rotation and axial movement of the connecting member 66 can be linked as intended by the designer of the operating device 6, thereby making the axial movement of the connecting member 66 smoother.

[0080] Furthermore, the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction by the biasing force of the power spring 621, and a non-connecting path CG0 is formed in the cam groove CG, thereby preventing the transmission of rotational force from the first drive shaft 201a and the second drive shaft 201b to the pulley 62 with a simpler configuration.

[0081] Second Embodiment (Overall composition) The overall configuration of the shading device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32 and Fig. 33. Fig. 32 is a front view showing the configuration of the shading device according to this embodiment, and Fig. 33 is a schematic plan perspective view thereof. Note that Fig. 32 shows the shading device with the bottom rail lowered, and only the inside of the head box is shown.

[0082] 32, the shading device 1A according to this embodiment differs from the shading device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the intermediate bar 41, the two dimmer cords 42, and the screen 43. The shading device 1A also differs from the shading device 1 in that it includes a head box 2A instead of the head box 2, an operating device 6A instead of the operating device 6, and an operating unit 73 instead of the operating unit 63.

[0083] As shown in Figure 33, head box 2A differs from head box 2 in that it does not have the two second winding drums 202b, second brake device 203b, second stopper device 204b, or interlocking gear 205 housed inside.

[0084] The operating unit 73 includes a gripping portion 731, a cord stopper 732, and the operating cord 631. The gripping portion 731 is a member formed in a shape that can be easily gripped when the operator pulls the operating cord 631, and is connected to the lower end of the operating cord 631. The cord stopper 732 is a member formed in a size that can be engaged with an outlet (not shown) for the operating cord 631 provided in the operating device 6A, and is attached to a midpoint of the operating cord 631. The cord stopper 732 restricts the pulley 62 from winding up more than a certain amount of the operating cord 631.

[0085] (Configuration of the operation device) The configuration of the operating device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 34 and 35. Fig. 34 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the operating device according to this embodiment. Fig. 35 is a plan view showing the operating device when it is being shifted to a connected state. Note that Fig. 34 shows the operating device without the pulley.

[0086] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the operating device 6A of this embodiment differs from the operating device 6 in that it has a connecting member 66A instead of the connecting member 66 as a connecting mechanism, it does not have the second output shaft 61b, the second receiving member 67b, the input gear 68a, the output gear 68b, and the intermediate gear 68c, and it has a cam member 69C instead of the switching interlocking mechanism 69.

[0087] Connecting member 66A differs from connecting member 66 in that it does not include second transmission member 665 and includes cylindrical cam 661A instead of cylindrical cam 661. Cylindrical cam 661A differs from cylindrical cam 661 in that it includes cam groove CGA instead of cam groove CG. Cam groove CGA differs from cam groove CG in that it does not include second connecting path CG2.

[0088] Cam member 69C is a member equivalent to cam member 693C provided in switching guide portion 693 included in switching interlocking mechanism 69 according to the first embodiment. Cam member 69C is formed in substantially the same shape as cam member 693C, but differs from cam member 693C in that cam member 69C is provided in housing 60 unrotatably with its tip tilted outward in the left-right direction.

[0089] When the operator pulls down the gripping portion 731 and rotates the pulley 62 in the unwinding direction, the connecting member 66A is rotated so that the cam member 69C enters the first connecting path CG1. As a result, the connecting member 66A is moved inward in the left-right direction (to the left in FIG. 35), and the operating device 6A enters a connected state in which the first transmission member 664 and the first receiving member 67a are connected so as to be able to transmit a rotational force, and the shading device 1A enters a drive state in which the first drive shaft 201a is rotationally driven via the first output shaft 61a.

[0090] When the operator releases the grip portion 731 and the pulley 62 rotates in the winding direction due to the restoring force of the power spring 621, the operating cord 631 is wound around the pulley 62 until the cord stopper 732 abuts against the outlet of the operating device 6A. At this time, the connecting member 66A is rotated so that the cam member 69C enters the non-connecting path CG0. This causes the connecting member 66A to move outward in the left-right direction (to the right in FIG. 35), and the connecting mechanism enters a non-connecting state. Furthermore, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction, other components of the connecting member 66A rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661A. However, because the connecting mechanism is in a non-connecting state, the rotation of the connecting member 66A is not transmitted to the first receiving member 67a.

[0091] (Effect of the control device) The effects of the operating device according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0092] According to the operating device 6A, in the shielding device 1A, which has only one drive system driven by the rotation of the pulley 62, when the gripping portion 731 is pulled, it is in a connected state, and when the gripping portion 731 is released, it is in a disconnected state, so that the transmission of rotational force from the first transmission shaft 201a to the pulley 62 can be prevented with a simpler configuration.

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, the first moving member moved by the rotation of the first drive shaft 201a and the second moving member moved by the rotation of the second drive shaft 201b are the bottom rail 31 and the intermediate bar 41, respectively, which move in the vertical direction. However, the movement direction of the first moving member and the second moving member may be in any direction. The first moving member and the second moving member may be arranged in front and behind and move up and down or left and right, respectively. Furthermore, the first drive shaft 201a and the second drive shaft 201b may be driven to perform two types of operations related to opening and closing the shielding material in the shielding device. For example, for the same shielding material, the first drive shaft 201a may drive the shielding device to perform a first operation, and the second drive shaft 201b may drive the shielding device to perform a second operation different from the first operation.

[0094] Furthermore, although the rotational driving force of the pulley 62 is selectively transmitted to either the first drive shaft 201a or the second drive shaft 201b by rotating the switching operation unit 632, this is not limitative. For example, the switching operation unit 632 may be slid up and down or left and right.

[0095] Furthermore, although pleated screens have been used as examples of shading devices 1, 1A, the present invention can be applied to shading devices such as horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roller blinds, honeycomb screens, roll-up curtains, accordion doors, and other blinds, curtains, or partitions.

[0096] Third Embodiment The configuration of the shading device according to the third embodiment will be described below. Fig. 36 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shading device according to this embodiment.

[0097] 36, the shading device 1B according to this embodiment differs from the shading device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the screen 33 and the screen 43 are disposed at different positions in the front-to-rear direction. Moreover, the shading device 1B includes a first bottom rail 31a and a second bottom rail 31b instead of the bottom rail 31 and the intermediate bar 41, and includes two lift-up cords 32a and two lift-up cords 32b instead of the two lift-up cords 32 and the two dimmer cords 42. Moreover, the shading device 1B includes a head box 2B instead of the head box 2, which hangs the two lift-up cords 32a and the two lift-up cords 32b from different positions in the front-to-rear direction.

[0098] The screen 33 has an upper end connected to the rear side of the lower surface of the head box 2B and a lower end connected to the upper surface of the first bottom rail 31a, through which two lifting cords 32a are partially inserted in the vertical direction. The screen 43 has an upper end connected to the front side of the lower surface of the head box 2B and a lower end connected to the upper surface of the second bottom rail 31b, through which two lifting cords 32b are partially inserted in the vertical direction.

[0099] One end of each of the two lifting cords 32a is connected to the corresponding first take-up drum 202a, and the other end is connected to the upper surface of the first bottom rail 31a. Similarly, one end of each of the two lifting cords 32b is connected to the corresponding second take-up drum 202b, and the other end is connected to the upper surface of the second bottom rail 31b.

[0100] When the first winding drum 202a rotates in the shading device 1B in the first drive state, the first bottom rail 31a rises and the rear screen 33 is folded from below. Similarly, when the second winding drum 202b rotates in the shading device 1B in the second drive state, the front screen 43 is folded from below.

[0101] In this way, the operating device 6 can also be applied to the shading device 1B having two screens 33, 43 at the front and rear.

[0102] <Fourth embodiment> The configuration of the shading device according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. Fig. 37 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shading device according to this embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 37, the shading device 1C of this embodiment differs from the shading device 1B of the third embodiment in that it has screens 36a and 36b instead of screens 33 and 43, and in that it has a first weight bar 35a and a second weight bar 35b instead of the first bottom rail 31a and the second bottom rail 31b.

[0104] Screens 36a and 36b are both thin-film members and differ from screens 33 and 43 in that they have no creases. First weight bar 35a and second weight bar 35b are both elongated, generally plate-like members, and are arranged so that their longitudinal directions face the left-right direction.

[0105] The screen 36a has an upper end connected to the rear side of the underside of the head box 2C and a lower end connected to one end of the first weight bar 35a in the front-to-rear direction. Similarly, the screen 36b has an upper end connected to the front side of the underside of the head box 2C and a lower end connected to one end of the second weight bar 35b in the front-to-rear direction. The first weight bar 35a and the second weight bar 35b have weights that apply appropriate tension to the screens 36a and 36b, respectively.

[0106] One end of each of the two lifting / lowering cords 32a is connected to the corresponding first winding drum 202a, and the other end is connected to one end of the first weight bar 35a in the front-to-rear direction. Similarly, one end of each of the two lifting / lowering cords 32b is connected to the corresponding second winding drum 202b, and the other end is connected to the upper surface of the second weight bar 35b.

[0107] When the first winding drum 202a rotates in the shading device 1C in the first drive state, the first weight bar 35a rises and the rear screen 36a is tucked up from below. Similarly, when the second winding drum 202b rotates in the shading device 1C in the second drive state, the front screen 36b is tucked up from below.

[0108] In this way, the operating device 6 can also be applied to a so-called Roman shade in which two screens 36a, 36b are arranged at the front and rear.

[0109] Fifth Embodiment (Configuration of the shielding device) The configuration of the shading device according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. Fig. 38 is a front view showing the configuration of the shading device according to the embodiment.

[0110] As shown in Figure 38, the shading device 1D of this embodiment is a vertical blind and includes a head rail 70, multiple louvers 71 as shading materials, a master carrier 72, multiple carriers 76, a first drive shaft 74a, a second drive shaft 74b (see Figure 41), a spacer link 75, an operating device 6B, and a drive device 8.

[0111] The head rail 70 is a long support member that is attached to the top of the window frame or the ceiling surface via multiple brackets (not shown). The multiple louvers 71 are each long, roughly plate-shaped members that are suspended and supported by the head rail 70 via either a master carrier 72 or multiple carriers 76 with their longitudinal directions facing up and down.

[0112] The first drive shaft 74a is mounted on the head rail 70 with its axial direction facing the longitudinal direction of the head rail 70, i.e., the left-right direction. The second drive shaft 74b is mounted on the head rail 70 behind the first drive shaft 74a with its axial direction facing the left-right direction. One end (the end on the right in FIG. 38) of each of the first drive shaft 74a and the second drive shaft 74b is connected to the drive unit 8, and the other end (the end on the left in FIG. 38) is rotatably supported by the head rail 70. The first drive shaft 74a is a screw rod with a helical thread formed on its outer periphery. The second drive shaft 74b is a tilt rod with a plurality of spline grooves formed on its outer periphery extending in the axial direction.

[0113] The master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are both inserted by a first drive shaft 74a and a second drive shaft 74b and supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are each connected to one longitudinal end of one louver 71, thereby supporting the multiple louvers 71 in a suspended manner from the head rail 70. The master carrier 72 is disposed on the left side of the multiple carriers 76 in the left-right direction.

[0114] The master carrier 72 includes a lead nut (not shown) that threads onto a first drive shaft 74a configured as a screw rod, thereby moving the master carrier 72 in the left-right direction as the first drive shaft 74a rotates. Specifically, the master carrier 72 moves to the left in the left-right direction (closing direction) when the first drive shaft 74a rotates in the forward direction, and moves to the right in the left-right direction (opening direction) when the first drive shaft 74a rotates in the reverse direction. Adjacent carriers of the master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are connected to each other by band-shaped spacer links 75. As a result, when the master carrier 72 moves in the closing direction, the multiple carriers 76 are pulled via the spacer links 75 and also move in the closing direction. When the master carrier 72 moves in the opening direction, the multiple carriers 76 are pushed by the master carrier 72 and also move in the opening direction.

[0115] The master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are each rotatable about an axis facing the vertical direction and include a carrier hook (not shown) that engages with one longitudinal end of the louver 71 to suspend and support the louver 71, and a worm (not shown). A worm wheel is formed at the upper end of the carrier hook and engages with a worm that is formed to be rotatable integrally with and axially movable relative to the second drive shaft 74b formed as a tilt rod. This causes the carrier hook to rotate with the rotation of the second drive shaft 74b. Specifically, the master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are configured so that when the second drive shaft is rotated in the forward direction, the louvers 71 rotate counterclockwise in plan view, and when the second drive shaft is rotated in the reverse direction, the louvers 71 rotate clockwise in plan view.

[0116] (Configuration of the operation device) The configuration of the operating device according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. Figures 39 and 40 are plan views showing the operating device in the first connected state and the second connected state, respectively.

[0117] 39 and 40, the operating device 6B according to this embodiment differs from the operating device 6 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a first transmission gear 611a and a second transmission gear 611b. The operating device 6B also differs from the operating device 6 in that the main drive shaft 612, rather than the first drive shaft 201a, is connected to the first output shaft 61a so as to be integrally rotatable therewith, and the second drive shaft 201b is not connected to the second output shaft 61b.

[0118] The first transmission gear 611a is provided on the first output shaft 61a so as to be rotatable integrally therewith, and the second transmission gear 611b is provided on the second output shaft 61b so as to be rotatable integrally therewith. The first transmission gear 611a and the second transmission gear 611b are provided so as to mesh with each other. As a result, the rotational force of the first output shaft 61a is transmitted to the second output shaft 61b, and the rotational force of the second output shaft 61b is transmitted to the first output shaft 61a.

[0119] 39, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the operating device 6B that has transitioned to the first connected state, the first output shaft 61a is rotated in the unwinding direction. At this time, the rotational force of the first output shaft 61a is transmitted to the second output shaft 61b by the first transmission gear 611a and the second transmission gear 611b. When the second output shaft 61b is rotated, the second receiving member 67b is rotated in the winding direction via the output gear 68b, the intermediate gear 68c, and the input gear 68a. However, because the second receiving member 67b and the connecting member 66 are not connected, the second receiving member 67b rotates freely.

[0120] 40, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the operating device 6B that has been transitioned to the second connected state, the second receiving member 67b is rotated in the unwinding direction. The rotational force of the second receiving member 67b in the unwinding direction is transmitted to the second output shaft 61b via the input gear 68a, the intermediate gear 68c, and the output gear 68b. The rotational force of the second output shaft 61b in the unwinding direction is reversed by the second transmission gear 611b and the first transmission gear 611a and transmitted to the first output shaft 61a, causing the first output shaft 61a to rotate in the winding direction.

[0121] As described above, with the operating device 6B according to this embodiment, the rotational directions of the first output shaft 61a and the main drive shaft 612 connected to the first output shaft 61a can be switched by switching the connection state of the operating device 6B. The main drive shaft 612 is connected to the drive device 8 so as to be able to transmit a rotational force, and therefore, by switching the connection state of the operating device 6B, the direction of the rotational force input to the drive device 8 can be switched. In the description of the drive device 8 below, the winding direction will be referred to as the forward direction and the unwinding direction will be referred to as the reverse direction with respect to the rotational direction.

[0122] (Driver configuration) The configuration of the drive device according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. Figures 41 and 42 are a vertical cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, showing the configuration of the drive device according to this embodiment.

[0123] As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the drive unit 8 includes a case 80, a sun gear 811, four planetary gears 812, a planetary carrier 813, a drive gear 831, a driven gear 832, a torque limiter 841, a first rotating body 822, a second rotating body 823, and an output shaft 824.

[0124] The case 80 is formed with a circular opening that supports the driven gear 832 so as to rotate relatively therebetween, and another circular opening whose inner circumferential surface is formed with internal gears 810 that mesh with the four planetary gears 812. The sun gear 811 is connected to the end of the main drive shaft 612 so as to rotate integrally therewith, and meshes with the four planetary gears 812. The planetary carrier 813 is supported by the case 80 so as to rotate relatively therebetween, and supports the four planetary gears 812 so as to rotate relatively therebetween along a circle centered on the rotation axis of the planetary carrier 813. The internal gears 810, the sun gear 811, the four planetary gears 812, and the planetary carrier 813 form a planetary gear mechanism that reduces the operating load of the pulley 62.

[0125] The drive gear 831 is formed so as to be rotatable integrally with the planetary carrier 813, and meshes with the driven gear 832. The torque limiter 841 is connected to the second drive shaft 74b so as to be rotatable integrally with the planetary carrier 813, and is also connected to the driven gear 832 so as to be rotatable integrally with the planetary carrier 813. The torque limiter 841 is configured so that the driven gear 832 rotates freely relative to the second drive shaft 74b when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined amount acts on the second drive shaft 74b.

[0126] The output shaft 824 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an opening on the inner side in the left-right direction (left side in FIG. 41), and has a rotating shaft 824a that protrudes outward in the left-right direction (right side in FIG. 41) and a rotating shaft 824b that protrudes inward in the left-right direction, with an arc-shaped notch 824c formed in the generally cylindrical portion. The rotating shaft 824a supports the first rotating body 822 and the second rotating body 823. The first drive shaft 74a is connected to the rotating shaft 824b so as to be rotatable integrally therewith.

[0127] Second rotating body 823 is formed in a generally disk-like shape with a through-hole formed therein through which rotating shaft 824a can be inserted, and has engaging pieces 823a and 823b. Engaging piece 823a is an arc-shaped member that protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the radially outer edge of second rotating body 823, and is formed so as to be able to be introduced into notch 824c of output shaft 824. Engaging piece 823b is a member that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the radially inner end of second rotating body 823, and is formed in a fan shape with an open angle facing radially outward.

[0128] The first rotor 822 has a through hole formed therein through which the rotor shaft 824a can be inserted, and is formed in a substantially disk shape so that the planet carrier 813 can be housed inside the cylindrical drive gear 831 that forms the bottom on the outer left-right side. The first rotor 822 has an engagement piece 822a that protrudes inward in the left-right direction from its inner left-right side surface and is formed in a fan shape with an open angle facing radially outward. The inner circumferential wall of the planet carrier 813 is formed with an engagement piece 821 that protrudes inward in the left-right direction and is formed in a fan shape with an open angle facing radially outward, and the first rotor 822 has a notch 822b into which the engagement piece 821 can be introduced when housed in the planet carrier 813.

[0129] The engagement piece 821, the first rotor 822, the second rotor 823, and the output shaft 824 form an idling mechanism that rotates idly so as not to transmit the rotational force from the planetary carrier 813 to the first drive shaft 74a until the second drive shaft 74b rotates a predetermined angle. After the idling, the rotational force of the planetary carrier 813 is transmitted to the first drive shaft 74a.

[0130] For detailed configuration and operation of the drive device 8 including the planetary gear mechanism and the idling mechanism, please refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-200637.

[0131] (Operation of the cloaking device) The operation of the shading device according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. Figures 43 to 46 are schematic plan views showing the shading device in the fully open state, the first drive state, the fully closed state, and the second drive state, respectively.

[0132] When all of the louvers 71 are moved to the right end in the left-right direction and rotated clockwise to their limit in a plan view, the shading device 1D is in a fully open state, as shown in Fig. 43. When the shading device 1D in the fully open state is switched to the first drive state, and the operating cord 631 is pulled to rotate the pulley 62 in the unwinding direction, the second drive shaft 74b is rotated forward via the operating device 6B and the drive device 8, and the louvers 71 are rotated counterclockwise, as shown in Fig. 44(a). At this time, the first drive shaft 74a is not rotated due to the idling mechanism.

[0133] When the pulley 62 is further rotated in the unwinding direction, the louver 71 is rotated counterclockwise to its limit as shown in Figure 44(b), and the torque limiter 841 causes the driven gear 832 to rotate freely relative to the second drive shaft 74b. At the same time that the driven gear 832 starts to rotate freely, the rotation by the rotation mechanism ends, and the first drive shaft 74a is rotated in the forward direction. When the first drive shaft 74a is rotated in the forward direction, the master carrier 72 moves in the closing direction, and as shown in Figure 44(c), the louver 71 moves in the closing direction.

[0134] When the pulley 62 is further rotated in the unwinding direction and the master carrier 72 is moved to the left end in the left-right direction, the shading device 1D is brought into a fully closed state, as shown in Fig. 45. When the shading device 1D in the fully closed state is switched to the second drive state and the operating cord 631 is pulled to rotate the pulley 62 in the unwinding direction, the second drive shaft 74b is rotated in the reverse direction via the operating device 6B and the drive device 8, as shown in Fig. 46(a), and the louver 71 is rotated clockwise. At this time, the first drive shaft 74a is not rotated due to the idling mechanism.

[0135] When the pulley 62 is further rotated in the unwinding direction, the louver 71 is rotated clockwise to its limit as shown in Figure 46(b), and the torque limiter 841 causes the driven gear 832 to rotate freely relative to the second drive shaft 74b. At the same time that the driven gear 832 starts to rotate freely, the rotation by the rotation mechanism ends, and the first drive shaft 74a is rotated in the reverse direction. When the first drive shaft 74a is rotated in the reverse direction, the master carrier 72 moves in the opening direction, and the louver 71 moves in the opening direction as shown in Figure 46(c).

[0136] In this way, the operating device 6B can improve the operability even in the shading device 1D in which different operations are performed depending on the rotation directions of the first drive shaft 74a and the second drive shaft 74b.

[0137] The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications, improvements, substitutions, and alterations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 Shielding device 74a, 201a First drive shaft 74b, 201b Second drive shaft 31 Bottom rail (first moving member) 41 Intermediate bar (second moving member) 6,6A,6B Operating device 62 Pulley 63 Operation section 631 Operation Code 65 Transmission shaft 66 Connecting member 67a First receiving member 67b Second receiving member 69 Switching interlocking mechanism 691 Switching transmission unit 692 Switching and conversion unit 693 Switching Information Section 695 Elasticity control part

Claims

1. An operating device for operating a first drive shaft that drives a shielding device having at least one or more shielding materials to perform a first operation that changes a shielding state of the shielding device, and a second drive shaft that drives the shielding device to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation that changes the shielding state of the shielding device, a transmission shaft to which a rotational driving force is transmitted from a pulley that is rotated by an operator; a connecting member that is rotatable integrally with the transmission shaft and is movable in the axial direction of the transmission shaft, and that connects the first drive shaft to be able to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft when moved toward a first direction in the axial direction, and connects the second drive shaft to be able to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft when moved toward a second direction opposite to the first direction; a switching interlocking unit that cooperates with the connecting member to convert a rotational movement of the connecting member into a linear movement in response to a switching operation by the operator, and moves the connecting member to either the first direction side or the second direction side; An operating device comprising:

2. the connecting member has a cylindrical cam formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and having a cam groove formed in an outer peripheral wall thereof, the cam groove being a groove extending in a circumferential direction; 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the switching interlocking portion has a cam member that is provided so as to be able to fit into the cam groove and is provided so as not to be able to move in the rotational direction of the connecting member.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the cam groove has a first connecting path that extends in the circumferential direction and inclined toward the second direction, and a second connecting path that extends in the circumferential direction and inclined toward the first direction.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the cam member has a tapered tip end that is inclined toward the first direction or the second direction in response to the switching operation.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the switching interlocking unit comprises a switching transmission unit that is capable of linear movement in response to the switching operation, a switching conversion unit that converts the linear movement of the switching transmission unit into rotational movement, and a switching guide unit that rotates the cam member so that the tip end is inclined toward the first direction or the second direction in response to rotation of the switching conversion unit.

6. 6. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein the switching transmission part further comprises an elastic restricting part which is an elastic member that restricts the linear movement of the switching transmission part so that the switching transmission part can move linearly against an elastic force.

7. a first receiving member that engages with the connecting member to transmit a rotational force of the connecting member to the first drive shaft when the connecting member is moved in the first direction; An operating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second receiving member that engages with the connecting member and transmits the rotational force of the connecting member to the second drive shaft when the connecting member is moved in the second direction.

8. An operating device for operating a drive shaft that drives a shielding device having at least one or more shielding materials so as to perform an operation to change a shielding state of the shielding device, a transmission shaft to which a rotational driving force is transmitted from a pulley that is rotated by an operator; a connecting member that is rotatable integrally with the transmission shaft and is movable in the axial direction of the transmission shaft, and that connects the drive shaft to be able to transmit a rotational force of the transmission shaft in a forward direction when moved toward a first direction in the axial direction, and connects the drive shaft to be able to transmit a rotational force of the transmission shaft in a reverse direction when moved toward a second direction opposite to the first direction; a switching interlocking unit that cooperates with the connecting member to convert a rotational movement of the connecting member into a linear movement in response to a switching operation by the operator, and moves the connecting member to either the first direction side or the second direction side; An operating device comprising:

9. The operating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, when the connecting member is moved toward the second direction, the forward rotational force of the transmission shaft is reversed via a plurality of gears and transmitted to the drive shaft.

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