Shielding device

Abstract

To provide a block device which can achieve, both of guiding operation and string drawing operation, can facilitate operation relatively and can reduce the number of parts to be used.SOLUTION: A block device 1 comprises: a transfer part 10 for moving a block material 20 in an opening / closing direction ab; and an operation part 30A fitted to the transfer part 10. The operation part 30A has: a first string material 33 and a second string material 34; a first driven gear 37; a second driven gear 40; and a drive gear 36. The operation part 30A comprises: a rotation force transfer adjusting part 91 which inhibits transfer of rotation force from the first and second driven gears 37, 40 to the drive gear 36, when the first and second string materials 33, 34 are not drawn, permits the transfer of the rotation force from the first driven gear 37 to the drive gear 36, when the first string material 33 is drawn, and permits transfer of the rotation force from the second driven gear 40 to the drive gear 36, when the second string material 34 is drawn.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shielding device, and more specifically, to a shielding device capable of opening and closing a shielding material capable of shielding external light by both a hand-pulling operation and a string-pulling operation.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a shielding device capable of opening and closing a shielding material (for example, a curtain) for shielding external light by both a hand-pulling operation and a string-pulling operation has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The shielding device of this Patent Document 1 is a device that opens and closes the shielding material by rotating a loop-shaped transfer member to which the shielding material is attached, and includes a reel, a string member wound around the reel, an urging member that urges the reel in the winding direction of the string member, an operation member attached to an end of the string member and capable of pulling out the string member, a pair of engagement mechanisms provided on both side portions of the reel, and a receiving member that engages with one of the pair of engagement mechanisms and transmits the rotational force of the reel to the transfer member. The reel is supported so as to be rotatable by at least 180 degrees by a reversing axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the reel, and by rotating the reel 180 degrees around the reversing axis, it is configured to be able to switch which of the pair of engagement mechanisms the receiving member engages with. The operation member is configured to be rod-shaped as a whole and is suspended from an end of the string member.

[0003] In the shielding device of Patent Document 1, when the operating member is pulled, the string material wound on the reel is pulled, and the reel rotates as the string material is pulled. As the reel rotates, one of the pair of engaging mechanisms engages with the receiving member. When the pair of engaging mechanisms engage with the receiving member in this way, the operation of the string material is transmitted to the transport member, and the shielding material is opened and closed by pulling the string. Specifically, in the shielding device of Patent Document 1, when one of the pair of engaging mechanisms engages with the receiving member, the transport member and the shielding material move in one of the opening and closing directions, and when the other of the pair of engaging mechanisms engages with the receiving member, the transport member and the shielding material move in the other of the opening and closing directions. On the other hand, when the pair of engaging mechanisms are not engaged with the receiving member, manual operation is possible.

[0004] Furthermore, in the shielding device of Patent Document 1, by rotating the operating member horizontally while the pair of engaging mechanisms are not engaged with the receiving member, the engaging mechanism that engages with the receiving member in the pair of engaging mechanisms can be switched from one to the other or from the other to the one. In other words, in the shielding device of Patent Document 1, the operating member is rotated horizontally in order to switch the movement of the shielding material in the opening direction and the closing direction during the cord-pulling operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-104219 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] By the way, as mentioned above, in the shielding device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to rotate the operating member horizontally (i.e., twist the string horizontally) in order to switch the movement of the shielding material in the opening and closing directions during the string-pulling operation. In other words, in the shielding device of Patent Document 1, when switching the opening and closing of the shielding material during the string-pulling operation, it is necessary to grasp or pinch the operating member with one's hand and then twist that hand horizontally in order to twist the string. For this reason, the shielding device of Patent Document 1 tends to be cumbersome and time-consuming when switching the opening and closing of the shielding material during the string-pulling operation. Furthermore, in the shielding device of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to twist the string horizontally in order to switch the opening and closing of the shielding material during the string-pulling operation, it is necessary to attach the operating member described above to the end of the string to enable the twisting of the string. This leads to an increase in the number of parts.

[0007] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a shielding device that can be operated both manually and by pulling a cord, is relatively easy to operate, and reduces the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the shielding device according to the present invention comprises a transport unit for moving a shielding material in the opening and closing direction, and one or more operating units attached to the transport unit, each of the one or more operating units comprising a first string and a second string, a first driven gear that rotates when the first string is pulled and is capable of reverse rotation when the first string is not pulled, a second driven gear that rotates on the opposite side of the first driven gear when the second string is pulled and is capable of reverse rotation on the opposite side of the first driven gear when the second string is not pulled, and a unit capable of meshing with the first and second driven gears, and by meshing with the first and second driven gears, the first The invention is characterized by comprising: a drive gear that transmits the rotational force of the driven gear and the second driven gear to the transfer unit; and a rotational force transmission adjustment unit that prevents the first driven gear and the second driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear when the first string and the second string are not being pulled, prevents the second driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear when the first string is being pulled while allowing the first driven gear to transmit rotational force to the drive gear, and prevents the first driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear when the second string is being pulled while allowing the second driven gear to transmit rotational force to the drive gear.

[0009] In the following, the engagement of the first driven gear with the drive gear includes the indirect engagement of the first driven gear with the drive gear via other gears. Similarly, the engagement of the second driven gear with the drive gear includes the indirect engagement of the second driven gear with the drive gear via other gears.

[0010] Furthermore, the shielding device may further include a first idler gear that meshes with the first driven gear and rotates on its own axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first driven gear, and revolves around the first driven gear to mesh with the drive gear, and a second idler gear that meshes with the second driven gear and rotates on its own axis in conjunction with the rotation of the second driven gear, and revolves around the second driven gear to mesh with the drive gear. In this case, the rotational force transmission adjustment unit may include a free-wheel meshing adjustment unit that prevents the first free-wheel gear and the second free-wheel gear from meshing with the drive gear when the first string and the second string are not being pulled, prevents the second free-wheel gear from meshing with the drive gear when the first string is being pulled while allowing the first free-wheel gear to mesh with the drive gear, and prevents the first free-wheel gear from meshing with the drive gear when the second string is being pulled while allowing the second free-wheel gear to mesh with the drive gear.

[0011] Furthermore, the idler gear meshing adjustment section may include biasing members that contact the rotation axis of the first idler gear and the rotation axis of the second idler gear, thereby biasing the first idler gear and the second idler gear to resist the rotation of the first idler gear and the second idler gear toward the drive gear.

[0012] Alternatively, the freewheel meshing adjustment unit may have a first member on which the first string is hooked and a second member on which the second string is hooked, wherein the first member tilts when the first string is not being pulled, holding the first freewheel in a position away from the drive gear, and when the first string is being pulled, it is pushed upright by the first string and moves the first freewheel to a position where it meshes with the drive gear, and the second member tilts when the second string is not being pulled, holding the second freewheel in a position away from the drive gear, and when the second string is being pulled, it is pushed upright by the second string and moves the second freewheel to a position where it meshes with the drive gear.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the first driven gear and the second driven gear may have an inner surface having at least one projection protruding inward. In this case, the rotational force transmission adjustment unit includes a first deformation member provided in a through hole defined by the inner surface of the first driven gear, and a second deformation member provided in a through hole defined by the inner surface of the second driven gear, wherein the first deformation member rotates when the first string is pulled and deforms from a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the first driven gear to a shape that contacts the projection on the inner surface of the first driven gear, thereby rotating the first driven gear, and when the tension on the first string is released... Preferably, the second deformable member rotates in the opposite direction to deform into a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the first driven gear, and when the second string is pulled, the second deformable member rotates on the opposite side to the first deformable member and deforms from a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the second driven gear to a shape that contacts the projection on the inner surface of the second driven gear, thereby rotating the second driven gear, and when the tension on the second string is released, it rotates in the opposite direction to the first deformable member and deforms into a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the second driven gear.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the first string material and the second string material is not loop-shaped.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that one or more of the operating units are attached to both ends of the transfer unit in the opening and closing direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a shielding device is provided that can be operated both manually and by pulling a cord, is relatively easy to operate, and reduces the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the shielding device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of one end of the transfer portion of the shielding device shown in FIG. 1 and the operation portion. [Figure 3] It is a front view mainly showing the operation portion of the shielding device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an upper front perspective view showing the operation portion shown in FIG. 3 with the case body omitted. [Figure 5] It is a side view of the operation portion shown in FIG. 4, showing a state where the first string member is not pulled. [Figure 6] It is a top view of the operation portion shown in FIG. 4, showing a state where the first string member is not pulled. [Figure 7] It is a side view of the operation portion shown in FIG. 4, showing a state where the first string member is pulled. [Figure 8] It is a top view of the operation portion shown in FIG. 4, showing a state where the first string member is pulled. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the operation portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a top view showing a part of the operation portion shown in FIG. 9 with omission, showing a state where the first string member is not pulled. [Figure 11] It is a top view showing a part of the operation portion shown in FIG. 9 with omission, showing a state where the first string member is pulled. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing the operation portion in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a top view showing a part of the operation portion shown in FIG. 12 with omission, showing a state where the first string member is not pulled. [Figure 14] It is a top view showing a part of the operation portion shown in FIG. 12 with omission, showing a state where the first string member is pulled.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The following examples illustrate embodiments for implementing the shielding device according to the present invention, along with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from its spirit. In addition, the dimensions of each component in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in order to facilitate understanding.

[0019] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a shielding device in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the shielding device 1 of this embodiment includes a transfer unit 10 and two operating units 30A and 30B.

[0020] The transfer unit 10 includes a main body 11 extending along the opening / closing direction ab, a first extension 12 located at the end of the main body 11 on the a side in the opening / closing direction, and a second extension 13 located at the end of the main body 11 on the b side in the opening / closing direction.

[0021] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first extension of the transfer unit 10 together with the operating unit 30A, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 2, a loop-shaped drive belt 14 is installed inside the main body 11, the first extension 12, and the second extension 13. Note that the interior of the second extension 13 is configured in a similar manner to the interior of the first extension 12, so it is not shown. This drive belt 14 is looped by being stretched between a drive pulley 15 provided near the end of the first extension 12 on the opening / closing direction a side and a drive pulley (not shown) provided near the end of the second extension 13 on the opening / closing direction b side. The drive pulley 15 of the first extension 12 rotates when rotational force is transmitted from the operating unit 30A, or when the shielding material 20 is pulled in the opening / closing direction ab by manual operation. Similarly, the drive pulley of the second extension 13 rotates when rotational force is transmitted from the operating unit 30B, or when the shielding material 20 is pulled in the opening / closing direction ab by manual operation. In this way, the drive belt 14 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive pulley 15 of the first extension 12 or the drive pulley of the second extension 13.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of leading runners 18A and 18B are attached to the drive belt 14. A shielding material 20A, such as a curtain, is attached to the leading runner 18A, and similarly, a shielding material 20B, such as a curtain, is attached to the leading runner 18B. For convenience, the shielding materials 20A and 20B are shown with dashed lines in Figure 1, and the shielding material 20A is shown with a dashed line in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the leading runner 18A is attached to the front side of the loop-shaped drive belt 14 in the depth direction, and the leading runner 18B is attached to the rear side of the drive belt 14 in the depth direction. The depth direction is the direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction ab and the vertical direction, with the front side in the depth direction corresponding to the interior side and the rear side in the depth direction corresponding to the window side. With this configuration, when the drive belt 14 rotates, the shielding material 20A moves with the leading runner 18A to one side in the opening / closing direction ab, and the shielding material 20B moves with the leading runner 18B to the other side in the opening / closing direction ab (i.e., the side opposite to the side on which the leading runner 18A moves).

[0023] In this embodiment, when the drive belt 14 rotates counterclockwise, the leading runner 18A and shielding material 20A move toward the opening / closing direction a, causing the shielding material 20A to open (i.e., the area of ​​the window blocked by the shielding material becomes smaller), and when the drive belt 14 rotates clockwise, the leading runner 18A and shielding material 20A move toward the opening / closing direction b, causing the shielding material 20A to close (i.e., the area of ​​the window blocked by the shielding material becomes larger). When the leading runner 18A reaches near the end of the transfer unit 10 toward the opening / closing direction a, it can no longer move toward the opening / closing direction a, and the shielding material 20A becomes fully open. In addition, in this embodiment, when the drive belt 14 rotates counterclockwise, the leading runner 18B and shielding material 20B move toward the opening / closing direction b, causing the shielding material 20B to open, and when the drive belt 14 rotates clockwise, the leading runner 18B and shielding material 20B move toward the opening / closing direction a, causing the shielding material 20B to close. Then, when the leading runner 18B reaches near the end of the transfer unit 10 on the b side in the opening / closing direction, it can no longer move on the b side, and the shielding material 20B becomes fully open. In other words, in the shielding device 1 of this embodiment, the shielding material 20A and 20B become fully open when the drive belt 14 rotates counterclockwise and stops moving, and the shielding material 20B becomes fully closed when the edge of the shielding material 20A on the b side in the opening / closing direction and the edge of the shielding material 20B on the a side in the opening / closing direction overlap in the depth direction as the drive belt 14 rotates clockwise.

[0024] Next, the operating units 30A and 30B will be described.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the operating unit 30A is attached to the first extension 12 of the transport unit 10, and the operating unit 30B is attached to the second extension 13 of the transport unit 10. In other words, in the shielding device 1, the operating units are attached to both ends in the opening / closing direction ab. In the operating unit 30A, the first string 33 and the second string 34, which will be described later, hang down from the end on the a side in the opening / closing direction of the operating unit 30A. On the other hand, in the operating unit 30B, the first string 33 and the second string 34 hang down from the end on the b side in the opening / closing direction. In other words, the operating units 30A and 30B are attached to the transport unit 10 with their orientations reversed in the opening / closing direction ab. However, apart from this point, the operating units 30A and 30B have generally similar configurations. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the operating unit 30B will be omitted from this point onward.

[0026] Figure 3 is a front view mainly showing the operating section 30A. That is, Figure 3 shows the shielding device 1 as viewed from the opening / closing direction a side to the opening / closing direction b side. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operating section 30A has a case body 31, a drive shaft 32, a first string 33, and a second string 34.

[0027] The case body 31 houses various gears and reel parts, which will be described later, and is configured to fit into the first extension 12. The drive shaft 32 protrudes vertically above the upper end of the case body 31 and, when the case body 31 is fitted into the first extension 12, rotatably fits into the through hole 15H of the drive pulley 15, which passes through the center of the drive pulley 15. The drive pulley 15 is configured to rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the drive shaft 32. The first string 33 and the second string 34 hang down from near the lower end of the case body 31 on the opening / closing direction a side in a direction nonparallel to the opening / closing direction ab, and hang down generally vertically. The first string 33 is located on the front side (indoor side) in the depth direction, while the second string 34 is located on the back side (window side) in the depth direction. Outside the case body 31, the first string 33 and the second string 34 are non-loop-shaped and hang in a straight line. In this embodiment, grips 35 are attached to the lower ends of the first string 33 and the second string 34 from the standpoint of operability and aesthetics. However, such grips 35 are not essential, and even without such grips 35, sufficient operability can be ensured by the shielding device 1, as will be described later.

[0028] Figure 4 is an upper front perspective view of the operating section 30A, with the case body 31 omitted; Figure 5 is a side view of the operating section 30A shown in Figure 4 (specifically, a view from the front to the back in the depth direction); and Figure 6 is a top view of the operating section 30A shown in Figure 4. For convenience, the first string 33 and the second string 34 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 4.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the operating unit 30A has a drive gear 36 that is rotatably mounted to the case body 31. The aforementioned drive shaft 32 is mounted to the drive gear 36 so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the rotation of the drive gear 36. Therefore, when the drive gear 36 rotates, the drive shaft 32 rotates, causing the drive pulley 15 to rotate, and as a result, the drive belt 14 rotates.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the operating section 30A includes a first driven gear 37, a first free-moving gear 38, a first gear arm 39, a first reel section 70, and a first member 50. The first driven gear 37, the first free-moving gear 38, the first gear arm 39, the first reel section 70, and the first member 50 are all located on the front side in the depth direction relative to the drive gear 36. The first driven gear 37 is also positioned on the opening / closing direction b side relative to the drive gear 36.

[0031] The first driven gear shaft 37J, mounted on the case body 31, passes vertically downward through the center of the first driven gear 37. The first driven gear 37 is mounted on the first driven gear shaft 37J so as to be rotatable in sync with the rotation of the first driven gear shaft 37J. Alternatively, the first driven gear 37 and the first driven gear shaft 37J may be formed as a single unit.

[0032] The first gear arm 39 is positioned above the first driven gear 37. The first driven gear shaft 37J passes through the first gear arm 39, and the first gear arm 39 is mounted on the first driven gear shaft 37J so as to be rotatable relative to the first driven gear shaft 37J. The first gear arm 39 is fitted with a first free-moving gear shaft 38J that extends vertically downward. The first gear arm 39 also includes a protruding arm 39A that protrudes toward the upper protrusion 54 of the first member 50, which will be described later.

[0033] The first idler gear 38 is located between the first driven gear 37 and the drive gear 36 in the opening / closing direction ab. The first idler gear shaft 38J passes through the center of the first idler gear 38, and the first idler gear 38 is mounted on the first idler gear shaft 38J so that it can rotate around the first idler gear shaft 38J. The first idler gear 38 is constantly meshed with the first driven gear 37.

[0034] The first reel section 70 includes a reel body 71 and a biasing member 72 formed from a mainspring. The reel body 71 is located directly below the first driven gear 37, and the biasing member 72 is located directly below the reel body 71. For convenience, the biasing member 72 is not shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7, which will be described later. The first driven gear shaft 37J passes through the center of the reel body 71 and the center of the biasing member 72, and is attached to the reel body 71 so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the rotation of the reel body 71. The first string material 33 is wound around the reel body 71 counterclockwise from top to bottom. The first string material 33 is led out from the reel body 71 to the outside of the case body 31 and hangs downward.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, when the portion of the first string 33 that is led out of the case body 31 and hangs down (for example, the grip 35 shown in Figure 3) is pulled, the first string 33 is pulled out from the reel body 71. Here, as described above, the first string 33 is wound around the reel body 71 counterclockwise, so as the first string 33 is pulled out from the reel body 71, the reel body 71 rotates counterclockwise. Thus, as shown in Figure 8, the first driven gear shaft 37J and the first driven gear 37 rotate counterclockwise in accordance with the counterclockwise rotation of the reel body 71, and the first free-moving gear 38 that meshes with the first driven gear 37 rotates clockwise around the first free-moving gear shaft 38J.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the biasing member 72 is attached to the first driven gear shaft 37J. This biasing member 72 biases the reel body 71 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the reel body 71 rotates when the first string 33 is pulled (i.e., clockwise). Therefore, when the pulling of the first string 33 is interrupted, the biasing force of the biasing member 72 causes the reel body 71 and the first driven gear 37 to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., clockwise). As a result, the first string 33 that had been pulled out from the reel body 71 is wound back onto the reel body 71.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first member 50 includes a base 51, a pair of lower protrusions 52, an upper protrusion 54, a hooking portion 53, and a biasing member 55.

[0038] The base portion 51 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the opening / closing direction ab and the depth direction when viewed from above, and in this embodiment, the opening / closing direction ab is the longitudinal direction. The pair of downward projections 52 are plate-shaped members that project downward from both sides in the depth direction at the end of the base portion 51 on the opening / closing direction a side. The hook portion 53 is a substantially cylindrical member that extends in the depth direction and is attached near the lower ends of the pair of downward projections 52. The first string material 33, which is pulled out from the reel body 71, is hooked onto this hook portion 53, its orientation is changed to a vertical downward direction, and it is pulled out to the outside of the case body 31.

[0039] The upper projection 54 is an L-shaped plate-like member and is attached to the front edge of the base 51 in the depth direction, at the end on the opening / closing direction b side. The upper projection 54 extends further toward the opening / closing direction b side than the end of the base 51 on the opening / closing direction b side and protrudes upward with respect to the base 51. Near the upper end of the upper projection 54, an inclined through-hole 54H is formed that descends from the opening / closing direction b side toward the opening / closing direction a side. The projection arm 39A of the first gear arm 39 described above is fitted into this inclined through-hole 54H. The projection arm 39A can move along the inner wall of the upper projection 54 that defines the inclined through-hole 54H.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the biasing member 55 is attached to the lower surface of the base 51 and biases the base 51 upward. Figure 5 shows the state in which the first string 33 is not being pulled. When no downward force is applied to the first member 50 (i.e., when the first string 33 is not being pulled), the first member 50 is tilted downward from the opening / closing direction a to the opening / closing direction b. That is, when no downward force is applied to the first member 50, the upper projection 54 is tilted. In this tilted state of the first member 50, as shown in Figure 6, the projection arm 39A of the first gear arm 39 is held in a state where it is pushed towards the opening / closing direction b by the inner wall of the upper projection 54 that defines the inclined through hole 54H. In this tilted state, the tip of the first gear arm 39 on the side of the first free-moving gear shaft 38J is held away from the drive gear 36, and as a result, the first free-moving gear 38 is held away from the drive gear 36.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, when the portion of the first string 33 that is led out to the outside of the case body 31 and hangs downward (for example, the grip 35) is pulled, the hook portion 53 of the first member 50 is pushed downward by the first string 33. If this pressure is greater than the biasing force of the biasing member 55, the a side of the first member 50 in the opening / closing direction is pushed down, and consequently, the b side of the first member 50 in the opening / closing direction is pushed up. As a result, the upper projection 54 of the first member 50 stands upright. Then, as shown in Figure 8, in the process of the first member 50 transitioning from a tilted state to this upright state, the projection arm 39A of the first gear arm 39 is pushed in the a side of the opening / closing direction by the inner wall of the upper projection 54. As a result, the first gear arm 39 rotates counterclockwise around the first driven gear shaft 37J, and the first idler gear 38 follows suit, revolving counterclockwise around the first driven gear 37. Then, as the tension on the first string 33 continues, the first free-moving gear 38 eventually meshes with the drive gear 36.

[0042] Thus, in this embodiment, the drive gear 36 indirectly meshes with the first driven gear 37 via the first idler gear 38 when the first string 33 is pulled. In other words, in this embodiment, when the first string 33 is not being pulled, the first driven gear 37 is prevented from meshing with the drive gear 36, and when the first string 33 is being pulled, the first driven gear 37 is allowed to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36.

[0043] Then, when the first string 33 is pulled, the first driven gear 37 is allowed to indirectly mesh with the drive gear 36. As a result, the counterclockwise rotation of the first driven gear 37 is transmitted to the drive gear 36 and drive shaft 32 via the clockwise rotation (rotation) of the first idler gear 38, causing the drive gear 36 and drive shaft 32 to rotate counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 8. In this way, the drive pulley 15 of the transfer unit 10 rotates counterclockwise, and the drive belt 14 follows suit, causing the leading runner 18A and the shielding material 20A attached to the leading runner 18A to move towards the opening / closing direction a, and the leading runner 18B and the shielding material 20B attached to the leading runner 18B to move towards the opening / closing direction b.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the operating section 30A includes a second driven gear 40, a second free-moving gear 41, a second gear arm 42, a second reel section 80, and a second member 60. The second driven gear 40, the second free-moving gear 41, the second gear arm 42, the second reel section 80, and the second member 60 are located towards the rear in the depth direction relative to the drive gear 36. The second driven gear 40 is positioned on the opening / closing direction b side relative to the drive gear 36 and is aligned with the first driven gear 37 along the depth direction. More specifically, the second driven gear 40, the first driven gear 37, and the drive gear 36 are each positioned on the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose vertices are the center of the second driven gear shaft 40J, the center of the first driven gear shaft 37J, and the center of the drive shaft 32.

[0045] A second driven gear shaft 40J, which is rotatably mounted to the case body 31, passes vertically downward through the center of the second driven gear 40. The second driven gear 40 is mounted to the second driven gear shaft 40J so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the rotation of the second driven gear shaft 40J. Alternatively, the second driven gear 40 and the second driven gear shaft 40J may be formed as a single unit.

[0046] The second gear arm 42 is positioned above the second driven gear 40. The second driven gear shaft 40J passes through the second gear arm 42, and the second gear arm 42 is mounted on the second driven gear shaft 40J so that it can rotate relative to the second driven gear shaft 40J. A second free-moving gear shaft 41J, which extends vertically downward, is attached to the second gear arm 42. The second gear arm 42 also includes a protruding arm 42A that projects toward the upper protrusion 64 of the second member 60, which will be described later.

[0047] The second idler gear 41 is located between the second driven gear 40 and the drive gear 36 in the opening / closing direction ab. The second idler gear shaft 41J passes through the center of the second idler gear 41, and the second idler gear 41 is mounted on the second idler gear shaft 41J so that it can rotate around the second idler gear shaft 41J. The second idler gear 41 is constantly meshed with the second driven gear 40.

[0048] The second reel section 80 includes a reel body 81 and a biasing member 82 formed from a mainspring. The reel body 81 is located directly below the second driven gear 40, and the biasing member 82 is located directly below the reel body 81. The second driven gear shaft 40J passes through the center of the reel body 81 and the center of the biasing member 82, and is mounted on the reel body 81 so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the rotation of the reel body 81. The second string 34 is wound around the reel body 81 in a clockwise direction from top to bottom. The second string 34 is led out from the reel body 81 to the outside of the case body 31 and hangs downward.

[0049] When the portion of the second string 34 that is led out of the case body 31 and hangs downward (for example, the grip 35 shown in Figure 3) is pulled, the second string 34 is pulled out from the reel body 81. Here, as described above, the second string 34 is wound around the reel body 71 in a clockwise direction, so as the second string 34 is pulled out from the reel body 81, the reel body 81 rotates clockwise. In this way, following the clockwise rotation of the reel body 81, the second driven gear shaft 40J and the second driven gear 40 rotate clockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first driven gear 37), and the second free gear 41 that meshes with the second driven gear 40 rotates counterclockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction to the rotation of the second free gear 41) around the second free gear shaft 41J as its axis.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the biasing member 82 is attached to the second driven gear shaft 40J. This biasing member 82 biases the reel body 81 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the reel body 81 rotates when the second string 34 is pulled (i.e., in the counterclockwise direction). Therefore, when the pulling of the second string 34 is interrupted, the biasing force of the biasing member 82 causes the reel body 81 and the second driven gear 40 to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., counterclockwise). As a result, the second string 34 that had been pulled out from the reel body 81 is wound back onto the reel body 81.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second member 60 includes a base portion 61, a pair of lower protrusions 62, an upper protrusion 64, a hook portion 63, and a biasing member 65.

[0052] The base portion 61 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the opening / closing direction ab and the depth direction when viewed from above, and in this embodiment, the opening / closing direction ab is the longitudinal direction. The pair of downward projections 62 are plate-shaped members that project downward from both sides in the depth direction at the end of the base portion 61 on the opening / closing direction a side. The hook portion 63 is a substantially cylindrical member that extends in the depth direction and is attached near the lower ends of the pair of downward projections 62. The second string material 34, which is pulled out from the reel body 81, is hooked onto this hook portion 63, its orientation is changed to a vertical downward direction, and it is pulled out to the outside of the case body 31.

[0053] The upper projection 64 is an L-shaped plate-like member and is attached to the rear edge of the base 61 in the depth direction, at the end on the opening / closing direction b side. The upper projection 64 extends further toward the opening / closing direction b side than the end of the base 61 on the opening / closing direction b side and protrudes upward with respect to the base 61. Near the upper end of the upper projection 64, an inclined through-hole 64H is formed that descends from the opening / closing direction b side toward the opening / closing direction a side. The protruding arm 42A of the second gear arm 42 described above is fitted into this inclined through-hole 64H. The protruding arm 42A can move along the inner wall of the upper projection 64 that defines the inclined through-hole 64H.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the biasing member 65 is attached to the lower surface of the base 61 and biases the base 61 upward. When no downward force is applied to the second member 60 (i.e., when the second string 34 is not being pulled), the second member 60 is tilted downward from the opening / closing direction a to the opening / closing direction b. That is, when no downward force is applied to the second member 60, the upper projection 64 is tilted. In this tilted state of the second member 60, as shown in Figure 6, the projection arm 42A of the second gear arm 42 is held in a position pushed towards the opening / closing direction b by the inner wall of the upper projection 64 that defines the inclined through hole 64H. In this tilted state, the tip of the second gear arm 42 on the second free-moving gear shaft 41J side is held away from the drive gear 36, and as a result, the second free-moving gear 41 is held away from the drive gear 36.

[0055] When the portion of the second string 34 that is led out to the outside of the case body 31 and hangs downward (for example, the grip 35) is pulled, the hook portion 63 of the second member 60 is pushed downward by the second string 34. If this pressure is greater than the biasing force of the biasing member 65, the a side of the second member 60 in the opening / closing direction is pushed down, and consequently, the b side of the second member 60 in the opening / closing direction is pushed up. As a result, the upper projection 64 of the second member 60 stands upright. In the process of the second member 60 transitioning from a tilted state to this upright state, the projection arm 42A of the second gear arm 42 is pushed in the a side of the opening / closing direction by the inner wall of the upper projection 64. As a result, the second gear arm 42 rotates clockwise around the second driven gear shaft 40J, and the second free gear 41 follows suit by revolving clockwise around the second driven gear 40. Then, as the tension on the second string 34 continues, the second free-moving gear 41 eventually meshes with the drive gear 36.

[0056] Thus, in this embodiment, the drive gear 36 indirectly meshes with the second driven gear 40 via the second idler gear 41 when the second string 34 is pulled. In other words, in this embodiment, when the second string 34 is not being pulled, the second driven gear 40 is prevented from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36, and when the second string 34 is being pulled, the second driven gear 40 is allowed to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36.

[0057] Then, when the second string 34 is pulled, the second driven gear 40 is allowed to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36. As a result, the clockwise rotation of the second driven gear 40 is transmitted to the drive gear 36 and drive shaft 32 via the counterclockwise rotation (rotation) of the second idler gear 41, causing the drive gear 36 and drive shaft 32 to rotate clockwise. In this way, the drive pulley 15 of the transfer unit 10 rotates clockwise, and the drive belt 14 follows suit, causing the leading runner 18A and the shielding material 20A attached to the leading runner 18A to move towards the opening / closing direction b, while the leading runner 18B and the shielding material 20B attached to the leading runner 18B move towards the opening / closing direction a.

[0058] As described above, the first member 50 prevents the first idler gear 38 from engaging with the drive gear 36 unless the first string 33 is pulled. In other words, the first member 50 prevents the first idler gear 38 from engaging with the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 is not being pulled, and as a result prevents the first driven gear 37 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36. Furthermore, the second member 60 prevents the second idler gear 41 from engaging with the drive gear 36 unless the second string 34 is being pulled. In other words, the second member 60 prevents the second idler gear 41 from engaging with the drive gear 36 when the second string 34 is not being pulled, and as a result prevents the second driven gear 40 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first member 50 and the second member 60 function as a free-moving gear meshing adjustment unit 90 that prevents the first free-moving gear 38 and the second free-moving gear 41 from meshing with the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 and the second string 34 are not being pulled, prevents the second free-moving gear 41 from meshing with the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 is pulled while allowing the first free-moving gear 38 to mesh with the drive gear 36, and prevents the first free-moving gear 38 from meshing with the drive gear 36 when the second string 34 is pulled while allowing the second free-moving gear 41 to mesh with the drive gear 36. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first member 50 and the second member 60 function as a rotational force transmission adjustment unit 91 that prevents the first driven gear 37 and the second driven gear 40 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 and the second string 34 are not being pulled, prevents the second driven gear 40 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 is being pulled while allowing the first driven gear 37 to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36, and prevents the first driven gear 37 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the second string 34 is being pulled while allowing the second driven gear 40 to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36.

[0059] Next, we will explain examples of the operation of shielding device 1 and examples of its effects.

[0060] As an example, consider the case where the shielding device 1 is completely closed. In this state, the leading runner 18A to which the shielding material 20A is attached and the leading runner 18B to which the shielding material 20B is attached are both located near the center of the main body 11 of the transport unit 10 in the opening / closing direction ab (see Figure 1). In existing shielding devices operated by pulling a cord, the operating part is only provided at one end in either the opening / closing direction ab, but in this embodiment, since operating parts are provided at two ends, operation is possible on both sides of the opening / closing direction ab. Now, suppose a user of the shielding device 1 is standing near the end of the main body 11 on the opening / closing direction a side and wants to open the shielding materials 20A and 20B. In this embodiment, since the operating parts 30A and 30B are attached to both ends of the transport unit 10 in the opening / closing direction ab, the user does not need to move to the vicinity of the operating part 30B located on the opposite side, and can operate the operating part 30A which is located nearby. In other words, in this embodiment, the effort of the user to move is reduced. The user then operates either the first string 33 or the second string 34 of the operating unit 30A to open the shielding materials 20A and 20B. As described above, the operation of the operating unit 30A is simply done by pulling either the first string 33 or the second string 34. In this embodiment, pulling the first string 33 opens the shielding materials 20A and 20B, and pulling the second string 34 closes the shielding materials 20A and 20B. However, even if the user accidentally pulls the second string 34 when they want to open the shielding material 20, simply releasing the second string 34 will cause it to rewind and return to its initial state. Therefore, even if an error occurs, the user does not need to perform any operation to return to the initial state, resulting in excellent operability. Then, when the user releases the second string 34 and pulls the first string 33, as described above, the first driven gear 37 rotates counterclockwise and the first idler gear 38 meshes with the drive gear 36, and the rotational force of the first driven gear 37 is transmitted to the drive gear 36 via the first idler gear 38. As a result, the drive gear 36 and the drive shaft 32 rotate counterclockwise, causing the shielding material 20A to move to the opening / closing direction a and the shielding material 20B to move to the opening / closing direction b (see Figure 1). The user should release the first string 33 when the opening positions of the shielding materials 20A and 20B reach the desired position.Furthermore, if the user wants to fully open the shielding device 1, they can release the first cord 33 when the leading runner 18A stops moving in the opening / closing direction a, and the leading runner 18B stops moving in the opening / closing direction b.

[0061] Then, when the first string 33 is released and the tension is released, the first member 50 returns to the tilted state as described above, and the first free-moving gear 38 is separated from the drive gear 36, allowing the drive gear 36 to rotate freely. Therefore, when the first string 33 and the second string 34 are not being pulled, the shielding material 20 can be opened and closed by hand.

[0062] Furthermore, if you want to close the shielding device 1 from this state by pulling a string, simply pull the second string 34 until the shielding materials 20A and 20B are in the desired closed position.

[0063] Thus, with the shielding device 1, when operating the shielding materials 20A and 20B by pulling the strings, there is no need to twist the first string 33 or the second string 34; it is simply a matter of pulling one of the first string 33 or the second string 34, making the operation relatively easy. Furthermore, since there is no need to twist the first string 33 or the second string 34 to open and close the shielding materials 20A and 20B, there is no need to provide a member that enables the twisting of the strings. Therefore, it is possible to omit the grip 35 as described above, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, as described above, with the shielding device 1, since the first string 33 and the second string 34 are both non-loop-shaped outside the case body 31, it is prevented, for example, from a child reaching for the first string 33 or the second string 34, thus providing excellent child safety.

[0065] Furthermore, with the shielding device 1, the gear ratio between the drive gear 36 and the first driven gear 37, or the gear ratio between the drive gear 36 and the second driven gear 40, can be changed as appropriate by replacing the gears. As a result, the opening and closing speed of the shielding materials 20A and 20B during the cord-pulling operation can be changed as appropriate.

[0066] Furthermore, with the shielding device 1, it is not necessary to arrange the two reel sections, the first reel section 70 (first string material 33) and the second reel section 80 (second string material 34), side by side in the axial direction of the drive shaft 32, and they can be arranged on the plane of the drive gear 36. Therefore, with the shielding device 1, the dimensions of the operating sections 30A and 30B in the axial direction of the drive shaft 32 can be made more compact.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Next, a shielding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of this embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted. The shielding device according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the shielding device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the operating section. Also, the operating sections are arranged on both sides of the opening and closing direction ab of the transport section 10, just like in the shielding device 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side, the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 hang down from the end of the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side, whereas in the operating section on the opening and closing direction b side, the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 hang down from the end of the opening and closing direction b side. Except for this point, the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side and the operating section on the opening and closing direction b side have the same configuration, just like in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side will be described below.

[0068] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating section 300A on the opening / closing direction a side according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a top view showing the operating section 300A with a portion omitted, and shows the state when the first string 33 is not being pulled.

[0069] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the operating unit 300A includes a case body 310, a drive shaft 32, a drive gear 36, a first string 33, and a second string 34.

[0070] The case body 310 is configured to fit into the first extension 12 of the transfer unit 10. Furthermore, due to differences in the arrangement of the drive gear 36, first driven gear 37, first idler gear 38, second driven gear 40, and second idler gear 41 compared to the operating unit 30A of the first embodiment, the case body 310 is longer in the opening / closing direction ab and shorter in the depth direction compared to the case body 31 of the operating unit 30A. When the case body 310 is fitted into the first extension 12, the drive shaft 32 is fitted into the through hole 15H of the drive pulley 15.

[0071] The operating section 300A also includes a first driven gear 37, a first free-moving gear 38, a first gear arm 390, and a first reel section 70. The first driven gear 37, the first free-moving gear 38, the first gear arm 390, and the first reel section 70 are arranged on the a side of the opening / closing direction relative to the drive gear 36. The first driven gear 37 and the drive gear 36 are aligned along the opening / closing direction ab. The first free-moving gear 38 is located further back in the depth direction than the first driven gear shaft 37J, and is located between the first driven gear 37 and the drive gear 36 in the opening / closing direction ab.

[0072] The first gear arm 390 is positioned above the first driven gear 37 and the first idler gear 38. The first gear arm 390 is mounted on the first driven gear shaft 37J so as to be rotatable in sync with the rotation of the first driven gear shaft 37J, which passes through the first gear arm 390. Therefore, when the first reel section 70 rotates, causing the first driven gear shaft 37J and the first driven gear 37 to rotate, the first gear arm 390 also rotates in the same direction as the first driven gear shaft 37J and the first driven gear 37. Furthermore, the first idler gear shaft 38J extends vertically downward from the lower surface of the first gear arm 390. Therefore, when the first gear arm 390 rotates, the first idler gear 38 mounted on the first idler gear shaft 38J rotates (revolves) around the first driven gear 37 in the same direction as the rotation of the first driven gear shaft 37J and the first driven gear 37. Furthermore, the first gear arm 390 does not have a protruding arm like the protruding arm 39A of the first gear arm 39 in the first embodiment.

[0073] The first string 33 is wound counterclockwise around the reel body 71 of the first reel section 70, similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first string 33 is pulled out from the reel body 71 towards the front side in the depth direction of the case body 310 in the opening / closing direction a. The first string 33 is then pulled out to the outside of the case body 310 through a pull-out hole 310H formed at the end of the case body 310 on the opening / closing direction a side, and hangs down approximately vertically.

[0074] Furthermore, the operating section 300A includes a second driven gear 40, a second free-moving gear 41, a second gear arm 420, and a second reel section 80. The second driven gear 40, the second free-moving gear 41, the second gear arm 420, and the second reel section 80 are arranged on the b side of the opening / closing direction relative to the drive gear 36. The second driven gear 40 and the drive gear 36 are aligned along the opening / closing direction ab. The second free-moving gear 41 is located further back in the depth direction than the second driven gear shaft 40J, and is located between the second driven gear 40 and the drive gear 36 in the opening / closing direction ab.

[0075] The second gear arm 420 is positioned above the second driven gear 40 and the second idler gear 41. The second gear arm 420 is mounted on the second driven gear shaft 40J so as to be rotatable in sync with the rotation of the second driven gear shaft 40J, which passes through the second gear arm 420. Therefore, when the second reel section 80 rotates, causing the second driven gear shaft 40J and the second driven gear 40 to rotate, the second gear arm 420 also rotates in the same direction as the rotation of the second driven gear shaft 40J and the second driven gear 40. Furthermore, the second idler gear shaft 41J extends vertically downward from the lower surface of the second gear arm 420. Therefore, when the second gear arm 420 rotates, the second idler gear 41 mounted on the second idler gear shaft 41J rotates (revolves) around the second driven gear 40 in the same direction as the rotation of the second driven gear shaft 40J and the second driven gear 40. Furthermore, the second gear arm 420 does not have a protruding arm like the protruding arm 42A of the second gear arm 42 in the second embodiment.

[0076] The second string 34 is wound clockwise around the reel body 81 of the second reel section 80, similar to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the second string 34 is pulled out from the reel body 81 towards the opening / closing direction a, on the rear side in the depth direction of the case body 310. The second string 34 is then pulled out to the outside of the case body 310 through a pull-out hole 310H formed at the end of the case body 310 on the opening / closing direction a side, and hangs down approximately vertically.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, the operating section 300A further includes a retaining shaft 305 and a biasing member 301 formed from a torsion spring. The retaining shaft 305 extends vertically upward. The retaining shaft 305 is aligned with the drive shaft 32 in the depth direction and is located further back in the depth direction than the drive shaft 32. The biasing member 301 includes a coil portion 302 located in the center, an a-side elastic portion 303 extending forward in the depth direction from the coil portion 302 toward the opening / closing direction a, and a b-side elastic portion 304 extending forward in the depth direction from the coil portion 302 toward the opening / closing direction b. The a-side elastic portion 303 abuts the first freewheel shaft 38J (i.e., the axis of rotation of the first freewheel 38) from the drive gear 36 side and biases the first freewheel 38 so as to resist the first freewheel 38 revolving toward the drive gear 36. On the other hand, the b-side elastic portion 304 is in contact with the second free-moving gear shaft 41J (i.e., the axis of rotation of the second free-moving gear 41) from the drive gear 36 side, biasing the second free-moving gear 41 so as to resist the second free-moving gear 41 revolving toward the drive gear 36.

[0078] In such an operating section 300A, when the first string 33 and the second string 34 are not being pulled, the first free-moving gear 38 and the second free-moving gear 41 do not revolve toward the drive gear 36. Therefore, the biasing force of the biasing member 301 prevents the first free-moving gear 38 and the second free-moving gear 41 from engaging with the drive gear 36. Consequently, the drive gear 36 can rotate freely, and the shielding material 20 can be opened and closed by manual operation.

[0079] Next, as shown in Figure 11, when the first string 33 is pulled with a force greater than a predetermined force, the counterclockwise rotational force of the first driven gear 37 and the first driven gear shaft 37J becomes greater than a predetermined force. That is, in this case, the orbital force of the first idler gear 38 toward the drive gear 36 becomes greater than the biasing force of the a-side elastic part 303. Therefore, the first idler gear 38 is allowed to orbit toward the drive gear 36, and by continuing to pull the first string 33 with a force greater than a predetermined force, the first idler gear 38 eventually meshes with the drive gear 36. In other words, the first driven gear 37 indirectly meshes with the drive gear 36 via the first idler gear 38, and as a result transmits rotational force to the drive gear 36. In this way, the drive gear 36 and the drive shaft 32 rotate counterclockwise via the clockwise rotation of the first idler gear 38, and the shielding material 20 moves toward the a-side in the opening and closing direction.

[0080] Subsequently, when the pulling force of the first string 33 beyond a predetermined force is interrupted, the first driven gear shaft 37J and the first driven gear 37 rotate in the opposite direction. Consequently, the first gear arm 390 rotates clockwise, and the first free-moving gear 38 revolves clockwise around the first driven gear 37. As a result, the first free-moving gear 38 moves away from the drive gear 36. At this time, since the first string 33 is not being pulled with a force greater than a predetermined force, the biasing force of the elastic part a 303 prevents the first free-moving gear 38 from revolving toward the drive gear 36. In addition, since the second string 34 is not being pulled during this series of operations, the biasing force of the elastic part b 304 prevents the second free-moving gear 41 from revolving toward the drive gear 36.

[0081] Next, when the second string 34 is pulled with a force greater than a predetermined force, the clockwise rotational force of the second driven gear 40 and the second driven gear shaft 40J becomes greater than a predetermined force. That is, in this case, the orbital force of the second idler gear 41 toward the drive gear 36 becomes greater than the biasing force of the b-side elastic part 304. Therefore, the second idler gear 41 is allowed to orbit toward the drive gear 36, and by continuing to pull the second string 34 with a force greater than a predetermined force, the second idler gear 41 eventually meshes with the drive gear 36. In other words, the second driven gear 40 indirectly meshes with the drive gear 36 via the second idler gear 41, and as a result transmits rotational force to the drive gear 36. In this way, the drive gear 36 and the drive shaft 32 rotate clockwise via the counterclockwise rotation of the second idler gear 41, and the shielding material 20 moves toward the b-side in the opening and closing direction.

[0082] Subsequently, when the pulling force of the second string 34 beyond a predetermined force is interrupted, the second driven gear shaft 40J and the second driven gear 40 rotate in the opposite direction. Consequently, the second gear arm 420 rotates counterclockwise, and the second free-moving gear 41 revolves counterclockwise around the second driven gear 40. As a result, the second free-moving gear 41 moves away from the drive gear 36. At this time, since the second string 34 is not being pulled with a force greater than a predetermined force, the biasing force of the b-side elastic part 304 prevents the second free-moving gear 41 from revolving toward the drive gear 36. In addition, since the first string 33 is not being pulled during this series of operations, the biasing force of the a-side elastic part 303 prevents the first free-moving gear 38 from revolving toward the drive gear 36.

[0083] As described above, the biasing member 301 prevents the first idler gear 38 from engaging with the drive gear 36 unless the first string 33 is pulled. In other words, the biasing member 301 prevents the first idler gear 38 from engaging with the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 is not pulled, and as a result prevents the first driven gear 37 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36. Also, the biasing member 301 prevents the second idler gear 41 from engaging with the drive gear 36 unless the second string 34 is pulled. In other words, the biasing member 301 prevents the second idler gear 41 from engaging with the drive gear 36 when the second string 34 is not pulled, and as a result prevents the second driven gear 40 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36. Therefore, in this embodiment, the biasing member 301 functions as a free-moving gear meshing adjustment unit 90 that prevents the first free-moving gear 38 and the second free-moving gear 41 from meshing with the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 and the second string 34 are not being pulled, prevents the second free-moving gear 41 from meshing with the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 is pulled while allowing the first free-moving gear 38 to mesh with the drive gear 36, and prevents the first free-moving gear 38 from meshing with the drive gear 36 when the second string 34 is pulled while allowing the second free-moving gear 41 to mesh with the drive gear 36. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the biasing member 301 functions as a rotational force transmission adjustment unit 91 that prevents the first driven gear 37 and the second driven gear 40 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 and the second string 34 are not being pulled, prevents the second driven gear 40 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the first string 33 is pulled while allowing the first driven gear 37 to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36, and prevents the first driven gear 37 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the second string 34 is pulled while allowing the second driven gear 40 to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36.

[0084] The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be enjoyed with the operation unit 300A according to this embodiment.

[0085] (Third embodiment) Next, a shielding device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of this embodiment, components similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. The shielding device according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the shielding device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the operating section. Also, the operating sections are arranged on both sides of the opening and closing direction ab of the transport section 10, just like in the shielding device 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side, the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 hang down from the end of the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side, whereas in the operating section on the opening and closing direction b side, the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 hang down from the end of the operating section on the opening and closing direction b side. Except for this point, the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side and the operating section on the opening and closing direction b side have the same configuration, just like in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the operating section on the opening and closing direction a side will be described below.

[0086] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating section 3000A on the opening / closing direction a side according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a top view showing the operating section 3000A with a portion omitted, and shows the state when the first string 33 is not being pulled.

[0087] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the operating unit 3000A includes a case body 310, a drive gear 36, a drive shaft 32, a first string 33, and a second string 34.

[0088] Furthermore, the operating unit 3000A includes a first driven gear 3700, a first deformation member 3070, a first deformation member shaft 3070J, and a first reel section 70. Note that the operating unit 3000A does not have a free-moving gear such as the first free-moving gear 38 described above.

[0089] As shown in Figure 13, the first driven gear 3700 is ring-shaped with a through hole 3700H formed in its center. The first driven gear 3700 is positioned on the a side of the opening / closing direction relative to the drive gear 36, and is aligned with the drive gear 36 along the opening / closing direction ab. The first driven gear 3700 is constantly meshed with the drive gear 36. The first driven gear 3700 is mounted so as to be rotatable around the first deformation member shaft 3070J.

[0090] The first deformation member 3070 is positioned inside the through-hole 3700H of the first driven gear 3700. The first deformation member shaft 3070J passes vertically downward through the center of the first deformation member 3070, which is also the center of the first driven gear 3700. The first deformation member 3070 is mounted on the first deformation member shaft 3070J so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the first deformation member shaft 3070J. Furthermore, the first deformation member 3070 has a shape that is twofold symmetrical with respect to the first deformation member shaft 3070J.

[0091] The first reel section 70 is positioned directly below the first deformation member 3070. The first deformation member shaft 3070J is attached to the first reel section 70 so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the first reel section 70. Therefore, the first deformation member 3070 also rotates in synchronization with the first reel section 70. As described above, when the first string 33 is pulled, the first reel section 70 rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the first deformation member when the first string 33 is pulled (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first rotation direction) is counterclockwise.

[0092] The inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700 defining the through hole 3700H includes four curved surfaces 3711. Each of the four curved surfaces 3711 roughly forms a quarter-circle arc. Now, considering any pair of circumferentially adjacent curved surfaces 3711, the end 3711a of the curved surface 3711 located on the first rotational direction side, opposite to the first rotational direction side, is located on the inner circumferential side relative to the end 3711b of the curved surface 3711 located on the opposite side of the first rotational direction side. These two ends 3711a and 3711b are connected by a plane 3715 facing the curved surface 3711 opposite to the first rotational direction side. This plane 3715 is a projection that protrudes inward on the inner circumferential surface 3710. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 3710 includes four projections 3715 that protrude inward.

[0093] Let us describe the first deformable member 3070 again. As will be described later, the first deformable member 3070 deforms by rotating about the first deformable member axis 3070J. Figure 13 shows the first deformable member 3070 in its pre-deformation state. The first deformable member 3070 includes a base 3071, a first rotating part 3072, a second rotating part 3073, a first rotating shaft 3078, and a second rotating shaft 3079.

[0094] The base 3071 is a track-shaped plate member, and the first deformation member shaft 3070J passes through the center of the base 3071. The base 3071 is mounted on the first deformation member shaft 3070J so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the rotation of the first deformation member shaft 3070J. The first pivot shaft 3078 and the second pivot shaft 3079 extend vertically downward from the base 3071. In the state shown in Figure 13, the first pivot shaft 3078 is mounted on the base 3071 on the side of the opening / closing direction a of the first deformation member shaft 3070J, and the second pivot shaft 3079 is mounted on the base 3071 on the side of the opening / closing direction b of the first deformation member shaft 3070J. The first deformation member shaft 3070J, the first pivot shaft 3078, and the second pivot shaft 3079 are arranged in a straight line with the first deformation member shaft 3070J in between.

[0095] The first rotating part 3072 has a roughly comma-shaped form and is attached to the first rotating shaft 3078 so as to be rotatable around the first rotating shaft 3078. In the pre-deformation state, the first rotating part 3072 includes a stepped surface 3072D that abuts against a straight surface on one side of the outer circumferential surface of the base 3071 (the inner side in the depth direction in the state shown in Figure 13). In the pre-deformation state, the portion of the first rotating part 3072 closer to the base 3071 than the stepped surface 3072D is located below the base 3071 and overlaps with the base 3071 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in the pre-deformation state, the portion of the first rotating part 3072 opposite to the base 3071 side of the stepped surface 3072D is defined by an outer surface including the stepped surface 3072D, the first curved surface 3072C, and the first plane 3072S. The first curved surface 3072C has approximately the same curvature as each of the aforementioned curved surfaces 3711, and curves from the end of the base 3071 on the first rotational shaft 3078 side toward the second rotational shaft 3079 side. The first plane 3072S starts from the end of the stepped surface 3072D on the first deformation member shaft 3070J side, tilts toward the second rotational shaft 3079 side, and extends linearly toward the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700. The first plane 3072S is connected to the end of the first curved surface 3072C on the second rotational shaft 3079 side.

[0096] The second rotating part 3073 has a roughly comma-shaped form and is attached to the second rotating shaft 3079 so as to be rotatable around the second rotating shaft 3079. In the pre-deformation state, the second rotating part 3073 includes a stepped surface 3073D that abuts against the straight surface on the other side of the outer circumferential surface of the base part 3071 (the front side in the depth direction in the state shown in Figure 13). In the pre-deformation state, the portion of the second rotating part 3073 closer to the base part 3071 than the stepped surface 3073D is located below the base part 3071 and overlaps with the base part 3071 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in the pre-deformation state, the portion of the second rotating part 3073 opposite to the base part 3071 side of the stepped surface 3073D is defined by an outer surface including the stepped surface 3073D, the second curved surface 3073C, and the second plane 3073S. The second curved surface 3073C has approximately the same curvature as each of the aforementioned curved surfaces 3711, and curves from the end of the base 3071 on the second rotational shaft 3079 side toward the first rotational shaft 3078 side. The second plane 3073S starts from the end of the stepped surface 3073D on the first deformation member shaft 3070J side, tilts toward the first rotational shaft 3078 side, and extends linearly toward the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700. The second plane 3073S is connected to the end of the second curved surface 3073C on the first rotational shaft 3078 side.

[0097] Thus, when the first string 33 is not being pulled, the stepped surfaces 3072D and 3073D each abut against the base 3071, causing the first deformable member 3070 to be in a closed state. In this closed state, the first deformable member 3070 is shaped so that it does not abut against the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the operating unit 3000A includes a second driven gear 4100, a second deformation member 4010, a second deformation member shaft 4010J, and a second reel section 80. Note that the operating unit 3000A does not have a free-moving gear such as the second free-moving gear 41 described above.

[0099] As shown in Figure 13, the second driven gear 4100 is ring-shaped with a through hole 4100H formed in its center. The second driven gear 4100 is located on the opening / closing direction b side with respect to the drive gear 36 and is aligned with the drive gear 36 along the opening / closing direction ab. The second driven gear 4100 is constantly meshed with the drive gear 36. The second driven gear 4100 is mounted so as to be rotatable around the second deformation member shaft 4010J.

[0100] The second deformation member 4010 is located inside the through-hole 4100H of the second driven gear 4100. The second deformation member shaft 4010J passes vertically downward through the center of the second deformation member 4010 and the center of the second driven gear 4100. The second deformation member 4010 is mounted on the second deformation member shaft 4010J so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the second deformation member shaft 4010J. The second deformation member 4010 has a shape that is twofold symmetrical with respect to the second deformation member shaft 4010J.

[0101] The second reel section 80 is positioned directly below the second deformation member 4010. The second deformation member shaft 4010J is attached to the second reel section 80 so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the second reel section 80. Therefore, the second deformation member 4010 also rotates in synchronization with the second reel section 80. As described above, when the second string 34 is pulled, the second reel section 80 rotates clockwise. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the second deformation member 4010 when the second string 34 is pulled (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second rotation direction) is clockwise. In other words, the second rotation direction is the opposite direction of rotation to the first rotation direction described above.

[0102] The inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100, which defines the through hole 4100H, includes four curved surfaces 4111. Each of the four curved surfaces 4111 roughly forms a quarter-circular arc. Focusing on any pair of circumferentially adjacent curved surfaces 4111, the end 4111a of the curved surface 4111 located on the second rotational direction side, opposite to the second rotational direction side, is located on the inner circumferential side relative to the end 4111b of the curved surface 4111 located on the opposite side of the second rotational direction side. These two ends 4111a and 4111b are connected by a plane 4115 facing the curved surface 4111 located on the opposite side of the second rotational direction side. This plane 4115 is a projection that protrudes inward on the inner circumferential surface 4110. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 4110 includes four projections 4115 that protrude inward. The inner surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100 is mirror-symmetric to the inner surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700, with respect to the planes extending in the vertical and depth directions. In short, the second driven gear 4100 is mirror-symmetric to the first driven gear 3700.

[0103] Let us describe the second deformable member 4010 again. As will be described later, the second deformable member 4010 deforms by rotating about the second deformable member axis 4010J. Figure 13 shows the pre-deformation state of the second deformable member 4010 before deformation. In this pre-deformation state, the second deformable member 4010 has a shape that is mirror-symmetric to the first deformable member 3070 in the pre-deformation state with respect to the planes extending in the vertical and depth directions. The second deformable member 4010 includes a base portion 4011, a first rotating portion 4012, a second rotating portion 4013, a first rotating axis 4018, and a second rotating axis 4019.

[0104] The base 4011 is a track-shaped plate member, with the second deformation member shaft 4010J passing through its center. The base 4011 is mounted on the second deformation member shaft 4010J so as to be rotatable in synchronization with the rotation of the second deformation member shaft 4010J. The first pivot shaft 4018 and the second pivot shaft 4019 extend vertically downward from the base 4011. In the state shown in Figure 13, the first pivot shaft 4018 is mounted on the base 4011 on the side of the opening / closing direction a of the second deformation member shaft 4010J, and the second pivot shaft 4019 is mounted on the base 4011 on the side of the opening / closing direction b of the second deformation member shaft 4010J. The second deformation member shaft 4010J, the first pivot shaft 4018, and the second pivot shaft 4019 are arranged in a straight line with the second deformation member shaft 4010J in between.

[0105] The first rotating part 4012 has a roughly comma-shaped form and is rotatably mounted on the first rotating shaft 4018. In the pre-deformation state, the first rotating part 4012 includes a stepped surface 4012D that abuts against the straight surface on the other side of the outer circumferential surface of the base 4011 (the front side in the depth direction in the state shown in Figure 13). In the pre-deformation state, the portion of the first rotating part 4012 closer to the base 4011 than the stepped surface 4012D is located below the base 4011 and overlaps with the base 4011 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in the pre-deformation state, the portion of the first rotating part 4012 opposite to the base 4011 side of the stepped surface 4012D is defined by an outer surface including the stepped surface 4012D, the first curved surface 4012C, and the first plane 4012S. The first curved surface 4012C has approximately the same curvature as each of the aforementioned curved surfaces 4111, and curves from the end of the base 4011 on the first rotation shaft 4018 side toward the second rotation shaft 4019 side. The first plane 4012S starts from the end of the stepped surface 4012D on the second deformation member shaft 4010J side, tilts toward the second rotation shaft 4019 side, and extends linearly toward the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100. The first plane 4012S is connected to the end of the first curved surface 4012C on the second rotation shaft 4019 side.

[0106] The second rotating part 4013 has a roughly comma-shaped form and is attached to the second rotating shaft 4019 so as to be rotatable around the second rotating shaft 4019. In the pre-deformation state, the second rotating part 4013 includes a stepped surface 4013D that abuts against a straight surface on one side of the outer circumferential surface of the base part 4011 (in the state shown in Figure 13, the inner side in the depth direction). In the pre-deformation state, the portion of the second rotating part 4013 closer to the base part 4011 than the stepped surface 4013D is located below the base part 4011 and overlaps with the base part 4011 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in the pre-deformation state, the portion of the second rotating part 4013 opposite to the base part 4011 side of the stepped surface 4013D is defined by an outer surface including the stepped surface 4013D, the second curved surface 4013C, and the second plane 4013S. The second curved surface 4013C has approximately the same curvature as each of the aforementioned curved surfaces 4111, and curves from the end of the base 4011 on the second rotation shaft 4019 side toward the first rotation shaft 4018 side. The second plane 4013S starts from the end of the stepped surface 4013D on the second deformation member shaft 4010J side, tilts toward the first rotation shaft 4018 side, and extends linearly toward the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100. The second plane 4013S is connected to the end of the second curved surface 4013C on the first rotation shaft 4018 side.

[0107] Thus, when the second string 34 is not being pulled, the stepped surfaces 4012D and 4013D each come into contact with the base 4011, causing the second deformation member 4010 to be in a closed state. In this closed state, the second deformation member 4010 is shaped so that it does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100.

[0108] Next, we will explain the operation of the control unit 3000A.

[0109] When the first string 33 is pulled from the state shown in Figure 13, the first reel section 70 rotates counterclockwise, and in synchronization with this, the first deformation member shaft 3070J and the first deformation member 3070 rotate counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 14. As a result, a centrifugal force acts on the first deformation member 3070 in a counterclockwise direction. This counterclockwise centrifugal force acts to move the first rotating part 3072 and the second rotating part 3073 away from the base 3071. Therefore, as the first string 33 continues to be pulled, the first rotating part 3072 rotates clockwise around the first rotating shaft 3078, and the second rotating part 3073 rotates clockwise around the second rotating shaft 3079. In this way, the first rotating part 3072 and the second rotating part 3073 gradually move away from the base 3071, and the first deformable member 3070 deforms to expand. Specifically, the first curved surface 3072C of the first rotating part 3072 and the second curved surface 3073C of the second rotating part 3073 each contact the curved surface 3711 of the first driven gear 3700 and are guided along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 3710, as the first rotating part 3072 and the second rotating part 3073 expand. When the first rotating part 3072 has fully expanded, the first flat surface 3072S of the first rotating part 3072 contacts one of the protrusions 3715 on the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700. Similarly, when the second rotating part 3073 is fully extended, the second plane 3073S of the second rotating part 3073 comes into contact with any other projection 3715. In this way, when the first rotating part 3072 is fully extended and the second rotating part 3073 is fully extended, the first deformable member 3070 is deformed into a shape that comes into contact with the projection 3715 on the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700. After the first deformable member 3070 is in the open state, the first driven gear 3700 is pushed by the first deformable member 3070 which rotates counterclockwise, causing the first driven gear 3700 to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the counterclockwise rotational force of the first driven gear 3700 is allowed to be transmitted to the drive gear 36, causing the drive gear 36 and drive shaft 32 to rotate clockwise, moving the shielding material 20A to the opening / closing direction b and the shielding material 20B to the opening / closing direction a (see Figure 1). Thus, in this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the shielding materials 20A and 20B can be moved to close by pulling the first string 33.

[0110] In this state, the second string 34 is not being pulled, so the second deformation member 4010 remains closed, and the second driven gear 4100 rotates without interference from the second deformation member 4010. When the second string 34 is not being pulled, the second driven gear 4100 rotates freely in a counterclockwise direction in conjunction with the clockwise rotation of the drive gear 36, and rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the second driven gear 4100 when the second string 34 is being pulled (clockwise), which will be described later.

[0111] When the tension on the first string 33 is released, the first reel section 70 rotates in the reverse direction (i.e., clockwise), and in synchronization with this, the first deformation member shaft 3070J and the first deformation member 3070 rotate in the reverse direction (i.e., clockwise). The centrifugal force caused by this reverse rotation of the first deformation member 3070 acts to pull the first rotating part 3072 and the second rotating part 3073 toward the base 3071. As a result, the first rotating part 3072 rotates counterclockwise around the first rotating shaft 3078, and the second rotating part 3073 rotates counterclockwise around the second rotating shaft 3079. Consequently, the first deformation member 3070 returns to the closed state (i.e., a shape that does not contact the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700). In other words, from this point onward, the first driven gear 3700 is not rotated by the first deformable member 3070. Therefore, when the first string 33 is not being pulled, the first deformable member 3070 prevents the first driven gear 3700 from rotating before the drive gear 36, and prevents the rotational force of the first driven gear 3700 from being transmitted to the drive gear 36.

[0112] Next, when the second string 34 is pulled from the state shown in Figure 13, the second reel section 80 rotates clockwise, and in sync with this, the second deformation member shaft 4010J and the second deformation member 4010 rotate clockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first deformation member 3070). As a result, a centrifugal force acts on the second deformation member 4010 in a clockwise direction. This clockwise centrifugal force acts to move the first rotating part 4012 and the second rotating part 4013 away from the base 4011. Therefore, as the second string 34 continues to be pulled, the first rotating part 4012 rotates counterclockwise around the first rotating shaft 4018, and the second rotating part 4013 rotates counterclockwise around the second rotating shaft 4019. In this way, the first rotating part 4012 and the second rotating part 4013 gradually move away from the base 4011, and the second deformable member 4010 deforms to expand. Specifically, the first curved surface 4012C of the first rotating part 4012 and the curved surface 4073C of the second rotating part 4013 each contact the curved surface 4111 of the second driven gear 4100 and are guided along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 4110 as the first rotating part 4012 and the second rotating part 4013 expand. When the first rotating part 4012 has fully expanded, the first flat surface 4012S of the first rotating part 4012 contacts one of the protrusions 4115 on the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100. Similarly, when the second rotating part 4013 is fully extended, the second plane 4013S of the second rotating part 4013 comes into contact with any other projection 4115. In this way, when the first rotating part 4012 is fully extended and the second rotating part 4013 is fully extended, the second deformable member 4010 is deformed into a shape that comes into contact with the projection 4115 on the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100. After the second deformable member 4010 is in the open state, the second driven gear 4100 is pushed by the second deformable member 4010 which rotates clockwise, causing the second driven gear 4100 to rotate clockwise (i.e., opposite to the direction of rotation of the first driven gear 3700). As a result, the clockwise rotational force of the second driven gear 4100 is allowed to be transmitted to the drive gear 36, causing the drive gear 36 and drive shaft 32 to rotate counterclockwise, moving the shielding material 20A to the opening / closing direction a and the shielding material 20B to the opening / closing direction b (see Figure 1).Thus, in this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the shielding materials 20A and 20B can be moved to open by pulling the second string 34.

[0113] In this state, the first string 33 is not being pulled, so the first deformation member 3070 remains closed, and the first driven gear 3700 rotates without interference from the first deformation member 3070. Therefore, when the first string 33 is not being pulled, the first driven gear 3700 rotates freely in a clockwise direction in conjunction with the counterclockwise rotation of the drive gear 36, and rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first driven gear 3700 when the first string 33 is being pulled (counterclockwise).

[0114] When the tension on the second string 34 is released, the first reel section 70 rotates in the reverse direction (i.e., clockwise), and in synchronization with this, the second deformation member shaft 4010J and the second deformation member 4010 rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the first deformation member 3070 (i.e., counterclockwise). The centrifugal force due to this reverse rotation of the second deformation member 4010 acts to pull the first rotating part 4012 and the second rotating part 4013 toward the base 4011. As a result, the first rotating part 4012 rotates clockwise around the first rotating shaft 4018, and the second rotating part 4013 rotates clockwise around the second rotating shaft 4019. Consequently, the second deformation member 4010 returns to the closed state (i.e., a shape that does not contact the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100). In other words, from this point onward, the second driven gear 4100 is not rotated by the second deformable member 4010. Therefore, when the second string 34 is not being pulled, the second deformable member 4010 prevents the second driven gear 4100 from rotating before the drive gear 36, and prevents the rotational force of the second driven gear 4100 from being transmitted to the drive gear 36.

[0115] Incidentally, as described above, when the first string member 33 is not being pulled, the first deformation member 3070 is not in contact with the first driven gear 3700, so the first driven gear 3700 rotates without interference from the first deformation member 3070. Also, as described above, when the second string member 34 is not being pulled, the second deformation member 4010 is not in contact with the second driven gear 4100, so the second driven gear 4100 rotates without interference from the second deformation member 4010. Therefore, when the first string member 33 and the second string member 34 are not being pulled, if the drive gear 36 rotates before the first driven gear 3700 and the second driven gear 4100, the first driven gear 3700 and the second driven gear 4100 will spin freely and will not hinder the rotation of the drive gear 36. In other words, even if the shielding material 20 is pulled by hand and the drive gear 36 rotates first, the rotation of the drive gear 36 is not hindered, so the shielding material 20 can be pulled by hand.

[0116] Thus, in the operating unit 3000A according to this embodiment, the first deformation member 3070 and the second deformation member 4010 function as a rotational force transmission adjustment unit 91 that prevents the first driven gear 3700 and the second driven gear 4100 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the first string member 33 and the second string member 34 are not being pulled, prevents the second driven gear 4100 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the first string member 33 is being pulled while allowing the first driven gear 3700 to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36, and prevents the first driven gear 3700 from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear 36 when the second string member 34 is being pulled while allowing the second driven gear 4100 to transmit rotational force to the drive gear 36.

[0117] The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be enjoyed with the operation unit 3000A according to this embodiment.

[0118] In this embodiment, as long as the first deformation member 3070 contacts the first string 33 when it is pulled and the first deformation member 3070 does not contact the first string 33 when it is released from being pulled, the shape and number of protrusions on the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700 are not limited to the above example, and there should be one or more such protrusions. Also, as long as the second deformation member 4010 contacts the second string 34 when it is pulled and the second deformation member 4010 does not contact the second string 34 when it is released from being pulled, the shape and number of protrusions on the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100 are not limited to the above example, and there should be one or more such protrusions.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the first deformable member 3070 is not limited to the above example, as long as it rotates when the first string 33 is pulled and deforms from a shape that does not contact the inner circumferential surface 3710 of the first driven gear 3700 to a shape that contacts the projection on the inner circumferential surface 3710, thereby rotating the first driven gear 3700, and when the tension on the first string 33 is released, it rotates in the opposite direction and deforms back to a shape that does not contact the inner circumferential surface 3710.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the second deformable member 4010 is not limited to the above example, as long as it rotates when the second string 34 is pulled and deforms from a shape that does not contact the inner circumferential surface 4110 of the second driven gear 4100 to a shape that contacts the projection on the inner circumferential surface 4110, thereby rotating the second driven gear 4100, and when the tension on the second string 34 is released, it rotates in the opposite direction and deforms back to a shape that does not contact the inner circumferential surface 4110.

[0121] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the first, second, and third embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0122] For example, in the first, second, and third embodiments, the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 are both non-loop-shaped. However, at least one of the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 may have a loop-shaped portion hanging from the case body 30 (or case body 310). However, as described above, from the viewpoint of child safety, it is preferable that both the first string material 33 and the second string material 34 are non-loop-shaped.

[0123] Furthermore, in the first, second, and third embodiments, examples were described in which operating parts are attached to both ends of the transfer unit 10 in the opening and closing direction ab. However, the number of operating parts is not limited to two. For example, an operating part may be provided on only one side, either the opening and closing direction a side or the opening and closing direction b side. Also, the position where the operating parts are provided is not limited to both ends of the transfer unit 10 in the opening and closing direction ab. That is, the operating part on the opening and closing direction a side may be provided at a position offset from the end of the transfer unit 10 on the opening and closing direction a side, or the operating part on the opening and closing direction b side may be provided at a position offset from the end of the transfer unit 10 on the opening and closing direction b side.

[0124] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, an example was described in which the shielding materials 20A and 20B open by pulling the first string 33 and close by pulling the second string 34. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, an example was described in which the shielding materials 20A and 20B close by pulling the first string 33 and open by pulling the second string 34. However, in the first and second embodiments, the shielding materials 20A and 20B may be configured to close by pulling the first string 33 and open by pulling the second string 34, and in the third embodiment, the shielding materials 20A and 20B may be configured to open by pulling the first string 33 and close by pulling the second string 34.

[0125] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example where two shielding materials 20A and 20B are provided to create a double-opening structure, it is also possible to provide only one of the shielding materials 20A and 20B to create a single-opening structure.

[0126] Furthermore, those skilled in the art may modify the shielding device of the present invention as appropriate in accordance with conventionally known knowledge. Such modifications, insofar as they still possess the configuration of the present invention, are of course included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1...Shielding device, 10...Transfer section, 20...Shielding material, 30A, 30B, 300A, 3000A...Operating section, 33...First string material, 34...Second string material, 36...Drive gear, 38...First free-moving gear, 38J...First free-moving gear shaft (rotation axis), 41...Second free-moving gear, 41J...Second free-moving gear shaft (rotation axis), 50...First member, 60...Second member, 90...Free-moving gear meshing adjustment section, 91...Rotational force transmission adjustment section, 301...Biasing member, 3070...First deformation member, 3700H...Through hole, 3710, 4110...Inner circumferential surface, 3715, 4115...Protrusion, 4010...Second deformation member, 4100H...Through hole

Claims

1. It comprises a transport unit for moving the shielding material in the opening and closing direction, and one or more operating units attached to the transport unit, Each of the one or more operating units is: First string material and second string material, A first driven gear that rotates when the first string is pulled and can rotate in the reverse direction when the first string is not pulled, A second driven gear that rotates in the opposite direction to the first driven gear when the second string is pulled, and can rotate in the opposite direction to the first driven gear when the second string is not pulled, A drive gear that can mesh with the first driven gear and the second driven gear, and which transmits the rotational force of the first driven gear and the second driven gear to the transfer unit by meshing with the first driven gear and the second driven gear, A rotational force transmission adjustment unit which prevents the first driven gear and the second driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear when the first string is not being pulled, prevents the second driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear while allowing the first driven gear to transmit rotational force to the drive gear when the first string is being pulled, and prevents the first driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear while allowing the second driven gear to transmit rotational force to the drive gear when the second string is being pulled, has A shielding device characterized by the following features.

2. A first idler gear meshes with the first driven gear and rotates on its own axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first driven gear and revolves around the first driven gear so as to mesh with the drive gear, A second idler gear meshes with the second driven gear and rotates on its own axis in conjunction with the rotation of the second driven gear, and revolves around the second driven gear so as to mesh with the drive gear. Furthermore, The rotational force transmission adjustment unit functions as a free gear meshing adjustment unit that prevents the first free gear and the second free gear from meshing with the drive gear when the first string and the second string are not being pulled, prevents the second free gear from meshing with the drive gear while allowing the first free gear to mesh with the drive gear when the first string is being pulled, and prevents the first free gear from meshing with the drive gear while allowing the second free gear to mesh with the drive gear when the second string is being pulled. The shielding device according to claim 1.

3. The invention further comprises a biasing member that contacts the rotation axis of the first freewheel and the rotation axis of the second freewheel, and biases the first freewheel and the second freewheel so as to resist the first freewheel and the second freewheel revolving toward the drive gear, The biasing member functions as a component included in the idle gear meshing adjustment section. The shielding device according to claim 2.

4. The present invention further comprises a first member to which the first string is attached and a second member to which the second string is attached, The first member tilts when the first string is not being pulled, holding the first free-moving gear in a position away from the drive gear, and when the first string is pulled, it is pushed upright by the first string and moves the first free-moving gear to a position where it meshes with the drive gear. The second member tilts when the second string is not being pulled, holding the second free-moving gear in a position away from the drive gear, and when the second string is pulled, it is pushed upright by the second string and moves the second free-moving gear to a position where it meshes with the drive gear. The first member and the second member function as components included in the idler gear meshing adjustment section. The shielding device according to claim 2.

5. Each of the first driven gear and the second driven gear has an inner surface having at least one projection that protrudes inward, The shielding device is, A first deformation member is provided in a through hole defined by the inner circumferential surface of the first driven gear, The present invention further comprises a second deformation member provided in a through hole defined by the inner circumferential surface of the second driven gear, The first deformable member rotates when the first string is pulled, deforming from a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the first driven gear to a shape that contacts the projection on the inner surface of the first driven gear, thereby causing the first driven gear to rotate, and when the tension on the first string is released, it rotates in the opposite direction and deforms back to a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the first driven gear. When the second string is pulled, the second deformable member rotates in the opposite direction to the first deformable member and deforms from a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the second driven gear to a shape that contacts the projection on the inner surface of the second driven gear, thereby causing the second driven gear to rotate, and when the tension on the second string is released, it rotates in the opposite direction to the first deformable member and deforms back to a shape that does not contact the inner surface of the second driven gear. The first deformation member and the second deformation member function as components included in the rotational force transmission adjustment unit. The shielding device according to claim 1.

6. At least one of the first string material and the second string material is non-loop-shaped. A shielding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. One or more of the operating units are attached to both ends of the transfer unit in the opening and closing direction. A shielding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An operating member attached to a transfer unit that moves a shielding material in the opening and closing direction, The operating member is First string material and second string material, A first driven gear that rotates when the first string is pulled and can rotate in the reverse direction when the first string is not pulled, A second driven gear that rotates in the opposite direction to the first driven gear when the second string is pulled, and can rotate in the opposite direction to the first driven gear when the second string is not pulled, A drive gear that can mesh with the first driven gear and the second driven gear, and which transmits the rotational force of the first driven gear and the second driven gear to the transfer unit by meshing with the first driven gear and the second driven gear, A rotational force transmission adjustment unit which prevents the first driven gear and the second driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear when the first string is not being pulled, prevents the second driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear while allowing the first driven gear to transmit rotational force to the drive gear when the first string is being pulled, and prevents the first driven gear from transmitting rotational force to the drive gear while allowing the second driven gear to transmit rotational force to the drive gear when the second string is being pulled, has An operating member characterized by the following features.

Images