Operating device

Abstract

To provide technology that can improve operability.SOLUTION: An operation device for operating a shielding device with a bottom rail connected to the bottom end of a shielding member and an intermediate bar connected to the top end of the shielding member, with an operating section that switches the operation device between a first state allowing the bottom rail to raise / lower and a second state allowing the intermediate bar to raise / lower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to an operating device for a shielding device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a shielding device having an operating device, the one shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. The shielding device shown in this Patent Document 1 is pivotally supported rotatably within a head box, a first drive shaft for moving a first moving member, a second drive shaft pivotally supported rotatably within the head box for moving a second moving member, a first pulley capable of rotationally driving the first drive shaft, and a second pulley capable of rotationally driving the second drive shaft. The first shielding material is raised and lowered by operating a first operating cord provided so as to be wound up and unwound by the first pulley, and the second shielding material is raised and lowered by operating a second operating cord provided so as to be wound up and unwound by the second pulley.

[0003] According to such a shielding device, since the first pulley and the second pulley can be arranged side by side in the left - right direction, the hanging positions of the first operating cord and the second operating cord can be made different in the left - right direction. As a result, the two types of operating cords for opening and closing the first shielding material and the second shielding material can be hung from the head box in a state where they are easy to distinguish.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, such shielding devices require two first and second pulleys to rotate the first and second drive shafts, and two operating cords to rotate the first and second pulleys. Although the hanging positions of the two operating cords can be made different in the left-right direction, depending on how the operating cords are operated, there is a possibility that the two operating cords may become entangled or interfere with each other, so there was a need for improved operability. Similarly, in shielding devices that rotate the pulleys with a single endless operating cord and perform different opening and closing operations depending on the direction of rotation, one end of the endless operating cord hangs from different positions, and there was a similar need for improved operability.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a technology that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating a shielding device comprising a bottom rail connected to the lower end of a shielding material and an intermediate bar connected to the upper end of the shielding material, comprising an operating unit that switches the operating device between a first state in which the bottom rail can be raised and lowered and a second state in which the intermediate bar can be raised and lowered. Another aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating a shielding device comprising a first shielding material arranged on the rear side and a second shielding material arranged on the front side, comprising an operating unit that switches the operating device between a first state in which the first shielding material can be opened and closed and a second state in which the second shielding material can be opened and closed. Another aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating a vertical blind having a plurality of louvers, comprising an operating unit that switches the operating device between a first state in which the plurality of louvers can be moved in the closing direction and a second state in which the plurality of louvers can be moved in the opening direction. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a bottom view showing the internal configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, when the operating cord is not being pulled. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, with the operating cord being pulled. [Figure 8] This is a bottom view showing the configuration of the coupling mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting members. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting members. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism. [Figure 13] This is an overhead perspective view showing the configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism. [Figure 14] This is a downward perspective view showing the configuration of the switching interlocking mechanism. [Figure 15] This is a plan view showing the switching interlocking mechanism in the first connected state. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing the switching interlocking mechanism in the second connected state. [Figure 17] This is a bottom view illustrating the connection between the switching interlocking mechanism and the connecting member. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing the operating device in the first connected state. [Figure 19]It is a bottom view showing a cam member with its tip directed toward the first connection path. [Figure 20] It is a bottom view showing a connecting member when transitioning to the first connected state. [Figure 21] It is a bottom view showing a connecting member when rotational force is transmitted in the first connected state. [Figure 22] It is a bottom view showing a connecting member when transitioning from the first connected state to the unconnected state. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing the relative position change of the cam member with respect to the cam groove related to the transition to the first connected state. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing a shielding device in which the bottom rail is lifted. [Figure 25] It is a plan view showing an operating device in the second connected state. [Figure 26] It is a bottom view showing a cam member with its tip directed toward the second connection path. [Figure 27] It is a bottom view showing a connecting member when transitioning to the second connected state. [Figure 28] It is a bottom view showing a connecting member when rotational force is transmitted in the second connected state. [Figure 29] It is a bottom view showing a connecting member when transitioning from the second connected state to the unconnected state. [Figure 30] It is a diagram showing the relative position change of the cam member with respect to the cam groove related to the transition to the second connected state. [Figure 31] It is a diagram showing a shielding device in which the intermediate bar is lifted. [[ID=X]] [[ID=Y]] [Figure 32] It is a front view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 33] It is a schematic plan perspective view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 34] It is a bottom view showing the configuration of the operating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 35] It is a plan view showing the operating device when transitioning to the connected state. [Figure 36] It is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] This is a front view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a plan view showing the operating device in the first connected state according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 40] This is a plan view showing the operating device in the second connected state according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the drive unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 42] This is an exploded assembly diagram showing the configuration of the drive unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 43] This is a schematic plan view showing the shielding device in its fully open position. [Figure 44] This is a schematic plan view showing the shielding device in the first operating state. [Figure 45] This is a schematic plan view showing a shielding device in a fully closed state. [Figure 46] This is a schematic plan view showing the shielding device in the second drive state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0011] <First Embodiment> (Overall structure) The overall configuration of the shielding device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic plan perspective view thereof. Note that in Figure 1, the shielding device is shown with the bottom rail in a lowered state, and only the interior of its headbox is shown.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shielding device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a headbox 2, a bottom rail 31 as a first moving member, two lifting cords 32 formed in the shape of a string or tape, a screen 33 as a first shielding material, an intermediate bar 41 as a second moving member, two dimming cords 42 formed in the shape of a string or tape, a screen 43 as a second shielding material, and an operating device 6.

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

[0014] The first drive shaft 201a, two first winding drums 202a, a first brake device 203a, and a first stopper device 204a constitute a first drive system for raising and lowering the bottom rail 31. The second drive shaft 201b, two second winding drums 202b, a second brake device 203b, and a second stopper device 204b constitute a second drive system for raising and lowering the intermediate bar 41. The interlocking gear 205 is configured to interlock the second drive system with the first drive system under predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the first drive system is located on the rear side, and the second drive system is located on the front side, with the first and second drive systems arranged side by side with their positions differing in the front-rear direction. For example, the first and second drive systems may be arranged side by side with their positions differing in the vertical direction, or the arrangement of the first and second drive systems may be reversed in the front-rear direction or vertical direction.

[0015] The first and second drive shafts 201a and 201b are each prismatic members extending in the left-right direction, and are pivotally supported within the headbox 2 so as to be rotatable with their axial direction in the left-right direction. Here, the axis of the first drive shaft 201a is located at the same position and rearward in the vertical direction as the axis of the second drive shaft 201b, and the positions of the axes are different in the front-rear direction. In the following description, the axis of the first drive shaft 201a will be referred to as the first axis, and the axis of the second drive shaft 201b will be referred to as the second axis.

[0016] Two first winding drums 202a each pass through the first drive shaft 201a so as to rotate integrally with the first drive shaft 201a, and one end of each of the two lifting cords 32 is connected to the corresponding lifting cord 32 so as to be able to be wound up and unwound. Two second winding drums 202b each pass through the second drive shaft 201b so as to rotate integrally with the second drive shaft 201b, and one end of each of the two dimming cords 42 is connected to the corresponding dimming cord 42 so as to be able to be wound up and unwound. A first stopper device 204a restrains the rotation of the first drive shaft 201a. A second stopper device 204b restrains the rotation of the second drive shaft 201b. A first brake device 203a reduces the rotation of the first drive shaft 201a. A second brake device 203b reduces the rotation of the second drive shaft 201b. The limiter 206 determines the lower limit position of the bottom rail 31 by regulating the amount of winding out of the lifting cord 32.

[0017] The bottom rail 31 is a member formed to be elongated in the left-right direction, to which the other ends of two lifting cords 32 are connected, and is suspended and supported from the headbox 2 so as to be located at the lowest end of the shielding device 1. The intermediate bar 41 is a member formed to be elongated in the left-right direction, to which the other ends of two dimming cords 42 are connected, and is suspended and supported from the headbox 2 so as to be located between the headbox 2 and the bottom rail 31 in the vertical direction. The screen 33 is a shielding member formed to be foldable in the vertical direction, with its upper end connected to the lower surface of the intermediate bar 41 and its lower end connected to the upper surface of the bottom rail 31, and the two lifting cords 32 partially inserted in the vertical direction. The screen 43 is a shielding member formed to be foldable in the vertical direction, with its upper end connected to the lower surface of the headbox 2 and its lower end connected to the upper surface of the intermediate bar 41, and the two dimming cords 42 partially inserted in the vertical direction.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the operating device 6 is located at one of the left or right ends of the headbox 2, in this embodiment at the right end in the figure, and raises and lowers the bottom rail 31 and the intermediate bar 41 respectively in response to the operation of the operating section 63 by the user of the shielding device 1.

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

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

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

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

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the pulley 62 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft 601 formed in the housing portion 60a. An operating cord 631, formed in the shape of a string, is connected to the outer circumference of the pulley 62 so that it can be wound up and unwound. A mainspring 621 is provided inside the pulley 62. As shown in Figure 6, one end of the mainspring 621 is connected to the pulley 62 and the other end is connected to the fixed shaft 601, constantly applying a biasing force to the pulley 62 in the winding direction so that the operating cord 631 is wound up. As a result, when the operator pulls down the operating cord 631 by a predetermined amount or more, as shown in Figure 7, the operating cord 631 is unwound from the pulley 62 and the pulley 62 rotates, causing the mainspring 621 to contract in diameter. Subsequently, when the operator releases their hand or otherwise releases the downward pull of the operating cord 631, the pulley 62 rotates in the opposite direction due to the restoring force of the mainspring 621, and the operating cord 631 is wound up.

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

[0025] (Configuration of the control panel) The configuration of the operating unit according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the operating unit 63 comprises an operating cord 631, a hollow cylindrical switching operating unit 632, a hollow cylindrical operating rod 633, and a cord stopper 635. A gripping portion 634, formed in a hollow cylindrical shape for the operator to grasp, is formed at the lower end of the operating rod 633, and the cord stopper 635 is provided at its lower end. As shown in Figure 4, one end of the operating cord 631 is connected to a pulley 62, and the other end hangs down from the pulley 62 and is inserted into the switching operating unit 632 and the operating rod 633, and connected to the cord stopper 635. Although the operating cord 631 is biased upward by the biasing force of the mainspring 621, the cord stopper 635 abuts against the lower end of the gripping portion 634, preventing further winding of the operating cord 631. When the operator pulls the cord stopper 635 away from the gripping part 634, the operating cord 631 is unwound from the pulley 62 and the pulley 62 rotates. Also, when the operator releases their hand after pulling it down beyond a predetermined amount, the operating cord 631 is wound onto the pulley 62, and the cord stopper 635 and the gripping part 634 come into contact again.

[0027] The switching operation unit 632 is supported at its upper end by the housing units 60a and 60b so as to be rotatable around its axis. Two engaging parts 632E protruding radially outward are formed at different circumferential positions on the outer circumference of the upper end of the switching operation unit 632 (see Figure 13). With this switching operation unit 632, as will be described in detail later, the switching interlocking mechanism 69 is operated in response to the switching operation performed by the operator. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the switching operation unit 632 is provided with a roughly C-shaped torque spring 639 that fastens the switching operation unit 632 while it is fixed to the housing 60. This requires a torque of a certain amount or more when the operator grips the gripping unit 634 and attempts to rotate it, allowing for rotation with a suitable operating feel.

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

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

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

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first output shaft 61a is a long member formed to extend in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the housing 60 and the transmission shaft 65 such that its axis is concentric with the first axis. The first drive shaft 201a is integrally rotatably connected to the inward end (left side in Figures 4 and 5) of the first output shaft 61a in the left-right direction.

[0032] A first receiving member 67a is integrally formed on the left-right outward side (right side in Figures 4 and 5) of the first output shaft 61a. The first receiving member 67a is formed in a substantially disc shape that protrudes radially outward around the entire circumference of the first output shaft 61a. Multiple engaging teeth 671 are formed on the left-right outward surface of the first receiving member 67a at positions that are different from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second output shaft 61b is a long member formed to extend in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the housing 60 such that its axis is concentric with the second axis. The second drive shaft 201b is integrally rotatably connected to the inward end (left side in Figures 4 and 5) of the second output shaft 61b.

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

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

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

[0037] The connecting member 66 is a member that is axially movable relative to the transmission shaft 65, and by being connected to either the first receiving member 67a or the second receiving member 67b, it transmits the rotational force of the transmission shaft 65 to either the first output shaft 61a or the second output shaft 61b. As shown in Figures 3, 8 to 11, the connecting member 66 comprises a cylindrical cam 661, a cylindrical member 662, a clutch spring 663, a first transmission member 664, and a second transmission member 665.

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

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, multiple engagement teeth 664E are formed on the inner surface in the left-right direction of the disc-shaped portion of the first transmission member 664 at positions that differ from each other in the circumferential direction. These multiple engagement teeth 664E are provided in correspondence with the multiple engagement teeth 671 of the first receiving member 67a, and specifically, each of the multiple engagement teeth 664E is formed to be able to engage with each of the multiple engagement teeth 671 of the first receiving member 67a in the rotational direction of the transmission shaft 65.

[0040] Multiple engagement teeth 665E are formed on the left-right outward surface of the disc-shaped portion of the second transmission member 665 at positions that differ from each other in the circumferential direction. These multiple engagement teeth 665E are provided in correspondence with the multiple engagement teeth 671 of the second receiving member 67b, and specifically, each of the multiple engagement teeth 665E is formed to be able to engage with each of the multiple engagement teeth 671 of the second receiving member 67b in the rotational direction of the transmission shaft 65.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the first transmission member 664 has a cylindrical portion formed on the left-right outward side of its disc-shaped portion. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, a plurality of protrusions 65P are formed on the outer circumference of the transmission shaft 65, projecting radially outward over a predetermined distance in the axial direction. The cylindrical portion of the first transmission member 664 is formed so that it can be inserted by the transmission shaft 65, and its inner circumference is shaped to fit into the plurality of protrusions 65P. As a result, the first transmission member 664 is provided so that it can rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 65 and move in the axial direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the second transmission member 665 has multiple protruding pieces that project inward in the left-right direction from its disc-shaped portion. As shown in Figures 3 and 9, multiple grooves are formed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion of the first transmission member 664, extending in the left-right direction and into which the protruding pieces of the second transmission member 665 can be fitted. By fitting the multiple protruding pieces of the second transmission member 665 into the multiple grooves formed in the cylindrical portion of the first transmission member 664, the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665 are connected so as to be able to rotate as a single unit. At this time, a cylindrical portion is formed between the disc-shaped portions of the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665 by the cylindrical portion and the multiple protruding pieces.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3, 9 to 11, the cylindrical member 662 is a substantially cylindrical member through which the cylindrical portion formed by the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665 can be inserted. A notch 662N is formed at the left-right inward end of the cylindrical member 662, that is, at the end on which the first transmission member 664 is located when the cylindrical portion is inserted, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. A protrusion 664P is formed on the first transmission member 664, corresponding to the notch 662N, as shown in Figure 9. When the first transmission member 664, the second transmission member 665, and the cylindrical member 662 are assembled, the protrusion 664P fits into the notch 662N, so that the cylindrical member 662 is positioned to rotate integrally with the first transmission member 664 and the second transmission member 665.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, the clutch spring 663 is a linear elastic member wound around the circumferential wall of the cylindrical member 662, and both ends are bent so that they face radially outward. As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 11, the cylindrical cam 661 is a substantially cylindrical member through which the cylindrical member 662 on which the clutch spring 663 is wound can be inserted, and is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the cylindrical member 662. As shown in Figure 11, the cylindrical cam 661 has two notches 661N formed so as to be circumferentially engageable with each of the ends of the clutch spring 663.

[0045] When the clutch spring 663 is engaged with the cylindrical member 662, the rotational force of the cylindrical member 662 is transmitted to the cylindrical cam 661 via the clutch spring 663 by engaging each of the two notches 661N with each of the ends of the clutch spring 663, causing the cylindrical cam 661 to rotate together with the cylindrical member 662. Each of the two notches 661N is formed to engage with the end of the cylindrical cam 661 in the circumferential direction so as to loosen the clutch spring 663 when the cylindrical cam 661 rotates together with the cylindrical member 662 beyond a predetermined angular range. When the clutch spring 663 is loosened, the engagement of the clutch spring 663 with the cylindrical member 662 is released, and the cylindrical cam 661 rotates relative to the cylindrical member 662 together with the clutch spring 663.

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

[0047] The cam member 693C is provided to be movable, as will be described in detail later, but is not movable in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical cam 661. The two notches 661N of the cylindrical cam 661 are formed to correspond to distance ranges in the circumferential direction of the cam groove CG. Specifically, one of the two notches 661N is formed in a position that restricts the rotation of the cylindrical cam 661 in the unwinding direction when the cam member 693C reaches the unwinding direction end of the first connecting path CG1 and the second connecting path CG2. The other notch 661N is formed in a position that restricts the rotation of the cylindrical cam 661 in the winding direction when the cam member 693C reaches the winding direction end of the unconnected path CG0.

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

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

[0050] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the switching interlocking mechanism 69 comprises a switching transmission unit 691, a switching conversion unit 692, a switching guide unit 693, a retaining ring 694, and an elastic restricting unit 695. The switching transmission unit 691 moves left and right in response to a switching operation on the switching operation unit 632, and transmits the linear motion caused by the switching operation to the switching conversion unit 692. The switching conversion unit 692 converts the linear motion transmitted by the switching transmission unit 691 into rotational motion. The switching guide unit 693 guides the connecting member 66 left and right so that the connecting mechanism can be switched to a first connected state or a second connected state by being rotated by the switching conversion unit 692. The retaining ring 694 is used to attach the switching guide unit 693 to the switching conversion unit 692.

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

[0052] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the switching and conversion section 692 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, with one end having a wider width than the other part. The switching and conversion section 692 is supported by the housing 60 so as to be rotatable around an axis that faces the vertical direction, with the in-plane direction of its plate surface facing horizontal. The rotation angle range of the switching and conversion section 692 is limited by the housing 60 so that the wider end is always positioned towards the rear. The switching and conversion section 692 has a connecting hole 692H, an engaging portion 692E, a rotating shaft 692A, and a connecting pin 692P.

[0053] The connecting hole 692H is a through hole formed in the width direction at one end (hereinafter referred to as the rear end) of the switching conversion section 692, which is formed with a wide width. The engaging portion 692E is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes upward at the other end (hereinafter referred to as the front end) of the connecting hole 692H. The rotating shaft 692A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes upward at the front end of the engaging portion 692E, and is pivotally supported by the housing 60 so that its axial direction is in the vertical direction. The connecting pin 692P is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes upward at its front end and is inserted through the connecting hole 691H of the switching transmission section 691.

[0054] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the switching guide section 693 is formed in a roughly rectangular, plate-like shape, with its surface facing horizontally, and is supported by the switching conversion section 692 and the housing 60 so as to be rotatable around an axis facing vertically. The rotation angle range of the switching guide section 693 is always limited so that one end is positioned forward and the other end is positioned backward. The switching guide section 693 is formed with a cam member 693C, two guided parts 693G, an engaged part 693E, and a connecting pin 693P (see Figure 14). For convenience, in the following description, the one end of the switching guide section 693 that is positioned forward will be referred to as the front end, and the other end that is positioned backward will be referred to as the rear end.

[0055] The cam member 693C is formed on the upper surface of the switching guide portion 693, protruding upward and tapering toward the front end when viewed from above, in a roughly teardrop shape. The two guided portions 693G are provided on the upper surface of the switching guide portion 693, facing each other and sandwiching the cam member 693C, and each is formed in a roughly fan shape in plan view, protruding upward. Two guide portions 60G (see Figures 3, 15, and 16) are formed in the housing portion 60b corresponding to the two guided portions 693G. The two guided portions 693G are fitted into and guided by the two guide portions 60G, which are formed as grooves. As a result, the switching guide portion 693 is supported by the housing 60 so as to be rotatable around a virtual axis oriented in the vertical direction, so as to change the orientation of the front end of the cam member 693C. Furthermore, the housing portion 60b has a rotation limiting portion 60L, which is a hole formed in a roughly rectangular shape in plan view so that the cam member 693C can be fitted into it (see Figures 15 and 16). The rotation angle range of the switching guide portion 693 is limited as described above by the two guide portions 60G and the rotation limiting portion 60L.

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

[0057] The retaining ring 694 is a plate-shaped member formed in a roughly C-shape in plan view. A groove is formed around the entire circumference of the side surface of the rotating shaft 692A of the switching conversion unit 692, thereby creating a small-diameter section in a part of the rotating shaft 692A that is smaller in diameter than other parts. The retaining ring 694 is formed to fit into the small-diameter section of the rotating shaft 692A by being inserted into the groove of the rotating shaft 692A after the switching guide unit 693 has been assembled to the switching conversion unit 692. When the retaining ring 694 is fitted into the small-diameter section of the rotating shaft 692A, it is formed to overlap vertically with a part of the engaging unit 692E and a part of the switching guide unit 693, thereby preventing the switching guide unit 693 from falling out of the switching conversion unit 692.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3, 13, and 14, the elastic restricting portion 695 is formed by bending an elastic member that is formed into a long, plate-like shape. The elastic restricting portion 695 is bent so that both ends are substantially perpendicular to the plate surface, and a protrusion is formed in the center that protrudes in the opposite direction to the bending direction of both ends. As shown in Figure 13, the elastic restricting portion 695 is fixedly mounted on the housing 60 so that the protrusion faces backward. As will be described in detail later, the connecting pin 692P of the switching conversion portion 692 is provided so as to be moved in the left-right direction by the switching transmission portion 691. The elastic restricting portion 695 is a so-called leaf spring in which its protrusion is positioned on the movement path of the connecting pin 692P to restrict the movement of the switching transmission portion 691, and the connecting pin 692P can bend over the protrusion against the elastic force of the elastic restricting portion 695. The elastic restricting portion 695 provides the operator with a click sensation when the connecting pin 692P overcomes the protrusion of the elastic restricting portion 695, and consequently, the operator can grasp the operating status.

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

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

[0061] As shown in Figure 16, when the switching operation unit 632 is rotated clockwise in a plan view by a rotational operation on the operating unit 63, the other of the two engaging parts 632E of the switching operation unit 632 engages with the engaged part 691E of the switching transmission unit 691 from the inward side in the left-right direction (left side in Figure 16), and the switching transmission unit 691 moves outward in the left-right direction (right side in Figure 16). When the switching transmission unit 691 moves outward in the left-right direction, the connecting pin 692P of the switching conversion unit 692 moves outward in the left-right direction over the elastic restricting part 695, and the switching conversion unit 692 rotates counterclockwise in a plan view around its rotation axis 692A. When the switching conversion unit 692 rotates counterclockwise, the engaging part 692E of the switching conversion unit 692 moves inward in the left-right direction. When the engaging portion 692E is moved inward in the left-right direction, the front end of the switching guide portion 693, which has the engaged portion 693E that engages with the engaging portion 692E formed thereon, is pressed inward in the left-right direction, causing the switching guide portion 693 to rotate clockwise when viewed from above, and the tip of the cam member 693C of the switching guide portion 693 to tilt inward in the left-right direction.

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

[0063] (Transition to the first drive state) The transition operation to the first drive state will be explained with reference to Figures 18 to 24. Figure 18 is a plan view showing the operating device in the first connected state. Figure 19 is a bottom view showing the cam member with its tip directed toward the first connection path. Figure 20 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when transitioning to the first connected state. Figure 21 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when rotational force is transmitted in the first connected state. Figure 22 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when transitioning from the first connected state to the unconnected state. Figure 23 is a diagram showing the change in the relative position of the cam member with respect to the cam groove related to the transition to the first connected state. Figure 24 is a diagram showing the shielding device when the bottom rail raising operation is performed.

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

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

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

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

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

[0069] As the cam member 693C is positioned in the unconnected path CG0, the connecting member 66 is moved outward in the left-right direction (to the right in Figure 22), as shown in Figure 22, and the connecting mechanism is switched to the unconnected state. Furthermore, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction, the other components of the connecting member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and the clutch spring 663, but since the connecting mechanism is in the unconnected state, this rotation is not transmitted to either the first and second receiving members 67a and 67b.

[0070] (Transition to second drive state) The transition operation to the second drive state will be explained with reference to Figures 25 to 31. Figure 25 is a plan view showing the operating device in the second connected state. Figure 26 is a bottom view showing the cam member with its tip directed toward the second connection path. Figure 27 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when transitioning to the second connected state. Figure 28 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when rotational force is transmitted in the second connected state. Figure 29 is a bottom view showing the connecting member when transitioning from the second connected state to the unconnected state. Figure 30 is a diagram showing the relative position change of the cam member with respect to the cam groove related to the transition to the second connected state. Figure 31 is a diagram showing the shielding device when the intermediate bar is raised.

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

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

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

[0074] Furthermore, as the pulley 62 is rotated in the unwinding direction, as shown in Figure 28, the other components of the connecting member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and the clutch spring 663, and the second output shaft 61b rotates in the unwinding direction via the transmission shaft 65, the connecting member 66, and the second receiving member 67b, causing the shielding device 1 to enter the second drive state. In the second drive state, the two second winding drums 202b, to which rotational force is transmitted from the second drive shaft 201b, wind up the two dimming cords 42 connected to each of them, thereby raising the intermediate bar 41 as shown in Figure 31(b).

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

[0076] As the cam member 693C is positioned in the unconnected path CG0, the connecting member 66 is moved inward in the left-right direction (left side in Figure 29), as shown in Figure 29, and the connecting mechanism is switched to the unconnected state. Furthermore, when the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction, other components of the connecting member 66 rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661 and clutch spring 663, but since the connecting mechanism is in the unconnected state, this rotation is not transmitted to either the first and second receiving members 67a and 67b.

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

[0078] According to the operating device 6 of the first embodiment described above, the connecting member 66 and the switching interlocking mechanism 69, specifically the cam member 693C, cooperate to convert the rotational motion of the connecting member 66 into linear motion oriented in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 65. This makes it possible to easily switch the drive shaft that transmits the rotational force of the pulley 62 by the rotational force of the connecting member 66, and consequently improves the operability related to switching the drive target.

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

[0080] Furthermore, since the pulley 62 is rotated in the winding direction by the biasing force of the mainspring 621, and an unconnected path CG0 is formed in the cam groove CG, the transmission of rotational force from the first drive shaft 201a and the second drive shaft 201b to the pulley 62 can be prevented with a simpler configuration.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> (Overall structure) The overall configuration of the shielding device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 32 and 33. Figure 32 is a front view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to this embodiment, and Figure 33 is a schematic plan view thereof. Note that in Figure 32, the shielding device is shown with the bottom rail in a lowered state, and only the interior of its headbox is shown.

[0082] As shown in Figure 32, the shielding device 1A according to this embodiment differs from the shielding device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have an intermediate bar 41, two dimming cords 42, and a screen 43. Furthermore, the shielding device 1A differs from the shielding device 1 in that it has a headbox 2A instead of a headbox 2, an operating device 6A instead of an operating device 6, and an operating unit 73 instead of an operating unit 63.

[0083] As shown in Figure 33, headbox 2A differs from headbox 2 in that it does not have two second winding drums 202b, a second brake device 203b, a second stopper device 204b, and an interlocking gear 205 as components housed inside.

[0084] The operating unit 73 comprises a gripping portion 731, a cord stopper 732, and an operating cord 631. The gripping portion 731 is a member formed in a shape that allows the operator to easily grip the operating cord 631 when performing a pulling operation, and is connected to the lower end of the operating cord 631. The cord stopper 732 is a member formed in a size that locks into the outlet (not shown) of the operating cord 631 provided on the operating device 6A, and is attached to the middle portion of the operating cord 631. The cord stopper 732 restricts the pulley 62 from winding the operating cord 631 beyond a certain amount.

[0085] (Configuration of the operating device) The configuration of the operating device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 34 and 35. Figure 34 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the operating device according to this embodiment. Figure 35 is a top view showing the operating device when transitioning to the connected state. Note that in Figure 34, the operating device is shown with the pulley omitted.

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

[0087] The connecting member 66A differs from the connecting member 66 in that it does not have a second transmission member 665 and has a cylindrical cam 661A instead of the cylindrical cam 661. The cylindrical cam 661A differs from the cylindrical cam 661 in that it has a cam groove CGA instead of the cam groove CG. The cam groove CGA differs from the cam groove CG in that it does not have a second connecting path CG2.

[0088] The cam member 69C is a member equivalent to the cam member 693C provided in the switching guide section 693 of the switching interlocking mechanism 69 according to the first embodiment. The cam member 69C is formed in substantially the same shape as the cam member 693C, but differs from the cam member 693C in that its tip is tilted outward in the left-right direction and is provided in the housing 60 in a non-rotatable manner.

[0089] When the gripping portion 731 is pulled down by the operator and the pulley 62 rotates in the unwinding direction, the connecting member 66A rotates so that the cam member 69C enters the first connecting path CG1. As a result, the connecting member 66A moves inward in the left-right direction (left side in Figure 35), and the operating device 6A enters a connected state in which the first transmission member 664 and the first receiving member 67a are connected in a way that allows rotational force to be transmitted, and the shielding device 1A enters a driven state in which the first drive shaft 201a is rotationally driven via the first output shaft 61a.

[0090] When the operator releases the gripping portion 731 and the pulley 62 rotates in the winding direction due to the restoring force of the mainspring 621, the operating cord 631 is wound onto the pulley 62 until the cord stopper 732 contacts the outlet of the operating device 6A. At this time, the connecting member 66A is rotated so that the cam member 69C enters the unconnected path CG0. As a result, the connecting member 66A is moved outward in the left-right direction (right side in Figure 35), and the connecting mechanism becomes unconnected. Furthermore, when the pulley 62 rotates in the winding direction, other components of the connecting member 66A rotate relative to the cylindrical cam 661A, but because the connecting mechanism is unconnected, the rotation of the connecting member 66A is not transmitted to the first receiving member 67a.

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

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

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

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

[0095] Furthermore, although pleated screens were used as an example of shading devices 1,1A in the explanation, the present invention can be applied to shading devices such as horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roller screens, honeycomb screens, roll-up curtains, accordion doors, blinds, curtains, or partitions.

[0096] <Third Embodiment> The configuration of the shielding device according to the third embodiment will now be described. Figure 36 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to this embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 36, the shielding device 1B according to this embodiment differs from the shielding device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the screen 33 and the screen 43 are arranged at different positions in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the shielding device 1B includes a first bottom rail 31a and a second bottom rail 31b instead of the bottom rail 31 and the intermediate bar 41, and includes two lifting cords 32a and two lifting cords 32b instead of the two lifting cords 32 and two dimming cords 42. In addition, the shielding device 1B includes a headbox 2B that hangs the two lifting cords 32a and two lifting cords 32b from different positions in the front-rear direction, instead of the headbox 2.

[0098] The upper end of screen 33 is connected to the rear side of the lower surface of headbox 2B, and the lower end is connected to the upper surface of the first bottom rail 31a, with two lifting cords 32a partially inserted vertically. The upper end of screen 43 is connected to the front side of the lower surface of headbox 2B, and the lower end is connected to the upper surface of the second bottom rail 31b, with two lifting cords 32b partially inserted vertically.

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

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

[0101] Thus, the operating device 6 can also be applied to the shielding device 1B, which has two screens 33 and 43 at the front and rear.

[0102] <Fourth Embodiment> The configuration of the shielding device according to the fourth embodiment will now be described. Figure 37 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shielding device according to this embodiment.

[0103] As shown in Figure 37, the shielding device 1C according to this embodiment differs from the shielding device 1B according to the third embodiment in that it is equipped with screens 36a and 36b instead of screens 33 and 43, and is equipped with a first weight bar 35a and a second weight bar 35b instead of the first bottom rail 31a and the second bottom rail 31b.

[0104] Screens 36a and 36b are both thin-film members and differ from screens 33 and 43 in that they do not have folds. The first weight bar 35a and the second weight bar 35b are both elongated, roughly plate-shaped members, and are arranged so that their longitudinal direction faces left to right.

[0105] The upper end of screen 36a is connected to the rear side of the lower surface of headbox 2C, and the lower end is connected to one end of the first weight bar 35a in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the upper end of screen 36b is connected to the front side of the lower surface of headbox 2C, and the lower end is connected to one end of the second weight bar 35b in the front-rear direction. The first weight bar 35a and the second weight bar 35b each have a weight that provides appropriate tension to screens 36a and 36b.

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

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

[0108] Thus, the operating device 6 can also be applied to so-called Roman shades, which have two screens 36a and 36b arranged in the front and back.

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

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

[0111] The headrail 70 is a long support member that is attached to the top of the window frame or the ceiling surface via a plurality of brackets (not shown). The plurality of louvers 71 are all long, roughly plate-shaped members that are suspended and supported by the headrail 70 via either the master carrier 72 or a plurality of carriers 76, with their longitudinal direction oriented vertically.

[0112] The first drive shaft 74a is mounted on the head rail 70 such that its axial direction is in the longitudinal direction of the head rail 70, i.e., in the left-right direction. The second drive shaft 74b is mounted on the head rail 70 behind the first drive shaft 74a such that its axial direction is in the left-right direction. Both the first drive shaft 74a and the second drive shaft 74b have one end (the right end in Figure 38) connected to the drive device 8, and the other end (the left end in Figure 38) is rotatably supported by the head rail 70. The first drive shaft 74a is a screw rod with a helical thread formed on its outer circumference. The second drive shaft 74b is a tilt rod with multiple spline grooves extending in the axial direction formed on its outer circumference.

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

[0114] The master carrier 72 is equipped with a lead nut (not shown) that screws onto a first drive shaft 74a, which is configured as a screw rod, and as a result, the rotation of the first drive shaft 74a moves the master carrier 72 in the left-right direction. Specifically, when the first drive shaft 74a rotates in the forward direction, it moves to the left side (closed direction), and when the first drive shaft 74a rotates in the reverse direction, it moves to the right side (open direction). The master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are connected to each other by a strip-shaped spacer link 75. As a result, when the master carrier 72 moves in the closing direction, the multiple carriers 76 are pulled via the spacer link 75 and also move in the closing direction. When the master carrier 72 moves in the opening direction, the multiple carriers 76 are pushed by the master carrier 72 and also move in the opening direction.

[0115] The master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are each rotatably mounted around an axis oriented vertically and are equipped with a carrier hook (not shown) that engages with one longitudinal end of the louver 71 to suspend and support the louver 71, and a worm (not shown). A worm wheel is formed at the upper end of the carrier hook, which meshes with a worm that is integrally rotatable with and axially relative to a second drive shaft 74b, which is formed as a tilt rod. As a result, the carrier hook is rotated by the rotation of the second drive shaft 74b. Specifically, the master carrier 72 and the multiple carriers 76 are configured to rotate the louver 71 counterclockwise in a plan view when the second drive shaft rotates forward, and to rotate the louver 71 clockwise in a plan view when the second drive shaft rotates backward.

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

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

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

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

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

[0121] Thus, according to the operating device 6B of this embodiment, the rotation direction of the first output shaft 61a and the main drive shaft 612 connected to the first output shaft 61a can be switched by switching the connection state of the operating device 6B. Since the main drive shaft 612 is connected to the drive unit 8 so as to be able to transmit rotational force, the direction of the rotational force input to the drive unit 8 can be switched by switching the connection state of the operating device 6B. In the description of the drive unit 8 described later, the winding direction will be referred to as the forward direction and the unwinding direction as the reverse direction.

[0122] (Configuration of the drive system) The configuration of the drive unit according to the fifth embodiment will now be described. Figures 41 and 42 are a longitudinal cross-sectional view and an exploded assembly view, respectively, showing the configuration of the drive unit according to this embodiment.

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

[0124] The case 80 has a circular opening that pivotally supports the driven gear 832 so as to be rotatable relative to it, and another circular opening on its inner surface that has internal teeth 810 formed thereon that mesh with the four planetary gears 812. The sun gear 811 is integrally rotatably connected to the end of the main drive shaft 612 and meshes with the four planetary gears 812. The planetary carrier 813 is pivotally supported by the case 80 so as to be rotatable relative to it, and pivotally supports the four planetary gears 812 so as to be rotatable relative to it along a circle centered on its axis of rotation. The internal teeth 810, sun gear 811, four planetary gears 812, and planetary carrier 813 constitute a planetary gear mechanism that reduces the operating load of the pulley 62.

[0125] The drive gear 831 is formed to rotate integrally with the planetary carrier 813 and meshes with the driven gear 832. The torque limiter 841 is connected to the second drive shaft 74b so as to rotate integrally, and is also connected to the driven gear 832 so as to rotate integrally. The torque limiter 841 is configured such that the driven gear 832 slips relative to the second drive shaft 74b when a load exceeding a predetermined amount is applied to the second drive shaft 74b.

[0126] The output shaft 824 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with an opening on the inward side in the left-right direction (left side in Figure 41). It has a rotating shaft 824a protruding outward in the left-right direction (right side in Figure 41) and a rotating shaft 824b protruding inward in the left-right direction, and an arc-shaped notch 824c is formed in the substantially cylindrical portion. The rotating shaft 824a pivotally supports the first rotating body 822 and the second rotating body 823. The first drive shaft 74a is connected to the rotating shaft 824b so as to be able to rotate integrally with it.

[0127] The second rotating body 823 is formed in a substantially disc shape with a through hole through which the rotating shaft 824a can be inserted, and has engaging pieces 823a and 823b. The engaging piece 823a is an arc-shaped member that protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the radially outer edge of the second rotating body 823, and is formed to be introduced into the notch 824c of the output shaft 824. The engaging piece 823b is a member that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the radially inner end of the second rotating body 823 and is formed in a fan shape that opens outward in the radially outer direction.

[0128] The first rotating body 822 is formed in a substantially disc shape, with a through hole through which the rotating shaft 824a can be inserted, and which can accommodate the planetary carrier 813 inside a cylindrical drive gear 831 that forms the bottom of the left-right outward side. The first rotating body 822 has an engaging piece 822a on its left-right inward side surface that protrudes inward in the left-right direction and is formed in a fan shape with an angle opening outward. The inner circumferential wall of the planetary carrier 813 has an engaging piece 821 that protrudes inward in the left-right direction and is formed in a fan shape with an angle opening outward, and the first rotating body 822 has a notch 822b through which the engaging piece 821 can be introduced when it is housed in the planetary carrier 813.

[0129] The engaging piece 821, the first rotating body 822, the second rotating body 823, and the output shaft 824 constitute an idle mechanism that idles so as not to transmit the rotational force from the planetary carrier 813 to the first drive shaft 74a until the second drive shaft 74b rotates by a predetermined angle. After idle, the rotational force of the planetary carrier 813 is transmitted to the first drive shaft 74a.

[0130] For detailed information on the configuration and operation of the drive unit 8, including the planetary gear mechanism and the freewheel mechanism, please refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-200637.

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

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

[0133] As the pulley 62 rotates further in the unwinding direction, the louvers 71 rotate to their limit counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 44(b), and the driven gear 832 slips relative to the second drive shaft 74b due to the torque limiter 841. At the same time that the slippage of the driven gear 832 begins, the slippage by the slippage mechanism ends, and the first drive shaft 74a rotates in the forward direction. When the first drive shaft 74a rotates in the forward direction, the master carrier 72 moves in the closing direction, and the louvers 71 move in the closing direction, as shown in Figure 44(c).

[0134] As the pulley 62 is further rotated in the unwinding direction and the master carrier 72 moves to the left end in the left-right direction, the shielding device 1D becomes fully closed, as shown in Figure 45. With the shielding device 1D in the fully closed state, when the shielding device 1D is switched to the second drive state and the operating cord 631 is pulled to rotate the pulley 62 in the unwinding direction, as shown in Figure 46(a), the second drive shaft 74b is rotated in the opposite direction via the operating device 6B and the drive device 8, causing the louvers 71 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the first drive shaft 74a is not rotated due to the free-spinning mechanism.

[0135] As the pulley 62 is further rotated in the unwinding direction, the louvers 71 are rotated clockwise to their limit, as shown in Figure 46(b), and the driven gear 832 slips relative to the second drive shaft 74b due to the torque limiter 841. At the same time that the slippage of the driven gear 832 begins, the slippage by the slippage mechanism ends, and the first drive shaft 74a is rotated in the reverse direction. When the first drive shaft 74a is rotated in the reverse direction, the master carrier 72 moves in the opening direction, and the louvers 71 move in the opening direction, as shown in Figure 46(c).

[0136] Thus, the operating device 6B makes it possible to improve operability even in a shielding device 1D that performs different operations depending on the rotation direction of the first drive shaft 74a and the second drive shaft 74b.

[0137] The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from its essence or main features. Therefore, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed restrictively. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all variations, improvements, substitutions, and modifications falling within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1 Shielding device 74a, 201a First drive shaft 74b, 201b Second drive shaft 31 Bottom rail (first moving member) 41 Intermediate bar (second movable member) 6,6A,6B Operating device 62 Pulley 63 Operation section 631 Operation Code 65 Transmission shaft 66 Connecting member 67a First receiving member 67b Second receiving member 69 Switching interlocking mechanism 71 Louvers 691 Switching transmission section 692 Switching Conversion Unit 693 Switching guide section 695 Elastic Regulating Section

Claims

1. An operating device for operating a shielding device comprising a bottom rail connected to the lower end of a shielding material and an intermediate bar connected to the upper end of the shielding material, The operating device is equipped with an operating unit that switches between a first state in which the bottom rail can be raised and lowered, and a second state in which the intermediate bar can be raised and lowered. An operating device characterized in that the operation to switch to the first state or the second state is performed by rotating the operating unit.

2. A transmission shaft from which rotational driving force is transmitted from a pulley that is rotated by an operator, The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member which is connected to a first drive shaft that drives the bottom rail up and down when the operating device is switched to the first state so as to be able to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft to the first drive shaft, and which is connected to a second drive shaft that drives the intermediate bar up and down when the operating device is switched to the second state so as to be able to transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft to the second drive shaft.

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