Vertical blinds

Abstract

To provide a technique for producing a three-dimensional appearance of a vertical blind when louvers of the vertical blind are fully closed, thereby improving interior design.SOLUTION: A vertical blind 1 includes: a hanger rail 10; a tilt shaft 20 supported in the hanger rail 10 so as to be rotatable around an axial line 20x; runners 50, 60 supported by the tilt shaft 20; a plurality of louvers 70, 80 suspended at the runners 50, 60, respectively; and worm gears 51, 61 which transmit rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the runners 50, 60. The runners 50, 60 have hooks 55, 65 which are engaged with the worm gears 51, 61, respectively, to support the louvers 70, 80 rotatably. The hook 55 of the runner 50 and the hook 65 of the runner 60 are arranged in different positions with respect to the tilt shaft 20 in a direction that intersects with an extension direction of the tilt shaft 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical blind.

Background Art

[0002] A vertical blind including a hanger rail, a plurality of runners movably attached to the hanger rail, and louvers (slats) suspended from each runner, and capable of adjusting the amount of sunlight entering the room by changing the angle of the louvers is known. The louvers are supported while being suspended from each runner within the hanger rail (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vertical blind described in Patent Document 1 includes a light-transmitting louver through which light passes and a semi-translucent louver through which a part of the light passes. The two types of louvers are alternately suspended from the runners via hooks along the longitudinal direction within the hanger rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the vertical blind described in Patent Document 1, all the hooks provided on each runner for rotatably supporting the louvers are arranged in series in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the hanger rail. Therefore, adjacent louvers overlap on the same plane when fully closed, resulting in a lack of three-dimensional effect in the vertical blind, and there has been a need to improve the interior quality.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a technology that makes it possible to create a three-dimensional effect of vertical blinds and improve their interior design when the louvers of vertical blinds are fully closed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the vertical blind according to the present invention comprises a hanger rail, a tilt shaft rotatably supported within the hanger rail, a first runner and a second runner supported on the tilt shaft, a plurality of louvers suspended from the first runner and the second runner respectively, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft to the first runner and the second runner, wherein the first runner and the second runner each have hooks that engage with the transmission mechanism and rotatably support the louvers, and the hooks of the first runner and the second runner are provided at different positions relative to the tilt shaft in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the tilt shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when the louvers of a vertical blind are fully closed, it is possible to create a three-dimensional effect on the vertical blind and improve its interior design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with the louvers in the fully closed position. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the vertical blind according to the present invention, with the louvers in the fully open position. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a vertical blind according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the hanger rail and louvers have been removed. [Figure 4](a) is an exploded perspective view of one runner, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of one runner along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] (a) is an exploded perspective view of another runner, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of another runner along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] These diagrams illustrate the structure of the runner case. (a) is a perspective view of the runner case from above, (b) is a perspective view of the runner case from below, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the runner case along line c in (a). [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the runner attached to the tilt shaft. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver in a vertical blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a vertical blind according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the hanger rail and louvers removed. [Figure 10] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the runner, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the runner along line XX in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the configuration of the runner case in the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view of the runner case seen from above, (b) is a perspective view of the runner case seen from below, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the runner case along line cc in (a). [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the runner attached to the tilt shaft in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <Overview of the Embodiment> First, a general overview of a typical embodiment of the present invention will be given. In the following description, reference numerals in the drawings corresponding to the components of the invention are indicated in parentheses as an example.

[0011] [1] The vertical blind (1) according to this embodiment includes a hanger rail (10), a tilt shaft (20) supported within the hanger rail (10) so as to be rotatable around an axis (20x), a first runner (50) and a second runner (60) supported by the tilt shaft (20), a plurality of louvers (70, 80) suspended from the first runner (50) and the second runner (60), respectively, and a worm that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft (20) to the first runner (50) and the second runner (60, 90). The device comprises a worm gear (51, 61, 91) and a second runner (60, 90), each having hooks (55, 65, 95) that engage with the worm gear (51, 61, 91) and rotatably support the louvers (70, 80), wherein the hook (55) of the first runner (50) and the hooks (65, 95) of the second runner (60, 90) are provided at different positions relative to the tilt shaft (20) in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the tilt shaft (20).

[0012] [2] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) according to this embodiment, the worm gear (51) for the first runner (50) and the worm gears (61, 91) for the second runners (60, 90) each have a worm (52, 62, 92) fitted onto the tilt shaft (20) and a worm wheel (53, 63, 93) that engages with the worm (52, 62, 92), and one of the worm gears (61, 91) has at least one auxiliary wheel (64, 94a, 94b) that engages with the worm wheel (63, 93) and transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft (20) to the hook (65, 95).

[0013] [3] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) according to this embodiment, the rotation of the tilt shaft (20) is transmitted to the hook (65, 95) by a series of spur gears (63b, 64b, 93b, 94d) provided on the worm wheel (63, 93) and auxiliary wheel (64, 94, 94a, 94b) in the worm gear (61, 91).

[0014] 〔4〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment, the hooks (65, 95) in the worm gears (61, 91) are supported by the auxiliary wheels (64, 94, 94a, 94b) coaxially with the rotation axes (64x, 94x) of the auxiliary wheels (64, 94, 94a, 94b), and the hook (55) in the worm gear (51) is supported by the worm wheel (53) coaxially with the rotation axis (53x) of the worm wheel (53).

[0015] 〔5〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment, the louvers (70) of the first runner (50) and the louvers (80) of the second runner (50) rotate in different directions.

[0016] 〔6〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment, the louvers (70) of the first runner (50) and the louvers (80) of the second runner (90) rotate in the same direction.

[0017] 〔7〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment, the plurality of louvers (70, 80) include louvers supported by the hooks (55, 65, 95) at positions offset from the center in the crossing direction crossing the suspension direction.

[0018] 〔8〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment, the plurality of first runners (50) and the plurality of second runners (60, 90) are alternately arranged on the tilt shaft (20).

[0019] 〔9〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment, the louvers (70) of the first runner (50) are translucent or non-translucent, and the louvers (80) of the second runners (60, 90) are non-translucent or translucent.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of the elements may differ from reality. Even between drawings, there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0021] Figure 1 is a front view of the vertical blinds 1,1A according to the present invention with the louvers 70,80 in the fully closed position. Figure 2 is a front view of the vertical blinds 1,1A according to the present invention with the louvers 70,80 in the fully open position. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the vertical blinds 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the hanger rail 10 and louvers 70,80 removed. The vertical blinds 1,1A according to the present invention are solar shading devices that include a plurality of louvers 70,80 and allow adjustment of the angle of the louvers 70,80 (more precisely, the rotation angle in the horizontal plane in the horizontal cross-section of the louvers 70,80), thereby enabling, for example, visibility from inside the room to the outside, obstructing visibility from outside to the inside of the room, and adjusting the amount of light entering the room. The vertical blinds 1,1A according to the present invention are known vertical blinds that can be attached to window frames, etc., and are not limited to any particular vertical blind.

[0022] <First Embodiment> The vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a hanger rail 10, a tilt shaft 20 rotatably supported within the hanger rail 10 around an axis 20x, runners (first runner) 50 and runners (second runner) 60 supported on the tilt shaft 20, a plurality of louvers 70 and 80 suspended from the runners 50 and 60 respectively, and transmission mechanisms (worm gears) 51 and 61 that transmit the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the runners 50 and 60. The runners 50 and 60 each have hooks 55 and 65 that engage with the transmission mechanisms (worm gears) 51 and 61 and rotatably support the louvers 70 and 80. The hooks 55 of the runner 50 and 60 are positioned at different locations relative to the tilt shaft 20 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20. The configuration of the vertical blind 1 will be described in detail below.

[0023] (Vertical blind configuration) The vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a hanger rail 10, a tilt shaft 20, a drive mechanism (not shown), an operating rod 30, an operating cord 40, a runner (first runner) 50, a runner (second runner) 60, and two types of louvers 70 and 80. For the sake of explanation, as shown in Figure 1, the extension direction of the hanger rail 10 of the vertical blind 1 is defined as the longitudinal direction LR. The direction in which the louvers 70 and 80 hang down from the hanger rail 10 (hanging direction) is defined as the height direction UD. In Figure 3, the direction perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal direction LR is defined as the front-to-back direction (width direction) FB. The side on which the operating rod 30 is attached to the vertical blind 1 is the indoor side F, and the side on which the vertical blind 1 is attached to a window frame or the like is defined as the outdoor side B.

[0024] The hanger rail 10 is a hollow, casing-shaped member extending along its longitudinal direction LR, with a roughly rectangular cross-sectional shape in the width direction FB. Both ends of the hanger rail 10 in the longitudinal direction LR are closed by end caps. The hanger rail 10 is formed to open downwards D in the height direction UD when the vertical blind 1 is attached, and multiple louvers 70, 80 are suspended from the hanger rail 10.

[0025] The tilt shaft 20 is provided within the hanger rail 10 along its extending direction (longitudinal direction LR). The tilt shaft 20 is supported within the hanger rail 10 so as to be rotatable around an axis 20x that extends along the longitudinal direction LR. The tilt shaft 20 is a shaft member having a plurality of spline grooves 21 formed on its outer circumferential surface at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The spline grooves 21 extend along the axis 20x. A drive mechanism is connected to one end of the tilt shaft 20 (for example, the right side R).

[0026] An operating rod 30, an operating cord 40, and a drive mechanism are provided on one end (right side R) of the closed end of the hanger rail 10. The operating rod 30 is supported by the hanger rail 10 and suspended from the hanger rail 10. By rotating the operating rod 30, the tilt shaft 20 is rotated via the gears (not shown) of the drive mechanism. As the tilt shaft 20 rotates, the runner hooks 55 and 65 of the runners 50 and 60 (described later) rotate, and the louvers 70 and 80 supported by the runner hooks 55 and 65 rotate.

[0027] The operating cord 40 hanging from one end cap is provided to be able to rotate within the hanger rail 10, and is specifically attached to one of the multiple runners 50, 60 described later, either runner 50 or runner 60 on the other end cap side.

[0028] Runners 50 and 60 are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction LR. Adjacent runners 50 and 60 are connected to each other by spacer links (not shown), which limit the maximum distance between them. Multiple runners 50 and 60 are mounted on the tilt shaft 20 so as to be relatively movable along the longitudinal direction LR.

[0029] Figure 4(a) is an exploded perspective view of one runner 50, and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of one runner 50 along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. The runner 50 is a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the louvers 70, and includes, for example, a worm gear (worm 52, worm wheel 53) 51, a runner hook 55, and a runner case 56.

[0030] The worm gear 51 is located between the tilt shaft 20 and the runner hook 55 and, in this embodiment, is housed in the runner 50. The worm gear 51 includes a worm 52 and a worm wheel 53. The worm 52 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has multiple teeth 52a on its outer circumferential surface. The teeth 52a are spirally formed around an axis 52x that passes through the center of the worm 52 and is the center of rotation. The worm 52 is slidably fitted onto the tilt shaft 20 along its axis 20x, and each axis 52x coincides with or substantially coincides with the axis 20x of the tilt shaft 20. In Figure 4, the twist direction of the teeth 52a on the worm 52 is, for example, upward to the left, but it may also be upward to the right.

[0031] Each worm 52 has a plurality of protrusions 52b. Each protrusion 52b is formed convexly toward the axis 52x on the inner circumferential surface of the worm 52. The protrusions 52b are arranged at equal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 52b extends along the axis 52x and engages with, for example, a spline groove 21 (see Figure 3) of the tilt shaft 20. The worm 52 rotates with the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 and is movable along the spline groove 21 in the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20.

[0032] The worm wheel 53 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is coaxially fitted at one end to a runner hook 55, which will be described later. The worm wheel 53 has multiple teeth 53a on its outer circumference and a spur gear 53b at the other end. The teeth 53a extend diagonally along the axis 53x that passes through the center of the worm wheel 53 and is the center of rotation. In Figure 4, the twist direction of the teeth 53a on the worm wheel 53 is, for example, upward to the right, but it may also be upward to the left. In this embodiment, the worm wheel 53 is positioned on the indoor side F with respect to the tilt shaft 20. The worm wheel 53 engages with the worm 52, which rotates together with the tilt shaft 20, at their respective teeth 52a and 53a. As a result, when the tilt shaft 20 rotates, its rotational output is transmitted to the worm wheel 53 via the worm 52, and the worm wheel 53 and runner hook 55, which are connected to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other, rotate around an axis 53x that passes through their respective centers and becomes the center of rotation.

[0033] Figure 5(a) is an exploded perspective view of another runner 60, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of another runner 60 along the VV line in Figure 3. The runner 60 has a worm gear (worm 62, worm wheel 63, auxiliary wheel 64) 61, a runner hook 65, and a runner case 66, which are transmission mechanisms that transmit the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the louvers 80.

[0034] The worm gear 61 is located between the tilt shaft 20 and the runner hook 65, and in this embodiment, it is housed in the runner 60. The worm gear 61 includes a worm 62, a worm wheel 63, and an auxiliary wheel 64. In the worm gear 61, the worm 62, worm wheel 63, and auxiliary wheel 64 are arranged in that order from the side of the tilt shaft 20.

[0035] The worm 62 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has multiple teeth 62a on its outer surface. The teeth 62a are spirally formed around an axis 62x that passes through the center of the worm 62 and is the center of rotation. The worm 62 is slidably fitted onto the tilt shaft 20 along its axis 20x, and the axis 62x coincides with or approximately coincides with the axis 20x of the tilt shaft 20. In Figure 5, the twist direction of the teeth 62a on the worm 62 is, for example, upward to the left, but it may also be upward to the right.

[0036] Each worm 62 has a plurality of protrusions 62b. Each protrusion 62b is formed convexly toward the axis 62x on the inner circumferential surface of the worm 62. The protrusions 62b are arranged at equal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 62b extends along the axis 62x and engages with, for example, a spline groove 21 (see Figure 3) of the tilt shaft 20. The worm 62 rotates with the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 and is movable along the spline groove 21 in the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20.

[0037] The worm wheel 63 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The worm wheel 63 has multiple teeth 63a on its outer circumference and a spur gear 63b at the other end. The teeth 63a extend diagonally along the axis 63x that passes through the center of the worm wheel 63 and is the center of rotation. In Figure 5, the twist direction of the teeth 63a on the worm wheel 63 is, for example, upward to the right, but it may also be upward to the left. In this embodiment, the worm wheel 63 is positioned on the interior side F with respect to the tilt shaft 20. The worm wheel 63 and the worm 62 engage with each other at their respective teeth 62a and 63a.

[0038] The auxiliary wheel 64 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is coaxially fitted at one end to a runner hook 65, which will be described later. The auxiliary wheel 64 has a spur gear 64b at the other end. The auxiliary wheel 64 engages with the spur gear 63b of the worm wheel 63 at the spur gear 64b. The worm wheel 63 engages with the worm 62, which rotates together with the tilt shaft 20, at their respective teeth 62a and 63a. As a result, when the tilt shaft 20 rotates, its rotational output is transmitted to the worm wheel 63 via the worm 62, and the rotational output from the worm wheel 63 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 64 via the rows of spur gears 63b and 64b. The auxiliary wheel 64 and runner hook 65, which are connected so as not to rotate relative to each other, rotate around an axis 64x that passes through their respective centers and becomes the center of rotation. The runner hook 65 rotates in a different direction from the runner hook 55.

[0039] The runner hooks 55 and 65 of runners 50 and 60 are common components. The runner hooks 55 and 65 are rod-shaped components. The runner hooks 55 and 65 are housed in runner cases 56 and 66 (described later) so as to be rotatable around axes 63x and 64x, and support the louvers 70 and 80 (described later) at one end. The runner hooks 55 and 65 have support portions 55a and 65a and mounting portions 55b and 65b. The support portions 55a and 65a are parts that partially protrude downward D from the runners 50 and 60 when the runner hooks 55 and 65 are supported by the runners 50 and 60. The support portions 55a and 65a support the louvers 70 and 80 so as to rotate.

[0040] The mounting portions 55b and 65b are parts housed within the storage space S of the runner cases 56 and 66, which will be described later. The worm wheel 53 is fitted over the mounting portion 55b. When the worm wheel 53 is fitted over the mounting portion 55b, the worm wheel 53 and the runner hook 55 are prevented from rotating relative to each other. The auxiliary wheel 64 is fitted over the mounting portion 65b. When the auxiliary wheel 64 is fitted over the mounting portion 65b, the auxiliary wheel 64 and the runner hook 65 are prevented from rotating relative to each other.

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the runner cases 56 and 66, where (a) is a perspective view of the runner cases 56 and 66 seen from above, (b) is a perspective view of the runner cases 56 and 66 seen from below, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the runner cases 56 and 66 along the line cc in (a). The runner cases 56 and 66 of the runners 50 and 60 are common components. The runner cases 56 and 66 are slidably supported within the hanger rail 10 along the longitudinal direction LR relative to the tilt shaft 20. The runner cases 56 and 66 are housing-like members that contain the worm gears 51 and 61 and the runner hooks 55 and 65. The runner cases 56 and 66 are alternately supported on the tilt shaft 20 at a predetermined distance from each other in the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20 (see Figure 3).

[0042] Each runner case 56,66 has a pair of side walls 561;661, a front wall 562;662, a rear wall 563;663, and a bottom wall 564;664. Each runner case 56,66 defines a storage space S for housing worm gears 51,61 and runner hooks 55,65, etc., through its pair of side walls 561;661, front wall 562;662, rear wall 563;663, and bottom wall 564;664. When attached to the tilt shaft 20, the runner cases 56,66 are open to the upper side U in the height direction UD.

[0043] The side walls 561;661 are walls facing the longitudinal direction LR when the runner cases 56,66 are supported by the tilt shaft 20, and extend intersecting the tilt shaft 20 (in the front-rear direction FB). Each of the side walls 561;661 has an insertion hole 561a;661a, through which the tilt shaft 20 is inserted. The worms 52,62 are arranged concentrically with respect to the insertion holes 561a,661a.

[0044] The front wall portions 562;662 are provided to connect a pair of side wall portions 561;661 on the side facing the interior side F when the runner cases 56,66 are supported by the tilt shaft 20. The front wall portions 562;662 have protruding portions 562a;662a and opposing portions 562b;662b.

[0045] The protruding portions 562a;662a extend by a predetermined amount in the direction away from the front wall portions 562;662 (towards the interior side F). The opposing portions 562b;662b extend from the tip of the protruding portions 562a;662a to the side opposite to the bottom wall portions 564;664 and face the front wall portions 562;662. The space between the front wall portions 562;662 and the opposing portions 562b;662b slidably holds the spacer link. Protrusions 562c;662c are formed on the surface of the opposing portions 562b;662b that faces away from the front wall portions 562;662. The protrusions 562c;662c are formed in an inverted C shape or a substantially inverted C shape, as shown in Figure 5. The operating cord 40 is passed through the protrusions 562c;662c.

[0046] The rear wall sections 563;663 are provided to connect a pair of side wall sections 561;661 on the side facing the exterior B when the runner cases 56,66 are supported on the tilt shaft 20. The rear wall sections 563;663 have protrusions 563a;663a. The runner cases 56,66 are movably supported on the hanger rail 10 at the protrusions 563a;663a. The protrusions 563a;663a are formed in a C-shape or a substantially C-shape, as shown in Figure 6(c). An operating cord 40 is passed through the protrusions 563a;663a.

[0047] The bottom wall portions 564;664 close the runner cases 56,66 at the lower side D in the height direction UD. The bottom wall portions 564;664 have holes 564a;664a and holes 564b;664b. The holes 564a;664a,564b;664b are located on the indoor side F relative to the tilt shaft 20 when the runner cases 56,66 are supported by the tilt shaft 20. Each of the holes 564a;664a,564b;664b is provided at a predetermined interval along the side wall portions 561;661. The holes 564a;664a are located on the side (indoor side F) away from the tilt shaft 20 relative to the holes 564b;664b.

[0048] In runner 50, the runner hook 55 is inserted through the hole 564b and is rotatably supported in the runner case 56 to prevent it from falling out. Each runner hook 55 has a support portion 55a protruding downward D from the runner case 56. In runner 60, the runner hook 65 is inserted through the hole 664a and is rotatably supported in the runner case 66 to prevent it from falling out. In the runner case 66, a worm wheel 63 is located at the position corresponding to the hole 664b, and the worm wheel 63 is rotatably supported between the worm 62 and the auxiliary wheel 64. Each runner hook 65 has a support portion 65a protruding downward D from the runner case 66.

[0049] The louvers 70 and 80 are formed in a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape in plan view. In this embodiment, the louver 70 is made of, for example, an opaque material that does not transmit light, and the louver 80 is made of a translucent material that transmits light. However, the louver 70 may be made of a semi-translucent material that transmits light to some extent. Alternatively, the louver 80 may be made of an opaque material that does not transmit light, and the louver 70 may be made of a translucent material that transmits light. In this case, the louver 80 may be made of a semi-translucent material that transmits light to some extent.

[0050] The dimensions of louvers 70 and 80 along the height direction (suspension direction) UD are defined as "length," and the dimensions of louvers 70 and 80 along the direction intersecting the height direction HD (intersecting direction) are defined as "width." Each louver 70 and 80 is supported at the center of its width by runner hooks 55 and 65, respectively. Louvers 70 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction LR are connected to each other by bottom cords 71 ​​on the lower side D in the height direction UD, that is, the side opposite to the side supported by the runner hooks 55, and on one edge along the height direction UD. Similarly, louvers 80 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction LR are connected to each other by bottom cords 81 on the lower side D in the height direction UD, that is, the side opposite to the side supported by the runner hooks 65, and on one edge along the height direction UD (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0051] <Opening and closing operation of vertical blinds> Next, the opening and closing operation of the vertical blind 1 described above will be explained. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the runners 50 and 60 attached to the tilt shaft 20. Multiple worms 52 and 62 are attached alternately to the tilt shaft 20 at equal intervals along the extension direction of the tilt shaft 20. As shown in the figure, for example, the runner hook 55 on runner 50 is directly connected to the worm wheel 53, while the runner hook 65 on runner 60 is connected to the worm wheel 63 via an auxiliary wheel 64. In runner 50, when the tilt shaft 20 is rotated, the worm 52 rotates together, causing the worm wheel 53, which is engaged with the worm 52, to rotate. As a result, the runner hook 55, which is coaxially connected to the worm wheel 53, also rotates, and the louvers 70 rotate, for example, counterclockwise (see arrow).

[0052] In contrast, in the runner 60, when the tilt shaft 20 is rotated, the worm 62 rotates together with it, causing the worm wheel 63, which is engaged with the worm 62, to rotate. The worm wheel 63 rotates, for example, counterclockwise, and the rotated worm wheel 63 causes the auxiliary wheel 64 to rotate clockwise. As a result, the runner hook 65, which is coaxially connected to the worm wheel 63, also rotates, causing the louver 80 to rotate clockwise (see arrow).

[0053] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver 70, 80 in the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment. Runners 50, 60 are attached to the tilt shaft 20 at intervals such that when the louvers 70, 80 are fully closed (0° and 180°), the end of louver 70 overlaps with the end of the adjacent louver 80. When the operating rod 30 is rotated, the tilt shaft 20 rotates, causing louver 70 to rotate 180° clockwise and louver 80 to rotate 180° counterclockwise.

[0054] For example, in conventional vertical blinds, where the louvers remain parallel to each other and rotate in the same direction until they are fully open, only the amount of light entering the room at an angle from the window was adjusted. In other words, the gaps between the louvers gradually narrow as they move diagonally from the front of the room, thus adjusting the amount of light entering the room.

[0055] In contrast, in the vertical blind 1, as the tilt shaft 20 rotates, the louvers 70 and 80 can always adjust the distance between them (gap amount) in steps (for example, from 45° to 135°) in the direction facing the interior and exterior (directly facing direction), as shown in Figure 8. This allows for fine adjustment (dimming) of the amount of light entering the room from the front through the window, thereby improving light blocking.

[0056] Furthermore, when the louvers 70 and 80 are opened or closed (dimmed) (for example, from 15° to 60°), the opaque louvers 70 become visible between the translucent louvers 80, thus obstructing visibility from the outside into the room and maintaining privacy.

[0057] With the vertical blind 1 described above, the runner hooks 55 and 65 are positioned at different locations relative to the tilt shaft 20 in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the tilt shaft 20 (indoor-outdoor direction FB). In other words, the runner hook 55 is positioned closer to the tilt shaft 20 than the runner hook 65. Therefore, when the louvers 70 and 80 are fully closed, a predetermined space can be secured between the louvers 70 and 80 in the indoor-outdoor direction FB. This gives the vertical blind 1 a three-dimensional appearance and improves its interior design, and also creates an air layer (space) between the louvers 70 and 80 when fully closed, providing an insulating effect.

[0058] Furthermore, even if a predetermined gap is provided between the louvers 70 and 80 in the fully closed state in the indoor-outdoor direction FB, the runner hooks 55 and 65 are not provided on either side of the tilt shaft 20, but on the same side as the tilt shaft 20, for example, on the indoor side F, which allows for a compact configuration of the hanger rail 10 of the vertical blind 1 in the width direction FB. Moreover, according to the vertical blind 1 of this embodiment, compared to the configuration in which the runner hooks 55 and 65 are provided on either side of the tilt shaft 20, the distance between the runner hooks 55 and 65 in the indoor-outdoor direction FB can be reduced, giving the vertical blind 1 a three-dimensional appearance while preventing the gap between the louvers 70 and 80 from widening and reducing the heat insulation effect.

[0059] Furthermore, since the runner cases 56 and 66 of the runners 50 and 60 each have two holes 564a, 564b, 664a, and 664b for accommodating the runner hooks 55 and 65, the same runner case 56 or 66 can be used for each runner 50 or 60.

[0060] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and includes all aspects included in the concept and claims of the present invention. Furthermore, each configuration may be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the above-described problems and effects. Also, for example, the shape, material, arrangement, size, etc. of each component in the above embodiments may be appropriately changed depending on the specific use of the present invention. In the above embodiments, the louvers 70 and 80 rotated in different directions from each other, but they may rotate in the same direction. Below, a vertical blind 1A according to a second embodiment in which the louvers 70 and 80 rotate in the same direction will be specifically described. Note that the same configuration as the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described.

[0061] <Second Embodiment> Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a vertical blind 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the hanger rail and louvers removed. The vertical blind 1A according to the second embodiment comprises a hanger rail, a tilt shaft, a drive mechanism (not shown), an operating rod, an operating cord, a runner (first runner) 50, a runner (second runner) 90, and two types of louvers.

[0062] Figure 10(a) is an exploded perspective view of the runner 90, and Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of the runner 90 along line XX in Figure 9. The runner 90 is a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the louvers 80 and includes a worm gear (worm 92, worm wheel 93, first auxiliary wheel 94a, second auxiliary wheel 94b) 91, a runner hook 95, and a runner case 96.

[0063] The worm gear 91 is located between the tilt shaft 20 and the runner hook 95 and, in this embodiment, is housed in the runner 90. The worm gear 91 includes a worm 92, a worm wheel 93, a first auxiliary wheel 94a, and a second auxiliary wheel 94b. In the worm gear 91, the components are arranged in the order of worm 92, worm wheel 93, first auxiliary wheel 94a, and second auxiliary wheel 94b from the side of the tilt shaft 20.

[0064] The worm 92 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has multiple teeth 92a on its outer surface. The teeth 92a are formed helically around an axis 92x that passes through the center of the worm 92 and serves as the center of rotation. The worm 92 is slidably fitted onto the tilt shaft 20 along its axis 20x, and each axis 92x coincides with or approximately coincides with the axis 20x of the tilt shaft 20. In Figure 10, the twist direction of the teeth 92a on the worm 92 is, for example, upward to the left, but it may also be upward to the right.

[0065] Each worm 92 has a plurality of protrusions 92b. Each protrusion 92b is formed convexly toward the axis 92x on the inner circumferential surface of the worm 92. The protrusions 92b are arranged at equal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 92b extends along the axis 92x and engages with, for example, a spline groove 21 (see Figure 9) of the tilt shaft 20. The worm 92 rotates with the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 and is movable along the spline groove 21 in the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20.

[0066] The worm wheel 93 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The worm wheel 93 has multiple teeth 93a on its outer circumference and a spur gear 93b at the other end. The teeth 93a extend diagonally along the axis 93x that passes through the center of the worm wheel 93 and is the center of rotation. In Figure 10, the twist direction of the teeth 93a on the worm wheel 93 is, for example, upward to the right, but it may also be upward to the left. In this embodiment, the worm wheel 93 is positioned on the interior side F with respect to the tilt shaft 20. The worm wheel 93 engages with the worm 92 at their respective teeth 92a and 93a.

[0067] The first auxiliary wheel 94a is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and a support projection 964c, described later, is inserted into one end. The first auxiliary wheel 94a has a spur gear 94c at the other end. The first auxiliary wheel 94a engages with the spur gear 93b of the worm wheel 93 at the spur gear 94c. The second auxiliary wheel 94b is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is coaxially fitted to the runner hook 95 at one end. The second auxiliary wheel 94b has a spur gear 94d at the other end. The second auxiliary wheel 94b engages with the spur gear 94c of the first auxiliary wheel 94a at the spur gear 94d.

[0068] The worm wheel 93 is engaged with the worm 92, which rotates with the tilt shaft 20, at their respective teeth 92a and 93a. When the tilt shaft 20 rotates, its rotational output is transmitted to the worm wheel 93 via the worm 92. The rotational output from the worm wheel 93 is transmitted to the first auxiliary wheel 94a via a row of spur gears 93b and 94c. The rotational output from the first auxiliary wheel 94a is transmitted to the second auxiliary wheel 94b via a row of spur gears 94c and 94d. The second auxiliary wheel 94b rotates around an axis 94x that passes through its center and becomes its axis of rotation. The runner hook 95 rotates in the same direction as the runner hook 55.

[0069] The runner hook 95 of the runner 90 is a rod-shaped member. The runner hook 95 is housed in a runner case 96, which will be described later, so as to be rotatable around an axis 94x, and supports the louver 80 at one end. The runner hook 95 has a support portion 95a and a mounting portion 95b. The configuration of the support portion 95a and the mounting portion 95b is the same as that of the support portions 55a, 65a and mounting portions 55b, 65b of the runner hooks 55, 65 according to the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0070] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the runner case 96 in the second embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view of the runner case 96 seen from above, (b) is a perspective view of the runner case 96 seen from below, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the runner case 96 along the line cc in (a). The runner case 96 is supported within the hanger rail 10 so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction LR relative to the tilt shaft 20. The runner case 96 is a housing-like member that houses the worm gear 91 and the runner hook 95. The runner cases 96 are alternately supported on the tilt shaft 20 at a predetermined interval relative to the runner case 56 in the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20 (see Figure 9).

[0071] The runner case 96 has a pair of side walls 961, a front wall 962, a rear wall 963, and a bottom wall 964. Each of the runner case 96 defines a storage space S for housing the worm gear 91 and the runner hook 95, etc., through the pair of side walls 961, the front wall 962, the rear wall 963, and the bottom wall 964. When the runner case 96 is attached to the tilt shaft 20, it is open to the upper side U in the height direction UD.

[0072] The side wall portion 961 is a wall portion facing the longitudinal direction LR when the runner case 96 is supported by the tilt shaft 20, and extends intersecting the tilt shaft 20 (in the front-rear direction FB). Each side wall portion 961 has an insertion hole 961a, through which the tilt shaft 20 is inserted. The worm 92 is positioned concentrically with respect to the insertion hole 961a.

[0073] The front wall portion 962 is provided to connect a pair of side wall portions 961 on the side facing the interior side F when the runner case 96 is supported by the tilt shaft 20. The front wall portion 962 has an overhanging portion 962a and an opposing portion 962b.

[0074] The protruding portion 962a extends by a predetermined amount in the direction away from the front wall portion 962 (towards the interior side F). The opposing portion 962b extends from the tip of the protruding portion 962a to the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 964 and faces the front wall portion 962. The space between the front wall portion 962 and the opposing portion 962b slidably holds the spacer link. A projection 962c is formed on the surface of the opposing portion 962b that faces away from the front wall portion 962. As shown in Figure 11, the projection 962c is formed in an inverted C shape or a substantially inverted C shape. The operating cord 40 is passed through the projection 962c.

[0075] The rear wall portion 963 is provided to connect a pair of side wall portions 961 on the side facing the interior side F when the runner case 96 is supported on the tilt shaft 20. The rear wall portion 963 has a protrusion 963a. The runner case 96 is movably supported on the hanger rail 10 at the protrusion 963a. The protrusion 963a is formed in a C-shape or substantially C-shape, as shown in Figure 11. An operating cord 40 is passed through the protrusion 963a.

[0076] The bottom wall portion 964 closes the runner case 96 at its lower side D in the height direction UD. The bottom wall portion 964 has a hole 964a, a hole 964b, and a support projection 964c. The holes 964a, 964b, and support projection 964c are located on the indoor side F relative to the tilt shaft 20 when the runner case 96 is supported by the tilt shaft 20. The holes 964a and 964b are provided at a predetermined distance along the side wall portion 961. The hole 964a is located on the side away from the tilt shaft 20 (indoor side F) relative to the hole 964b. The support projection 964c is located between the holes 964a and 964b and extends upward U from the bottom wall portion 964. The support projection 964c is formed in a rod shape and rotatably supports the first auxiliary wheel 94a.

[0077] In the runner 90, the runner hook 95 is inserted through the hole 964a and is rotatably supported in the runner case 96 so as not to fall out of the runner case 96. The support portion 95a of the runner hook 95 protrudes downward D from the runner case 96.

[0078] In the runner case 96, a worm wheel 93 is located at a position corresponding to the hole 964b and is rotatably supported between the worm 92 and the worm wheel 93.

[0079] <Opening and closing operation of vertical blinds> Next, the opening and closing operation of the vertical blind 1A described above will be explained. Figure 12 is a plan view showing the state in which the runners 50 and 90 are attached to the tilt shaft 20 in the second embodiment. Multiple worms 52 and 92 are attached alternately to the tilt shaft 20 at equal intervals along the extension direction of the tilt shaft 20. For example, the runner hook 55 on the runner 50 is directly connected to the worm wheel 53, while the runner hook 95 on the runner 90 is connected to the worm wheel 93 via the first and second auxiliary wheels 94a and 94b. In the runner 50, when the tilt shaft 20 is rotated, the worm 52 rotates together, causing the worm wheel 53, which is engaged with the worm 52, to rotate. As a result, the runner hook 55, which is coaxially connected to the worm wheel 53, also rotates, and the louvers 70 rotate, for example, clockwise (see arrow).

[0080] In contrast, in the runner 90, when the tilt shaft 20 is rotated, the worm 92 rotates together with it, causing the worm wheel 93, which is engaged with the worm 92, to rotate. The worm wheel 93 rotates, for example, clockwise, and the rotated worm wheel 93 causes the first auxiliary wheel 94a to rotate counterclockwise. Furthermore, the rotated first auxiliary wheel 94a causes the second auxiliary wheel 94b to rotate clockwise. As a result, the runner hook 95, which is coaxially connected to the second auxiliary wheel 94b, also rotates, causing the louver 80 to rotate clockwise (see arrow).

[0081] With the vertical blind 1A described above, the runner hooks 55 and 95 are positioned at different locations relative to the tilt shaft 20 in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the tilt shaft 20 (indoor-outdoor FB). Therefore, when the louvers 70 and 80 are fully closed, a predetermined space can be secured between the louvers 70 and 80 in the indoor-outdoor FB direction. This gives the vertical blind 1 a three-dimensional appearance and improves its interior design, and also creates an air layer (space) between the louvers 70 and 80 when fully closed, providing an insulating effect.

[0082] <Other> In the above embodiment, runners 50, 60, and 90 supported non-transparent louvers 70 and translucent louvers 80. However, the type of louvers is not particularly limited, and the two types of louvers used can be appropriately determined according to the interior design, such as by different colors.

[0083] Furthermore, although identical runner cases 56 and 66 were used in the first embodiment, they may also have holes for accommodating specific runner hooks 55 and 65 on the side that aligns with the supporting louvers 70 and 80.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the runner hooks 55, 65, and 95 were each provided on the indoor side F of the tilt shaft 20, but they may also be on the outdoor side B, and the runner hooks 55 and 65 and 95 may be provided on opposite sides of the tilt shaft 20.

[0085] Furthermore, the number of auxiliary wheels in the above embodiment is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate. By increasing the number of auxiliary wheels, the distance between the runner hook 55 and the runner hooks 65 and 95 in the indoor / outdoor direction FB may be adjusted.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the louvers 70 and 80 were supported by runner hooks 55, 65; 95 at the center in the direction along their respective widths, but they may also be supported at a position offset from the center. In this case, the louvers 70, excluding those positioned at both ends of the vertical blinds 1 and 1A in the longitudinal direction LR, are supported by runner hooks 55 at a position offset from the center in the direction along their widths, and the louvers 80 are supported by runner hooks 65; 95 at a position offset from the center in the direction along their widths. When the louvers 70 and 80 are fully open, the shorter portion of the louvers 70 and 80 on the shorter side of their width is, for example, on the outdoor side B or the indoor side F, relative to the runner hooks 55, 65; 95, and the longer portion on the longer side is, for example, on the indoor side F or the outdoor side B. The shorter portions of the louvers 70 and 80 are on different sides (indoor side F or outdoor side B) when the louvers 70 and 80 are fully open.

[0087] Furthermore, when the louvers 70 and 80 are fully open, the shorter portions of the louvers 70 and 80 overlap with the tilt shaft 20 at the lower D in the height direction UD. For example, the ratio of the shorter portion to the longer portion of the width of the louvers 70 and 80 is "shorter portion:longer portion = 4:6". When the louvers 70 and 80 are fully open, the shorter portions of the louvers 70 and 80 face the runner hooks 55, 65; 95 that support the adjacent louvers 70 and 80 in the longitudinal direction LR.

[0088] When the louvers 70 and 80 are offset supported, in the fully closed state, the ends of the louvers 70 supported by the runners 50 and the louvers 80 supported by the runners 60 and 90 overlap. For example, when viewing the vertical blind 1 from the indoor side F, only the louvers 70 are visible, and when viewing the vertical blind 1 from the outdoor side B, only the louvers 80 are visible, resulting in a unified design. The offset support of the louvers 70 and 80 allows for increased distance between adjacent louvers 80 and 70 during rotation in the opening direction, thus avoiding interference between the louvers 70 and 80. Furthermore, the distance between the runner hooks 55, 65 and 95 in the indoor-outdoor direction FB can be reduced, allowing the hanger rail 10 to be made smaller in the indoor-outdoor direction FB. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1.1A...Vertical blinds 10. Hanger rail, 20...Tilt shaft 30...operation rod 40... Operation Code 50... Runner (first runner), 51... Worm gear (transmission mechanism), 52... Worm, 53... Worm wheel, 55... Runner hook, 56... Runner case 60... Runner (second runner), 61... Worm gear (transmission mechanism), 62... Worm, 63... Worm wheel, 63b... Spur gear, 64... Auxiliary wheel, 64b... Spur gear, 65... Runner hook, 66... ​​Runner case 70, 80... Louvers, 71, 81... Bottom cord (cord) 90... Runner (second runner), 91... Worm gear (transmission mechanism), 92... Worm, 93... Worm wheel, 94a... First auxiliary wheel, 94b... Second auxiliary wheel, 94c, 94d... Spur gear, 95... Runner hook, 96... Runner case

Claims

1. Hanger rail and A tilt shaft is supported within the hanger rail so as to be rotatable about an axis, The first runner and the second runner are supported on the aforementioned tilt shaft, Multiple louvers suspended from the first runner and the second runner, A transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft to the first runner and the second runner, Equipped with, The first runner and the second runner each have hooks that engage with the transmission mechanism and rotatably support the louvers. The hooks of the first runner and the hooks of the second runner are provided at different positions relative to the tilt shaft in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the tilt shaft. The transmission mechanism for the first runner and the transmission mechanism for the second runner each include a worm fitted onto the tilt shaft and a worm wheel that engages with the worm. The other transmission mechanism has at least one auxiliary wheel that engages with the worm wheel and transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft to the hook, The hook in the aforementioned transmission mechanism is supported on the auxiliary wheel coaxially with the rotation axis of the auxiliary wheel. In the other transmission mechanism, the hook is supported on the worm wheel coaxially with the rotation axis of the worm wheel. A vertical blind characterized by the following features.

2. The vertical blind according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation of the tilt shaft is transmitted to the hook by a spur gear train provided on the worm wheel and the auxiliary wheel in one of the transmission mechanisms.

3. The vertical blind according to claim 1, characterized in that the louvers of the first runner and the louvers of the second runner rotate in different directions.

4. The vertical blind according to claim 1, characterized in that the louvers of the first runner and the louvers of the second runner rotate in the same direction.

5. The vertical blind according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of louvers include louvers that are supported by the hooks at a position offset from the center in an intersecting direction that intersects the suspension direction.

6. The vertical blind according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of first runners and a plurality of second runners are alternately arranged on the tilt shaft.

7. The louvers of the first runner are translucent, and the louvers of the second runner are opaque, or The louvers of the first runner are opaque, and the louvers of the second runner are translucent. The vertical blind according to feature 1.

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