Vertical blinds

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of stepwise adjusting an amount of external light taken into a room.SOLUTION: A vertical blind 1 of the present invention includes: a tilt shaft 20 supported in a head rail for rotation around an axis 20x; a plurality of runners 50, 60 supported by the tilt shaft 20 and having runner hooks 55, 65 at positions different from each other in the lateral direction (FB) of the head rail; louvers 70, 80 suspended from the runner hooks 55, 65; and at least two types of worm gears 51, 61 for transmitting the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the runner hooks 55, 65 of the runners 50, 60, respectively, wherein one worm gear 61 rotates the runner hook 65 of one runner 60 with a rotational angle difference with respect to the runner hook 55 of the other runner 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vertical blinds.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vertical blind including a plurality of carriers (runners) having a shaft portion (tilt shaft) and movable longitudinally within a head rail, and louvers suspended from each carrier, each carrier having a plurality of support portions capable of suspending the louver, and having a suspension member (runner hook) rotatably connected to the shaft portion, the support portions supporting two louvers at different angles on both sides of the shaft portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vertical blind described in Patent Document 1, two louvers are attached to the suspension member so as to be substantially 90 degrees to each other. One of the two louvers is formed of an opaque fabric, and the other louver is formed of a sheer fabric. When a rotation operation is performed by the user, the opaque louver formed of the opaque fabric and the translucent louver formed of the sheer fabric rotate simultaneously and together while maintaining their relative angles, and outside light is taken in through the translucent louver from a window or the like.

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 vertical blinds, from the viewpoint of light shielding property, there is a need to adjust the amount of light entering the room in multiple steps according to the position of the sun.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a technology that can adjust the amount of ambient light entering a room in stages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the vertical blind according to the present invention comprises a tilt shaft supported so as to be rotatable about an axis within a head rail, a plurality of runners supported by the tilt shaft and each having a rotating shaft portion at a different position in the short direction of the head rail, louvers suspended from each rotating shaft portion, and at least two types of transmission mechanisms that transmit the rotation of the tilt shaft to the rotating shaft portion of each runner, wherein one of the transmission mechanisms rotates the rotating shaft portion of one runner with a rotational angle difference relative to the rotating shaft portion of the other runner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the amount of ambient light entering a room can be adjusted in stages. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a vertical blind according to a first embodiment in which the two louvers are in a fully closed state. [Figure 2A] This is a front view of a vertical blind according to a first embodiment, in which one louver is in the open position. [Figure 2B] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IIB-IIB in Figure 2A. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the runner in the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a disassembled perspective view of the runner. [Figure 4B] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the IVB-IVB line. [Figure 5A] This is a disassembled perspective view of another runner. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view along the VB-VB line in Figure 3. [Figure 6A] Exploded perspective view of the auxiliary wheel and spur gear as seen from above. [Figure 6B] Cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] Side view of the runner hook. [Figure 7B] Cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] Perspective view of the runner case as seen from above. [Figure 8B] Perspective view of the runner case as seen from below. [Figure 8C] Plan view of the runner case. [Figure 9A] Schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver in one direction in the vertical blind according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] Schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver in the other direction in the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver in one direction in the vertical blind according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] Schematic diagram showing the rotation process (0° to 120°) of each louver in one direction in the vertical blind according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11B] Schematic diagram showing the rotation process (135° to 225°) of each louver in one direction in the vertical blind according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11C] Schematic diagram showing the rotation process (270° to 360°) of each louver in one direction in the vertical blind according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Exploded perspective view of the runner according to a modification that houses two worm gears.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <Summary of the Embodiment> First, an overview of a representative embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, as an example, reference numerals on the drawings corresponding to the components of the invention are described with parentheses.

[0011] 〔1〕The vertical blind (1) according to the present embodiment includes a tilt shaft (20) rotatably supported around an axis (20x) within a head rail (10), a plurality of runners (50, 60) supported by the tilt shaft (20) and having runner hooks (55, 65) at different positions in the lateral direction (FB) of the head rail (10), louvers (70, 80, 100) suspended from each runner hook (55, 65, 95), and at least two types of worm gears (51, 61) for transmitting the rotation of the tilt shaft (20) to the runner hooks (55, 65) of each runner (50, 60). One of the worm gears (61) is characterized by rotating the runner hook (65) of one runner (60) with a rotation angle difference relative to the runner hook (55) of the other runner (50).

[0012] 〔2〕In one aspect of the vertical blind (1) described in 〔1〕 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of runners (50, 60) include at least two types of runners. One of the worm gears (61) is provided on one runner (60), and the other worm gear (51) is provided on the other runner (50).

[0013] 〔3〕In one aspect of the vertical blind described in 〔1〕 according to the present embodiment, the two types of worm gears (51, 61) are provided on the same runner (50C).

[0014] [4] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in any one of [1] to [3] according to this embodiment, the two types of worm gears (51, 61) each have a worm (52, 62) fitted onto a tilt shaft (20), a worm wheel (53, 63) that engages with the worm (52, 62), and an auxiliary wheel (54, 64) that engages with the worm wheel (53, 63) and is coaxially mounted on a runner hook (55, 65). The worm wheel (53, 63) and the auxiliary wheel (54, 64) are arranged intersecting the tilt shaft (20) and each has a spur gear (53b, 63b, 54a, 67), and they engage with each other via the spur gear (53b, 63b, 54a, 67).

[0015] [5] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in any one of [1] to [4] according to this embodiment, the difference in rotation angle is formed by different gear ratios in two types of worm gears (51, 61).

[0016] [6] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in any one of [1] to [3] according to this embodiment, the difference in rotation angle is formed by the space (64s, 67s) provided between the auxiliary wheel (64) and the spur gear (67) of one worm gear (61) which rotates one runner hook (65) later than the rotation of the other runner hook (55) when opening the louvers (70, 80, 100) in the fully closed state.

[0017] [7] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in [6] according to this embodiment, the auxiliary wheel (64) on one worm gear (61) has an engaging portion (67a) that engages with the spur gear (67), the spur gear (67) has an engaging portion (67a) that engages with the auxiliary wheel (64), and the space (64s, 67s) allows relative movement between the auxiliary wheel (64) and the spur gear (67) in the rotational direction between the engaging portion (64a) of the auxiliary wheel (64) and the engaging portion (67a) of the spur gear (67).

[0018] [8] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in any one of [1] to [7] of this embodiment, the rotation angle difference is 90°.

[0019] [9] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in [4] according to this embodiment, a rotation restricting part is provided between the runner hook (55, 65) and the runner case (56, 66) of the runner (50, 60) that rotatably supports the rotation shaft portion (55, 65), which engages with each other to restrict the rotation of the runner hook (55, 65). When the rotation of the runner hook (55, 65) is restricted by the rotation restricting part, the auxiliary wheel (64) of the worm gear (61) rotates relative to the runner hook (65).

[0020]

[10] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in any one of [1] to [9] of this embodiment, the runner hooks (55, 65) are in contact with the runner cases (56, 66) of the runners (50, 60) that rotatably support the runner hooks (55, 65) in such a manner that rotational resistance is generated.

[0021]

[11] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in

[10] according to this embodiment, the runner case (56, 66) has slits (561b, 661b) near where the runner hooks (55, 65) come into contact.

[0022]

[12] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in any one of [1] to

[11] according to this embodiment, the louvers (70, 80) include louvers that are supported at a position offset from the runner hooks (55, 65).

[0023]

[13] In one embodiment of the vertical blind (1) described in [2] of this embodiment, there is a further runner (90B) supported by a tilt shaft (20) and having a runner hook (95) at a different position from two types of runners (50, 60) in the short direction (FB) of the head rail (10), and a further transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft (20) to the runner hook (95) of the further runner (90B), wherein the further transmission mechanism rotates the runner hook (95) of the further runner (90B) with a difference in rotation angle relative to the runner hooks (55, 65) of the two types of runners (50, 60).

[0024] 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.

[0025] The vertical blinds 1, 1A, and 1B according to the present invention are solar shading devices that are equipped with a plurality of louvers 70 and 80, and by making it possible to adjust the angle of the louvers 70 and 80 (more precisely, the rotation angle in the horizontal plane of the horizontal cross-section of the louvers 70 and 80), it is possible to, for example, enable visibility from inside to outside, obstruct visibility into the inside from outside, and adjust the amount of light entering the inside. The configuration of the vertical blinds 1, 1A, and 1B will be described in detail below.

[0026] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a front view of a vertical blind 1 according to a first embodiment in which the two louvers 70 and 80 are in a fully closed state. Figure 2A is a front view of a vertical blind 1 according to a first embodiment in which one louver 70 is in an open state. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view along the line IIB-IIB in Figure 2A.

[0027] (Vertical blind configuration) The vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a head rail 10, a tilt shaft 20, a drive mechanism (not shown), an operating rod 30, an operating cord 40, a plurality of runners (the other runner) 50, a plurality of runners (one 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 head 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 head rail 10 (hanging direction) is defined as the height direction UD. In Figure 2B, 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.

[0028] The headrail 10 is a hollow, casing-shaped member extending along the longitudinal direction LR, with a roughly rectangular cross-sectional shape in the width direction FB. Both ends of the headrail 10 in the longitudinal direction LR are closed by end caps. The headrail 10 has an opening 11 that opens downward D in the height direction UD when the vertical blind 1 is attached, and multiple louvers 70, 80 are suspended from the headrail 10.

[0029] The tilt shaft 20 is located within the head rail 10 along its extending direction (longitudinal direction LR). The tilt shaft 20 is supported within the head 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 (see Figure 3) 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).

[0030] 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 head rail 10. The operating rod 30 is supported by the head rail 10 and suspended from the head 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 of the runner 50 and 65 of the runner 60, which will be described later, rotate, and the louvers 70 and 80 supported by the runner hooks 55 and 65 rotate.

[0031] The operating cord 40 hanging from one end cap is provided so as to be able to circle within the head rail 10, and is specifically attached to one of the multiple runners 50 and runner 60 described later, either the runner 50 or runner 60 on the other end cap side.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing runners 50 and 60 in the first embodiment. Multiple 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 SL, which limit the maximum distance between them. Runners 50 and 60 are mounted on the same tilt shaft 20 so as to be relatively movable along the longitudinal direction LR.

[0033] Figure 4A is an exploded perspective view of the runner 50. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view along the line IVB-IVB in Figure 3. The runner (the other runner) 50 includes, for example, a worm gear 51, a runner hook (rotating shaft portion) 55, and a runner case 56. The worm gear 51 is a transmission mechanism (the other transmission mechanism) that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the louvers 70. The worm gear 51 is provided between the tilt shaft 20 and the louvers 70 and, in this embodiment, is housed in the runner case 56. The worm gear 51 includes a worm 52, a worm wheel 53, and an auxiliary wheel 54. In the worm gear 51, the worm 52, worm wheel 53, and auxiliary wheel 54 are arranged in that order from the side of the tilt shaft 20.

[0034] The worm 52 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape from, for example, resin, and has multiple teeth 52a on its outer surface. The teeth 52a are formed in a spiral shape around an axis 52x that passes through the center of the worm 52 and serves as the center of rotation. The worm 52 is slidably fitted onto the tilt shaft 20 along its axis 20x, and the axis 52x coincides with or approximately coincides with the axis 20x of the tilt shaft 20. The twist direction of the teeth 52a in the worm 52 is, for example, upward to the left, but may also be upward to the right, as long as the runner hook 55 and the runner hook 65 (described later) rotate in the same direction in accordance with the rotation of the tilt shaft 20.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The worm wheel 53 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape from, for example, resin. The worm wheel 53 has multiple teeth 53a on its outer circumference and a spur gear (intermediate 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. The twist direction of the teeth 53a in the worm wheel 53 is, for example, upward to the left, but it may also be upward to the right. 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 and the worm 52 engage with each other at their respective teeth 52a and 53a.

[0037] The auxiliary wheel 54 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape from, for example, resin, and is coaxially fitted at one end to a runner hook 55, which will be described later. The auxiliary wheel 54 has a spur gear (intermediate gear) 54a integrally formed at the other end, which is not rotatable relative to the auxiliary wheel 54. The auxiliary wheel 54 engages with the spur gear 53b of the worm wheel 53 at the spur gear 54a. When the tilt shaft 20 rotates, its rotational output is transmitted to the worm wheel 53 via the worm 52, and the rotational output from the worm wheel 53 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 54 via the row of spur gears 53b and 54a. The auxiliary wheel 54 and runner hook 55, which are connected to each other so as not to rotate relative to one another, rotate around an axis 54x that passes through their respective centers and becomes the center of rotation until a rotational force exceeding a predetermined force is applied. The runner hook 55 rotates in the same direction as the runner hook 65, which will be described later.

[0038] Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of another runner 60. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view along the line VB-VB in Figure 3. One runner 60 includes, for example, a worm gear 61, a runner hook (rotating shaft portion) 65, and a runner case 66. The worm gear (one transmission mechanism) 61 is a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 to the louvers 80. The worm gear 61 is located between the tilt shaft 20 and the louvers 80 and, in this embodiment, is housed in the runner case 66. The worm gear 61 includes a worm 62, a worm wheel 63, an auxiliary wheel 64, and a spur gear 67. In the worm gear 61, the worm 62, worm wheel 63, auxiliary wheel 64, and spur gear 67 are arranged in that order from the side of the tilt shaft 20.

[0039] The worm 62 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape from, for example, resin, and has multiple teeth 62a on its outer surface. The teeth 62a are formed in a helical shape around an axis 62x that passes through the center of the worm 62 and serves as 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. The twisting direction of the teeth 62a in the worm 62 may be, for example, upward to the right or upward to the left, and it is sufficient that it is opposite to the twisting direction of the teeth 52a in the worm 52.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The worm wheel 63 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape from, for example, resin. The worm wheel 63 has multiple teeth 63a on its outer circumference and a spur gear (intermediate 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. The twist direction of the teeth 63a in 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 outdoor side B 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.

[0042] Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view of the auxiliary wheel 64 and spur gear 67 from above. It is a cross-sectional view along the line VIB-VIB in Figure 6A. The auxiliary wheel 64 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape from, for example, resin, and is coaxially fitted at one end to a runner hook 65, which will be described later. A separate spur gear 67 (intermediate gear) is attached to the other end of the auxiliary wheel 64 so as to rotate relative to it.

[0043] The auxiliary wheel 64 has two engaging portions 64a. The two engaging portions 64a are provided on the surface 64b facing the spur gear 67. The two engaging portions 64a extend from the surface 64b along the axis 64x which is the rotation center of the auxiliary wheel 64 and the spur gear 67. The two engaging portions 64a are provided radially opposite to each other with a predetermined distance between them in the circumferential direction. In other words, two spaces (rotation delay portions) 64s are provided in the circumferential direction between the two engaging portions 64a.

[0044] The spur gear 67 has two engaging portions 67a. The engaging portions 67a extend along the axis 64x toward the surface 64b of the auxiliary wheel 64 facing the spur gear 67 when the spur gear 67 is mounted on the auxiliary wheel 64. The two engaging portions 67a are provided radially opposite to each other with a predetermined distance between them in the circumferential direction, and two spaces (rotational delay portions) 67s are provided in the circumferential direction between the two engaging portions 67a.

[0045] With the spur gear 67 mounted on the auxiliary wheel 64, the engaging portion 64a of the auxiliary wheel 64 is located in the space 67s of the spur gear 67, and the engaging portion 67a of the spur gear 67 is located in the space 64s of the auxiliary wheel 64. In other words, each engaging portion 64a, 67a is movable in the circumferential direction within their respective spaces 64s, 67s. The spur gear 67 rotates 90° as the two engaging portions 67a of the spur gear 67 move from one engaging portion 64a to the other within the space 64s of the auxiliary wheel 64.

[0046] The auxiliary wheel 64 engages with the spur gear 63b of the worm wheel 63 via the spur gear 67. 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 spur gear 63b and the spur gear 67. The spur gear 67 transmits rotational output to the auxiliary wheel 64 by rotating while in contact with the engaging portion 64a of the auxiliary wheel 64, with the engaging portion 67a of the auxiliary wheel 64 in the circumferential direction, causing the auxiliary wheel 64 and the runner hook 65 to rotate around the axis 64x. The runner hook 65 rotates in the same direction as the runner hook 55. The gear ratio between the spur gear 63b of the worm wheel 63 and the spur gear 67 is "1".

[0047] Figure 7A is a side view of the runner hooks 55;65. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view along the line VIIB-VIIB in Figure 7A. The runner hooks 55;65 are rod-shaped members formed of, for example, resin, and are the rotating shafts. The runner hooks 55;65 of the runners 50;60 are common members. The runner hook 55 is housed in a runner case 56 (described later) so as to be rotatable around an axis 54x, and supports the louver 70 (described later) at one end. The runner hook 65 is housed in a runner case 66 (described later) so as to be rotatable around an axis 64x, and supports the louver 80 (described later) at one end.

[0048] The runner hooks 55;65 have support portions 55a;65a and mounting portions 55b;65b. The support portions 55a;65a are the parts that partially protrude downward D from the runner cases 56;66 when the runner hooks 55;65 are supported by the runner cases 56;66. The support portions 55a;65a support the louvers 70;80 so that they can rotate. The support portions 55a;65a have a larger outer shape (diameter) than the mounting portions 55b;65b, which will be described later.

[0049] The mounting portions 55b;65b are parts housed within the housing space S of the runner cases 56;66, which will be described later. The auxiliary wheels 54;64 are fitted over the mounting portions 55b;65b. The mounting portions 55b;65b have through holes 55c;65c and a plurality of protrusions 55d;65d. The through holes 55c;65c extend in a direction intersecting the axes 54x;64x and are formed in a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The through holes 55c;65c are formed along the axes 54x;64x.

[0050] The protrusions 55d and 65d are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the mounting portions 55b and 65b, respectively, on either side of the through holes 55c and 65c. Specifically, three protrusions 55d and 65d are formed on each side of the outer circumferential surface on either side of the through holes 55c and 65c. Each protrusion 55d and 65d is provided at a predetermined distance from each other in the circumferential direction and extends along the axis 55x and 65x passing through the center of the runner hooks 55 and 65. The protrusions 55d and 65d are formed convexly from the outer circumferential surfaces of the mounting portions 55b and 65b, and are formed so that their tips are pointed in the cross-section intersecting the axis 55x and 65x.

[0051] When the auxiliary wheels 54;64 are coaxially fitted to the mounting portions 55b;65b, the auxiliary wheels 54;64 and the runner hooks 55;65 are designed not to rotate relative to each other. However, if a rotational force exceeding a predetermined force acts between the auxiliary wheels 54;64 and the runner hooks 55;65, the auxiliary wheels 54;64 and the runner hooks 55;65 will rotate relative to each other. The mounting portions 55b;65b are press-fitted into the auxiliary wheels 54;64 and are in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the auxiliary wheels 54;64 at the protrusions 55d;65d. In this state of contact with the inner circumferential surface of the auxiliary wheels 54;64 at the protrusions 55d;65d, the portions of the mounting portions 55b;65b on which the protrusions 55d;65d are provided deform (elastically deform) toward the through holes 55c;65c.

[0052] Flange portions 57;68 are provided between the support portions 55a;65a and the mounting portions 55b;65b. The flange portions 57;68 are annular portions with a larger diameter than the mounting portions 55b;65b. Two engaging portions 57a;68a are provided on the side of the flange portions 57;68 facing the support portions 55a;65a. Each engaging portion 57a;68a is a portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the support portions 55a;65a, provided at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. The engaging portions 57a;68a form a rotation restricting portion with the runner cases 56;66, which will be described later.

[0053] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the runner cases 56;66 from above. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the runner cases 56;66 from below. Figure 8C is a plan view of the runner cases 56;66. The runner cases 56;66 of the runners 50;60 are common components. The runner cases 56;66 are slidably supported within the head rail 10 along the longitudinal direction LR relative to the tilt shaft 20. The runner cases 56;66 are housing-like members that contain the worm gears 51;61 and the runner hooks 55;65. The runner cases 56;66 are alternately supported on the tilt shaft 20 at predetermined intervals from each other in the extending direction of the tilt shaft 20 (see Figure 3).

[0054] Each runner case 56,66 has a pair of side walls 561;661, a pair of overhangs 562;662, and a bottom wall 563;663. Each runner case 56;66 houses worm gears 51,61 and runner hooks 55,65, etc., in a housing space S defined by the pair of side walls 561;661 and the bottom wall 563;663. When attached to the tilt shaft 20, the runner cases 56;66 are open to the upper side U in the height direction UD, but are closed by separate covers 59;69 (see Figures 5A and 6A, etc.).

[0055] 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.

[0056] Each side wall portion 561;661 has two slits (notches) 561b;661b. The slits 561b;661b are formed in an inverted T shape or a substantially inverted T shape in a plan view. The slits 561b;661b are formed as through holes and are provided on either side of the insertion holes 561a;661a. The slits 561b;661b are provided on the side of the bottom wall portion 563;653 (described later) relative to the insertion holes 561a;661a, and in positions corresponding to the holes 563a;663a, 563b;663b (described later). The corner portion 561c;661c of the side wall portion 561;661 is elastically deformable inward and outward relative to the housing space S of the runner case 56;66, between the portion of the slit 561b;661b extending in the height direction UD and the portion extending in the front-rear direction FB.

[0057] The protruding portions 562;662 are provided on the sides facing the indoor side F and the outdoor side B, respectively. The protruding portions 562;662 extend by a predetermined amount in the direction away from the side walls 561;661 (indoor side F and outdoor side B). The protruding portions 562;662 have opposing wall portions 562a;662a. The opposing wall portions 562a;662a extend from the tip of the protruding portion 562;662 away from the side walls 561;661 to the side opposite to the bottom wall portions 563;663. The protruding portions 562;662 hold the spacer link SL in the space between the side walls 561;661 and the opposing wall portions 562a;662a.

[0058] Retaining portions 562b;662b are formed on the faces of the opposing wall portions 562a;662a that face away from the side wall portions 561;661. The retaining portions 562b;662b are formed in an inverted C shape or a substantially inverted C shape. An operating cord 40 is passed through the retaining portions 562b;662b.

[0059] The bottom wall portions 563;663 close the runner cases 56,66 at the lower side D in the height direction UD. The bottom wall portions 563;663 have holes 563a;663a and holes 563b;663b. The holes 563a;663a are on the indoor side F relative to the tilt shaft 20 when the runner cases 56,66 are supported by the tilt shaft 20. The holes 563b;663b are on the outdoor side B relative to the tilt shaft 20 when the runner cases 56,66 are supported by the tilt shaft 20.

[0060] In runner 50, the runner hook 55 is inserted through the hole 563a and contacts the bottom wall 563 at the flange 57 to prevent it from falling out of runner case 56. The runner hook 55 is also rotatably supported by its support portion 55a contacting the pair of side walls 561 of runner case 56 in such a way that rotational resistance is created. In runner 60, the runner hook 65 is inserted through the hole 663b and contacts the bottom wall 663 at the flange 68 to prevent it from falling out of runner case 66. The runner hook 65 is also rotatably supported by its support portion 65a contacting the pair of side walls 661 of runner case 66 in such a way that rotational resistance is created. The runner hooks 55 and 65 contact the side walls 561 and 661 of runner cases 56 and 66 near where the slits 561b and 661b are formed. As the runner hooks 55 and 65 rotate, the side wall portions 561 and 661 maintain contact with the runner hooks 55 and 65, forming rotational resistance, while the corner portions 561c and 661c elastically deform inward and outward.

[0061] The runner cases 56;66 have two engaging portions 563c;663c. The engaging portions 563c;663c are located on the edges of the holes 563a;663a and 563b;663b, facing each other in the front-rear direction FD. The engaging portions 563c;663c protrude from the surface of the bottom wall portions 563;553 facing the opening closed by the covers 59,69 toward the opening and extend into the holes 563a;663a and 563b;663b. The engagement of the engaging portions 563c;663c with the engaging portions 57a;68a of the runner hooks 55;65 engages with each other in the circumferential direction to form a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the runner hooks 55;65.

[0062] In the vertical blind 1 according to this embodiment, the louvers 70 are formed in a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and are supported at the center in the width direction by the runner hooks 55 of the runners 50. The louvers 80 are formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and are supported at the center in the width direction by the runner hooks 65 of the runners 60. Alternatively, the louvers 70 may be supported by the runners 60 and the louvers 80 may be supported by the runners 50. In the vertical blind 1 according to this embodiment, the louvers 70 and 80 are arranged alternately such that louvers 70 are positioned at both ends in the longitudinal direction LR (see Figure 2A).

[0063] In this embodiment, the louver 70 is formed of, for example, a non-transparent (opaque) material that does not allow light to pass through, and the louver 80 is formed of a translucent (transmittable) material that allows light to pass through. However, the louver 70 may be formed of a semi-transparent (semi-transmittable) material that allows some light to pass through. Alternatively, the louver 80 may be formed of a non-transparent (opaque) material that does not allow light to pass through, and the louver 70 may be formed of a translucent (transmittable) material that allows light to pass through. In this case, the louver 80 may be formed of a semi-transparent (semi-transmittable) material that allows some light to pass through.

[0064] (Opening and closing operation of vertical blinds) Next, the opening and closing operation of the vertical blind 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Multiple worms 52, 62 are attached to the tilt shaft 20 alternately and at equal intervals along the extending direction of one tilt shaft 20. For example, the runner hook 55 of the runner 50 rotates clockwise, and the runner hook 65 of the runner 60 starts rotating clockwise with a delay relative to the runner hook 55.

[0065] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver 70, 80 in one direction in the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing the rotation process of each louver 70, 80 in another direction in the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment. The runners 50, 60 are attached to the tilt shaft 20 at intervals such that the ends of adjacent louvers 70, 80 overlap when the louvers 70, 80 are fully closed (0° and 270°). In other words, when the louvers 70, 80 are fully closed, the end of one louver 70, excluding the ends of both ends of the vertical blind 1, overlaps with the end of the other adjacent louver 70, and the end of one louver 80 overlaps with the end of the other adjacent louver 80.

[0066] In the figure, when the louver 70 is closed (0°), that is, when the runner hook 55 is not rotating, one of the engaging portions 57a of the runner hook 55 is engaged with the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56 in the circumferential direction. When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, the tilt shaft 20 rotates, and the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel 53 via the worm 52 of the runner 50, causing the worm wheel 53 to rotate. The rotation of the worm wheel 53 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 54 via the respective spur gears 53b and 54a, causing the auxiliary wheel 54 to rotate, and the louver 70 rotates clockwise together with the runner hook 55.

[0067] As the tilt shaft 20 rotates, the runner hook 55 of the runner 50 begins to rotate, causing one engaging portion 57a ​​of the runner hook 55 to move away from the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56, while the other engaging portion 57a ​​moves closer to the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56. When the runner hook 55 or the louver 70 is rotated 180°, the other engaging portion 57a ​​is engaged with the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56. In this engaged state, the rotation of the runner hook 55 is restricted by the rotation restricting portion formed by the engaging portion 57a ​​of the runner hook 55 and the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56, and the louver 70 also remains stationary.

[0068] Even if the operating rod 30 is further rotated in one direction while the louver 70 is stationary, the rotation from the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 54. However, since the rotation of the runner hook 55 is restricted, the auxiliary wheel 54 rotates relative to the runner hook 55, and only the auxiliary wheel 54 rotates while the runner hook 55 does not. The rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is not transmitted to the runner hook 55 or the louver 70.

[0069] In the figure, when the louvers 80 are closed (0°), that is, when the runner hooks 65 are not rotating, one engaging portion 68a of the runner hooks 65 is engaged with the engaging portion 663c of the runner case 66 in the circumferential direction, and at the same time, the two engaging portions 67a of the spur gear 67 are engaged with the two engaging portions 64a of the auxiliary wheel 64 on one face in the circumferential direction. When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, the tilt shaft 20 rotates, and the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel 63 via the worm 62 of the runner 60, causing the worm wheel 63 to rotate. The rotation of the worm wheel 63 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 64 via the respective spur gears 63b and 67, causing the auxiliary wheel 64 to rotate.

[0070] When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, only the spur gear 67 rotates due to the rotation transmitted via the spur gear 63b of the worm wheel 63. Specifically, the two engaging parts 67a of the spur gear 67 move away from the two engaging parts 64a of the auxiliary wheel 64 and move circumferentially in the space 64s. As a result, the spur gear 67 rotates 90° relative to the auxiliary wheel 64 without transmitting rotation from the worm wheel 63. While the louver 70 rotates from 0° to 90°, the spur gear 67 is free-spinning relative to the auxiliary wheel 64, so the auxiliary wheel 64 and the runner hook 65 do not rotate. In other words, the louver 70 rotates while the louver 80 does not.

[0071] In the first embodiment, when the louver 70 rotates 90°, that is, when the louver 70 is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the louver 80, each engaging portion 67a of the spur gear 67 contacts a different engaging portion 64a than the engaging portion 64a that was in contact with the front of the auxiliary wheel 64. In this state, the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 64 via the spur gear 67, and the runner hook 65 and the louver 80 begin to rotate in the same direction as the louver 70. In other words, the louver 80 begins to rotate with a delay relative to the louver 70 due to the rotational delay portion formed by the space 64s in the auxiliary wheel 64 and the space 67s in the spur gear 67. The difference in rotational angle of the louver 80 relative to the louver 70 is 90°.

[0072] The louver 80 rotates in the same direction as the louver 70, maintaining a position perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to it. Even after the louver 70 is closed (180°) and stops rotating, the louver 80 rotates another 90° to a closed position (270°). In this state, the other engaging portion 68a of the runner hook 65 engages with the engaging portion 663c of the runner case 66. In this engaged state, the rotation of the runner hook 65 is restricted by the rotation restricting portion formed by the engaging portion 68a of the runner hook 65 and the engaging portion 663c of the runner case 66, and the louver 80 also comes to rest.

[0073] Even if the operating rod 30 is further rotated in one direction while the louver 80 is stationary, the rotation from the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 64. However, since the rotation of the runner hook 65 is restricted, the auxiliary wheel 64 rotates relative to the runner hook 65, and only the auxiliary wheel 64 rotates while the runner hook 65 does not. The rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is not transmitted to the runner hook 65 or the louver 80.

[0074] When the operating rod 30 is rotated in the opposite direction, the tilt shaft 20 rotates in the opposite direction to the previous rotation, and the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel 53 via the worm 52 of the runner 50, causing the worm wheel 53 to rotate. Furthermore, the worm wheel 53 rotates the auxiliary wheels 54 via their respective spur gears 53b and 54a, causing the louvers 70 to rotate counterclockwise from 0° to 180° together with the runner hook 55.

[0075] The runner hook 65 is activated when the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel 63 via the worm 62 of the runner 60, and the rotation delay unit causes it to start rotating with a delay relative to the rotation of the louver 70. In the runner 60, the runner hook 65 and the louver 80 rotate after the spur gear 67 has rotated 90°. The louver 80 rotates 180° as the spur gear 67 rotates over a range of 0° to 270°.

[0076] In the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment, when the tilt shaft 20 rotates, the louvers 70 begin to rotate first, and the angle relative to the louvers 80 is adjusted in steps over a range of 0° to 90° of rotation angle of the runner hooks 55. This makes it possible to finely adjust (dimm) the amount of light entering the room from the front through the window.

[0077] Furthermore, louvers 70 and 80 are never parallel except when louver 70 is fully closed. Therefore, light is prevented from directly entering the room through the gap between louvers 70 and 80, and visibility from the outside into the room is obstructed, thus maintaining privacy.

[0078] Furthermore, when the louvers 70 and 80 are fully closed (0° and 270°), for example, only the non-transparent louvers 70 are visible from the indoor side F, meaning that the translucent louvers 80 are not visible from the indoor side F, thereby enhancing the sense of design uniformity of the vertical blind 1.

[0079] Furthermore, when the louvers 70 and 80 are fully closed (0° and 270°), a predetermined space is provided between the louvers 70 and 80 in the indoor-outdoor direction (FB). This creates an air layer between the louvers 70 and 80 when fully closed, providing an insulating effect.

[0080] With the vertical blind 1 described above, in the worm gear 61, which is the transmission mechanism in the runner 60 that supports the louvers 80, the spur gear 67 is configured to rotate freely relative to the auxiliary wheel 64, so that the louvers 70 can be rotated first from the fully closed position to adjust their angle relative to the louvers 80. The opening and closing angle of the louvers 70 relative to the louvers 80 can be adjusted in stages according to the position of the sun and the direction of view from outside to inside. Specifically, when the translucent louvers 80 are closed, the angle of the opaque louvers 70 relative to the louvers 80 can be adjusted according to the position of the sun, etc., so that direct sunlight does not enter the room. In addition, since both louvers 70 and 80 can be fully closed, the aesthetic appearance from the indoor side F and the outdoor side B can be enhanced.

[0081] Furthermore, in the worm gears 51 and 61 of runners 50 and 60, the worm wheels 53 and 63 and auxiliary wheels 54 and 64 are arranged intersecting the tilt shaft 20 and transmit rotation from the tilt shaft 20 to the runner hooks 55 and 65 via spur gears 63b and 67. As a result, each runner 50 and 60 is compactly formed in terms of its width (longitudinal direction LR).

[0082] Furthermore, since the louver 80 has a rotation delay section that allows it to rotate with a delay relative to the louver 70, interference between the louver 70 and the louver 80 during rotation can be prevented. Also, since the rotation delay section is achieved by forming spaces 64s and 67s in the auxiliary wheel 64 and the spur gear 67, no separate member is required for the rotation delay section, and the runner 60 can be made more compact overall.

[0083] Furthermore, in runners 50 and 60, the auxiliary wheels 54 and 64 and the runner hooks 55 and 65 are configured to rotate relative to each other when a torque exceeding a predetermined level is applied. This allows, for example, if one of the multiple louvers 70 and 80 is rotated by hand, causing its rotational position (angle) to become disordered relative to the other louvers, the disordered louver can be aligned to the same angle as the other louvers by further rotating the operating rod 30 from the fully closed position.

[0084] Furthermore, since the runner hooks 55 and 65 are in contact with the inner surfaces of the side walls 561 and 661 of the runner cases 56 and 66, they rotate with rotational resistance. This prevents, for example, the louvers 70 and 80 from rotating unintentionally due to wind. In addition, slits 561b and 661b are formed in the vicinity of the parts of the side walls 561 and 661 that the runner hooks 55 and 65 contact. This allows the side walls 561 and 661 to elastically deform appropriately in response to the rotation of the runner hooks 55 and 65, preventing the rotation of the runner hooks 55 and 65 from being excessively suppressed by the side walls 561 and 661.

[0085] <Second Embodiment> Next, a vertical blind 1A according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following, only the parts that differ from the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same parts may be described using the same reference numerals.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the worm gear 61 has an auxiliary wheel 64 and a spur gear 67 integrally formed. In other words, in the second embodiment, there are no spaces 64s and 67s between the auxiliary wheel 64 and the spur gear 67, and the auxiliary wheel 64 and the spur gear 67 do not rotate relative to each other.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the worm gears 51 and 61 have different gear ratios. If the gear ratio between the spur gear 53b of the worm wheel 53 and the spur gear 54a of the auxiliary wheel 54 in the worm gear 51 is, for example, "1", then the gear ratio between the spur gear 63b of the worm wheel 63 and the spur gear 67 of the auxiliary wheel 64 in the worm gear 61 is "1 / X" (X>1), which is, for example, "1 / 4".

[0088] Next, the opening and closing operation of the vertical blind 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the rotational progress of each louver 70, 80 in one direction in the vertical blind 1A according to the second embodiment. In the vertical blind 1A according to the second embodiment, the louvers 70 and 80 start rotating simultaneously. In the fully closed state of louver 70, for example, the worm wheel 53 and auxiliary wheel 54 are rotated 0° and 180° in the figure, and in the fully closed state of louver 80, for example, the worm wheel 63 or auxiliary wheel 64 and spur gear 67 are rotated 0° and 180° in the figure. However, the rotational speed of louver 80 is slower than that of louver 70, and louver 80 rotates 180° when louver 70 has rotated 720°.

[0089] When the louvers 70 and 80 are fully closed, rotating the operating rod 30 in one direction causes the tilt shaft 20 to rotate. The rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheels 53 and 63 via the worms 52 and 62 of the runners 50 and 60, causing the worm wheels 53 and 63 to rotate. The rotation of the worm wheels 53 and 63 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheels 54 and 64 via their respective spur gears 53b, 54a, 63b, and 67, causing the auxiliary wheels 54 and 64 to rotate, and the louvers 70 and 80 begin to rotate clockwise together with the runner hooks 55 and 65.

[0090] The worm gear 61 that rotates the louver 80 has a gear ratio of "1 / 4" that of the worm gear 51 that rotates the louver 70. Therefore, although the louvers 70 and 80 start rotating simultaneously from a 0° position, their relative angles to each other gradually widen as the operating rod 30 rotates, creating a difference in rotation angle between the runner hooks 55 and 65. In other words, the rotation speed of the louver 80 is slower than that of the louver 70.

[0091] When the louver 70 rotates 180°, at the runner 50, one engaging portion 57a ​​of the runner hook 55 engages with the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56, preventing the louver 70 from rotating further, while the runner hook 55 continues to rotate relative to the auxiliary wheel 54. Meanwhile, the louver 80 continues to rotate further. When the worm wheel 63 or the auxiliary wheel 64 rotates 720°, at the runner 60, the engaging portion 68a of the runner hook 65 engages with the engaging portion 663c of the runner case 66, preventing the louver 80 from rotating further.

[0092] The vertical blind 1A described above can achieve the same effect as the vertical blind 1.

[0093] <Third Embodiment> Next, a vertical blind 1B according to the third embodiment will be described. In the following, only the parts that differ from the vertical blinds 1 and 1A according to the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the same parts may be described using the same reference numerals.

[0094] The vertical blind 1B according to the third embodiment has three types of runners 50B, 60B, and runner (yet another runner) 90B. The runners 50B, 60B, and 90B are attached to the tilt shaft 20 in the order, for example, runner 50B, runner 60B, runner 90B, runner 60B, runner 50B, runner 60B, and runner 90B. The runners 50B, 60B, and 90B support the louvers 70, 80, and 100, respectively. The louvers 100 may be either translucent or opaque.

[0095] Runners 50B, 60B, and 90B each have a worm gear. The worm gear of runner 50B is the same as the worm gear 51 in the first embodiment. The worm gear of runner 60B is the same as the worm gear 61 in the first embodiment.

[0096] In runner 90B, the runner hook 95 supporting the louver 100 is on the same side as runner 60B relative to the tilt shaft 20, and on the opposite side of runner 65 relative to the tilt shaft 20 relative to runner hook 65 in runner 60B. Runner 90B differs from the configuration of the worm gear 61 in the first embodiment in that it has two additional intermediate auxiliary wheels (corresponding to auxiliary wheels 54) between the worm wheel 63 and the auxiliary wheel 64. With this configuration, the runner hook 95 in runner 90B rotates in the same direction as the other runner hooks 55, 65.

[0097] In the worm gear of Runner 90B, the spur gear mounted coaxially with the auxiliary wheel has one engagement portion, and the auxiliary wheel has one engagement portion. In the space (rotation delay portion) provided between the two faces of the engagement portion of the auxiliary wheel that face each other in the circumferential direction, the spur gear rotates 180° as the engagement portion of the spur gear moves from one face to the other.

[0098] Next, the opening and closing operation of the vertical blind 1B according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 11A is a schematic diagram showing the rotational progress (0° to 120°) of each louver 70, 80, 100 in one direction in the vertical blind 1B according to the third embodiment. Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing the rotational progress (135° to 225°) of each louver 70, 80, 100 in one direction in the vertical blind 1B according to the third embodiment. Figure 11C is a schematic diagram showing the rotational progress (270° to 360°) of each louver 70, 80, 100 in one direction in the vertical blind 1B according to the third embodiment. Runners 50B, 60B, and 90B are attached to the tilt shaft 20 such that when louvers 70, 80, and 100 are fully closed (0° and 360°), the end of louver 80 overlaps with the end of the adjacent louver 80, while the ends of louvers 70 and 100 are attached to the tilt shaft 20 such that they do not overlap with the ends of the adjacent louvers 70 and 100.

[0099] In the figure, when the louver 70 is closed (0°), that is, when the runner hook 55 is not rotating, one of the engaging portions 57a of the runner hook 55 is engaged with the engaging portion 563c of the runner case 56 in the circumferential direction. When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, the tilt shaft 20 rotates, and the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel 53 via the worm 52 of the runner 50B, causing the worm wheel 53 to rotate. The rotation of the worm wheel 53 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 54 via the respective spur gears 53b and 54a, causing the auxiliary wheel 54 to rotate, and the louver 70 rotates clockwise together with the runner hook 55.

[0100] In the figure, when the louvers 80 are closed (0°), that is, when the runner hooks 65 are not rotating, one engaging portion 68a of the runner hooks 65 is engaged with the engaging portion 663c of the runner case 66 in the circumferential direction, and at the same time, the two engaging portions 67a of the spur gear 67 are engaged with the two engaging portions 64a of the auxiliary wheel 64 on one face in the circumferential direction. When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, the tilt shaft 20 rotates, and the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel 63 via the worm 62 of the runner 60B, causing the worm wheel 63 to rotate. Furthermore, the worm wheel 63 rotates the auxiliary wheels 64 via the respective spur gears 63b and 67.

[0101] When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, only the spur gear 67 rotates due to the rotation transmitted via the spur gear 63b of the worm wheel 63. Specifically, each engaging portion 67a of the spur gear 67 moves away from the two engaging portions 64a of the auxiliary wheel 64 and moves circumferentially in the space 64s. As a result, the spur gear 67 rotates 90° relative to the auxiliary wheel 64 without transmitting rotation from the worm wheel 63. While the louver 70 rotates from 0° to 90°, the spur gear 67 is free-spinning relative to the auxiliary wheel 64, so the auxiliary wheel 64 and the runner hook 65 do not rotate. In other words, the louver 70 rotates while the runner hook 65 and the louver 80 do not rotate.

[0102] In the third embodiment, when the louver 70 rotates 90°, that is, when the louver 70 is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the louver 80, each engaging portion 67a of the spur gear 67 contacts a different engaging portion 64a than the engaging portion 64a that was in contact with the front of the auxiliary wheel 64. In this state, the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel 64 via the spur gear 67, and the runner hook 65 and the louver 80 begin to rotate in the same direction as the louver 70. In other words, the louver 80 begins to rotate with a delay relative to the louver 70 due to the rotational delay portion formed by the space 64s in the auxiliary wheel 64 and the space 67s in the spur gear 67. The difference in rotational angle of the louver 80 relative to the louver 70 is 90°.

[0103] Louver 80 rotates in the same direction as louver 70, maintaining a position perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to it. Even after louver 70 is closed (180°~) and stops rotating, louver 80 rotates another 90° to reach the closed position (270°).

[0104] In the diagram, when the louvers 100 are closed (0°), i.e., when the runner hooks 95 are not rotating, the engaging portion of the runner hook is engaged with the engaging portion of the runner case on one surface in the circumferential direction, and at the same time, the engaging portion of the spur gear is engaged with the engaging portion of the auxiliary wheel 64 on one surface in the circumferential direction. When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, the tilt shaft 20 rotates, and the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the worm wheel and the two intermediate auxiliary wheels via the worm of the runner 90B, causing them to rotate. Finally, the rotation from the intermediate auxiliary wheels causes the auxiliary wheels to rotate via their respective spur gears.

[0105] When the operating rod 30 is rotated in one direction, only the spur gear rotates due to the rotation transmitted via the spur gear of the worm wheel. Specifically, the engaging portion of the spur gear moves circumferentially through space away from one face of the engaging portion on the auxiliary wheel. As a result, the spur gear rotates 180° relative to the auxiliary wheel without transmitting rotation from the worm wheel. While the runner hook 55 rotates from 0° to 180°, the spur gear on the runner 90B spins freely relative to the auxiliary wheel, so the auxiliary wheel does not rotate, and the runner hook 95 and louvers 100 do not rotate while the louvers 80 rotate.

[0106] In the third embodiment, when the runner hook 55 rotates 180° and the runner hook 65 rotates 90°, that is, when the louver 80 is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the louver 100, the engaging portion of the spur gear contacts the engaging portion on a different surface than the one surface that was in contact with the front of the auxiliary wheel. In this state, the rotation of the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted to the auxiliary wheel via the spur gear, and the runner hook 95 and the louver 100 begin to rotate in the same direction as the louver 80. In other words, the louver 100 begins to rotate with a delay compared to the louvers 70 and 80 due to the rotational delay portion formed by the space in the auxiliary wheel and the space in the spur gear. The rotational angle difference of the louver 100 relative to the louver 70 is 180°, and the rotational angle difference of the louver 100 relative to the louver 80 is 90°.

[0107] The louver 100 rotates in the same direction while maintaining a position perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the louver 80. Even when the louver 80 is closed (270° or more) and comes to a stop, the louver 100 continues to rotate until the runner hook has rotated 360°.

[0108] The vertical blind 1B described above can achieve the same effects as the vertical blind 1. Furthermore, when the louvers 70, 80, and 100 rotate, the louvers 80 and 100 can be seen through the gap in the louver 70, creating a three-dimensional design with depth. Moreover, for example, when the three louvers 70 are closed, the louver 80 is open, and the louver 100 is closed (180°), the vertical blind 1 creates unevenness both inside and outside the room, resulting in a three-dimensional appearance overall.

[0109] 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. For example, in the first embodiment, the worm gears 51 and 61 were provided on different runners 50 and 60, but they may be provided on the same runner. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a modified runner 50C that houses two worm gears 51 and 61. In the following, only the parts that differ from the vertical blind 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same parts may be described using the same reference numerals.

[0110] The modified runner 50C includes a worm gear 51, a runner hook (rotating shaft portion) 55, a worm gear 61, a runner hook (rotating shaft portion) 65, and a runner case 56. The two worm gears 51 and 61 have a common worm 52. That is, rotation from the tilt shaft 20 is transmitted via the common worm 52 to the worm wheels 53 and 63 located on different sides. The rotation transmitted to the worm wheels 53 and 63 is then transmitted to the auxiliary wheels 54 and 64 via spur gears 53b and 63b. The auxiliary wheel 64 begins to rotate with a delay relative to the auxiliary wheel 54 by the amount by which the spur gear 67 rotates freely relative to the auxiliary wheel 64. Note that the worm gears 51 and 61 may be the worm gears in the second embodiment.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the runners 50 and 60 were supported by translucent louvers 70 and non-translucent louvers 80, but 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.

[0112] Furthermore, although the worm gears 51 and 61 in the first and second embodiments had spur gears 53b, 54a, 63b, and 67, other types of gears such as bevel gears and crown gears may also be used. Alternatively, for example, a rack and pinion may be provided between the worm wheels 53 and 63 and the auxiliary wheels 54 and 64, and the distance to the auxiliary wheels 54 and 64 may be adjusted to transmit rotation.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the louvers 70, 80, and 100 were supported by the runner hooks 55, 65, and 95 at their central positions, but they may also be supported by the runner hooks 55, 65, and 95 at offset positions. This makes it possible to reduce the distance between the runner hooks 55, 65, and 95 in the indoor-outdoor direction (FB) compared to the case where the louvers 70, 80, and 100 are supported by the runner hooks 55, 65, and 95 at their central positions, and thus reduce the size of the headrail 10 in the indoor-outdoor direction (FB). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Vertical blinds 10. Headrail 20...Tilt shaft 30...operation rod 40... Operation Code 50... Runner (the other runner), 51... Worm gear (the other drive mechanism), 52... Worm, 53... Worm wheel, 54... Auxiliary wheel, 55... Runner hook, 56... Runner case 60... Runner (one runner), 61... Worm gear (one transmission mechanism), 62... Worm, 63... Worm wheel, 64... Auxiliary wheel, 65... Runner hook, 66... ​​Runner case, 67... Spur gear 70, 80, 100... Louvers 90B... Runner (and yet another runner)

Claims

1. A tilt shaft supported within the headrail so as to be rotatable around an axis, Supported by the tilt shaft, a plurality of runners having rotating shaft portions at different positions in the short direction of the head rail, The louvers suspended from each rotating shaft, At least two types of transmission mechanisms that transmit the rotation of the tilt shaft to the rotating shaft portion of each runner, Equipped with, The two types of transmission mechanisms each include a worm fitted onto the tilt shaft, a worm wheel that engages with the worm, and an auxiliary wheel that engages with the worm wheel and is mounted coaxially on the rotating shaft. The worm wheel and the auxiliary wheel are arranged intersecting the tilt shaft, each having an intermediate gear, and are engaged with each other via the intermediate gear. The two types of transmission mechanisms have different gear ratios. A vertical blind characterized by the following features.

2. A tilt shaft supported within the head rail so as to be rotatable about an axis, Supported by the tilt shaft, a plurality of runners having rotating shaft portions at different positions in the short direction of the head rail, The louvers suspended from each rotating shaft, At least two types of transmission mechanisms that transmit the rotation of the tilt shaft to the rotating shaft portion of each runner, Equipped with, The two types of transmission mechanisms each include a worm fitted onto the tilt shaft, a worm wheel that engages with the worm, and an auxiliary wheel that engages with the worm wheel and is mounted coaxially on the rotating shaft. The worm wheel and the auxiliary wheel are arranged intersecting the tilt shaft, each having an intermediate gear, and are engaged with each other via the intermediate gear. A rotational delay section is provided between the auxiliary wheel and the intermediate gear of one of the transmission mechanisms, so that when opening the louvers from the fully closed state, the rotational shaft of one runner rotates later than the rotation of the rotational shaft of the other runner. A vertical blind characterized by the following features.

3. The aforementioned plurality of runners include at least two types of runners, The aforementioned one transmission mechanism is provided on the aforementioned one runner, The other transmission mechanism is provided on the other runner, A vertical blind according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The vertical blind according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two types of transmission mechanisms are provided on the same runner.

5. In the aforementioned transmission mechanism, the auxiliary wheel has an engaging portion that engages with the intermediate gear, and the intermediate gear has an engaging portion that engages with the auxiliary wheel. The vertical blind according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation delay portion is formed by providing a space between the engaging portion of the auxiliary wheel and the engaging portion of the intermediate gear that allows relative movement between the auxiliary wheel and the intermediate gear in the rotational direction.

6. The vertical blind according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotation angle difference is 90°.

7. Between the rotating shaft portion and the case of the runner that rotatably supports the rotating shaft portion, there is a rotation restricting portion that engages with each other to restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft portion. When the rotation of the rotating shaft is restricted by the rotation restricting unit, the auxiliary wheel of the one transmission mechanism rotates relative to the rotating shaft. A vertical blind according to feature 1 or 2.

8. The vertical blind according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotating shaft portion is in contact with the case of the runner that rotatably supports the rotating shaft portion in such a manner that rotational resistance is generated.

9. The vertical blind according to claim 8, characterized in that the case has a notch near the point of contact with the rotating shaft portion.

10. The vertical blind according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the louvers include louvers supported at a position offset with respect to the rotation axis.

11. Supported by the aforementioned tilt shaft, another runner having a rotating shaft portion at a different position from the two types of runners in the short direction of the head rail, A further transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the tilt shaft to the rotating shaft portion of yet another runner, Equipped with, The aforementioned yet another transmission mechanism rotates the rotating shaft portion of the yet another runner with a difference in rotational angle relative to the rotating shaft portion of the two types of runners. The vertical blind according to feature 3.

Images