Shade apparatus for vehicles

Abstract

This shade apparatus for vehicles includes: a pair of shoes each provided at a corresponding lateral end of a shade; a pair of guide members that extend in a longitudinal direction and each have a guide chamber that is opened on one side in the width direction; a string that is inserted into the guide chambers of the guide members and that is connected to the tip of the shade; and a drive device that pulls the string so as to separate the tip of the shade from a winding member. The lateral end of the shade is folded back toward the opening side of the guide chamber. Each of the shoes includes an insertion part that is inserted into the folded lateral end of the shade. The folded-back lateral end of the shade and the insertion part of the shoe are inserted into the guide chambers of the guide members and are slidably supported by the guide members. With this configuration, it is possible to downsize the shade apparatus for vehicles in the height direction.

Description

Shade device for vehicle

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shade device for a vehicle that is provided on a roof of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, a shade device including a pair of rails, a shade storage section disposed between one end of the pair of rails, and a shade capable of blocking light has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this shade device, a fixed bar (shade bar) is fixed to the tip of the shade, and one drive block is connected to each end of the fixed bar. Each drive block is slidably fitted into the corresponding rail, and the shade can be pulled out of the shade storage section and deployed by moving each drive block along the rail via, for example, a geared cable. Each rail also has a folding guide section that folds and passes the side edge of the shade pulled out of the shade storage section and deployed, and a guide rail section. The side edge of the shade pulled out of the shade storage section is folded by the folding guide section before entering the guide rail section and being slidably supported by the rail.

[0003] Furthermore, a sunshade drive device has been known in the prior art, including a shade shaft, a sunshade, first and second cable drums disposed at both ends of the shade shaft, a drive cable, and a driven cable (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this drive device, one end of the drive cable is connected to a cable guide groove of the first cable drum so as to be able to be wound and unwound, and the other end is connected to a terminal bar (shade bar) of the sunshade, and an intermediate portion is connected to the drive drum. Furthermore, one end of the driven cable is connected to a cable guide groove of the second cable drum so as to be able to be wound and unwound, and the other end is connected to the terminal bar. Furthermore, both ends of the terminal bar are inserted into guide rails integrally formed on both left and right frame portions of the peripheral frame of the roof panel, and are guided by the guide rails so as to be freely movable in the front-rear direction.

[0004] JP 2012-158324 A JP 2010-274693 A

[0005] However, in the rail of the shade device described in Patent Document 1, the guide space into which the drive block fits is provided above the guide rail portion that supports the side edge of the shade, independently of the guide rail portion. Therefore, in the conventional shade device, it is difficult to reduce the height dimension of the rail, resulting in poor mountability. Furthermore, even in the case where the terminal bar is guided by the guide rail, as in the drive device described in Patent Document 2, the height dimension of the guide rail increases, resulting in poor mountability of the drive device.

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present disclosure is to provide a shade device for a vehicle that can be made compact in the height direction.

[0007] The vehicle shade device disclosed herein is a vehicle shade device that is mounted on the roof of a vehicle and winds up a shade onto a winding member and pulls it out from the winding member, and includes a pair of shoes each mounted on a corresponding side end of the shade, a pair of guide members each having a guide chamber extending longitudinally and opening on one side in the width direction, a string that is inserted into the guide chamber of the guide member and connected to the tip of the shade, and a drive device that pulls the string to move the tip of the shade away from the winding member, wherein the side end of the shade is folded back toward the opening side of the guide chamber, and the shoe includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the folded back side end of the shade, and the folded back side end of the shade and the insertion portion of the shoe are inserted into the guide chamber of the guide member and are supported by the guide member in a slidable manner.

[0008] The vehicle shade device of the present disclosure includes a pair of shoes provided at corresponding side ends of a shade, a pair of guide members each having a guide chamber extending longitudinally and opening at one widthwise side, a string inserted into the guide chamber of the guide member and connected to a tip end of the shade, and a drive device that pulls the string to separate the tip end of the shade from a winding member. The side ends of the shade are folded back toward the opening of the guide chamber, and the shoe includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the folded side end of the shade. The folded side end of the shade and the insertion portion of the shoe are inserted into the guide chamber of the guide member and slidably supported by the guide member. By inserting the insertion portion of the shoe into the folded side end of the shade and inserting both into a single guide chamber, the height dimension of the guide member that slidably supports the shade and shoe can be reduced while effectively preventing the shade and shoe from slipping out of the guide chamber. As a result, the vehicle shade device can be made compact in the height direction, and the mountability of the vehicle shade device can be improved.

[0009] 13. A perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. An exploded perspective view showing a vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. An enlarged cross-sectional view showing a vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing a vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing a vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing yet another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A schematic configuration diagram showing another vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A plan view showing another shoe and another guide member applicable to the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. A cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle V including a vehicle shade device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "shade device") according to the present disclosure. The vehicle V includes a sunroof device SR provided between a front roof panel Rf and a rear roof panel Rr fixed to a vehicle body F. The shade device 1 is attached to the vehicle body F so as to be located below a transparent movable panel Pm and a transparent fixed panel Pf of the sunroof device SR. However, the shade device 1 may also be attached to the vehicle body F so as to be located below a fixed transparent roof (glass roof) provided between the front roof panel Rf and the rear roof panel Rr.

[0012] 2, the shade device 1 includes a shade 2, a winding member 3, a shade bar 4, a pair (two) shoes 5, a pair (two) guide members 6, and a drive device 10 for opening and closing the shade 2. The shade 2 is, for example, a rectangular light-blocking sheet made of cloth, and has an area large enough to completely cover the light-transmitting portions of the movable panel Pm and the fixed panel Pf of the sunroof device SR. The shade 2 may also have heat-blocking properties.

[0013] The winding member 3 is a cylindrical or columnar body with a relatively small outer diameter (for example, around 10 mm). The base end of the shade 2 is fixed (locked) to the outer peripheral surface of the winding member 3. Furthermore, two spools (winding members) 30, each having a substantially truncated cone shape, are coaxially fixed to each end of the winding member 3 in the axial direction. The pair of spools 30 can rotate simultaneously and integrally with the winding member 3. By rotating the winding member 3 and the pair of spools 30 around the axis in a predetermined winding direction, the shade 2 can be wound onto the winding member 3 and opened.

[0014] The shade bar 4 is formed, for example, by extruding an aluminum alloy or the like, and has, for example, a substantially C-shaped cross section. The shade bar 4 is fixed to the tip end of the shade 2 (the end opposite the base end fixed to the winding member 3). In this embodiment, a cylindrical portion is formed at the tip end of the shade 2, into which a rod material is inserted. The cylindrical portion and the rod material are fitted into a shade holding groove formed in the shade bar 4, thereby fixing the shade bar 4 to the tip end of the shade 2. In this embodiment, each shoe 5 is formed, for example, from a resin containing potassium titanate fiber, and is fitted (fixed) to the corresponding longitudinal end of the shade bar 4.

[0015] Each guide member 6 is formed by extruding, for example, an aluminum alloy, and has a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. Each guide member 6 slidably supports the corresponding shoe 5 and the corresponding side end portion 20 (see FIG. 3 ) of the shade 2. The pair of guide members 6 are fixed to the housing 7 and the support member 8 via bolts or the like so as to extend parallel to each other with a gap corresponding to the width of the shade 2. Note that each guide member 6 may be curved in the height direction (up-down direction) of the vehicle V so as to extend along the roof of the vehicle V, i.e., the front roof panel Rf, the movable panel Pm, the fixed panel Pf, and the rear roof panel Rr.

[0016] The housing 7 accommodates the drive unit 10. A pair of brackets (not shown) are fixed to the support member 8, which rotatably support the shafts of the corresponding spools 30 via bearings (not shown). The housing 7 and the support member 8 are fixed to the vehicle body F below the sunroof device SR so that the winding member 3 extends in the width direction of the vehicle V and the pair of guide members 6 extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the housing 7 is located on the front side of the vehicle V, and the support member 8 is located on the rear side of the vehicle V.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the shade 2, shade bar 4, shoe 5, and guide member 6. As shown in the figure, solidified portions 21 are formed on both side end portions 20 of the shade 2 in the width direction (extension direction of the winding member 3 and shade bar 4). The solidified portions 21 are formed by applying resin to the entire edge of the side end portions 20 or by attaching a sheet material such as resin, and have greater strength than the remaining side end portions 20 (shade 2). The solidified portions 21 are folded back to cover the remaining side end portions 20 from above and are sewn to the remaining side end portions 20 at at least one location in the longitudinal direction. The base portion 4b on the side opposite the opening side of the shade bar 4 abuts against the upper surface of the shade 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3 , each shoe 5 includes a fitting portion 50 that fits into the corresponding axial end of the shade bar 4, and a supported portion 51 that is slidably supported by the corresponding guide member 6. The supported portion 51 also includes an insertion portion (pilot portion) 52 that protrudes on the side opposite the fitting portion 50. The insertion portion 52 is a thin, plate-like protrusion that is narrower than the supported portion 51. When the fitting portion 50 is fitted into the end of the shade bar 4, the supported portion 51 of each shoe 5 protrudes outward from the shade bar 4, and the supported portion 51 and the insertion portion 52 abut against the upper surface of the side end 20 of the shade 2. Furthermore, the insertion portion 52 is inserted into the side end 20 of the folded shade 2, i.e., below the solidified portion 21.

[0019] Each guide member 6 has a guide chamber 60 that extends in the longitudinal direction (the direction penetrating the plane of the paper in FIG. 3 ) and is open on one side in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 3 ). The pair of guide members 6 are fixed to the housing 7 and the support member 8 so that the openings 60o of the guide chambers 60 face each other. Furthermore, each guide member 6 includes a first protrusion 61, a second protrusion 62, and a third protrusion 63 that extend in the longitudinal direction. The first protrusion 61 protrudes from the inner surface of the upper side of the guide member 6 that defines the guide chamber 60 and faces the inner surface of the lower side of the guide member 6 at a distance.

[0020] As a result, the guide chamber 60 is divided by the first protrusion 61 into a first chamber 60a on the opening 60o side (left side in FIG. 3 ) and a second chamber 60b on the closed end side (right side in FIG. 3 ). The second protrusion 62 protrudes from the lower inner surface of the guide member 6 defining the guide chamber 60, closer to the closed end than the first protrusion 61, and faces the upper inner surface of the guide member 6 at a distance. The third protrusion 63 protrudes downward from the upper inner surface of the guide member 6 at the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60 and faces the lower inner surface of the guide member 6 at a distance. As shown in FIG. 3 , the second chamber 60b is formed so that its height gradually decreases as it moves away from the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60 in the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3 ). That is, the upper inner surface of the guide member 6 defining the second chamber 60b is formed so that it slopes downward from the opening 60o side (first chamber 60a side) toward the closed end (right side in FIG. 3 ).

[0021] 3, the supported portion 51 (or a part thereof) and the insertion portion 52 of each shoe 5 are inserted into the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide member 6 together with the side end portion 20 of the shade 2. More specifically, the insertion portion 52 and the side end portion 20 of the shade 2 are inserted into the second chamber 60b of the guide chamber 60 so that the insertion portion 52 is supported from above by the first protrusion 61, and the tip of the side end portion 20, i.e., the solidified portion 21, abuts against the first protrusion 61 or the inclined inner surface of the guide chamber 60. Furthermore, the side end portion 20 of the shade 2 is supported from below by the second protrusion 62 within the second chamber 60b.

[0022] Furthermore, (a part of) the supported portion 51, together with the side end portion 20 of the shade 2, is disposed within the first chamber 60a of the guide chamber 60 and is supported from above by the third protrusion 63. As a result, the supported portion 51 and insertion portion 52 of each shoe 5 and the side end portion 20 of the shade 2 are slidably supported by the corresponding guide member 6. Furthermore, the abutment of the step formed on the supported portion 51 with the third protrusion 63 restricts movement of the shoe 5 in the direction from the shade bar 4 toward the guide member 6.

[0023] The drive device 10 of the shade device 1 rotates the winding member 3 around its axis via a single first string S1, and moves the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, away from the winding member 3 via a single second string S2. As shown in FIG. 1 , the drive device 10 includes a single drum member 15, a single motor M, and a power transmission mechanism 16.

[0024] The first string S1 is a wire (made of metal) having an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.5-1.0 mm. However, the first string S1 may also be a thread made of chemical fiber or the like. Both ends of the first string S1 are fixed (locked) to the corresponding spools 30, and the first string S1 is wound around each spool 30 in the opposite direction to the winding direction described above. Note that the outer circumferential surface of each spool 30 may be formed with a spiral groove or a spirally extending step so that the first string S1 can be wound evenly around the spool 30 without tangling.

[0025] The center portion of the first string S1 is held by the drum member 15. The drum member 15 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and is rotatable, for example, around an axis A (see FIG. 4 ) extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the center portion of the first string S1 is inserted into the drum member 15 so as not to pass through the axis A and is fixed to the drum member 15. Furthermore, one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 protrude outward from different positions on the outer peripheral surface of the drum member 15 so as to be wound onto the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates around the axis A in a predetermined first direction.

[0026] The second string S2 is also a wire (made of metal) having an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.5-1.0 mm. However, the second string S2 may also be a thread formed of synthetic fiber or the like. In this embodiment, the second string S2 is formed in a ring (loop). The second string S2 is slidably inserted from the drive unit 10 side into the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of one of the guide members 6 and the string passage 55 (see FIG. 3) formed in one of the pair of shoes 5, and further inserted into the space defined above the base portion 4b of the shade bar 4. The second string S2 inserted into the shade bar 4 is then slidably inserted into the string passage 55 formed in the other of the pair of shoes 5 and the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of the other guide member 6, and drawn out toward the drive unit 10. As a result, the single (annular) second string S2 is supported by the shade bar 4 and a pair of shoes 5 so as to be able to slide freely in the width direction of the shade 2, and is connected to the tip of the shade 2 via the shade bar 4, etc.

[0027] A portion of the second string S2 is inserted into the drum member 15, for example, lower or higher than the first string S1, so as not to pass through the axis A, and is fixed to the drum member 15. Furthermore, the portion of the second string S2 extending from the drum member 15 toward one shoe 5 (one end of the shade bar 4) and the portion of the second string S2 extending from the drum member 15 toward the other shoe 5 (the other end of the shade bar 4) protrude outward from different positions on the outer circumferential surface of the drum member 15 so as to be wound onto the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates around the axis A in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Note that the outer circumferential surface of the drum member 15 may be formed with a spiral groove or a spirally extending step so that the first and second strings S1, S2 are wound onto the drum member 15 evenly without tangling.

[0028] The motor M rotates the drum member 15 in forward and reverse directions around the axis A via a power transmission mechanism 16. In this embodiment, the motor M is, for example, a brushed DC motor and is controlled by a control device 100 (see FIG. 1 ). The control device 100 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input / output interface, etc., and controls the motor M in response to a user's operation of a shade open / close switch (not shown). The power transmission mechanism 16 also includes, for example, a reducer and a gear mechanism. However, the power transmission mechanism 16 may be omitted, and the motor M may be directly connected to the drum member 15. The shade device 1 further includes a plurality of pulleys P (see FIG. 1 ) rotatably supported by the housing 7 or the like to regulate the paths of the corresponding first and second strings S1 and S2.

[0029] Next, the operation of the above-described shade device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] When the shade 2 is pulled out from the winding member 3 and at least partially closed, and the user issues a command to open the shade 2 (fully open or half open) via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10 to rotate the drum member 15 in the first direction (clockwise in FIG. 4) around the axis A, as shown in FIG. 4. When the drum member 15 rotates in the first direction, both the one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 are wound onto the drum member 15, and the second string S2 is unwound from the drum member 15 toward both the one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5, as shown in FIG.

[0031] As a result, the first string S1 is pulled toward the drum member 15, causing each spool 30 and the winding member 3 to rotate around its axis in the direction of winding the shade 2. Furthermore, as the second string S2 is unwound, the shade bar 4 is allowed to move toward the winding member 3. As a result, it is possible to open the shade 2 by moving the shade bar 4 toward the winding member 3 while pulling the first string S1 to wind the shade 2 onto the winding member 3.

[0032] On the other hand, when the shade 2 is wound up by the winding member 3 and at least partially open, and the user issues a command to close the shade 2 (fully or partially closed) via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10 to rotate the drum member 15 in the second direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 5) around the axis A, as shown in Fig. 5. When the drum member 15 rotates in the second direction, the first string S1 is unwound from the drum member 15 toward each spool 30, and both the portion of the second string S2 located between the drum member 15 and one of the shoes 5 and the portion of the second string S2 located between the drum member 15 and the other shoe 5 are wound onto the drum member 15.

[0033] As a result, the second string S2 is pulled toward the drum member 15, and the shade bar 4 moves away from the winding member 3. Then, as the shade bar 4 moves, the shade 2 is pulled out from the winding member 3, and the winding member 3 and each spool 30 rotate about their axis in the direction in which the shade 2 is unwound. As a result, the second string S2 can be pulled to close the shade 2, and both the one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 can be wound onto the corresponding spools 30 that rotate integrally with the winding member 3 as the shade 2 is pulled out.

[0034] As described above, the shade device 1 includes two spools 30 as winding members that are coaxial with and integrally rotatable with the winding member 3 that winds up the shade 2. One end or the other end of a single first string S1, such as a thin wire or thread, is fixed to each spool 30, and the first string S1 is wound around each spool 30. In the shade device 1, the drive device 10 pulls the first string S1 to rotate each spool 30 and the winding member 3 in the winding direction of the shade 2, thereby winding up the shade 2 onto the winding member 3 and opening it.

[0035] This eliminates the need for a biasing mechanism (retractor) that biases the shade 2 in the winding direction from the winding member 3, allowing the diameter of the winding member 3 to be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the shade 2 is opened by pulling the first string S1, the movable range of the shade 2 is not limited by the constraints of the biasing mechanism (stress relaxation of a spring, etc.). As a result, the shade device 1 can be made more compact in the height direction, improving the mountability of the shade device 1 and easily expanding the movable range of the shade 2. Furthermore, omitting the biasing mechanism allows for a reduction in the overall weight and cost of the shade device 1. Furthermore, the structure for regulating the path of the first string S1 can be simplified compared to a geared cable, etc., thereby allowing for a more compact device overall. Furthermore, the loss associated with driving the first string S1 is also reduced compared to a geared cable, etc., making it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the drive unit 10.

[0036] The shade device 1 also includes a second string S2 connected to the tip of the shade 2 via the shade bar 4, and the drive device 10 pulls the second string S2 to separate the tip of the shade 2 from the winding member 3. As a result, by pulling the second string S2 with the drive device 10, the shade 2 can be pulled out from the winding member 3 and closed. Furthermore, the structure for regulating the path of the second string S2 can be simplified compared to a geared cable, etc., thereby making the entire device more compact. Furthermore, since losses associated with driving the second string S2 are reduced compared to a geared cable, etc., it is possible to prevent the drive device 10 from becoming larger.

[0037] Furthermore, the shade device 1 includes, as winding members, two spools 30 each coaxially fixed to a corresponding axial end of the winding member 3. Both ends of a first string S1 are fixed to the corresponding spools 30, and the first string S1 is wound around each spool 30. Furthermore, a shade bar 4 is fixed to the tip of the shade 2, and a second string S2 is connected to the shade 2 via the shade bar 4. This makes it possible to pull the first string S1 with the drive device 10 to stably rotate the winding member 3 in the winding direction of the shade 2, and to pull the second string S2 with the drive device 10 to separate the shade bar 4 from the winding member 3, thereby closing the shade 2.

[0038] However, in the shade device 1, the single first string S1 may be divided into two. That is, one end of each of the two first strings S1 may be fixed to and wound around the corresponding spools 30, and the other ends of the two first strings S1 may be fixed to the drum member 15 so that both of the two first strings S1 are wound onto the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates in the first direction. Furthermore, the second string S2 does not necessarily have to be formed in a ring shape, and both ends of the single second string S2 may be fixed to the drum member 15. Furthermore, one end of each of the two second strings S2 may be fixed to the corresponding shoe 5 (end of the shade bar 4), and the other ends of the two second strings S2 may be fixed to the drum member 15 so that both of the two second strings S2 are wound onto the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates in the second direction.

[0039] The drive device 10 of the shade device 1 includes a single drum member 15 that is rotatable about an axis A, and a single motor M that rotates the drum member 15 in forward and reverse directions about the axis A. The first string S1 is wound around the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates in a predetermined first direction. The second string S2 is wound around the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0040] With this drive device 10, by rotating the single drum member 15 in a first direction with a single motor M, it is possible to open the shade 2 by winding it onto the winding member 3 while allowing the shade bar 4 to move toward the winding member 3. Furthermore, by rotating the single drum member 15 in a second direction opposite to the first direction with a single motor M, it is possible to move the shade bar 4 away from the winding member 3 to close the shade 2 and wind the first string S1 onto each spool 30 that rotates as the shade 2 is pulled out. In addition, by using only one drum member 15 and one motor M, it is possible to reduce the number of parts in the drive device 10, thereby reducing costs, and it is also possible to reduce the size and weight of the drive device 10 and, in turn, the shade device 1.

[0041] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, each of the pair of guide members 6 has a guide chamber 60 that extends in the longitudinal direction and is open on one side in the width direction. The supported portions 51 of the pair of shoes 5 abut against the upper surfaces of the corresponding side end portions 20 of the shade 2, and the insertion portions 52 of the pair of shoes 5 are inserted below the folded-back side end portions 20, i.e., the solidified portions 21, of the shade 2. Furthermore, the second string S2 is inserted into the guide chamber 60 of each guide member 6, more specifically, the first chamber 60a. The folded-back side end portions 20 (solidified portions 21) of the shade 2 and the insertion portions 52 of the shoes 5 are inserted into the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide member 6, more specifically, the second chamber 60b, and are slidably supported by the guide member 6. In this way, by abutting the supported portions 51 of the shoes 5 against the upper surfaces of the side ends 20 of the shade 2 and inserting the side ends 20 into the single guide chamber 60, it is possible to effectively prevent the shade 2 and the shoes 5 from coming out of the guide chamber 60, while reducing the height dimension of the guide member 6 that slidably supports the shade 2 and the shoes 5. As a result, it is possible to make the shade device 1 more compact in the height direction and improve the mountability of the shade device 1. Note that in the shade device 1, the supported portions 51 of the pair of shoes 5 may be fitted (fixed) to corresponding longitudinal ends of the shade bar 4 so as to abut against the lower surfaces of the corresponding side ends 20 of the shade 2.

[0042] Each guide member 6 also includes a first protrusion 61 that extends in the longitudinal direction and protrudes from the inner surface of the upper side of the guide member 6 to face the inner surface of the lower side of the guide member 6 at a distance. The first protrusion 61 further divides the guide chamber 60 into a first chamber 60a on the opening 60o side and a second chamber 60b on the closed end side. The tip of the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5 and the side end portion 20 of the shade 2 are inserted into the second chamber 60b so that the tip of the side end portion 20, i.e., the tip of the solidified portion 21, faces the opening 60o side, i.e., the first protrusion 61 side. This reduces the height dimension of the guide member 6 while retaining the folded-back side end portion 20 of the shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5 within the second chamber 60b, the entrance of which is narrowed by the first protrusion 61, effectively preventing the shade 2 and the shoe 5 from falling off (disappearing) in the width direction from each guide member 6.

[0043] Furthermore, the first protrusion 61 of each guide member 6 can abut against the tip, i.e., the solidified portion 21, of the folded-back side end 20 of the shade 2, and can support the corresponding insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5 from above. As a result, the first protrusion 61 also functions as a retaining portion that restricts movement of at least one of the folded-back side end 20 of the shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5 toward the opening 60o. As a result, when the drive device 10 moves the shade bar 4 (the tip of the shade 2) toward or away from the winding member 3 to open or close the shade 2, it is possible to effectively prevent each side end 20 of the shade 2 and each shoe 5 from falling off from the corresponding guide chamber 60 of the guide member 6.

[0044] Furthermore, the guide chamber 60, i.e., the second chamber 60b, of each guide member 6 is formed so that its height gradually decreases as it becomes farther away from the opening 60o in the width direction of the shade 2. This makes it possible to reduce the height dimension of each guide member 6 while properly retaining the side end portion 20 (solidified portion 21) of the folded shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of each shoe 5 within the second chamber 60b of the guide chamber 60. However, in each guide member 6, not only the second chamber 60b but also the first chamber 60a may be formed so that its height gradually decreases as it becomes farther away from the opening 60o in the width direction of the shade 2.

[0045] However, the insertion portion 52 does not necessarily need to be supported by the first protrusion 61, and may be spaced apart from the first protrusion 61. Furthermore, the tip of the solidification portion 21 does not necessarily need to abut against the first protrusion 61 or the inner surface defining the second chamber 60b. In this case, the guide chamber 60 may be a single space not divided into the first chamber 60a and the second chamber 60b, with the first protrusion 61 omitted. Furthermore, the first protrusion 61 may protrude from the inner surface of the lower side of the guide member 6 and face the inner surface of the upper side of the guide member 6 at a distance.

[0046] Furthermore, each guide member 6 includes a second protrusion 62 that extends in the longitudinal direction, protrudes from the inner surface of the lower side of the guide member 6 closer to the closed end than the first protrusion 61, and faces the inner surface of the upper side of the guide member 6 at a distance. This makes it possible to reduce the height dimension of each guide member 6, while restricting the movement of the shade 2 and the shoe 5 in the up-down direction (height direction) by the upper first protrusion 61 and the lower second protrusion 62, while reducing the frictional resistance between the guide member 6 and the shade 2 and shoe 5. However, the second protrusion 62 may also protrude from the inner surface of the upper side of the guide member 6 and face the inner surface of the lower side of the guide member 6 at a distance.

[0047] Furthermore, when a geared cable or the like is slidably supported by a guide member, it is necessary to fill the gap between the guide member and the geared cable or the like, but the shade device 1 employs a configuration in which the shade 2 is opened and closed by pulling the first and second strings S1, S2, making lubricant unnecessary. Therefore, supports for the geared cable or the like and partitions for preventing contact between the shade 2 and the lubricant can be omitted from the guide member 6. As a result, the height dimension of the guide member 6 can be further reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, a shade bar 4 is fixed to the tip of the shade 2, and each shoe 5 is fitted to the corresponding end of the shade bar 4. The shade bar 4 also defines a space through which the second string S2 is inserted. The second string S2 is inserted from the drive unit 10 side into the space in the shade bar 4 through the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of one guide member 6 and the string passage 55 formed in one shoe 5, and is then drawn out to the drive unit 10 side through the string passage 55 formed in the other shoe 5 and the first chamber 60a (guide chamber 60) of the other guide member 6. In other words, the shade device 1 can use a thin wire or thread as the second string S2. This allows the second string S2 to be routed between the drive unit 10 and the shade bar 4 through the guide chamber 60 and the string passage 55 of the shoe 5 while minimizing the size of the shoe 5 and guide member 6. Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the second string S2 is inserted into the first chamber 60a of the guide member 6. This makes it difficult for the occupants of the vehicle V to see the second string S2, and effectively suppresses interference between the second string S2 and the side end portion 20 of the shade 2 inserted into the second chamber 60b, i.e., the tip of the solidified portion 21.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the second string S2 does not necessarily have to be inserted into the space in the shade bar 4 via the string passage 55 of the shoe 5, but may be inserted only into the first chamber 60a of the pair of shoes 5. Also, in the above embodiment, the shade device 1 is attached to the vehicle body F so as to be located below the sunroof SR or a fixed transparent roof of the vehicle V, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the shade device 1 may be provided on the rear window or side window of the vehicle V.

[0050] 6 is a schematic diagram showing another shade device 1B of the present disclosure. Note that, among the components of the shade device 1B, the same components as those of the above-described shade device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0051] The shade device 1B shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the shade device 1 described above with one of the two spools 30 omitted. That is, in the shade device 1B, one spool (winding member) 30 is coaxially fixed to one axial end of the winding member 3. The other axial end of the winding member 3 is rotatably supported via a bearing (not shown) by a bracket 9 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) fixed to the support member 8. One end of the first string S1 is fixed (locked) to the spool 30, and the first string S1 is wound around the spool 30 in a direction opposite to the winding direction. The other end of the first string S1 is fixed (locked) to the drum member 15 so that the first string S1 is wound around the drum member 15 when the drum member 15 rotates around the axis A in a predetermined first direction.

[0052] When the shade 2 of the shade device 1B is at least partially closed and an instruction to open the shade 2 is issued via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10B to rotate the drum member 15 in a predetermined first direction (clockwise in FIG. 7 ) around the axis A, as shown in FIG. 7 . When the drum member 15 rotates in the first direction, the first string S1 is wound onto the drum member 15, and the second string S2 is unwound from the drum member 15 toward both the one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5, as shown in FIG. 7 . As a result, the first string S1 is pulled, causing the spool 30 and the winding member 3 to rotate around the axis in the winding direction of the shade 2. Furthermore, the unwinding of the second string S2 allows the shade bar 4 to move toward the winding member 3. As a result, it becomes possible to open the shade 2 by pulling the first string S1 and winding the shade 2 onto the winding member 3 while moving the shade bar 4 toward the winding member 3.

[0053] On the other hand, when the shade 2 of the shade device 1B is at least partially open and a command to close the shade 2 is issued via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10B to rotate the drum member 15 around the axis A in a second direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8 ) opposite to the first direction, as shown in FIG. 8 . When the drum member 15 rotates in the second direction, the first string S1 is unwound from the drum member 15 toward the spool 30, and both the portion of the second string S2 located between the drum member 15 and one shoe 5 and the portion of the second string S2 located between the drum member 15 and the other shoe 5 are wound onto the drum member 15. As a result, the second string S2 is pulled toward the drum member 15, and the shade bar 4 is separated from the winding member 3. Then, as the shade bar 4 moves, the shade 2 is pulled out from the winding member 3, and the winding member 3 and the spool 30 rotate around the axis in the direction of unwinding the shade 2. As a result, the second string S2 is pulled to close the shade 2, and the first string S1 can be wound around the spool 30, which rotates as the shade 2 is pulled out.

[0054] The shade device 1B may also be attached to the vehicle body F so as to be positioned below the sunroof SR or fixed transparent roof of the vehicle V, or may be provided on the rear window or side window of the vehicle V.

[0055] 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating a further shade device 1C according to the present disclosure. Note that, among the components of the shade device 1C, the same components as those of the above-described shade devices 1 and 1B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0056] 9 and 10 , the shade device 1C includes a drive device 10C that rotates the take-up member 3 about its axis via a single first string S1 and moves the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, away from the take-up member 3 via a circular second string S2. As shown, the drive device 10C includes a first drum member 11, a second drum member 12, a single motor M, and a power transmission mechanism 17.

[0057] In the shade device 1C, both ends of the first string S1 are fixed (engaged) to the corresponding spools 30, and the first string S1 is wound around each spool 30 in the opposite direction to the winding direction. The center portion of the first string S1 is held by a first drum member 11. The first drum member 11 has a cylindrical outer surface and is rotatable, for example, about an axis A1 extending in the vertical direction. In the shade device 1C, the center portion of the first string S1 is inserted through the first drum member 11 without passing through the axis A1 and is fixed to the first drum member 11. Furthermore, one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 protrude outward from different positions on the outer surface of the first drum member 11 so as to be wound onto the first drum member 11 when the first drum member 11 rotates around the axis A1 in a predetermined first pulling direction (clockwise in FIG. 9 ).

[0058] In the shade device 1C, the second string S2 is supported by the shade bar 4 and a pair of shoes 5 so as to be slidable in the width direction of the shade 2, and is connected to the tip of the shade 2 via the shade bar 4, etc. Furthermore, a portion of the second string S2 is held by a second drum member 12. The second drum member 12 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and is rotatable, for example, about an axis A2 extending in the vertical direction. In the shade device 1C, a portion of the second string S2 is inserted through the second drum member 12 so as not to pass through the axis A2, and is fixed to the second drum member 12. Furthermore, the portion of the second string S2 extending from the second drum member 12 toward one shoe 5 and the portion of the second string S2 extending from the second drum member 12 toward the other shoe 5 protrude outward from different positions on the outer peripheral surface of the second drum member 12 so as to be wound onto the second drum member 12 when the second drum member 12 rotates around the axis A2 in a predetermined second tension direction (clockwise in Figure 10).

[0059] The motor M of the drive device 10C rotates the first and second drum members 11, 12 in forward and reverse directions around the axis A1 or A2 via a power transmission mechanism 17, and is controlled by the control device 100. The power transmission mechanism 17 supports the first and second drum members 11, 12 so that they are adjacent to each other and extend parallel to each other, and rotates the first and second drum members 11, 12 in reverse directions using power from the motor M. The shade device 1 also includes a plurality of pulleys P rotatably supported by the housing 7 or the like to regulate the paths of the corresponding first or second strings S1, S2.

[0060] When the shade 2 of the shade device 1C is at least partially closed and an instruction to open the shade 2 is given via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10C to rotate the first drum member 11 around the axis A1 in the first tensioning direction (clockwise in FIG. 9 ) and to rotate the second drum member 12 around the axis A2 in the direction opposite to the second tensioning direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 9 ), as shown in FIG. 9 . When the first drum member 11 rotates in the first tensioning direction, both one end and the other end of the first string S1 are wound onto the first drum member 11. When the second drum member 12 rotates in the direction opposite to the second tensioning direction, the second string S2 is unwound from the second drum member 12 toward both the one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5. As a result, the first string S1 is pulled toward the first drum member 11, causing each spool 30 and the winding member 3 to rotate around its axis in the direction of winding the shade 2. Furthermore, as the second string S2 is unwound, the shade bar 4 is allowed to move toward the winding member 3. As a result, it is possible to open the shade 2 by moving the shade bar 4 toward the winding member 3 while pulling the first string S1 to wind the shade 2 onto the winding member 3.

[0061] On the other hand, when the shade 2 of the shade device 1C is at least partially open and a command to close the shade 2 is issued via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the drive device 10C to rotate the first drum member 11 around the axis A1 in the direction opposite to the first pulling direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 10 ) and to rotate the second drum member 12 around the axis A2 in the second pulling direction (clockwise in FIG. 10 ), as shown in FIG. 10 . When the first drum member 11 rotates in the direction opposite to the first pulling direction, the first string S1 is unwound from the first drum member 11 toward each spool 30. When the second drum member 12 rotates in the second pulling direction, both the portion of the second string S2 located between the second drum member 12 and one shoe 5 and the portion of the second string S2 located between the second drum member 12 and the other shoe 5 are wound onto the second drum member 12. As a result, the second string S2 is pulled toward the second drum member 12, and the shade bar 4 moves away from the winding member 3. Then, in response to the movement of the shade bar 4, the shade 2 is pulled out from the winding member 3, and the winding member 3 and each spool 30 rotate about their axis in the direction in which the shade 2 is unwound. As a result, the second string S2 can be pulled to close the shade 2, and both the one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 can be wound onto the corresponding spools 30 that rotate in response to the pulling out of the shade 2.

[0062] Furthermore, with the drive device 10C, the first drum member 11 corresponding to the winding member 3 and the second drum member 12 corresponding to the shade bar 4 can each be made low-profile, making it possible to make the shade device 1C even more compact in the height direction. Also, by using only one motor M, the number of parts in the drive device 10C can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0063] The shade device 1C is not limited to being disposed below the sunroof SR or the like of the vehicle V, but may also be provided on the rear window or side window of the vehicle V. The shade device 1C may also include a single spool 30 that is coaxial with the winding member 3 and rotatable integrally therewith, and a single first string S1 having one end fixed to the spool 30. Furthermore, depending on the manner in which the first string S1 and the second string S2 are wound around the first or second drum member 11, 12, the power transmission mechanism 17 may be configured to rotate the first and second drum members 11, 12 in the same direction as each other using power from the motor M. In the shade device 1C, the second string S2 does not necessarily have to be formed in a ring shape, and both ends of a single second string S2 may be fixed to the second drum member 12. Furthermore, one end of each of the two second strings S2 may be fixed to a corresponding shoe 5 (end of the shade bar 4), and the other end of each of the two second strings S2 may be fixed to the second drum member 12 so that both of the two second strings S2 are wound onto the second drum member 12 when the second drum member 12 rotates in the second tension direction.

[0064] 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating another shade device 1D of the present disclosure. Note that, among the components of the shade device 1D, the same elements as those of the above-described shade devices 1, 1B, and 1C are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0065] 11 and 12 , the shade device 1D includes a drive device 10D that rotates the take-up member 3 about its axis via a single first string S1 and moves the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, away from the take-up member 3 via a circular second string S2. As shown in the figures, the drive device 10D includes a first drum member 11, a second drum member 12, a first motor M1, a second motor M2, a first power transmission mechanism 13, and a second power transmission mechanism 14.

[0066] In the shade device 1D, when the first drum member 11 rotates about the axis A1 in a predetermined first pulling direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11 ), both the one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 are wound onto the first drum member 11. Furthermore, when the second drum member 12 rotates about the axis A2 in a predetermined second pulling direction (clockwise in FIG. 12 ), the second drum member 12 is wound with the portion of the second string S2 located between the second drum member 12 and one shoe 5 (one end of the shade bar 4) and the portion of the second string S2 located between the second drum member 12 and the other shoe 5 (the other end of the shade bar 4).

[0067] The first motor M1 is, for example, a brushed DC motor controlled by the control device 100, and rotates the first drum member 11 in forward and reverse directions about the axis A1 via a first power transmission mechanism 13. The second motor M2 is, for example, a brushed DC motor controlled by the control device 100, and rotates the second drum member 12 in forward and reverse directions about the axis A2 via a second power transmission mechanism 14. The first and second power transmission mechanisms 13 and 14 may include, for example, a reducer or a gear mechanism. However, the first and second power transmission mechanisms 13 and 14 may be omitted, and the first and second motors M1 and M2 may be directly connected to the corresponding first or second drum members 11 and 12. Furthermore, the shade device 1 includes a plurality of pulleys P rotatably supported by the housing 7 or the like to regulate the paths of the corresponding first and second strings S1 and S2.

[0068] When the shade 2 of the shade device 1D is at least partially closed and an instruction to open the shade 2 is given via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the first motor M1 of the drive unit 10D to rotate the first drum member 11 around the axis A1 in the first tensioning direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11 ) and controls the second motor M2 of the drive unit 10D to rotate the second drum member 12 around the axis A2 in the direction opposite to the second tensioning direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11 ), as shown in FIG. 11 . When the first drum member 11 rotates in the first tensioning direction, both the one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 are wound onto the first drum member 11. When the second drum member 12 rotates in the direction opposite to the second tensioning direction, the second string S2 is unwound from the second drum member 12 toward both the one shoe 5 and the other shoe 5. As a result, the first string S1 is pulled toward the first drum member 11, causing each spool 30 and the winding member 3 to rotate around its axis in the direction of winding the shade 2. Furthermore, as the second string S2 is unwound, the shade bar 4 is allowed to move toward the winding member 3. As a result, it is possible to open the shade 2 by moving the shade bar 4 toward the winding member 3 while pulling the first string S1 to wind the shade 2 onto the winding member 3.

[0069] On the other hand, when the shade 2 of the shade device 1D is at least partially open and a command to close the shade 2 is issued via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the first motor M1 of the drive unit 10D to rotate the first drum member 11 around the axis A1 in the direction opposite to the first pulling direction (clockwise in FIG. 12 ), as shown in FIG. 12 , and controls the second motor M2 of the drive unit 10D to rotate the second drum member 12 around the axis A2 in the second pulling direction (clockwise in FIG. 12 ). When the first drum member 11 rotates in the direction opposite to the first pulling direction, the first string S1 is unwound from the first drum member 11 toward each spool 30. When the second drum member 12 rotates in the second pulling direction, both the portion of the second string S2 located between the second drum member 12 and one shoe 5 and the portion of the second string S2 located between the second drum member 12 and the other shoe 5 are wound onto the second drum member 12. As a result, the second string S2 is pulled toward the second drum member 12, and the shade bar 4 moves away from the winding member 3. Then, in response to the movement of the shade bar 4, the shade 2 is pulled out from the winding member 3, and the winding member 3 and each spool 30 rotate about their axis in the direction in which the shade 2 is unwound. As a result, the second string S2 can be pulled to close the shade 2, and both the one end portion and the other end portion of the first string S1 can be wound onto the corresponding spools 30 that rotate in response to the pulling out of the shade 2.

[0070] Furthermore, the drive device 10D allows the first drum member 11 corresponding to the winding member 3 and the second drum member 12 corresponding to the shade bar 4 to be made lower in height, making it possible to make the shade device 1D even more compact in the height direction. Also, the drive device 10D can effectively prevent the shade 2 from becoming loose by adjusting the rotation speeds of the first and second motors M1, M2 when opening and closing the shade 2.

[0071] The shade device 1D is not limited to being disposed below the sunroof SR or the like of the vehicle V, but may also be provided on the rear window or side window of the vehicle V. The shade device 1D may also include a single spool 30 that is coaxial with the winding member 3 and rotatable integrally therewith, and one first string S1 having one end fixed to the spool 30. Furthermore, in the shade device 1D, the second string S2 does not necessarily have to be formed in a ring shape, and both ends of the single second string S2 may be fixed to the second drum member 12. Alternatively, one end of each of the two second strings S2 may be fixed to the corresponding shoe 5 (end of the shade bar 4), and the other ends of the two second strings S2 may be fixed to the second drum member 12 so that both of the two second strings S2 are wound onto the second drum member 12 when the second drum member 12 rotates in the second pulling direction.

[0072] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing another shoe 5X and another guide member 6X applicable to the above-described shade devices 1, 1B, 1C, and 1D, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13. Of the components of the shoe 5X and the guide member 6X, the same elements as those in the above-described shoe 5 and guide member 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the shoe 5X includes a fitting portion 50 that fits onto the corresponding axial end of the shade bar 4, and a supported portion 51 that is slidably supported by the corresponding guide member 6X. The supported portion 51 also includes an insertion portion (pilot portion) 52. The insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X is also a thin plate-like protrusion that is narrower than the supported portion 51 and protrudes from the supported portion 51 on the side opposite the fitting portion 50. As shown in Figure 14, the guide member 6X includes a guide chamber 60 that extends in the longitudinal direction (the direction penetrating the paper in Figure 14) and opens on one side in the width direction of the shade 2 (the left-right direction in Figure 14), and a first protrusion 61, a second protrusion 62, and a third protrusion 63 that each extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0074] The first protrusion 61 protrudes from the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X that defines the guide chamber 60 and faces the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X at a distance, dividing the guide chamber 60 into a first chamber 60a on the opening 60o side and a second chamber 60b on the closed end side. The second protrusion 62 protrudes from the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X closer to the closed end than the first protrusion 61 and faces the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X at a distance. The third protrusion 63 protrudes downward from the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X at the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60 and faces the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X at a distance. However, the first protrusion 61 may protrude from the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X and face the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X at a distance, and the second protrusion 62 may protrude from the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X and face the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X at a distance. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X that defines the second chamber 60b slopes downward from the opening 60o side (the first chamber 60a side) toward the closed end, and the second chamber 60b of the guide member 6X is also formed so that its height gradually decreases as it moves away from the opening 60o in the width direction.

[0075] 14 , the supported portion 51 (or a part thereof) and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X, together with the side end portion 20 of the shade 2, are inserted into the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide member 6X and are slidably supported by the guide member 6X. More specifically, the supported portion 51 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X abut against the upper surface of the side end portion 20 of the shade 2, and the insertion portion 52 is inserted below the folded-back side end portion 20 of the shade 2, i.e., the solidified portion 21. Furthermore, the folded-back side end portion 20 (solidified portion 21) of the shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X are inserted into the second chamber 60b so that the solidified portion 21 abuts against the inclined inner surface of the guide member 6X that defines the second chamber 60b.

[0076] The first protrusion 61 of the guide member 6X faces the end surface of the solidified portion 21 of the shade 2 at a distance in the width direction of the shade 2 and faces the upper surface of the insertion portion 52 at a small distance in the height direction. Furthermore, the second protrusion 62 supports the side end portion 20 of the shade 2 from below within the second chamber 60b. As shown in FIG. 14 , the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X is curved upward to pass between the first protrusion 61 and the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X, and curved downward to pass between the second protrusion 62 and the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X. Furthermore, an engagement recess 57 is formed in the supported portion 51 of the shoe 5X so as to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide member 6X. The third protrusion 63 of the guide member 6X is slidably fitted (loosely fitted) into the engagement recess 57 from above. This restricts the movement of the shoe 5X in the width direction of the shade 2 relative to the guide member 6X.

[0077] 13 and 14 , the second string S2 is slidably inserted from the drive unit 10 side into the second chamber 60b (guide chamber 60) of one guide member 6X and the string passage 55 (see FIG. 13 ) formed in one of the pair of shoes 5X, and further inserted into the space defined above the base portion 4b of the shade bar 4. The second string S2 inserted into the shade bar 4 is slidably inserted into the string passage 55 formed in the other of the pair of shoes 5X and the second chamber 60b (guide chamber 60) of the other guide member 6X, and is drawn out toward the drive unit 10. As a result, the single (annular) second string S2 is slidably supported in the width direction of the shade 2 by the shade bar 4 and the pair of shoes 5X, and is connected to the tip of the shade 2 via the shade bar 4, etc.

[0078] The guide member 6X also includes a string guide portion 64 that extends in the longitudinal direction and slidably supports the first string S1 outside the guide chamber 60, more specifically, the second chamber 60b. The string guide portion 64 is a recess defined by a slope 65 formed in the guide member 6X and a wall portion 66 that protrudes upward from the slope 65. The slope 65 extends in the longitudinal direction and is formed on the guide member 6X so as to slope downward as it moves away from the opening 60o in the width direction of the shade 2 above the second chamber 60b. The wall portion 66 also extends in the longitudinal direction and is formed on the guide member 6X so as to protrude upward from the end of the slope 65 opposite the opening 60o.

[0079] In the shade device 1-1D including the shoe 5X and guide member 6X described above, the height dimension of the guide member 6X that slidably supports the shade 2 and shoe 5X can be reduced while effectively preventing the shade 2 and shoe 5X from coming out of the guide chamber 60. As a result, the shade device 1-1D can be made more compact in the height direction, improving the mountability of the shade device 1-1D. Note that the supported portion 51 of the shoe 5X may also be fitted (fixed) to the corresponding longitudinal end of the shade bar 4 so as to abut against the underside of the corresponding side end 20 of the shade 2.

[0080] The guide chamber 60 of the guide member 6X is divided by the first protrusion 61 into a first chamber 60a on the opening 60o side and a second chamber 60b on the closed end side, and the folded-back side end 20 (solidified portion 21) of the shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X are inserted into the second chamber 60b so that the solidified portion 21 abuts against the inner surface of the guide member 6X that defines the second chamber 60b. This makes it possible to reduce the height dimension of the guide member 6X while retaining the folded-back side end 20 of the shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X within the second chamber 60b, the entrance of which is narrowed by the first protrusion 61, and effectively preventing the shade 2 and shoe 5X from falling off (disappearing) in the width direction from the guide members 6X.

[0081] Furthermore, the guide chamber 60 of the guide member 6X, i.e., the second chamber 60b, is formed so that its height gradually decreases as it becomes farther away from the opening 60o in the width direction of the shade 2. This makes it possible to reduce the height dimension of each guide member 6X while properly retaining the side end portion 20 (solidified portion 21) of the folded shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of each shoe 5X within the second chamber 60b of the guide chamber 60. However, in each guide member 6X, not only the second chamber 60b but also the first chamber 60a may be formed so that its height gradually decreases as it becomes farther away from the opening 60o in the width direction of the shade 2.

[0082] 14 , the first protrusion 61 of each guide member 6X can come into contact with the tip of the folded-back side end 20 of the shade 2, i.e., the solidified portion 21, and can support the upwardly curved portion of the insertion portion 52 of the corresponding shoe 5X. As a result, the first protrusion 61 also functions as a retaining portion that restricts movement of the folded-back side end 20 of the shade 2 and the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X toward the opening 60o. As a result, when the drive device 10 moves the shade bar 4 (the tip of the shade 2) toward or away from the winding member 3 to open or close the shade 2, it is possible to effectively prevent each side end 20 of the shade 2 and each shoe 5X from falling off the guide chamber 60 of the corresponding guide member 6X.

[0083] Furthermore, the guide member 6X includes a second protrusion 62 extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding from the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X closer to the closed end than the first protrusion 61 and facing the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X at a distance. This reduces the height dimension of each guide member 6X, while the upper first protrusion 61 and the lower second protrusion 62 reduce frictional resistance between the guide member 6X and the shade 2 and shoe 5X, thereby restricting vertical (height) movement of the shade 2 and shoe 5X. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 14 , the second protrusion 62 also functions as a string stopper that prevents the second string S2 from slipping out of the second chamber 60b (guide chamber 60). This allows the shade 2 to be opened and closed stably and smoothly in response to pulling or unwinding the second string S2. The string slip-out prevention portion formed on the guide member 6X need only prevent the second string S2 from slipping out of the second chamber 60b, and is not limited to the second protrusion 62 that protrudes upward from the lower inner surface. In other words, the string slip-out prevention portion of the guide member 6X may be, for example, a recess that is recessed further downward from the lower inner surface and has the second string S2 placed inside.

[0084] Furthermore, the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X is curved so as to pass between the first protrusion 61 and the lower inner surface of the guide member 6X, and also between the second protrusion 62 and the upper inner surface of the guide member 6X. This makes it possible for the first and second protrusions 61, 62 to effectively restrict movement of the insertion portion 52 of the shoe 5X and the folded-back side end portion 20 (solidified portion 21) of the shade 2 toward the opening 60o of the guide chamber 60.

[0085] Furthermore, the guide member 6X includes a third protrusion 63, which engages with the engaging recess 57 of the shoe 5X and functions as a shoe slip-out prevention portion that prevents the shoe 5X from slipping out of the guide chamber 60. This makes it possible for the guide member 6X to stably and smoothly support the shade 2 and shoe 5X so that they can slide freely when the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, is moved toward or away from the winding member 3 to open or close the shade 2.

[0086] The guide member 6X also includes a string guide portion 64 that extends in the longitudinal direction and slidably supports the first string S1 outside the guide chamber 60, more specifically, outside the second chamber 60b. This allows the shade 2 to be stably and smoothly wound onto or unwound from the winding member 3 in response to the pulling or unwinding of the first string S1.

[0087] Furthermore, the guide member 6X includes an inclined surface 65 that extends in the longitudinal direction and slopes downward as it increases in distance from the opening 60o in the width direction of the shade 2, and a wall portion 66 that extends in the longitudinal direction and protrudes upward from the inclined surface 65, and the string guide portion 64 is a recess defined by the inclined surface 65 and the wall portion 66. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the first string S1 from swinging in the width direction of the shade 2 when opening or closing the shade 2.

[0088] [Summary of the embodiment] As described above, the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure is a vehicle shade device (1, 1B, 1C, 1D) that is provided on the roof (Pm, Pf) of a vehicle (V) and that winds up a shade (2) onto a winding member (3) and pulls it out from the winding member (3), and includes a pair of shoes (5, 5X) provided on corresponding side end portions (20, 21) of the shade (2), a pair of guide members (6, 6X) having guide chambers (60, 60a, 60b) that extend in the longitudinal direction and open on one side in the width direction, a string (S2) that is inserted into the guide chambers (60, 60a, 60b) of the guide members (6, 6X) and that is connected to the tip end of the shade (2), and a string (S2) that pulls the string (S2). and a driving device (10, 10B, 10C, 10D) for moving the tip end of the shade (2) away from the winding member (3), the side end (20, 21) of the shade (2) is folded back toward the opening (60o) of the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b), the shoe (5, 5X) includes an insertion portion (52) to be inserted into the folded back side end (20, 21) of the shade, and the folded back side end (20, 21) of the shade (2) and the insertion portion (52) of the shoe (5, 5X) are inserted into the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b) of the guide member (6, 6X) and are slidably supported by the guide member (6, 6X).

[0089] The vehicle shade device of the present disclosure includes a pair of shoes provided at corresponding side ends of a shade, a pair of guide members each having a guide chamber extending longitudinally and opening at one widthwise side, a string inserted into the guide chamber of the guide member and connected to a tip end of the shade, and a drive device that pulls the string to separate the tip end of the shade from a winding member. The side ends of the shade are folded back toward the opening of the guide chamber, and the shoe includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the folded side end of the shade. The folded side end of the shade and the insertion portion of the shoe are inserted into the guide chamber of the guide member and slidably supported by the guide member. By inserting the insertion portion of the shoe into the folded side end of the shade and inserting both into a single guide chamber, the height dimension of the guide member that slidably supports the shade and shoe can be reduced while effectively preventing the shade and shoe from slipping out of the guide chamber. As a result, the vehicle shade device can be made compact in the height direction, and the mountability of the vehicle shade device can be improved.

[0090] The guide member (6, 6X) may also include a retaining portion (61) that restricts the movement of the folded side end portion (20, 21) of the shade (2) and the insertion portion (52) of the shoe (5, 5X) toward the opening (60o).

[0091] This effectively prevents the side end portion of the shade and the shoe from falling off the guide chamber of the guide member when the tip of the shade is moved toward and away from the winding member to open or close the shade.

[0092] Furthermore, the anti-slip portion may be a protrusion (61) extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding from the upper or lower inner surface of the guide member (6, 6X) to face the upper or lower inner surface of the guide member (6, 6X) at a distance, and the guide chamber (60) may be divided by the protrusion (61) into a first chamber (60a) on the opening (60o) side and a second chamber (60b) on the closed end side, and the string (S2) may be inserted into the second chamber (60b), and the folded side end (20, 21) of the shade (2) and the insertion portion (52) of the shoe (5, 5X) may be inserted into the second chamber (60b).

[0093] This allows the height dimension of the guide member to be reduced while the side end of the folded shade and the insertion portion of the shoe can be held within the second chamber whose entrance is narrowed by the protrusion, thereby effectively preventing the shade and shoe from falling off (coming loose) in the width direction from each guide member when opening or closing the shade.

[0094] The guide chambers (60, 60b) may be formed so that their heights gradually decrease as they move away from the opening (60o) in the width direction.

[0095] This makes it possible to reduce the dimension of the guide member in the height direction while still maintaining the side end of the folded-back shade and the insertion portion of the shoe well within the guide chamber.

[0096] Furthermore, the guide member (6, 6X) may include a string stopper portion (62) extending in the longitudinal direction and preventing the string (S2) from slipping out of the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0097] This allows the shade to be opened and closed stably and smoothly in response to pulling or releasing the string.

[0098] Furthermore, the protrusion (61) may protrude from the upper inner surface of the guide member (6, 6X) and face the lower inner surface of the guide member (6, 6X) at a distance, and the guide member (6, 6X) may include a second protrusion (62) that extends in the longitudinal direction and protrudes from the lower inner surface of the guide member (6, 6X) on the closed end side of the protrusion (61) and faces the upper inner surface of the guide member (6, 6X) at a distance, and the side end portion (20) of the shade (2) may be supported from below by the second protrusion (62), and the second protrusion (62) may regulate the string (S2) from coming out of the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0099] This makes it possible to reduce the height dimension of the guide member, while the upper protrusion and the lower second protrusion reduce the frictional resistance between the guide member and the shade and shoe, restricting the movement of the shade and shoe in the vertical direction (height direction), and the second protrusion restricts the string from slipping out of the guide chamber.

[0100] Furthermore, the insertion portion (52) of the shoe (5X) may be curved so as to pass between the protrusion (61) and the lower inner surface of the guide member (6X) and also pass between the second protrusion (62) and the upper inner surface of the guide member (6X).

[0101] This makes it possible for the protrusion and the second protrusion to effectively restrict movement of the insertion portion of the shoe and the folded-back side end portion of the shade toward the opening of the guide chamber.

[0102] The guide member (6X) may also include a shoe slip-out prevention portion (63) that engages with a portion (57) of the shoe (5X) to prevent the shoe (5X) from slipping out of the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0103] This allows the shoe and shade to be slidably supported by the guide member in a stable and smooth manner when the tip of the shade is moved toward and away from the winding member to open or close the shade.

[0104] Furthermore, the vehicle shade device (1, 1B, 1C, 1D) may include a winding member (30) that is coaxial with the winding member (3) and can rotate integrally therewith, and another string (S1) that has one end fixed to the winding member (30) and is wound around the winding member (30), the drive device (10, 10B, 10C, 10D) may pull the other string (S1) to rotate the winding member (30) and the winding member (3) in the winding direction of the shade (2), and the guide member (6X) may include a string guide portion (64) that extends in the longitudinal direction and slidably supports the other string (S1) outside the guide chamber (60, 60a, 60b).

[0105] In this vehicle shade device, the drive device pulls the other string to rotate the winding member and the take-up member in the shade winding direction, thereby winding and opening the shade onto the take-up member. This allows the winding member to be omited from the biasing mechanism (retractor) that biases the shade in the winding direction, thereby enabling the take-up member to be made smaller in diameter. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the shade is opened by pulling the other string, the range of movement of the shade is not limited by the biasing mechanism. As a result, the vehicle shade device can be made more compact in the height direction, improving the mountability of the vehicle shade device and easily expanding the range of movement of the shade. Furthermore, omitting the biasing mechanism allows for a reduction in the weight and cost of the entire device. Furthermore, by slidably supporting the other string with the string guide portion of the guide member, the shade can be stably and smoothly wound onto or unwound from the take-up member in response to pulling or unwinding of the other string.

[0106] Furthermore, the guide member (6X) may include an inclined surface (65) extending in the longitudinal direction and inclining downward as it moves away from the opening (60o) in the width direction, and a wall portion (66) extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding upward from the inclined surface (65), and the string guide portion (64) may be a recess defined by the inclined surface (65) and the wall portion (66).

[0107] This makes it possible to effectively prevent the other strings from swinging in the width direction of the shade when the shade is opened or closed.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is merely a specific form of the invention described in the Summary of the Invention, and does not limit the elements of the invention described in the Summary of the Invention.

[0109] The invention of the present disclosure can be used in the vehicle shade device manufacturing industry and the like.

Claims

1. A shade device for a vehicle that is attached to the roof of a vehicle and winds up a shade onto a winding member and pulls it out from the winding member, comprising: a pair of shoes each attached to a corresponding side end of the shade; a pair of guide members each having a guide chamber extending in the longitudinal direction and opening on one side in the width direction; a string that is inserted into the guide chamber of the guide members and connected to the tip of the shade; and a drive device that pulls the string to move the tip of the shade away from the winding member, wherein the side end of the shade is folded back toward the opening side of the guide chamber, and the shoe includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the folded back side end of the shade, and the folded back side end of the shade and the insertion portion of the shoe are inserted into the guide chamber of the guide members and supported by the guide members in a slidable manner.

2. A vehicle shade device as described in claim 1, wherein the guide member includes a slip-out prevention portion that restricts movement of at least one of the folded side end portion of the shade and the insertion portion of the shoe toward the opening side.

3. A vehicle shade device as described in claim 2, wherein the anti-slip portion is a protrusion extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding from the upper or lower inner surface of the guide member to face the upper or lower inner surface of the guide member at a distance, the guide chamber is partitioned by the protrusion into a first chamber on the opening side and a second chamber on the closed end side, the string is inserted into the second chamber, and the folded-back side end of the shade and the insertion portion of the shoe are inserted into the second chamber.

4. A shade device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide chamber is formed so that its height gradually decreases as it moves away from the opening in the width direction.

5. A shade device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide member includes a string prevention portion extending in the longitudinal direction and preventing the string from slipping out of the guide chamber.

6. A shade device for vehicles as described in claim 3, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the upper inner surface of the guide member and faces the lower inner surface of the guide member at a distance, the guide member has a second protrusion extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding from the lower inner surface of the guide member on the closed end side further than the protrusion and facing the upper inner surface of the guide member at a distance, the side end of the shade is supported from below by the second protrusion, and the second protrusion prevents the string from slipping out of the guide chamber.

7. A vehicle shade device as described in claim 6, wherein the insertion portion of the shoe is curved so as to pass between the protrusion and the lower inner surface of the guide member, and also to pass between the second protrusion and the upper inner surface of the guide member.

8. A shade device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide member includes a shoe slip-out prevention portion that engages with a part of the shoe to prevent the shoe from slipping out of the guide chamber.

9. A shade device for a vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a winding member coaxial with and rotatable integrally with the winding member, and another string having one end fixed to the winding member and wound around the winding member, wherein the drive device pulls the other string to rotate the winding member and the winding member in the winding direction of the shade, and the guide member includes a string guide portion extending in the longitudinal direction and supporting the other string outside the guide chamber so that it can slide freely.

10. A vehicle shade device as described in claim 9, wherein the guide member includes a slope extending in the longitudinal direction and sloping downward as it moves away from the opening in the width direction, and a wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding upward from the slope, and the string guide portion is a recess defined by the slope and the wall portion.

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