Shade apparatus for vehicles

Abstract

This shade apparatus for vehicles comprises: a first string that is connected to one end side of the leading end of a shade and that is reeled in onto a first drum member that is rotated in a first reel-in direction; a second string that is connected to the other end side of the leading end of the shade and that is reeled in onto a second drum member that is rotated in a second reel-in direction; and a rotation drive device that rotates the second drum member in the second reel-in direction when rotating the first drum member in the first reel-in direction, and that rotates the second drum member in a direction reverse to the second reel-in direction when rotating the first drum member in the opposite direction of the first reel-in direction. Accordingly, the shade can be appropriately moved.

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] A shading device (shade device) that shades a roof opening with a flexible sheet has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). One end of the flexible sheet of this shading device is held so as to be wound and unwound on a winding shaft rotatably attached around a rotation axis, and the other end of the flexible sheet is connected to a displaceable drawer profile that is guided along the drawer profile direction. A winding section that holds one end of a first tension strand is fixed to one end of the winding shaft so as to rotate integrally with the drawer profile, and the other end of the first tension strand is held by a first winding element. Second tension strands are connected to both ends of the drawer profile, one each, and the ends of each second tension strand are held by a second winding element. The first and second winding elements are rotatably driven by a drive unit via a common shaft.

[0003] When the flexible sheet wound on the winding shaft is pulled out to shade the roof opening, the drive unit rotates the first and second winding elements in one direction so that the first tension strand is unwound (unwound) from the first winding element and the second winding element takes up two second tension strands. As a result, the two second tension strands wound on the second winding element pull the pullout profile away from the winding shaft, pulling the flexible sheet from the winding shaft. Furthermore, the winding shaft rotates in response to the movement of the pullout profile, and the first tension strand unwound from the first winding element is wound onto the winding portion of the rotating winding shaft. When the flexible sheet is wound onto the winding shaft to unblock the roof opening, the drive unit rotates the first and second winding elements in the other direction so that the first winding element winds up the first tension strand and the second winding element unwinds (pays off) the two second tension strands. As a result, the winding of the first tension strand by the first winding element rotates the winding shaft to wind up the shading sheet, and the payoff of the two second tension strands from the second winding element allows the pull-out profile to move toward the winding shaft.

[0004] DE 102018205500

[0005] However, in the conventional shading device, it is not easy to match the amount of the first tension strand paid out by the first winding element with the amount of the two second tension strands taken up by the second winding element, or to match the amount of the first tension strand taken up by the first winding element with the amount of the two second tension strands taken up by the second winding element. Furthermore, because the second winding element simultaneously winds and pays out the two second tension strands, it is not easy to match the amount of the two second tension strands taken up by the second winding element and the amount of the two second tension strands paid out by the second winding element. As a result, in the shading device, the pull-out profile may move at an angle relative to the winding shaft, making it impossible to move (open or close) the flexible sheet properly.

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present disclosure is to provide a shade device for a vehicle that can appropriately move a shade.

[0007] The vehicle shade device of the present disclosure is provided on the roof of a vehicle and includes a shade, a winding member for winding up the shade, a first drum member rotatable about a first axis, a second drum member rotatable about a second axis extending parallel to the first axis, a first string, a second string, and a rotation drive device for rotating the first and second drum members about the first or second axis. The first string is connected to one end of the tip of the shade and is wound up around the first drum member when the first drum member rotates in a predetermined first winding direction. The second string is connected to the other end of the tip of the shade and is wound up around the second drum member when the second drum member rotates in a predetermined second winding direction. The rotary drive device rotates the second drum member in a second winding direction when rotating the first drum member in a first winding direction, and rotates the second drum member in a direction opposite to the second winding direction when rotating the first drum member in a direction opposite to the first winding direction.

[0008] In the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure, the first string is wound onto a first drum member, and the second string is wound onto a second drum member that is separate from the first drum member. Therefore, the amount of the first string wound onto the first drum member and the amount of the second string wound onto the second drum member can be easily matched, and the amount of the first string unwound onto the first drum member and the amount of the second string unwound onto the second drum member can be easily matched. Therefore, the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure allows the shade to be moved appropriately.

[0009] 7 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle including the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a front view showing first and second drum members included in the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first slack absorbing mechanism included in the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a second slack absorbing mechanism included in the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a third slack absorbing mechanism included in the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle shade device of the present disclosure.

[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) of shoes 5L, 5R, a pair (two) of guide members 6, and a rotation 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 body having a relatively small outer diameter (e.g., approximately 10-30 mm), and the base end of the shade 2 is fixed (locked) to the outer peripheral surface of the winding member 3. A generally conical (frustum-shaped) spool (winding member) 30 is coaxially attached to one axial end of the winding member 3 (in this embodiment, the end on the left side of the vehicle V). In this embodiment, the spool 30 is attached to the winding member 3 so that its larger diameter side (bottom side) is located on the winding member 3 side, and is coaxially rotatable integrally with the winding member 3. The shade 2 can be wound onto the winding member 3 and opened by rotating the winding member 3 and the spool 30 in a predetermined winding direction around their respective axial centers As (see FIG. 2). A winding groove 31 (see FIG. 6) extending spirally around the axial center As of the spool 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spool 30.

[0014] The shade bar 4 is hollow and formed by extruding, for example, an aluminum alloy. 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 is inserted. The cylindrical portion and the rod are fitted into a shade holding groove (not shown) formed in the shade bar 4, thereby fixing the shade bar 4 to the tip end of the shade 2. In this embodiment, the shoes 5L, 5R are formed from a resin containing, for example, potassium titanate fiber and have a bilaterally symmetrical structure. Each shoe 5L, 5R is inserted into the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4 from the corresponding longitudinal end of the shade bar 4 and fixed to 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 5L or 5R and the corresponding side end of the shade 2. The pair of guide members 6 are fixed to a housing 7 that accommodates the rotation drive device 10 and to a support member (not shown) via bolts or the like so that they extend parallel to each other with a gap corresponding to the width of the shade 2. The housing 7 and the support member 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 fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the housing 7 is located on the front side of the vehicle V, and the winding member 3 is rotatably supported on the rear side of the vehicle V by a bracket (not shown) or the like.

[0016] The rotation drive device 10 of the shade device 1 pulls one first string S1 and one second string S2 to move the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, away from the take-up member 3, and pulls one third string S3 to rotate the take-up member 3 about the axis As. As shown in FIG. 2 , the rotation drive device 10 includes a first drum member 11, a second drum member 12, a single motor M as a rotation drive source, and a power transmission mechanism T.

[0017] The first drum member 11 is formed of resin or the like to have a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and is rotatable about a first axis A1. As shown in FIG. 3 , a winding groove 111 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first drum member 11 and extends spirally around the first axis A1. The first drum member 11 also includes a first gear G1, which is a spur gear or helical gear that is coaxial with the first drum member 11 and can rotate integrally therewith. The first gear G1 may be formed integrally with the first drum member 11, or a first gear G1 formed separately from the first drum member 11 may be fixed to the first drum member 11.

[0018] The second drum member 12 is formed of resin or the like to have a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and is rotatable about the second axis A2. As shown in FIG. 3 , a winding groove 121 extending spirally around the second axis A2 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second drum member 12. The second drum member 12 also includes a second gear G2, which is a spur gear or helical gear that is coaxial with the second drum member 12 and rotatable integrally therewith. The second gear G2 may be formed integrally with the second drum member 12, or the second gear G2 may be formed separately from the second drum member 12 and fixed to the second drum member 12. The first and second drum members 11 and 12 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle V so that the first and second axes A1 and A2 are parallel to each other and extend vertically.

[0019] The first string S1 is a wire (metal wire) having an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.6-1.5 mm. However, the first string S1 may also be a thread or the like made of chemical fiber or the like. A fixing piece (not shown) is attached to the base end of the first string S1, and the fixing piece is fitted into a fitting portion formed on the upper end (one end) of the outer peripheral surface of the first drum member 11. As a result, the base end of the first string S1 is fixed to the upper end (one end) of the outer peripheral surface of the first drum member 11. As can be seen from FIG. 3 , when the first drum member 11 rotates around the first axis A1 in a predetermined first winding direction (see the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 ), the first string S1 is wound around the winding groove 111 from the upper end (one end) of the first drum member 11 to the lower end (the other end). Furthermore, the first string S1 protrudes outward from the winding groove 111 in a tangential direction relative to the winding groove 111.

[0020] 2 and 4, the tip of the first string S1 is slidably inserted into one guide member 6 and into a string passage 5p (see FIG. 4) formed at the outer end of one shoe 5L fixed to the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4. Furthermore, the first string S1 is connected to the shade bar 4 via a first slack absorption mechanism 51. As a result, the first string S1 is connected to one end (the left end in FIG. 4) of the shade bar 4 (the tip of the shade 2) in the vehicle width direction via the string passage 5p of the shoe 5L. The first slack absorption mechanism 51 is capable of absorbing slack in the first string S1 and includes the shoe 5L as a guide member, a slider 55, and a spring 57 as a biasing member.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the shoe 5L includes a string passage 5p, a first guide space 5a, a second guide space 5b, and a spring support portion 5s. The first guide space 5a communicates with the string passage 5p and extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoe 5L at one end (the left end in Figure 4) closer to the longitudinal center of the shoe 5L. The second guide space 5b communicates with the first guide space 5a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoe 5L at the other end (the right end in Figure 4) closer to the shade bar 4 than the first guide space 5a. The spring support portion 5s is formed at the inner end of the shoe 5L so as to be located on the opposite side from the string passage 5p, i.e., closer to the center of the shade bar 4 and inside the second guide space 5b.

[0022] The slider 55 of the first slack absorption mechanism 51 is a small piece made of resin or the like, and is arranged in the first guide space 5a of the shoe 5L located at one end of the shade bar 4 so as to be movable (slidable) in the longitudinal direction of the shade bar 4 (shoe 5L). The spring 57 of the first slack absorption mechanism 51 is a tension coil spring and is arranged in the first and second guide spaces 5a, 5b. The base end (right end in FIG. 4 ) of the spring 57 is fixed to the spring support portion 5s in the second guide space 5b, and the tip end (left end in FIG. 4 ) of the spring 57 is fixed to one end (right end in FIG. 4 ) of the slider 55 in the first guide space 5a. As a result, the slider 55 is arranged slidably in the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4 and is biased by the spring 57 in a direction from one end (left end in FIG. 4 ) of the shade bar 4 toward the center (to the right in FIG. 4 ). The tip of the first string S1 is fixed to the other end (the left end in FIG. 4) of the slider 55 in the first guide space 5a of the shoe 5L, and is thereby connected to the shade bar 4.

[0023] The second string S2 is also a wire (metal wire) having an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.6-1.5 mm. However, the second string S2 may also be a thread or the like made of chemical fiber or the like. A fixing piece (not shown) is attached to the base end of the second string S2, and the fixing piece is fitted into a fitting portion formed on the upper end (one end) of the outer circumferential surface of the second drum member 12. As a result, the base end of the second string S2 is fixed to the upper end (one end) of the outer circumferential surface of the second drum member 12. As can be seen from FIG. 3 , when the second drum member 12 rotates around the second axis A2 in a predetermined second winding direction (see the arrow direction in FIG. 8 ), the second string S2 is wound around the winding groove 121 from the upper end (one end) of the second drum member 12 to the lower end (the other end). Furthermore, the second string S2 protrudes outward from the winding groove 121 in a tangential direction relative to the winding groove 121.

[0024] 2 and 5, the tip of the second string S2 is slidably inserted into the other guide member 6 and into a string passage 5p formed at the outer end of the other shoe 5R fixed to the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4. Furthermore, the second string S2 is connected to the shade bar 4 via a second slack absorption mechanism 52. As a result, the second string S2 is connected to the other end (the right end in FIG. 5) of the shade bar 4 (the tip of the shade 2) in the vehicle width direction via the string passage 5p of the shoe 5R. The second slack absorption mechanism 52 is capable of absorbing slack in the second string S2 and, like the first slack absorption mechanism 51, includes the shoe 5R as a guide member, a slider 55, and a spring 57 as a biasing member.

[0025] The shoe 5R also includes a first guide space 5a, a second guide space 5b, and a spring support portion 5s in addition to the string passage 5p. The first guide space 5a of the shoe 5R communicates with the string passage 5p and extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoe 5R from the other end side (the right end side in FIG. 5 ) of the shoe 5R relative to the longitudinal center. The second guide space 5b communicates with the first guide space 5a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoe 5R from one end side of the shade bar 4 (the left end side in FIG. 5 ) of the shoe 5R relative to the first guide space 5a. The spring support portion 5s is formed at the inner end of the shoe 5R so as to be located on the opposite side from the string passage 5p, i.e., the central side of the shade bar 4 and inside the second guide space 5b.

[0026] The slider 55 of the second slack absorption mechanism 52 is also a small piece made of resin or the like and is disposed within the first guide space 5a of the shoe 5R located at the other end of the shade bar 4 so as to be movable (slidable) in the longitudinal direction of the shade bar 4 (shoe 5R). The spring 57 of the second slack absorption mechanism 52 is also a tension coil spring and disposed within the first and second guide spaces 5a and 5b. The base end (left end in FIG. 5 ) of the spring 57 is fixed to the spring support portion 5s within the second guide space 5b, and the tip end (right end in FIG. 5 ) of the spring 57 is fixed to one end (left end in FIG. 5 ) of the slider 55 within the first guide space 5a. As a result, the slider 55 of the second slack absorption mechanism 52 is disposed slidably within the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4 and is biased by the spring 57 in a direction from the other end (right end in FIG. 5 ) of the shade bar 4 toward the center (leftward in FIG. 5 ). The tip of the second string S2 is fixed to the other end (the right end in FIG. 5) of the slider 55 in the first guide space 5a of the shoe 5R, and is thereby connected to the shade bar 4.

[0027] The third string S3 is also a wire (metal wire) having an outer diameter of, for example, approximately 0.6-1.5 mm. However, the third string S3 may also be a thread or the like made of chemical fiber or the like. A fixing piece (not shown) is attached to the base end of the third string S3, and the fixing piece is fitted into a fitting portion formed on the lower end (other end) of the outer circumferential surface of the second drum member 12. In this way, the base end of the third string S3 is fixed to the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the second drum member 12.

[0028] 2 and 3 , when the second drum member 12 rotates around the second axis A2 in the direction opposite to the second winding direction, the third string S3 is wound around the winding groove 121 from the lower end (other end) to the upper end (one end) of the second drum member 12. The third string S3 also protrudes from the winding groove 121 in a tangential direction to the winding groove 121 and on the opposite side to the second string S2. The leading end of the third string S3 is fixed (locked) to the large-diameter end of the spool 30 fixed to the winding member 3, and the third string S3 is wound around the winding groove 31 of the spool 30 in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6 , a third slack absorption mechanism 60 that absorbs slack in the third string S3 is disposed inside the winding member 3, which is a hollow cylinder. The third slack absorption mechanism 60 includes a torsion spring 65 as a biasing member that biases the spool 30 in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2 so as to absorb slack in the third string S3. The spool 30 also includes a shaft portion 33 and an outer tubular member 35 as insertion portions that, together with the torsion spring 65, constitute the third slack absorption mechanism 60. The shaft portion 33 extends axially from the large-diameter end face of the spool 30 toward the opposite side from the small-diameter end face. The outer tubular member 35 is a substantially cylindrical body that functions as a holder that rotatably supports the shaft portion 33. The outer tubular member 35 is inserted into the winding member 3 and fixed to rotate integrally with the winding member 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7 , a plurality of protrusions (ridges) 3p are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the winding member 3 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, for example, 12 protrusions 3p are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the winding member 3 at intervals of, for example, 30°. Each protrusion 3p protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the winding member 3 toward the axis As and extends parallel to the axis As over the entire length of the winding member 3. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the outer tube member 35 forming the insertion portion of the spool 30 has a pair of recesses 35r formed at 180° intervals so that each recess 35r fits into one of the plurality of protrusions 3p of the winding member 3. Each recess 35r is defined between two protrusions protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube member 35 and extends axially over the entire length of the outer tube member 35. That is, the outer tube member 35 of the spool 30 is fixed to the winding member 3 so as to rotate integrally with the winding member 3 by fitting the protrusions 3p of the winding member 3 into each of the pair of recesses 35r, thereby attaching the spool 30 to the winding member 3. The multiple protrusions 3p of the winding member 3 and the pair (plurality) of recesses 35r of the outer tube member 35 form a position adjustment mechanism 90 that makes it possible to adjust the fixed position of the third string S3 on the spool 30 in the circumferential direction of the winding member 3.

[0031] The torsion spring 65 of the third slack absorption mechanism 60 is a so-called torsion coil spring, and is disposed within the outer tube member 35 so as to extend coaxially with the axis As. One end (left end in FIG. 6 ) 65a of the torsion spring 65 is held by the shaft portion 33 of the spool 30 so as not to rotate around the axis As relative to the spool 30. The other end (right end in FIG. 6 ) 65b of the torsion spring 65 is held by the shaft portion 33 of the spool 30 and the outer tube member 35 so as not to rotate around the axis As relative to the outer tube member 35, i.e., the winding member 3. The torsion spring 65 is held by the shaft portion 33 of the spool 30 and the outer tube member 35 in a state where it is twisted around the axis As in advance in the winding direction of the shade 2 so as to urge the spool 30 relative to the outer tube member 35 in the direction opposite (clockwise in FIG. 7 ) to the winding direction of the shade 2 relative to the winding member 3 (counterclockwise in FIG. 7 ).

[0032] 7, the third slack absorbing mechanism 60 further includes a first stopper ST1 and a second stopper ST2. As shown in FIG. 7, the first stopper ST1 is configured by a protrusion 33p that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 33 of the spool 30 and a first abutment surface 351 formed on the outer tube member 35. In this embodiment, a first end surface of the protrusion 33p on the downstream side in the winding direction of the shade 2 and the first abutment surface 351 extend in the radial and axial directions of the shaft portion 33. When the first end surface of the protrusion 33p abuts against the first abutment surface 351 of the outer tube member 35, rotation of the spool 30 relative to the winding member 3 in the winding direction of the shade 2 is restricted.

[0033] 7 , the second stopper ST2 is composed of a protrusion 33p of the shaft portion 33 and a second abutment surface 352 formed on the outer tube member 35 so as to be spaced apart from the first abutment surface 351 in the circumferential direction and in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2. In this embodiment, the second end surface of the protrusion 33p on the upstream side in the winding direction of the shade 2 and the second abutment surface 352 extend in the radial and axial directions of the shaft portion 33. When the second end surface of the protrusion 33p abuts against the second abutment surface 352 of the outer tube member 35, rotation of the spool 30 relative to the winding member 3 in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2 is restricted.

[0034] When the shaft portion 33 and outer tubular member 35 of the spool 30 and the torsion spring 65 are assembled to the winding member 3, the spool 30 is urged by the torsion spring 65 in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2 (clockwise in FIG. 7 ), causing the second end face of the protrusion 33p to abut against the second abutment surface 352 of the outer tubular member 35. Furthermore, when the third string S3 fixed to the spool 30 is wound and pulled by the second drum member 12, the first end face of the protrusion 33p of the spool 30 (shaft portion 33) abuts against the first abutment surface 351 of the outer tubular member 35. In this embodiment, the spring constant (rigidity) of the torsion spring 65 is determined so that when the rotation of the second drum member 12 and the spool 30 stops and there is no slack in the third string S3 between the second drum member 12 and the spool 30, the tension of the third string S3 becomes slightly greater than the biasing force of the torsion spring 65, and the first end face of the protrusion 33p and the first abutment surface 351 of the outer tube member 35 are maintained in abutment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the rotation drive device 10 includes a third gear (idler gear) G3 that meshes with the first gear G1 of the first drum member 11 and the second gear G2 of the second drum member 12. The motor M of the rotation drive device 10 rotates the second drum member 12 in forward and reverse directions around the second axis A2 via the power transmission mechanism T. As a result, the first drum member 11 rotates in the same direction as the second drum member 12 in synchronization with the rotation of the second drum member 12. In this embodiment, the first winding direction of the first drum member 11 and the second winding direction of the second drum member 12 are the same direction. As a result, by rotating the motor M in a predetermined first direction, the first drum member 11 can be rotated in a first winding direction to wind the first string S1 into the winding groove 111 of the first drum member 11, and the second drum member 12 can be rotated in a second winding direction to wind the second string S2 into the winding groove 121 of the second drum member 12.

[0036] In the shade device 1, the specifications of the first drum member 11 including the winding groove 111 and the second drum member 12 including the winding groove 121 are determined so that when the motor M rotates a predetermined angle in a first direction, the amount of the first string S1 wound by the first drum member 11 and the amount of the second string S2 wound by the second drum member 12 are the same, and when the motor M rotates a predetermined angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the amount of the first string S1 unwound by the first drum member 11 and the amount of the second string S2 unwound by the second drum member 12 are the same. Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the specifications of the second drum member 12 including the winding groove 121 are determined so that when the motor M rotates a predetermined angle in the first direction, the amount of the second string S2 wound by the second drum member 12 and the amount of the third string S3 unwound are the same, and when the motor M rotates a predetermined angle in the second direction, the amount of the second string S2 unwound by the second drum member 12 and the amount of the third string S3 unwound are the same.

[0037] In this embodiment, the motor M is, for example, a brushed DC motor, and is controlled by a control device 100 (see FIG. 2). 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 the user's operation of a shade open / close switch (not shown). The power transmission mechanism T includes, for example, a reducer and a gear mechanism. Furthermore, the shade device 1 includes a plurality of pulleys P (see FIG. 2) rotatably supported by a housing 7 or the like so as to regulate the paths of the corresponding first, second, or third strings S1, S2, S3.

[0038] Next, the operation of the above-described shade device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] 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 (fully close or half close) the shade 2 via the shade opening / closing switch, the control device 100 controls the motor M of the rotation drive device 10 to rotate the second drum member 12 in the second winding direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8 ), as shown in Fig. 8. When the second drum member 12 rotates in the second winding direction, the first drum member 11 rotates in the first winding direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8 ) in synchronization with the rotation of the second drum member 12.

[0040] When the motor M of the rotary drive device 10 rotates the first and second drum members 11, 12 in the first or second winding direction, the first string S1 is wound onto the first drum member 11, and the second string S2 is wound onto the second drum member 12. As a result, the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, is pulled by the first and second strings S1, S2 toward the first and second drum members 11, 12 so as to move away from the winding member 3. This allows the shade 2 to be pulled out from the winding member 3 and fully or partially closed.

[0041] Furthermore, as the shade 2 is pulled out, the winding member 3 rotates in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed dotted line in Figure 9, the rotation drive device 10 rotates the second drum member 12 in the second winding direction, and while unwinding the third string S3 from the winding groove 121, winds the second string S2 from the upper end side to the lower end side of the second drum member 12 into the now empty winding groove 121. This allows the winding member 3 to rotate in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2 as the shade 2 is pulled out, and the third string S3 unwound from the second drum member 12 can be wound onto the spool 30 that rotates together with the winding member 3.

[0042] On the other hand, 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 rotation drive device 10 to rotate the second drum member 12 in the direction opposite to the second winding direction (clockwise in FIG. 10 ), as shown in Fig. 10. When the second drum member 12 rotates in the direction opposite to the second winding direction, the first drum member 11 rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the second drum member 12 in the direction opposite to the first winding direction (clockwise in FIG. 10 ).

[0043] When the motor M of the rotary drive device 10 rotates the first and second drum members 11, 12 in the direction opposite to the first winding direction or the second winding direction, the first string S1 is unwound from the first drum member 11, the second string S2 is unwound from the second drum member 12, and the third string S3 is wound onto the second drum member 12. As a result, while the unwinding of the first and second strings S1, S2 allows the shade bar 4, i.e., the tip of the shade 2, to move toward the winding member 3, the winding (pulling) of the third string S3 rotates the spool 30 and the winding member 3 in the winding direction of the shade 2, allowing the shade 2 to be wound onto the winding member 3 and opened. As a result, the shade 2 can be wound onto the winding member 3 to open it fully or half-open.

[0044] As described above, in the shade device 1, the first string S1 is wound onto the first drum member 11, and the second string S2 is wound onto the second drum member 12, which is separate from the first drum member 11. Therefore, it is easy to match the amount of the first string S1 wound onto the first drum member 11 with the amount of the second string S2 wound onto the second drum member 12, and it is also easy to match the amount of the first string S1 reeled out onto the first drum member 11 with the amount of the second string S2 reeled out onto the second drum member 12. Furthermore, the second drum member 12 reels out the third string S3 when reeling in the second string S2, and reels out the third string S3 when reeling out the second string S2. Therefore, it is possible to easily match the amount of the second string S2 wound by the second drum member 12 with the amount of the third string S3 unwound, and it is also possible to easily match the amount of the second string S2 unwound by the second drum member 12 with the amount of the third string S3 wound.

[0045] As a result, the tip of the shade bar 4, i.e., the shade 2, is prevented from moving at an angle relative to the winding member 3, allowing the shade 2 to be moved (opened or closed) appropriately. Furthermore, when the second drum member 12 is rotated, one of the second and third strings S2, S3 can be unwound while the other is wound up without the second and third strings S2, S3 interfering with each other. This prevents the axial length of the second drum member 12 from increasing. Therefore, the shade device 1 prevents the entire device from becoming larger and allows the shade 2 to be moved appropriately.

[0046] Each of the first and second drum members 11, 12 has a winding groove 111 or 121 formed on its outer circumferential surface so as to extend spirally around the first or second axis A1, A2. The second string S2 is wound around the winding groove 121 from the upper end (one end) of the second drum member 12 toward the lower end (the other end) in the axial direction, and the third string S3 is wound around the winding groove 121 from the lower end (the other end) of the second drum member 12 toward the upper end (one end). This allows one of the second and third strings S2, S3 to be unwound from the winding groove 121 while the other string is wound around the vacant winding groove 121 without interfering with each other when the second and third strings S2, S3 are rotated. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in the axial length of the second drum member 12.

[0047] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the biasing mechanism (retractor) that biases the shade 2 in the winding direction can be omitted from the winding member 3, allowing the diameter of the winding member 3 to be reduced. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which the third string S3 is wound around the second drum member 12 to open the shade 2, the range of movement of the shade 2 is not limited by the constraints of the biasing mechanism. Furthermore, omitting the biasing mechanism allows for a reduction in the weight and cost of the entire device. Furthermore, the structure for regulating the paths of the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3 can be made lower in height and simpler than a geared cable, etc., thereby allowing for a more compact device. Furthermore, the loss associated with driving the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3 is also reduced compared to a geared cable, etc., preventing the rotation drive device 10 from becoming larger.

[0048] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the first and second drum members 11, 12 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle V. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the dimensions of the shade device 1 in the height direction and in the direction in which the shade 2 is pulled out (the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle V), and ensure good mountability of the shade device 1.

[0049] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the first winding direction of the first drum member 11 and the second winding direction of the second drum member 12 are the same direction, and the rotation drive device 10 includes a first gear G1 coaxial with the first drum member 11 and rotatable therewith, a second gear G2 coaxial with the second drum member 12 and rotatable therewith, a third gear G3 meshing with the first and second gears G1 and G2, and a single motor M that rotates the second drum member 12 in forward and reverse directions. This makes it possible for the single motor M to rotate the first and second drum members 11 and 12 in the first or second winding direction and to rotate the first and second drum members 11 and 12 in the direction opposite to the first winding direction or the direction opposite to the second winding direction. Furthermore, using only one motor M reduces the number of parts of the rotation drive device 10, thereby reducing costs, and also makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the rotation drive device 10 and, ultimately, the shade device 1. However, the rotary drive device 10 is not limited to one that includes the first, second, and third gears G1, G2, G3 and a single motor M, as long as it rotates the second drum member 12 in the second winding direction when the first drum member 11 is rotated in the first winding direction, and rotates the second drum member 12 in the opposite direction to the second winding direction when the first drum member 11 is rotated in the opposite direction to the first winding direction.

[0050] In the shade device 1, a shade bar 4 having an internal space 4x is fixed to the tip of the shade 2. The first string S1 is inserted into the internal space 4x from one end of the shade bar 4 and connected to the shade bar 4 via a first slack absorption mechanism 51 that absorbs slack in the first string S1. The second string S2 is inserted into the internal space 4x from the other end of the shade bar 4 and connected to the shade bar 4 via a second slack absorption mechanism 52 that absorbs slack in the second string S2. The shade device 1 also includes a third slack absorption mechanism 60 that is disposed inside the winding member 3 and biases the spool 30 in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2.

[0051] That is, the shade 2 and the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3 elongate due to changes in ambient temperature, application of a tensile load, etc. When elongation occurs in at least one of the shade 2 and the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3, the correlation between the amount of movement of the first and second strings S1, S2 or the third string S2 (the amount of pull-out from the winding member 3) and the amount of movement of the shade 2 is lost, causing slack in at least one of the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3. If the slack in at least one of the first, second and third strings S1, S2 and S3 exceeds the allowable amount, the shade 2 cannot be moved properly by winding the first, second and third strings S1, S2 and S3 onto the first and second drum members 11 and 12, and in some cases, the first, second or third string S1, S2 and S3 may come off the pulley P.

[0052] For example, if the shade 2 is stretched, even if an attempt is made to close the shade 2 by winding the first and second strings S1 and S2 onto the first or second drum member 11 or 12 by a specified amount, the shade 2 will not be pulled out from the winding member 3 until the slack caused by the stretch is eliminated. As a result, the shade 2 will not be pulled out from the winding member 3 by the specified amount, and the winding member 3 and the spool 30 will not rotate enough, causing slack in the first and second strings S1 and S2. Also, if the shade 2 is stretched, even if an attempt is made to open the shade 2 by winding the third string S3 onto the second drum member 12 by the specified amount, the shade 2 will not be wound onto the winding member 3 until the slack caused by the stretch is eliminated. As a result, the shade 2 will not be wound onto the winding member 3 by the specified amount, and the movement of the shade 2 will be insufficient, causing slack in the third string S3. Furthermore, if stretching occurs in at least one of the first, second and third strings S1, S2 and S3, the first string S1 etc. will become loose between the first drum member 11 and the shade bar 4 etc.

[0053] Based on this, in the shade device 1, the first and second strings S1, S2 are connected to the shade bar 4 via the first or second slack absorbing mechanism 51, 52. Also, in the shade device 1, the third slack absorbing mechanism 60 is disposed inside the winding member 3. This prevents slack from occurring in at least one of the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3, even if stretch occurs in the shade 2 or at least one of the first, second, and third strings S1, S2, and S3, making it possible to move the shade 2 appropriately.

[0054] As described above, the first and second slack absorption mechanisms 51, 52 include a slider 55 that is slidably disposed in the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4 and to which the tip of the first or second string S1, S2 is fixed, and a spring 57 that urges the slider 55 in a direction from one end or the other end of the shade bar 4 toward the center of the shade bar 4. When there is no slack in the first or second string S1, S2 between the first or second drum member 11, 12 and the shade bar 4, the slider 55 of the first and second slack absorption mechanisms 51, 52 moves close to one end or the other of the shade bar 4 within the first guide space 5a of the shoe 5L or 5R against the urging force of the spring 57 due to the tension from the first or second string S1, S2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 .

[0055] On the other hand, when slack is about to occur in the first or second string S1, S2 between the first or second drum member 11, 12 and the shade bar 4, the slider 55 moves toward the center of the shade bar 4 due to the biasing force of the spring 57 in response to a decrease in the tension in the first or second string S1, S2. As a result, the movement of the slider 55 pulls the first or second string S1, S2 in the direction from the first or second drum member 11, 12 toward the shade bar 4.

[0056] As a result, the shade device 1 effectively prevents slack in the first and second strings S1, S2 due to elongation of at least one of the shade 2 and the first and second strings S1, S2. Furthermore, the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4 is effectively utilized as a placement space for the first and second slack absorption mechanisms 51, 52, effectively preventing the size of the shade device 1 from increasing. Furthermore, the first and second slack absorption mechanisms 51, 52 include a shoe 5L or 5R as a guide member fixed to the internal space 4x of the shade bar 4. Each shoe 5L, 5R includes a spring support portion 5s that supports the base end of the spring 57 at the center of the shade bar 4, and a first guide space (guide portion) 5a that slidably supports the slider 55, connected to the tip of the spring 57, at one end or the other end of the shade bar 4. This ensures good slidability of the slider 55, and the biasing force of the spring 57 effectively prevents the first and second strings S1, S2 from becoming loose.

[0057] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, when there is no slack in the third string S3 between the second drum member 12 and the spool 30, the tension of the third string S3 overcomes the biasing force of the third slack absorption mechanism 60, i.e., the torsion spring 65, and the first end face of the protrusion 33p of the spool 30 (shaft portion 33) abuts against the first abutment surface 351 of the outer cylinder member 35. As a result, the rotation of the spool 30 in the winding direction of the shade 2 relative to the winding member 3 is restricted by the first stopper ST1. As a result, the shade 2 can be moved appropriately by winding the third string S3 onto the second drum member 12 (see the solid arrow in FIG. 7 ) or unwinding it from the second drum member 12 (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 7 ).

[0058] On the other hand, when slack is about to occur in the third string S3 between the second drum member 12 and the spool 30, the spool 30 is rotated in the opposite direction to the winding direction of the shade 2 by the biasing force (restoring force) of the torsion spring 65 in response to a decrease in the tension of the third string S3 until the tension of the third string S3 and the biasing force of the torsion spring 65 are balanced. As a result, the third string S3 is wound onto the spool 30, and the slack of the third string S3 is absorbed by the third slack absorbing mechanism 60. As a result, in the shade device 1, even if elongation occurs in at least one of the shade 2 and the third string S3, slack in the third string S3 is effectively suppressed, and the shade 2 can be moved appropriately.

[0059] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the third slack absorption mechanism 60 is disposed inside the cylindrical winding member 3. This allows the interior of the winding member 3 to be effectively utilized as a space for arranging the third slack absorption mechanism 60, thereby effectively preventing the shade device 1 from becoming larger.

[0060] The third slack absorbing mechanism 60 also includes a first stopper ST1 that restricts rotation of the spool 30 relative to the winding member 3 in the winding direction of the shade 2. As a result, even if a large tension is applied from the second drum member 12 to the third string S3 that is pulled out from the spool 30 and wound into the winding groove 121 when the shade 2 is wound onto the winding member 3 and opened, the rotation angle of the spool 30 relative to the winding member 3 in the winding direction of the shade 2, i.e., the amount of twist of the torsion spring 65, can be limited to a predetermined upper limit or less. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the tension applied to the third string S3 from the spool 30 (tension in the winding direction of the third string S3 onto the spool 30) from becoming excessive and to effectively prevent a decrease in the durability of the torsion spring 65 due to excessive twisting in the winding direction of the shade 2.

[0061] Furthermore, the third slack absorbing mechanism 60 includes an outer tube member 35 that is fixed to the take-up member 3 via the position adjustment mechanism 90 so as to rotate integrally with the take-up member 3 and that rotatably supports the shaft portion 33 extending from the spool 30, and a torsion spring (biasing member) 65 that is held by the spool 30 (shaft portion 33) and the outer tube member 35 so as to bias the spool 30 in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2 relative to the outer tube member 35. This makes it possible to dispose the third slack absorbing mechanism 60, which biases the spool 30 in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade 2, inside the take-up member 3 while suppressing an increase in the outer diameter and inner diameter of the take-up member 3.

[0062] During manufacture of the shade device 1, the shade 2 is wound around the winding member 3 while being pulled with a predetermined force (for example, approximately 100 N). This can result in individual differences in the thickness of the shade 2, and the amount of winding (number of turns) of the shade 2 around the winding member 3 varies depending on the thickness of the shade 2, resulting in a discrepancy between the amount of winding (unwinding) of the third string S3 by the rotation drive device 10 (second drum member 12), i.e., the amount of payout from the spool 30, and the amount of movement (payout) of the shade 2. In light of this, the shade device 1 is provided with a position adjustment mechanism 90 that enables the fixed position of the third string S3 on the spool 30 to be adjusted in the circumferential direction of the winding member 3 when the spool 30 is attached to the winding member 3.

[0063] That is, according to the position adjustment mechanism 90, when attaching the spool 30 to the winding member 3, the spool 30 can be rotated by a predetermined angle (e.g., 30°) in the winding direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 7) or the unwinding direction (clockwise in FIG. 7) of the shade 2 relative to the winding member 3, and then the pair of recesses 35r of the outer tubular member 35 can be fitted into the corresponding protrusions 3p of the winding member 3. As a result, even if the amount of winding of the shade 2 on the winding member 3 changes depending on the thickness of the shade 2, the fixed position of the string on the spool 30 can be shifted (rotated) in the circumferential direction of the winding member 3, thereby reducing the difference between the amount of movement of the third string S3 unwound from the spool 30 by the rotation drive device 10 and the amount of movement of the shade 2.

[0064] Specifically, when the shade 2 is thick and the amount of the shade 2 wound around the winding member 3 is small, the fixed position of the third string S3 on the spool 30 can be shifted (rotated) in the winding direction of the shade 2 relative to the winding member 3 so that the third string S3 is slackened toward the second drum member 12. Furthermore, when the shade 2 is thin and the amount of the shade 2 wound around the winding member 3 is large, the fixed position of the third string S3 on the spool 30 can be shifted (rotated) in the unwinding direction of the shade 2 relative to the winding member 3 so that the third string S3 is pulled toward the spool 30. As a result, the shade device 1 can move the shade 2 appropriately and suppress an increase in the driving force required to open and close the shade 2, regardless of the thickness of the shade 2.

[0065] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the spool 30 includes an outer tube member 35 that forms an insertion portion that is inserted into the cylindrical winding member 3, and the position adjustment mechanism 90 includes a plurality of protrusions 3p provided on the winding member 3 and at least one recess 35r provided on the outer tube member 35 of the spool 30 so as to fit with any of the plurality of protrusions 3p. This makes it possible to adjust the fixed position of the third string S3 on the spool 30 at fine intervals in the circumferential direction of the winding member 3, regardless of the rotational position (phase) of the winding member 3 that has wound up the shade 2. However, the position adjustment mechanism 90 may also include a plurality of recesses provided on the winding member 3 and at least one protrusion provided on the outer tube member 35 of the spool 30 so as to fit with any of the plurality of recesses.

[0066] Furthermore, in the shade device 1, the position adjustment mechanism 90 includes a plurality of protrusions 3p formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the winding member 3, and a pair of recesses 35r formed at 180° intervals on the outer tubular member 35 of the spool 30 so as to fit with one of the plurality of protrusions 3p. This makes it possible to adjust the fixed position of the third string S3 on the spool 30 at fine intervals in the circumferential direction of the winding member 3, while effectively suppressing twisting of the outer tubular member 35 of the spool 30 relative to the winding member 3 caused by the biasing force of the torsion spring 65 of the third slack absorbing mechanism 60. However, the position adjustment mechanism 90 may also include a pair of recesses formed at 180° intervals on the winding member 3, and a plurality of protrusions provided on the outer tubular member 35 of the spool 30 so as to fit with the pair of recesses.

[0067] In the shade device 1, the power transmission mechanism T may be omitted from the rotation drive device 10, and the motor M may be directly connected to the second drum member 12. Alternatively, the rotation drive device 10 may be configured so that the motor M rotates the first drum member 11. Furthermore, the third string S3 may be wound around the first drum member 11. Alternatively, one spool (winding member) 30 may be coaxially fixed to each end of the winding member 3 in the axial direction. In this case, the third string S3 fixed to one spool 30 may be wound around the second drum member 12, and the fourth string fixed to the other spool 30 may be wound around the first drum member 11. Furthermore, 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 the present invention is not limited thereto and may be provided on a rear window or a side window of the vehicle V.

[0068] [Summary of the embodiment] The vehicle shade device (1) of this embodiment is provided on the roof (Pm, Pf) of a vehicle (V), and includes a shade (2), a winding member (3) that winds up the shade (2), a first drum member (11) that is rotatable about a first axis (A1), a second drum member (12) that is rotatable about a second axis (A2) that extends parallel to the first axis (A1), a first string (S1), a second string (S2), and a rotation drive device (10) that rotates the first and second drum members (11, 12) about the first or second axis (A1, A2). The first string (S1) is connected to one end of the tip of the shade (2), and is wound up around the first drum member (11) when the first drum member (11) rotates in a predetermined first winding direction. The second string (S2) is connected to the other end of the tip of the shade (2) and is wound onto the second drum member (12) when the second drum member (12) rotates in a predetermined second winding direction. The rotation drive device (10) rotates the second drum member (12) in the second winding direction when the first drum member (11) rotates in the first winding direction, and rotates the second drum member (12) in the direction opposite to the second winding direction when the first drum member (11) rotates in the direction opposite to the first winding direction.

[0069] In the vehicle shade device of this embodiment, the first string is wound onto the first drum member, and the second string is wound onto the second drum member that is separate from the first drum member. Therefore, the amount of the first string wound onto the first drum member and the amount of the second string wound onto the second drum member can be easily matched, and the amount of the first string unwound onto the first drum member and the amount of the second string unwound onto the second drum member can be easily matched. Therefore, the vehicle shade device of this embodiment allows the shade to be moved appropriately.

[0070] The vehicle shade device (1) may further include a winding member (30) that is coaxial with and can rotate integrally with the winding member (3), and a third string (S3) that is fixed to the winding member (30), wound around the winding member (30), and wound around either one of the first or second drum members (11, 12) that rotate in the opposite direction to the first or second winding direction.

[0071] When the rotary drive device rotates the first and second drum members in a first or second winding direction and the first and second strings are wound onto the first or second drum members, the leading end of the shade is pulled toward the first or second drum members and away from the winding member. This allows the shade to be pulled out from the winding member and closed, and the winding member can be rotated in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the shade as the shade is pulled out, thereby winding the third string unwound from one of the first and second drum members onto the winding member that rotates together with the winding member. Furthermore, when the rotary drive device rotates the first and second drum members in a direction opposite to the first winding direction or the second winding direction, the first and second strings are unwound from the first or second drum members and the third string is wound onto one of the first and second drum members. This allows the tip of the shade to move toward the winding member by unwinding the first and second strings, while the winding member and the winding member rotate in the winding direction of the shade by winding the third string, allowing the shade to be wound onto the winding member and opened.

[0072] Furthermore, one of the first and second drum members unwinds the third string when winding the first or second string, and winds the third string when unwinding the first or second string. Therefore, it is possible to easily match the amount of the first or second string wound by one of the first and second drum members with the amount of the third string, and to easily match the amount of the first or second string wound by one of the first and second drum members with the amount of the third string. As a result, the tip of the shade is prevented from moving at an angle relative to the winding member, allowing the shade to be moved (opened or closed) appropriately. Furthermore, when one of the first and second drum members is rotated, it is possible to unwind one of the first or second string and the third string while winding the other without the first or second string interfering with the third string. This prevents an increase in the axial length of one of the first and second drum members. Therefore, in this vehicle shade device, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming too large overall, and to move the shade appropriately.

[0073] Each of the first and second drum members (11, 12) may have a winding groove (111, 121) formed on its outer circumferential surface so as to extend spirally around the first or second axis (A1, A2). The second string (S2) may be wound around the winding groove (12) from one end toward the other end in the axial direction of one of the first and second drum members (11, 12). The third string (S3) may be wound around the winding groove (121) from the other end toward one end of one of the first and second drum members (11, 12).

[0074] This allows the second and third strings to be wound into the vacant winding groove while one of the second and third strings is unwound from the winding groove without interfering with each other when the second drum is rotated, thereby effectively preventing an increase in the axial length of the second drum.

[0075] Furthermore, the first and second drum members (11, 12) may be arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle (V).

[0076] This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the dimensions of the shade device in the height direction and in the direction in which the shade is pulled out (the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle), and ensure good mountability of the shade device.

[0077] A shade bar (4) having an internal space (4x) may be fixed to the tip of the shade (2). A first string (S1) may be inserted into the internal space (4x) from one end of the shade bar (4) and connected to the shade bar (4) via a first slack absorption mechanism (51) that absorbs slack in the first string (S1). A second string (S2) may be inserted into the internal space (4x) from the other end of the shade bar (4) and connected to the shade bar (4) via a second slack absorption mechanism (52) that absorbs slack in the second string (S2).

[0078] This prevents at least one of the first and second strings from becoming loose even if the shade and at least one of the first and second strings are stretched, making it possible to move the shade appropriately.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The invention of the present disclosure can be used in the vehicle shade device manufacturing industry and the like.

Claims

1. A vehicle shade device that is mounted on the roof of a vehicle and includes a shade and a winding member that winds up the shade, comprising: a first drum member that is rotatable about a first axis; a second drum member that is rotatable about a second axis that extends parallel to the first axis; a first string that is connected to one end of the tip of the shade and that is wound onto the first drum member when the first drum member rotates in a predetermined first winding direction; a second string that is connected to the other end of the tip of the shade and that is wound onto the second drum member when the second drum member rotates in a predetermined second winding direction; and a rotary drive device that rotates the first and second drum members about the first or second axis, the rotary drive device rotating the second drum member in the second winding direction when the first drum member is rotated in the first winding direction, and rotating the second drum member in the direction opposite to the second winding direction when the first drum member is rotated in the direction opposite to the first winding direction.

2. A shade device for a vehicle as described in claim 1, further comprising: a winding member that is coaxial with the winding member and can rotate integrally therewith; and a third string that is fixed to the winding member and wound around the winding member, and is wound around one of the first and second drum members that rotate in a direction opposite to the first or second winding direction.

3. A vehicle shade device as described in claim 2, wherein each of the first and second drum members has a winding groove formed on its outer surface so as to extend spirally around the first or second axis, the second string is wound around the winding groove from one end side to the other end side in the axial direction of one of the first and second drum members, and the third string is wound around the winding groove from the other end side to the one end side of one of the first and second drum members.

4. A shade device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second drum members are arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle.

5. A shade device for vehicles as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a shade bar having an internal space is fixed to the tip of the shade, the first string is inserted into the internal space from one end side of the shade bar and is connected to the shade bar via a first slack absorption mechanism that absorbs slack in the first string, and the second string is inserted into the internal space from the other end side of the shade bar and is connected to the shade bar via a second slack absorption mechanism that absorbs slack in the second string.

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