Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a delay unit of a cord support member allowing operation
of raising, lowering, and tilting slats with one drive shaft, a cord support device
thereof, and a Venetian blind including them.
Background Art
[0002] Venetian blinds are capable of adjusting an amount of solar radiation to be taken
indoor by raising, lowering, and tilting a number of slats supported by ladder cords
hung from a head box using a lift cord.
[0003] For example, a bottom rail is arranged at the lower end of ladder cords and a lift
cord attached to the bottom rail is pulled in a head box and pulled out of the head
box to raise and lower the bottom rail, thereby allowing raising and lowering of the
number of slats.
[0004] As a type of such a Venetian blind, those are generally known that use a cord support
member allowing operation, with one drive shaft, of rotation of a tilt drum hangingly
supporting ladder cords and a winding shaft windably or unwindably hangingly supporting
a lift cord.
[0005] In such a general cord support member allowing operation of rotating a tilt drum
and a winding shaft with one drive shaft, even when tilting operation is desired not
to cause raising and lowering of slats, the tilting operation turns out to raise and
lower a bottom rail. In particular, a problem to be improved arises from the perspective
of operability that, when the bottom rail is not in a lower limit position, stacked
slats turns out to be raised before tilted in tilting operation.
[0006] To deal with this situation, a technique is disclosed that a cord support member
has a tilt drum and a winding shaft engaged in the respective projections with a clearance
to delay rotation of the winding shaft relative to rotation of the tilt drum (e.g.,
refer to PTL 1).
[0007] More specifically, in the cord support member (mechanism storage box) of the technique
in PTL 1, a tilt drum (rotary tilt drum) is directly coupled to rotate with rotation
of the drive shaft and a shaft member (bushing) is newly provided to be fixed to the
cord support member. The shaft member has one end provided with a brake drum and a
clutch ring and is arranged between the tilt drum and a winding shaft (lift drum).
The winding shaft is idlably hooked on a cylindrical periphery of the shaft member
protruding from the brake drum and engaged with the tilt drum in the respective projections
to rotate together with a 180-degree clearance. Accordingly, the winding shaft is
not directly coupled with the drive shaft and the rotation of the winding shaft is
provided with some clearance relative to the rotation of the tilt drum to allow delay
of the rotation of the winding shaft.
[0008] As one form of the cord supporting apparatus, the ladder cord is hung on the tilt
drum with the upper end portion of the ladder cord in an annular shape, whereby the
ladder cord is suspended, and the slat supported by the weft of the ladder cord is
rotated by the rotation of the tilt drum There is something to move. In the form of
this cord supporting device, it is necessary to generate a predetermined frictional
resistance between the tilt drum and the annular upper end portion of the ladder cord
in order to transmit the rotation of the tilt drum to the movement of the ladder cord.
For this reason, there is known a technique of providing a friction member on a part
of the annular upper end portion of the ladder cord (see, for example, Patent Document
2).
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0010] As described above, a general cord support member allowing operation of rotating
a tilt drum and a winding shaft with one drive shaft has operability problems of raising
and lowering of a bottom rail due to tilting operation even when the tilting operation
is desired not to cause raising and lowering of slats and of raising of stacked slats
before tilting during tilting operation when the bottom rail is not in a lower limit
position.
[0011] The technique in PTL 1 is capable of solving the problems, whereas the technique
in PTL 1 has a configuration of, to delay the rotation of the winding shaft relative
to the rotation of the tilt drum, engaging the tilt drum and the winding shaft in
the respective projections with a clearance. Accordingly, for providing a plurality
of cord support members in a head box and the like, positioning (slat angle adjustment,
cord length adjustment, etc.) of the cord support members relative to one drive shaft
is assumed to require assembly of the cord support members over and over again while
relative positional relationship between the tilt drum and the winding shaft is adjusted
every time and there is thus a concern of assemblability to the head box.
[0012] The technique in PTL 1 also has a configuration that the winding shaft is idlably
hooked on a cylindrical periphery of the shaft member, causing difficulty in miniaturization.
Due to an increase in the diameter of the entire cord support members, there is a
concern of an increase in costs of the cord support members or the Venetian blind.
[0013] The technique in PTL 1 only discloses a configuration having a delay angle of 180
degrees, which is required to change the shape of at least the tilt drum, the winding
shaft, and the clutch ring for application to the angle of other than 180 degrees.
Cord support members respectively with a tilt drum, a winding shaft, and a clutch
ring changed in shape have to be prepared for each application of Venetian blinds,
resulting in an increase in costs.
[0014] The technique in PTL 1 is also considered to replace the entire cord support members
even when a delay angle is intended to be adjusted or altered during assembly. There
is thus a concern of an increase in operations and expenses for parts control.
[0015] Accordingly, a technique is desired that allows operation of rotating a tilt drum
and a winding shaft of slats with one drive shaft, solves the problem of raising and
lowering of a bottom rail due to tilting operation even when the tilting operation
is desired not to cause raising and lowering of slats and the problem of raising of
stacked slats before tilting during tilting operation when the bottom rail is not
in a lower limit position, improves assemblability, and is excellent in practicality
contributing to miniaturization, versatility, reduction of operations and expenses
for parts control, and inexpensiveness.
[0016] In the form of a cord supporting device for rotating the slats supported by the weft
of the ladder cord by rotating the tilt drum by hanging the ladder cord by hanging
the ladder cord on the tilt drum with the upper end portion of the ladder cord in
an annular shape In the technique of providing the friction member to the ladder cord
as disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the contact / non-contact state of the friction
member changes due to the rotation of the tilt drum, due to the rocking of the ladder
cord or the like, the friction member and the tilt Contact with the drum becomes insufficient,
and it is assumed that poor turning of the slat occurs.
[0017] In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide,
in a mode excellent in practicality, a delay unit of a cord support member allowing
operation of raising, lowering, and tilting slats with one drive shaft, a cord support
device thereof, and a Venetian blind including them.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral blind in which a
frictional resistance relating to a latch is adapted to a cord supporting apparatus
having a tilt drum configured to hook an upper end portion of an annular rudder cord
is there.
Solution to Problem
[0019] A delay unit of the present invention is a delay unit for a cord support device
allowing operation of raising, lowering, and tilting of slats with one drive shaft,
wherein
the delay unit is provided so as to be aligned to one drive shaft outside or inside
a support case,
the support case rotatably supports a tilt drum and a winding shaft, respectively,
with the drive shaft as an axis of rotation of the tilt drum and the winding shaft,
and
the delay unit is configured so that the winding shaft is rotated with a predetermined
delay along with rotation of the tilt drum.
[0020] The cord support device of the present invention includes the delay unit.
[0021] A cord support device of the present invention is a cord support device allowing
operation of raising, lowering, and tilting of slats with one drive shaft, including:
a tilt drum directly coupled with the drive shaft using the drive shaft as an axis
of rotation;
a winding shaft non-directly coupled with the drive shaft; and
a delay unit having an output stem, wherein
the output stem is configured to rotate with a predetermined delay along with rotation
of the drive shaft, and
the delay unit is arranged to directly or indirectly couple the output stem with a
bearing of the winding shaft.
[0022] In the cord support device of the present invention, the delay unit is configured
to link rotation transmission sections to produce the predetermined delay in an axial
direction of the drive shaft.
[0023] In the cord support device of the present invention, the delay unit is configured
to link rotation transmission sections to produce the predetermined delay in a vertical
direction to the drive shaft.
[0024] In the cord support device of the present invention, the delay unit includes:
an input shaft member directly coupled with the drive shaft;
an output shaft member having an output stem, the output stem configured to rotate
with the predetermined delay due to rotation transmission of the input shaft member,
and the output shaft member engaged with the input shaft member with a clearance of
a predetermined rotational angle;
a brake member to inhibit rotation of the output shaft member other than rotation
due to rotation transmission from the input shaft member; and
a case member storing the input shaft member, the output shaft member, and the brake
member.
[0025] In the cord support device of the present invention, the brake member includes:
a coiled brake spring having a pair of ends engaged with part of the output shaft
member while allowing rotation transmission from the input shaft member to the output
shaft member; and
a spring case storing the brake spring in a state of reduced diameter and locked by
the case member of the delay unit.
[0026] The cord support device of the present invention further includes a rotation relay
plate to relay rotation with a predetermined delay between the input shaft member
and the output shaft member, allowing change of a delay due to the engagement of the
input shaft member with the output shaft member.
[0027] In the cord support device of the present invention, the case member of the delay
unit is formed by fitting a plurality of members in a vertical direction to the drive
shaft.
[0028] In the cord support device of the present invention, the delay unit is arranged to
be coupled with a bearing of the winding shaft through an obstacle detecting and stopping
device.
[0029] In the cord support device of the present invention, an amount of rotation to produce
a delay by the delay unit is set as an angular adjustment range of the slats or more.
[0030] In the cord support device of the present invention, a case member of the delay unit
has a nail, the nail holding the support case of the cord support device or a support
auxiliary member of the winding shaft.
[0031] In the cord support device of the present invention, an output stem of the delay
unit has a locking mechanism to be directly or indirectly coupled with a bearing of
the winding shaft.
[0032] A Venetian blind of the present invention includes the cord support device of the
present invention.
[0033] A Venetian blind of the present invention, allowing operation of raising and lowering
of slats by winding or unwinding a lift cord with a plurality of winding shafts configuring
a cord winding device based on rotation of one drive shaft, hanging ladder cords from
a plurality of tilt drums, and rotating the tilt drums based on the rotation of the
drive shaft to allow angular adjustment of the slats supported by the ladder cords,
wherein
the blind is configured to, when the slats are flipped after the operation of raising
and lowering of the slats, transmit the rotation of the drive shaft to the tilt drums,
prevent rotation of the winding shafts during angular adjustment of the slats, and
cause the winding shafts to rotate along with rotation of the drive shaft after predetermined
relative rotation, and
by providing a brake mechanism, separately from the cord winding device, nonrotatably
supported to a head box storing the cord winding device and the tilt drums, configured
to prevent the rotation of the winding shafts during the angular adjustment of the
slats.
[0034] A Venetian blind of the present invention, allowing operation of raising and lowering
of slats by winding or unwinding a lift cord with a plurality of winding shafts configuring
a cord winding device based on rotation of one drive shaft, hanging ladder cords from
a plurality of tilt drums, and rotating the ladder cords based on the rotation of
the drive shaft to allow angular adjustment of the slats supported by the ladder cords,
the blind includes
a plurality of delay units aligned respectively to the winding shafts on the drive
shaft to cause the winding shafts to rotate with a predetermined delay along with
relative to rotation of the tilt drums, wherein
each of the delay units has a shape allowing, during assembly to a head box to store
the winding shafts and the tilt drums, insertion from an opening provided in an upper
surface of the head box without deforming the head box.
[0035] A Venetian blind of the present invention, allowing operation of raising and lowering
of slats by winding or unwinding a lift cord with a plurality of winding shafts configuring
a cord winding device based on rotation of one drive shaft, hanging ladder cords from
a plurality of tilt drums, and rotating the ladder cords based on the rotation of
the drive shaft to allow angular adjustment of the slats supported by the ladder cords,
the blind includes
a plurality of delay units aligned respectively to the winding shafts on the drive
shaft to cause the winding shafts to rotate with a predetermined delay along with
rotation of the tilt drums, wherein
the winding shafts and the tilt drums are stored in a head box, the head box having
an upper surface opened with a first length in a fore and aft direction and an inside
having a storage space with a second length greater than the first length,
each of the delay units has a shape to inhibit, during assembly to the head box, shifting
in a fore and aft direction and in an up and down direction relative to the head box
in the storage space with the second length in the head box when inserted from the
upper surface of the head box opened with the first length and rotated to face in
an orientation to be aligned to a respective one of the winding shafts subjected to
coupling on the drive shaft.
[0036] A Venetian blind of the present invention, allowing operation of raising and lowering
of slats by winding or unwinding a lift cord with a plurality of winding shafts configuring
a cord winding device based on rotation of one drive shaft, hanging ladder cords from
a plurality of tilt drums, and rotating the ladder cords based on the rotation of
the drive shaft to allow angular adjustment of the slats supported by the ladder cords,
the blind includes
a plurality of delay units aligned respectively to the winding shafts on the drive
shaft to cause the winding shafts to rotate with a predetermined delay along with
rotation of the tilt drums, wherein
the respective delay units are, during assembly to a head box to store the winding
shafts and the tilt drums, separated relative to the winding shafts to allow initialization
of the respective delay units by arbitrarily inserting the drive shaft into an axial
center of the delay units, the winding shafts, and the tilt drums, followed by arbitrary
rotation in a predetermined number of rotation or more and to allow positioning of
an attachment position of the lift cord in all the winding shafts, and to be aligned
by sliding coupling in left and right directions of the respective delay units in
the head box after the positioning.
[0037] A horizontal blind according to another aspect of the present invention is a horizontal
blind that allows a ladder cord to follow and rotate a slat by rotation of a tilt
drum, and includes a plurality of annular ridges for a pair of indoor and outdoor
ladder cords And a cord supporting device configured to be hung on the outer peripheral
surface formed on the tilt drum with a predetermined frictional force.
[0038] In another aspect of the horizontal blind according to the present invention, the
upper end of the rudder cord depending on the interior side is engaged with the ladder
cord hanging from the interior side to the outer circumferential surface of the tilt
drum and then to the outdoor side And the upper end of the ladder cord hanging out
to the outside of the chamber is engaged with a ladder cord hanging from the outdoor
side to the outer circumferential surface of the tilt drum and then hanging down to
the interior side.
[0039] In another aspect of the horizontal blind according to the present invention, the
upper end of the rudder cord depending on the interior side is engaged with the ladder
cord hanging from the interior side to the outer circumferential surface of the tilt
drum and then to the outdoor side , The upper end of the ladder cord hanging out to
the outside of the room is hung from the outdoor side to the outer peripheral surface
of the tilt drum and then distributed along the uppermost weft provided between the
pair of ladder cords, And is engaged with a ladder cord hanging to the outside.
[0040] In the horizontal blind according to another aspect of the present invention, the
upper end of the rudder cord depending on the interior side is subjected to the first
engagement from the interior side to the outer circumferential surface of the tilt
drum, and then the pair of ladder cords A second lath on the outer circumferential
surface of the ladder hanging down to the outdoor side, and a ladder hanging down
to the outside of the chamber The upper end of the cord is engaged with a cord portion
at the time of the first engagement of the ladder cord hanging down to the indoor
side.
[0041] In another aspect of the horizontal blind according to the present invention, the
upper end locking portions of the pair of indoor side and outdoor side ladder cords
are provided on the outdoor side.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0042] The present invention allows operation of rotating a tilt drum and a winding shaft
with one drive shaft, solves the problem of raising and lowering of a bottom rail
due to tilting operation even when the tilting operation is desired not to cause raising
and lowering of slats and, in particular, the problem of raising of stacked slats
before tilting during tilting operation when the bottom rail is not in a lower limit
position, improves assemblability, and is excellent in practicality contributing to
miniaturization, versatility, reduction of operations and expenses for parts control,
and inexpensiveness.
[0043] According to the present invention, with respect to a cord supporting apparatus including
a tilt drum configured to hook the upper end portion of the annular rudder cord, it
is possible to change or adjust the frictional resistance of the various types of
horizontal blinds Become.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0044]
Fig. 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a Venetian blind
in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 2A and 2B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating
a schematic configuration of a cord support device having a delay unit in a first
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the
delay unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the cord support
device having the delay unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C are respective diagrams illustrating behavior of the delay unit
in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C are respective schematic side views illustrating behavior of
a Venetian blind related to the delay unit in the first embodiment of the present
invention.
Figs. 7A and 7B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating
a schematic configuration of a cord support device having a delay unit in a second
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the
delay unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the cord support
device having the delay unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 10A and 10B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating
a schematic configuration of a cord support device of another example having the delay
unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the cord support
device of the above example having the delay unit in the second embodiment of the
present invention.
Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of
a delay unit in a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of
a delay unit in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 14A and 14B are respective diagrams illustrating behavior of the delay unit
in the third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14C is a diagram illustrating
behavior of the delay unit in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 15 is a top view illustrating a configuration for assembly inside a head box
related to a delay unit in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 16A and 16B are respective top views illustrating a method of assembly in the
head box related to the delay unit in the above embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are respective top views illustrating a method of assembly
in the head box related to a plurality of delay units in one embodiment of the present
invention.
Figs. 18A and 18B are respective perspective views illustrating an example of a coupling
structure to an obstacle detecting and stopping device in a cord support device related
to a delay unit in one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of
a delay unit in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling a cord support device
of a modification having the delay unit in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the cord support
device of the above modification having the delay unit in the fifth embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a horizontal blind according
to an embodiment including a cord supporting device for hanging a ladder cord having
an annular upper end portion according to the present invention.
23 (a) and 23 (b) are partial front elevational views around a cord supporting device
for hanging a ladder cord having an annular upper end portion each having one annular
upper end portion according to the conventional technique, and FIG.
24 (a) and 24 (b) are partial side views around the cord supporting apparatus of the
first embodiment of the present invention and schematic diagrams showing code distribution
thereof.
25 (a) and 25 (b) are partial side views around the cord supporting apparatus of the
second embodiment of the present invention and schematic diagrams showing code distribution
thereof.
26 (a) and 26 (b) are partial side views around the cord supporting apparatus of the
third embodiment of the present invention and schematic diagrams showing code distribution
thereof.
27 (a) and 27 (b) are partial side views around the cord supporting apparatus of the
fourth embodiment of the present invention and schematic diagrams showing code distribution
thereof.
Description of Embodiments
[0045] With reference to the drawings, a description as an example is given below to a Venetian
blind allowing rotation of one drive shaft to operate raising and lowering of slats
by a lift cord and tilting of slats by ladder cords. In the description herein, regarding
the front view of a Venetian blind illustrated in Fig. 1, an upper part and a lower
part of the drawing are defined respectively as an upward direction (or an upper side)
and a downward direction (or a lower side) with respect to the slat hanging direction,
and a left direction and a right direction of the drawing are defined respectively
as a left side and a right side of the Venetian blind. A side of visually recognizing
the front view in Fig. 1 is referred to as a front side (or an indoor side) and the
opposite side as a rear side (or an outdoor side), and a fore and aft direction of
the Venetian blind means a direction vertical to an illustrated side of the front
view in Fig. 1.
Configuration of Venetian Blind
[0046] Fig. 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a Venetian blind
in one embodiment of the present invention. The Venetian blind illustrated in Fig.
1 has a head box 1 is provided inside with a cord support device 5 configured to align
a delay unit 5a according to the present invention to a cord support unit 5b and the
head box 1 has a ladder cord support member 6 arranged inside on a right end side.
In the illustrated example, only one cord support device 5 and only one ladder cord
support member 6 are shown while two or more cord support devices 5 and cord support
members 6 may be provided in the head box 1.
[0047] The cord support unit 5b and the ladder cord support member 6 hangingly support a
number of slats 4 via a pair of string-like ladder cords 9 hanging down respectively
to the indoor side and the outdoor side, and the respective ladder cords 9 hangingly
support a bottom rail 8 at a lower end of them. The head box 1 is fixed to a mount
surface on the ceiling side via brackets 7.
[0048] From the cord support unit 5b, a string-like lift cord 10 is hung at the approximate
center in a fore and aft direction on a lower surface of the head box 1, and the lift
cord 10 has a lower end attached to the bottom rail 8 via through holes, not shown,
provided at the approximate center in a fore and aft direction of the slats 4.
[0049] The cord support unit 5b is thus configured to align a tilt drum 51 having a V groove
to be laid with the pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down respectively to the indoor
side and the outdoor side and a cylindrical winding shaft 52 inclined to allow winding
or unwinding of the lift cord 10 on a square-rod drive shaft 11 to be supported by
a support case 50.
[0050] In the present example, an obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is provided
on a tip end side of the winding shaft 52. The obstacle detecting and stopping device
53 is a device to prevent rotation of the winding shaft 52 supporting the lift cord
10 when no tension in a pull-out direction is exerted on the lift cord 10 and has
a function of, when the bottom rail 8 collides with an obstacle during lowering of
the slats 4, discontinuing unwinding of the lift cord 10, stopping lowering of the
slats 4 and the bottom rail 8, and preventing reverse winding of the lift cord 10.
[0051] As details will be described later, particularly in the cord support device 5 of
the first embodiment, the cord support unit 5b is configured to have the tilt drum
51 relatively nonrotatably coupled with the drive shaft 11 in contrast to the winding
shaft 52 supported by the support case 50 not to be coupled (not engaged) with the
drive shaft 11, and the delay unit 5a to actuate the winding shaft 52 to rotate with
a predetermined delay along with rotation of the tilt drum 51 is aligned on the drive
shaft 11 to the cord support unit 5b.
[0052] The ladder cord support member 6 is a device simply supporting the tilt drum 51a
having a V groove to be laid with the pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down respectively
to the indoor side and the outdoor side.
[0053] The head box 1 is provided with an operation unit 2 on a right end side. The operation
unit 2 of a manually operated type as illustrated has a pulley, not shown, capable
of being laid with an endless string-like operation cord 3 (or may be an endless ball
chain) and the operation cord 3 is led outward from the head box 1 to be capable of
operation of rotating the drive shaft 11.
[0054] Alternatively, the operation unit 2 of an electrically operated type may be an electric
motor capable of operation of rotating the drive shaft 11 based on an operating signal
from outside. The operation unit 2 may thus be in an arbitrary form as long as the
form allows transmission to rotation of the drive shaft 11 in accordance with operation
by an operator.
[0055] The Venetian blind illustrated in Fig. 1 is thus capable of tilting operation to
adjust the angle of the slats 4 by rotation of the drive shaft 11 by operating the
operation cord 3 and rotation of, with the rotation of the drive shaft 11, the tilt
drum 51 in the cord support device 5 and the tilt drum 51a in the ladder cord support
member 6. When the drive shaft 11 is rotated more than the rotation required for tilting
operation, the winding shaft 52 in the cord support device 5 rotates with a predetermined
delay along with rotation of the tilt drum 51 in the tilting operation due to the
action of the delay unit 5a to allow operation of raising and lowering the slats 4.
[0056] More specifically, a detailed description is given below to structure and behavior
of the delay unit 5a and the cord support device 5 in each embodiment.
First Embodiment
[0057] Figs. 2A and 2B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating
a schematic configuration of the cord support device 5 having the delay unit 5a in
the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating a schematic configuration of the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment
of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling
the cord support device 5 having the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0058] The cord support device 5 illustrated in Fig. 2A is configured to align the delay
unit 5a to the cord support unit 5b. The cord support unit 5b rotatably supports the
tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52 with the drive shaft 11 as an axis of rotation
by the support case 50. The ladder cords 9 (refer to Fig. 1) to be hung down from
the tilt drum 51 and the lift cord 10 (refer to Fig. 1) to be hung down from the winding
shaft 52 are led from an outlet 50a provided in a bottom surface of the support case
50.
[0059] As illustrated in Fig. 2B, the tilt drum 51 is relatively nonrotatably coupled with
the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the support case 50. Meanwhile, the winding
shaft 52 is not coupled (not engaged) with the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the
support case 50. The obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is provided on a tip
end side of the winding shaft 52 to prevent rotation of the winding shaft 52 supporting
the lift cord 10 when no tension in a pull-out direction is exerted on the lift cord
10, and the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is also not coupled (not engaged)
with the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the support case 50. A case body of the
obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is fixed to the tip end side of the winding
shaft 52 while a tubular camshaft 531 stored in the case body of the obstacle detecting
and stopping device 53 is rotatable integrally with rotation of the winding shaft
52 with a clearance (i.e., an amount of rotation to prevent rotation of the winding
shaft 52) necessary to discontinue, when the bottom rail 8 collides with an obstacle
during lowering of the slats 4, unwinding of the lift cord 10 and stop lowering of
the slats 4 and the bottom rail 8.
[0060] The delay unit 5a aligned to the support case 50 of the cord support unit 5b is,
as illustrated in Fig. 3, configured with an output shaft member 56, a brake spring
57, a spring case 58, a rotation relay plate 59, an input shaft member 60, and case
members 55a and 55b.
[0061] The output shaft member 56 has a tubular stem 561 with a hexagonal outer profile
and an approximately cylindrical shaft 562 protruding through a flange 567 with a
tubular stem 568 on a base end side (drive transmission input side) of the stem 561,
and is provided with a projection 564 projecting to the drive transmission input side
within a predetermined angular range (angle α1 described later) from the axial center
in part of an outer periphery of the cylindrical shaft 562. The stem 568 and the flange
567 of the output shaft member 56 are relatively rotatably supported respectively
by circular openings 559c and open side faces 559a in one side (drive transmission
output side) of the case members 55a and 55b. Although the cylindrical shaft 562 and
the projection 564 are formed to protrude in a continuous shape in the present example,
the cylindrical shaft 562 and the projection 564 may protrude separately. The cylindrical
shaft 562 has a recessed area in the outer periphery other than the projection 564,
the recessed area formed as an engagement bearing 563 to be the range of movement
of a projecting piece 592 of the rotation relay plate 59 described later. In the stem
561 and the cylindrical shaft 562, a shaft hole 565 is formed that allows the drive
shaft 11 to be inserted without engagement. The tubular stem 561 with a hexagonal
outer profile allows integrally rotatable engagement with the tubular camshaft 531
having a hexagonal shaft hole 531a of the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53
(refer to Fig. 4), and thus rotation of the output shaft member 56 may be transmitted
for rotation in synchronization with the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting and
stopping device 53 (refer to Fig. 2B).
[0062] The brake spring 57 and the spring case 58 function as brake members to inhibit rotation
of the output shaft member 56 other than rotation due to transmission from the input
shaft member 60. More specifically, a predetermined braking force is applied to rotation
of the output shaft member 56 transmitted from the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting
and stopping device 53. That is, the brake members including the brake spring 57 and
the spring case 58 function as a stopper to lock rotation of the drive shaft 11 so
as to prevent the slats 4 and the bottom rail 8 from falling by their own weight.
[0063] To stably keep a raising and lowering position of the slats 4, the winding shaft
52 should not freely move except during raising and lowering operation by fitting
a pair of ends 571 of the brake spring 57 in a coil shape respectively into both sides
of the projection 564 of the output shaft member 56 for engagement. The spring case
58 stores the coiled brake spring 57 in a state of reduced diameter, and thus the
brake spring 57 presses an inner periphery of the spring case 58 all the time to apply
a predetermined braking force while allowing relative rotation to the spring case
58. Meanwhile, part of the spring case 58 is provided with a pair of concave portions
582 nonrotatably locked by convex portions 557 provided in the respective case members
55a and 55b and fitted into storage portions 556 of the respective case members 55a
and 55b, thereby nonrotatably fixing the spring case 58.
[0064] The rotation relay plate 59 is configured with a roughly cylindrical member having
an outer shape approximately identical to a diameter of the brake spring 57 stored
in the spring case 58 in a state of reduced diameter and has a shaft hole 591 formed
to have the approximately same diameter as that of the shaft hole 565 of the output
shaft member 56. The shaft hole 591 accordingly allows the drive shaft 11 to be inserted
without engagement. The rotation relay plate 59 is configured with the roughly cylindrical
member, and to be described in more detail, the rotation relay plate 59 has a tip
end surface provided with the projecting piece 592 projecting within a predetermined
angular range (angle α2 described later) from the axial center in a position near
the periphery. The rotation relay plate 59 is relatively rotatably stored in the storage
portions 556 of the respective case members 55a and 55b while the tip end surface
of the rotation relay plate 59 is arranged to allow abutment on a base end surface
of the output shaft member 56 through inside the brake spring 57 (refer to Fig. 2B).
The projecting piece 592 on the tip end surface of the rotation relay plate 59 is
thus relatively rotatable within the range of the engagement bearing 563 in the recessed
area other than the projection 564 in the output shaft member 56, that is, even when
the rotation relay plate 59 rotates, the rotation is not transmitted to the output
shaft member 56 until the projecting piece 592 abuts on the projection 564 in the
output shaft member 56 via the ends 571 of the brake spring 57 while, after the abutment,
the rotation of the rotation relay plate 59 is transmitted to the output shaft member
56.
[0065] In addition, on the base end surface of the rotation relay plate 59, the engagement
bearing 593 in a groove shape is formed around the shaft hole 591 partially except
a rotation bearing 594. The rotation bearing 594 is formed within a predetermined
angular range (angle α3 described later) from the axial center of the shaft hole 591.
The engagement bearing 593 in the present example is in a groove shape to form the
rotation bearing 594 while it does not have to be in a groove shape as long as it
functions similarly.
[0066] The input shaft member 60 has a tubular stem 601 with an approximately quadrangular
shaft hole 602 directly coupled with the drive shaft 11 and a projecting piece 603
projecting in alignment with the stem 601 within a predetermined angular range (angle
α4 described later) from the axial center of the stem 601 formed through a flange
604 with a tubular stem 606. When a drive transmission output side of the flange 604
of the input shaft member 60 is arranged to allow abutment on a drive transmission
input side of the rotation relay plate 59 (refer to Fig. 2B), the stem 606 and the
flange 604 of the input shaft member 60 are relatively rotatably supported respectively
by circular openings 559d at an end on a drive transmission input side and storage
portions 555 of the case members 55a and 55b. The stem 601 is capable of supporting
the shaft hole 565 of the output shaft member 56 and the shaft hole 591 of the rotation
relay plate 59.
[0067] The projecting piece 603 of the input shaft member 60 is thus relatively rotatable
within a range of the engagement bearing 593 of the rotation relay plate 59, that
is, even when the input shaft member 60 directly coupled with the drive shaft 11 rotates,
the rotation is not transmitted to the rotation relay plate 59 until the projecting
piece 603 abuts on the rotation bearing 594 of the rotation relay plate 59 while,
after the abutment, rotation of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted to the rotation
relay plate 59.
[0068] Accordingly, the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment applies, until the rotation
of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted to the output shaft member 56, a total
delay of a delay between the input shaft member 60 and the rotation relay plate 59
and a delay between the rotation relay plate 59 and the output shaft member 56.
[0069] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 5A, the delay between the rotation relay plate
59 and the output shaft member 56 is a delay β between the projection 564 projecting
within the range of the angle α1 and the projecting piece 592 projecting within the
range of the angle α2. For example, where α1 ≈ 60 degrees and α2 ≈ 90 degrees, the
delay β ≈ 210 degrees. As illustrated in Fig. 5B, the delay between the input shaft
member 60 and the rotation relay plate 59 is a delay γ between the rotation bearing
594 within the range of the angle α3 and the projecting piece 603 projecting within
the range of the angle α4. For example, where α3 ≈ 60 degrees and α4 ≈60 degrees,
the delay γ ≈ 240 degrees. The delay until the rotation of the input shaft member
60 is transmitted to the output shaft member 56 is then β + γ ≈ 450 degrees. Accordingly,
setting of the amount of rotation delayed by the delay unit 5a as an angular adjustment
range of the slats 4 or more allows achievement of various delays and the rotation
relay plate 59 functions as a delay adjustment member to relay rotation with a predetermined
delay.
[0070] Among the components of the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment, a member to rotate
in direct coupling with the drive shaft 11 is only the input shaft member 60. Only
by aligning the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment on the drive shaft 11, corotation
is achieved with a predetermined delay relatively from the rotation of the tilt drum
51 relative to rotation of the winding shaft 52 via the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 (refer to Figs. 4 and 2B).
[0071] In particular, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the case members 55a and 55b of the delay
unit 5a in the first embodiment have nails 558 to hold a projection 50b provided in
the support case 50 of the cord support unit 5b respectively formed on side walls
on the drive transmission output side. This allows stable assembly of the delay unit
5a in the first embodiment to the cord support unit 5b on the drive shaft 11 in a
simple and detachable manner. In this situation, the stem 561 of the output shaft
member 56 in the delay unit 5a is engaged with the shaft hole 531a of the camshaft
531 in the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 for integrally rotatable coupling.
When rotation of the drive shaft 11 is overloaded even during actuation of the obstacle
detecting and stopping device 53, an undesired force is exerted to detach the obstacle
detecting and stopping device 53 from the support case 50 and another undesired force
is also exerted in a direction to separate the coupling state, which may cause a failure.
To deal with this situation by alleviating the undesired force to separate the coupling
state under such an overload, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the support case 50 is preferably
provided with an inhibition wall 50j to inhibit upward movement of the camshaft 531.
[0072] As described later as a second embodiment, the rotation relay plate 59 may be omitted
to directly connect the input shaft member 60 to the output shaft member 56, allowing
a configuration of applying a delay between the input shaft member 60 and the output
shaft member 56 to produce different delays commonly using the same output shaft member
56, brake spring 57, spring case 58, and input shaft member 60.
[0073] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 5C, the delay between the input shaft member
60 and the output shaft member 56 using no rotation relay plate 59 is a delay η between
the projection 564 projecting within the range of the angle α1 and the projecting
piece 603 projecting within the range of the angle α4. For example, where α1 ≈ 60
degrees and α4 ≈ 60 degrees, the delay η ≈ 240 degrees. Accordingly, setting of the
amount of rotation delayed by the delay unit 5a as the angular adjustment range of
the slats 4 or more allows achievement of various delays.
[0074] Moreover, preparation of rotation relay plates 59 with a change in the shape (angle
α2) of the projecting piece 592 or the shape (angle α3) of the rotation bearing 594
to produce various delays also allow achievement of only by changing the rotation
relay plate 59.
[0075] The case members 55a and 55b are designed to store the output shaft member 56, the
brake spring 57, the spring case 58, the rotation relay plate 59, and the input shaft
member 60 by fitting formation in a vertical direction (in the present example, a
fore and aft direction) to the drive shaft 11. More specifically, the case member
55a has an upper surface and a lower surface respectively formed to have fitting receptions
551 with projections 553, and the case member 55b has an upper surface and a lower
surface respectively formed to have fitting pieces 552 with holes 554 allowing fitting
with the projections 553 to be engaged with the fitting receptions 551. In other words,
for formation of one case by fitting using two case members, fitting formation in
a parallel direction to the drive shaft 11 may cause a problem in quality due to reduction
in the fitting force by the rotation of the drive shaft 11 and thus requires combination
formation using screws and the like, whereas a configuration of fitting formation
in a vertical direction to the drive shaft 11 as in the present embodiment does not
require combination formation with screws and the like due to the strong fitting force
against rotation of the drive shaft 11 and thus inclusively contributes to facilitation
of assembly and inexpensiveness.
[0076] The present embodiment has described the example of engaging the stem 561 of the
output shaft member 56 with the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 in a hexagonal shape while, from the perspective of improvement in assemblability,
an engagement shape preferably has more sides. That is, the stem 561 of the output
shaft member 56 is configured to have a polygonal shape and the camshaft 531 of the
obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is configured to be engaged with the stem
561, thereby allowing assembly by slight rotary operation and improvement in assemblability.
[0077] In the Venetian blind illustrated in Fig. 1 to which the cord support device 5 having
the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment is applied, when tilting operation not to
cause raising and lowering of the slats 4 is desired, the bottom rail 8 is not raised
and lowered due to the tilting operation even in the configuration allowing operation
of rotation of the tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52 with the one drive shaft
11. In addition, when the bottom rail 8 is not in a lower limit position, impairment
of the operability does not occur such as raising of the stacked slats 4 before tilted
during tilting operation.
[0078] For example, when a predetermined number of horizontal slats 4 are stacked on the
bottom rail 8 as a static state illustrated in Fig. 6A, the bottom rail 8 is not raised
and lowered as illustrated in Fig. 6B even by adjusting the angle of the slats 4 by
tilting operation. As illustrated in Fig. 6C, impairment of the operability does not
occur such as raising of the stacked slats 4 before tilted during tilting operation.
[0079] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the case members 55a and 55b have upper corner
portions 550a formed with a rectangular recess. Accordingly, when the delay unit 5a
is mounted in the head box 1, the upper corner portions 550a of the delay unit 5a
supported by lower corner portions 550b are engaged with an upper end of the head
box 1 (refer to Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C) to suppress a wobble in the fore and aft direction
and the up and down direction. Since the nails 558 are formed in the case members
55a and 55b of the delay unit 5a, the holding to the projection 50b of the support
case 50 in the cord support unit 5b also inhibits a wobble in the left and right directions.
[0080] The present embodiment has described the example of engaging the stem 561 of the
output shaft member 56 with the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 while the actions and effects according to the present invention may be
exhibited even when the output shaft member 56 is engaged with the winding shaft 52
not via the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53.
Second Embodiment
[0081] A description is then given to a cord support device 5 having a delay unit 5a in
the second embodiment. Figs. 7A and 7B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional
view illustrating a schematic configuration of a cord support device 5 having the
delay unit 5a in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is an exploded
perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the delay unit 5a in the
second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating
a method of assembling the cord support device 5 having the delay unit 5a in the second
embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, identical reference
signs are given to components having the same function in the first embodiment.
[0082] The cord support device 5 having the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment illustrated
in Fig. 7A is configured to align the delay unit 5a to the cord support unit 5b in
the same manner as the first embodiment. The cord support unit 5b related to the delay
unit 5a in the second embodiment rotatably supports, in the same manner as the first
embodiment, the tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52 with the drive shaft 11 as an
axis of rotation by the support case 50. The ladder cords 9 to be hung down from a
tilt drum 51 and a lift cord 10 to be hung down from the winding shaft 52 are led
from the outlet 50a provided in the bottom surface of the support case 50.
[0083] It should be noted that the winding shaft 52 of the cord support unit 5b related
to the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment is capable of winding or unwinding a
tape-like lift cord 10 in multiple layers and a tilt drum 51 is attached to a hanging
member 511 of a torsion coil spring to hangingly support the ladder cords 9. Such
a configuration of the cord support unit 5b is suitable for Venetian blinds required
to be miniaturized.
[0084] The hanging member 511 has looped ladder cord attachment portions 511a and locking
ends 511b formed by bending both ends of the torsion coil spring. The pair of front
and rear ladder cords 9 have upper ends attached to the ladder cord attachment portions
511a for hanging support. The hanging member 511 is attached by clamping the tilt
drum 51 and integrally rotates with the tilt drum 51 until either of the locking ends
511b abut on a wall formed in the support case 50 while abutment of the locking end
511b on the wall formed in the support case 50 weakens the clamping force and the
hanging member 511 idles relative to the tilt drum 51. Based on rotation of the tilt
drum 51, each slat 4 is thus angularly adjusted in the same phase via the ladder cords
9.
[0085] Although the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 may be applied
to the cord support unit 5b in the second embodiment, the delay unit 5a in the second
embodiment is configured as illustrated in Fig. 8 for the purpose of miniaturization.
[0086] With reference to Fig. 8, the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment has a configuration,
compared with the first embodiment, where the rotation relay plate 59 is omitted and
the case members 55a and 55b have a smaller shape and has others in common with the
first embodiment, such as the output shaft member 56, the brake spring 57, the spring
case 58, and the input shaft member 60.
[0087] In addition, the shape of the case members 55a and 55b has the same action and effects
as the first embodiment other than the contribution to miniaturization by, compared
with the first embodiment, omitting formation of the storage portions 555 to store
the rotation relay plate 59 and relatively rotatably supporting the stem 606 and the
flange 604 of the input shaft member 60 respectively by the circular openings 559d
at an end on the drive transmission input side and open side faces 559b of the case
members 55a and 55b.
[0088] That is, the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment has a configuration to omit the
rotation relay plate 59 and directly connect the input shaft member 60 to the output
shaft member 56 for application of the delay between the input shaft member 60 and
the output shaft member 5. Such a configuration produces different delays while using
the same output shaft member 56, brake spring 57, spring case 58, and input shaft
member 60 in common with the first embodiment.
[0089] For example, as described above with reference to Fig. 5C, the delay between the
input shaft member 60 and the output shaft member 56 using no rotation relay plate
59 is the delay η between the projection 564 projecting within the range of the angle
α1 and the projecting piece 603 projecting within the range of the angle α4. For example,
where α1 ≈ 60 degrees and α4 ≈ 60 degrees, the delay η ≈ 240 degrees. Accordingly,
setting of the amount of rotation delayed by the delay unit 5a as the angular adjustment
range of the slats 4 or more allows achievement of various delays.
[0090] In the second embodiment as well, as illustrated in Fig. 7B, the tilt drum 51 is
relatively nonrotatably coupled with the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the support
case 50. Meanwhile, the winding shaft 52 is not coupled (not engaged) with the drive
shaft 11 to be supported by the support case 50. The obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 is provided on a tip end side of the winding shaft 52 to prevent rotation
of the winding shaft 52 supporting the lift cord 10 when no tension in a pull-out
direction is exerted on the lift cord 10, and the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 is also not coupled (not engaged) with the drive shaft 11 to be supported
by the support case 50. A case body of the obstacle detecting and stopping device
53 is fixed to the tip end side of the winding shaft 52 while a tubular camshaft 531
stored in the case body of the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is rotatable
integrally with rotation of the winding shaft 52 with a clearance necessary to discontinue,
when the bottom rail 8 collides with an obstacle during lowering of the slats 4, unwinding
of the lift cord 10 and stop lowering of the slats 4 and the bottom rail 8 and also
to prevent reverse winding of the lift cord 10.
[0091] In the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment as well, a member to rotate in direct
coupling with the drive shaft 11 is only the input shaft member 60. Only by aligning
the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment on the drive shaft 11, corotation is achieved
with a predetermined delay relatively from the rotation of the tilt drum 51 relative
to rotation of the winding shaft 52 via the obstacle detecting and stopping device
53 (refer to Figs. 9 and 7B).
[0092] In particular, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the case members 55a and 55b of the delay
unit 5a in the second embodiment have nails 558 to hold a projection 50b provided
in the support case 50 of the cord support unit 5b respectively formed on side walls
on the drive transmission output side. This allows stable assembly of the delay unit
5a in the second embodiment to the cord support unit 5b on the drive shaft 11 in a
simple and detachable manner.
[0093] In the second embodiment as well, the case members 55a and 55b are configured to
form fitting in a vertical direction to the drive shaft 11, and due to the strong
fitting force against rotation of the drive shaft 11, do not require combination formation
with screws and the like and thus inclusively contribute to facilitation of assembly
and inexpensiveness.
[0094] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 8, in the second embodiment as well, the case members
55a and 55b have the upper corner portions 550a formed with a rectangular recess.
Accordingly, when the delay unit 5a is mounted in the head box 1, the respective upper
corner portions 550a of the delay unit 5a supported by the lower corner portions 550b
are engaged with the upper end of the head box 1 (similar to Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C
above) to suppress a wobble in the fore and aft direction and the up and down direction.
Since the nails 558 are formed in the case members 55a and 55b of the delay unit 5a,
the holding to the projection 50b of the support case 50 in the cord support unit
5b also inhibits a wobble in the left and right directions.
[0095] In the present embodiment as well, the stem 561 of the output shaft member 56 is
configured to have a polygonal shape and the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting
and stopping device 53 is configured to be engaged with the stem 561, thereby allowing
assembly by slight rotary operation and improvement in assemblability.
[0096] In the Venetian blind illustrated in Fig. 1 to which the cord support device 5 having
the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment is applied, when tilting operation not
to cause raising and lowering of the slats 4 is desired, the bottom rail 8 is not
raised and lowered due to the tilting operation even in the configuration allowing
operation of rotation of the tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52 with the one drive
shaft 11. In addition, when the bottom rail 8 is not in a lower limit position, impairment
of the operability does not occur such as raising of the stacked slats 4 before tilted
during tilting operation.
[0097] The present embodiment has described the example of engaging the stem 561 of the
output shaft member 56 with the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 while the action and effects according to the present invention may be exhibited
even when the output shaft member 56 is engaged with the winding shaft 52 not via
the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53.
[0098] The delay units 5a in the first and second embodiments may be applied, while keeping
the shape and the structure, to a cord support unit 5b configured to wind a string-like
lift cord 10 by helical shaft 52C for helical winding to configure a cord support
device 5.
[0099] For example, Figs. 10A and 10B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional
view illustrating a schematic configuration of the cord support device 5 for helical
winding having the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the cord support
device 5 for helical winding having the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment of
the present invention. In Figs. 10A, 10B, and 11, identical reference signs are given
to components having the same function in the first embodiment.
[0100] The cord support device 5 for helical winding illustrated in Fig. 10A is configured,
similar to the above description, to align the delay unit 5a to the cord support unit
5b. It should be noted that the helical shaft 52C in the cord support unit 5b illustrated
in Fig. 10A has an approximately cylindrical body into which the drive shaft 11 is
inserted without engagement (without coupling) and has helical screwing projecting
threads formed in a surface thereof and that an upper end of the lift cord 10 is attached
to the recess near a tip end of the helical shaft 52C, allowing winding or unwinding
of the lift cord 10.
[0101] The helical screwing projecting threads in the helical shaft 52C allow screwing to
helical screwed projecting threads 50d in an inner periphery provided in the support
case 50, and with rotation of the helical shaft 52C (winding shaft 52), the helical
shaft 52C itself relatively moves to a casing 51C thereof in the axial direction.
[0102] The casing 51C is attached to the hanging member 511 of a torsion coil spring to
form a tilt drum 51 hangingly supporting the ladder cords 9.
[0103] The hanging member 511 has the looped ladder cord attachment portions 511a and the
locking ends 511b formed by bending both ends of the torsion coil spring and is attached
by clamping the tilt drum 51. The hanging member 511 integrally rotates with the tilt
drum 51 until either of the locking ends 511b abut on the wall formed in the support
case 50 while abutment of the locking end 511b on the wall formed in the support case
50 weakens the clamping force and the hanging member 511 idles relative to the tilt
drum 51. Based on rotation of the tilt drum 51, each slat 4 is thus angularly adjusted
in the same phase via the ladder cords 9.
[0104] In the example illustrated in Fig. 10A as well, the support case 50 rotatably supports
the tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52 with the drive shaft 11 as an axis of rotation.
The ladder cords 9 to be hung down from a tilt drum 51 and the lift cord 10 to be
hung down from the winding shaft 52 are led from the outlet 50a provided in the bottom
surface of the support case 50.
[0105] As illustrated in Fig. 10B, the casing 51C (tilt drum 51) is relatively nonrotatably
coupled with the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the support case 50. Meanwhile,
the winding shaft 52 is not coupled with the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the
support case 50.
[0106] As illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B, the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment is
configured to be attached via a disk-shaped support auxiliary member 70 firmly fixed
to the tip end of the helical shaft 52C (winding shaft 52).
[0107] In the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment, a member to rotate in direct coupling
with the drive shaft 11 is only the input shaft member 60. Only by aligning the delay
unit 5a in the second embodiment on the drive shaft 11, corotation is achieved with
a predetermined delay relatively from the rotation of the tilt drum 51 relative to
rotation of the helical shaft 52C (winding shaft 52) (refer to Figs. 11 and 10B).
[0108] In particular, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the case members 55a and 55b of the delay
unit 5a in the second embodiment have the nails 558 to hold the disk-shaped support
auxiliary member 70 provided in the helical shaft 52C (winding shaft 52) of the cord
support unit 5b. This allows stable assembly of the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment
to the helical cord support unit 5b on the drive shaft 11 in a simple and detachable
manner.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0109] The delay units 5a in the first and second embodiments above have described in that
such a delay unit 5a is aligned outside the various forms of support case 50 to improve
assemblability in the configuration of the cord support device 5 and is excellent
in practicality contributing to miniaturization, versatility reduction of operations
and expenses for parts control, and inexpensiveness of the cord support device 5.
In particular, in the delay units 5a in the first and second embodiments, members
used in common are intended to be increased as much as possible regarding contribution
to reduction of operations and expenses for parts control and inexpensiveness as important.
[0110] Since increase in size of the cord support device 5 in the fore and aft direction
or in the up and down direction leads to increase in size of the shielding device
itself, the delay units 5a in the first and second embodiments avoid such increase
in size to produce the effective action and effects.
[0111] Meanwhile, as seen from comparison between the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 3 and the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment illustrated in
Fig. 8, the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 has a configuration
with the greater case members 55a and 55b in the left and right directions compared
with the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment. For example, when the head box 1
has an insufficient mounting space, a request is assumed for a smaller width in the
left and right directions of the case members 55a and 55b of the delay unit 5a in
the first embodiment.
[0112] To deal with this situation, third and fourth embodiments are described in order
as configuration examples regarding miniaturization of the delay unit 5a itself in
the left and right directions as more important than contribution to reduction of
operations and expenses for parts control and inexpensiveness. The first and second
embodiments are configured to link the rotation transmission sections to produce a
predetermined delay in the axial direction of the drive shaft 11 while third and fourth
embodiments are configured to link rotation transmission sections to produce the predetermined
delay in the vertical direction to the drive shaft 11 to have a smaller width of the
case members 55a and 55b in the left and right directions of the delay unit 5a in
third and fourth embodiments.
Third Embodiment
[0113] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of
a delay unit in the third embodiment of the present invention. Identical reference
signs are given to components having the same function in the first embodiment described
above. As illustrated in Fig. 12, a delay unit 5a in the present embodiment is configured
with, in the same manner as the first embodiment described above, an output shaft
member 56, a brake spring 57, a spring case 58, a rotation relay plate 59, an input
shaft member 60, and case members 55a and 55b.
[0114] The output shaft member 56 in the present embodiment is provided with a tubular stem
561 having an octagonal outer profile and a projection 564 projecting to a drive transmission
input side within a predetermined angular range (angle α1 described later) from the
axial center near part of the outer periphery through a flange 567 with a tubular
stem 568 on a base end side (drive transmission input side) of the stem 561. The stem
568 and the flange 567 of the output shaft member 56 are relatively rotatably supported
respectively by circular openings 559c in open side faces 559a on one side (drive
transmission output side) and the open side faces 559a of the case members 55a and
55b. The output shaft member 56 in the present embodiment has engagement bearings
563a and 563b, recessed stepwise, formed in a surface on a base end side (drive transmission
input side) of the flange 567. In the stem 561, a shaft hole 565 is formed that allows
the drive shaft 11 to be inserted without engagement. The tubular stem 561 with an
octagonal outer profile allows integrally rotatable engagement with the tubular camshaft
531 having an octagonal shaft hole 531a of the obstacle detecting and stopping device
53, and thus rotation of the output shaft member 56 may be transmitted for rotation
in synchronization with the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping device
53 (similar to Fig. 2B above).
[0115] The brake spring 57 and the spring case 58 have greater diameters than those in the
first and second embodiments to store a rotation relay plate 59 in the present embodiment
described later inside them, and similar to the first and second embodiments described
above, function as brake members to inhibit rotation of the output shaft member 56
other than rotation due to transmission from the input shaft member 60. That is, a
predetermined braking force is applied to rotation of the output shaft member 56 transmitted
from the camshaft 531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53. To stably
keep a raising and lowering position of the slats 4, the winding shaft 52 should not
freely move except during raising and lowering operation by fitting a pair of ends
571 of the brake spring 57 in a coil shape respectively into both sides of the projection
564 of the output shaft member 56 for engagement. The spring case 58 stores the coiled
brake spring 57 in a state of reduced diameter, and thus the brake spring 57 presses
an inner periphery of the spring case 58 all the time to apply a predetermined braking
force while allowing relative rotation to the spring case 58. Meanwhile, part of the
spring case 58 is provided with a pair of concave portions 582 nonrotatably locked
by convex portions 557 provided in the respective case members 55a and 55b and fitted
into storage portions 556 of the respective case members 55a and 55b, thereby nonrotatably
fixing the spring case 58.
[0116] The rotation relay plate 59 in the present embodiment is markedly different from
that in the first embodiment described above. The rotation relay plate 59 in the present
embodiment is configured with a roughly cylindrical member with an outer shape smaller
than a diameter of the brake spring 57 stored in the spring case 58 in a state of
reduced diameter having a projection 592a in part of the outer periphery and a rotation
bearing 594 in part of the inner periphery, and has a shaft hole 591 formed to have
the approximately same diameter as that of the shaft hole 565 of the output shaft
member 56. The shaft hole 591 accordingly allows the drive shaft 11 to be inserted
without engagement. The drive transmission output side of the rotation relay plate
59 has a shape allowing abutment on engagement bearings 563a and 563b in a drive transmission
input side of the output shaft member 56 through inside the brake spring 57, and in
the state of abutting arrangement, the rotation relay plate 59 is located inside the
brake spring 57 stored in the spring case 58 in a state of reduced diameter to be
relatively rotatably stored in the respective case members 55a and 55b. The projection
592a of the rotation relay plate 59 is thus relatively rotatable within the range
of the engagement bearing 563b in the recessed area other than the projection 564
in the output shaft member 56, that is, even when the rotation relay plate 59 rotates,
the rotation is not transmitted to the output shaft member 56 until the projection
592a abuts on the projection 564 in the output shaft member 56 via the ends 571 of
the brake spring 57 while, after the abutment, the rotation of the rotation relay
plate 59 is transmitted to the output shaft member 56.
[0117] In addition, on the inner periphery of the rotation relay plate 59, the engagement
bearing 593 in a recessed shape is formed around the shaft hole 591 partially except
a rotation bearing 594. The rotation bearing 594 is formed within a predetermined
angular range (angle α3 described later) from the axial center of the shaft hole 591.
The example of forming the rotation bearing 594 and the projection 592a within the
same range of rotational angles is described in the present example while the rotation
bearing 594 and the projection 592a may be changed in size and arrangement depending
on the application.
[0118] The input shaft member 60 has a tubular stem 601 with an approximately quadrangular
shaft hole 602 directly coupled with the drive shaft 11 and a projecting piece 603
projecting in alignment with the stem 601 within a predetermined angular range (angle
α4 described later) from the axial center of the stem 601 formed in a drive transmission
output side of a flange 604 with a tubular stem 606. When an output side of the flange
604 of the input shaft member 60 is arranged to allow abutment on a base end surface
of the rotation relay plate 59, the stem 606 and the flange 604 of the input shaft
member 60 are relatively rotatably supported respectively by circular openings 559d
at an end on a drive transmission input side of the storage portions 556 and open
side faces 559b of the case members 55a and 55b. The stem 601 is capable of supporting
the shaft hole 565 of the output shaft member 56 and the shaft hole 591 of the rotation
relay plate 59.
[0119] The projecting piece 603 of the input shaft member 60 is thus relatively rotatable
within a range of the engagement bearing 593 of the rotation relay plate 59, that
is, even when the input shaft member 60 directly coupled with the drive shaft 11 rotates,
the rotation is not transmitted to the rotation relay plate 59 until the projecting
piece 603 abuts on the rotation bearing 594 of the rotation relay plate 59 while,
after the abutment, rotation of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted to the rotation
relay plate 59.
[0120] Accordingly, the delay unit 5a in the third embodiment applies, until the rotation
of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted to the output shaft member 56, a total
delay of a delay between the input shaft member 60 and the rotation relay plate 59
and a delay between the rotation relay plate 59 and the output shaft member 56.
[0121] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 14A, the delay between the rotation relay plate
59 and the output shaft member 56 is a delay β between the projection 564 projecting
within the range of the angle α1 and the projection 592a projecting within the range
of the angle α2. As illustrated in Fig. 14B, the delay between the input shaft member
60 and the rotation relay plate 59 is a delay γ between the rotation bearing 594 within
the range of the angle α3 and the projecting piece 603 projecting within the range
of the angle α4. The delay until the rotation of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted
to the output shaft member 56 is then β + γ. Accordingly, the delay unit 5a in the
present embodiment is capable of achieving equivalent functions as those of the delay
unit 5a in the first embodiment and the rotation relay plate 59 functions as a delay
adjustment member to relay rotation with a predetermined delay.
[0122] In particular, the delay unit 5a in the present embodiment is configured to have
the rotation relay plate 59 located inside the spring case 58 to be stored in the
case members 55a and 55b, and is thus capable of achieving an equivalent width in
the fore and aft direction and an upper limit direction to that of the delay unit
5a in the first embodiment and also reducing the width in the left and right directions
more than that of the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment.
[0123] Among the components of the delay unit 5a in the third embodiment, a member to rotate
in direct coupling with the drive shaft 11 is only the input shaft member 60. Only
by aligning the delay unit 5a in the third embodiment on the drive shaft 11, corotation
is achieved with a predetermined delay relatively from the rotation of the tilt drum
51 relative to rotation of the winding shaft 52 via the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53 (similar to Figs. 4 and 2B above).
[0124] In the present embodiment as well, the case members 55a and 55b of the delay unit
5a in the first embodiment have nails 558 to hold a projection 50b provided in the
support case 50 of the cord support unit 5b respectively formed on side walls on the
drive transmission output side. This allows stable assembly of the delay unit 5a in
the third embodiment to the cord support unit 5b on the drive shaft 11 in a simple
and detachable manner.
[0125] In the Venetian blind illustrated in Fig. 1 to which the cord support device 5 having
the delay unit 5a in the third embodiment is applied, when tilting operation not to
cause raising and lowering of the slats 4 is desired, the bottom rail 8 is not raised
and lowered due to the tilting operation. In addition, when the bottom rail 8 is not
in a lower limit position, impairment of the operability does not occur such as raising
of the stacked slats 4 before tilted during tilting operation (similar to Figs. 6A,
6B, and 6C above).
[0126] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 12, in the third embodiment as well, the case members
55a and 55b have the upper corner portions 550a formed with a rectangular recess.
Accordingly, when the delay unit 5a is mounted in the head box 1, the respective upper
corner portions 550a of the delay unit 5a supported by the lower corner portions 550b
are engaged with the upper end of the head box 1 (similar to Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C
above) to suppress a wobble in the fore and aft direction and the up and down direction.
Since the nails 558 are formed in the case members 55a and 55b of the delay unit 5a,
the holding to the projection 50b of the support case 50 in the cord support unit
5b also inhibits a wobble in the left and right directions.
Fourth Embodiment
[0127] A description is then given to a cord support device 5 having a delay unit 5a in
the fourth embodiment. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic
configuration of the delay unit in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Identical reference signs are given to components having the same function in the
third embodiment described above. As illustrated in Fig. 13, similar to the third
embodiment described above, the delay unit 5a in the present embodiment is configured
with the output shaft member 56, the brake spring 57, the spring case 58, an input
shaft member 60, and case members 55a and 55b.
[0128] With reference to Fig. 13, the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment has a configuration,
compared with the third embodiment, where the case members 55a and 55b are kept in
the shape while miniaturized, the rotation relay plate 59 is omitted, and the shape
of the input shaft member 60 is changed in association with the above changes and
has others in common with the third embodiment, such as the output shaft member 56,
the brake spring 57, and the spring case 58.
[0129] The input shaft member 60 of the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment has a tubular
stem 601 with an approximately quadrangular shaft hole 602 directly coupled with the
drive shaft 11, a tubular relay stem 605 continued in a base end side of the stem
601, having a greater diameter, and having a quadrangular shaft hole 602, and a projecting
piece 603a projecting in alignment with the relay stem 605within a predetermined angular
range (angle α5 described later) from the axial center of the stem 601 and the relay
stem 605 formed through a flange 604.
[0130] The stem 601 is capable of supporting the shaft hole 565 of the output shaft member
56. When an interface with the stem 601 in the relay stem 605 is arranged to allow
abutment on the engagement bearing 563a in the base end surface of the output shaft
member 56 through inside the brake spring 57, the stem 606 and the flange 604 of the
input shaft member 60 are relatively rotatably supported respectively by circular
openings 559d at ends on a drive transmission input side of storage portions 556 and
open side faces 559b of the case members 55a and 55b. In this situation, the relay
stem 605 is located inside the brake spring 57 stored in the spring case 58 in a state
of reduced diameter to be relatively rotatably stored in the respective case members
55a and 55b.
[0131] The projecting piece 603a of the input shaft member 60 is thus relatively rotatable
within a range of the engagement bearing 563b in the base end surface of the output
shaft member 56, that is, even when the input shaft member 60 directly coupled with
the drive shaft 11 rotates, the rotation is not transmitted to the output shaft member
56 until the projecting piece 603a abuts on the projection 564 of the output shaft
member 56 while, after the abutment, rotation of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted
to the output shaft member 56.
[0132] The case members 55a and 55b also have a shape keeping more contribution to miniaturization
and have the same action and effects as those in the third embodiment.
[0133] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 14C, the delay between the input shaft member
60 and the output shaft member 56 using no rotation relay plate 59 is the delay η
between the projection 564 projecting within the range of the angle α1 and the projecting
piece 603a projecting within the range of the angle α5.
[0134] In the fourth embodiment as well, similar to the second embodiment (similar to Fig.
7B above), the tilt drum 51 is relatively nonrotatably coupled with the drive shaft
11 to be supported by the support case 50. Meanwhile, the winding shaft 52 is not
coupled (not engaged) with the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the support case
50. The obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is provided on a tip end side of
the winding shaft 52 to prevent rotation of the winding shaft 52 supporting the lift
cord 10 when no tension in a pull-out direction is exerted on the lift cord 10, and
the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is also not coupled (not engaged) with
the drive shaft 11 to be supported by the support case 50. A case body of the obstacle
detecting and stopping device 53 is fixed to the tip end side of the winding shaft
52 while a tubular camshaft 531 stored in the case body of the obstacle detecting
and stopping device 53 is rotatable integrally with rotation of the winding shaft
52 with a clearance necessary to discontinue, when the bottom rail 8 collides with
an obstacle during lowering of the slats 4, unwinding of the lift cord 10 and stop
lowering of the slats 4 and the bottom rail 8 and also to prevent reverse winding
of the lift cord 10.
[0135] In the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment as well, a member to rotate in direct
coupling with the drive shaft 11 is only the input shaft member 60. Only by aligning
the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment on the drive shaft 11, corotation is achieved
with a predetermined delay relatively from the rotation of the tilt drum 51 relative
to rotation of the winding shaft 52 via the obstacle detecting and stopping device
53 (similar to Fig. 9 above).
[0136] In the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment as well, the case members 55a and 55b
have nails 558 to hold a projection 50b provided in the support case 50 of the cord
support unit 5b respectively formed on side walls on the drive transmission output
side. This allows stable assembly of the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment to
the cord support unit 5b on the drive shaft 11 in a simple and detachable manner.
[0137] The delay units 5a in the third and fourth embodiments may be applied, similar to
those in the first and second embodiments, to a cord support unit 5b configured to
wind a string-like lift cord 10 by helical shaft 52C for helical winding to configure
a cord support device 5 (refer to Figs. 10A and 10B above). In particular, similar
to Fig. 11 above, the case members 55a and 55b of the delay unit 5a in the fourth
embodiment have the nails 558 to hold the disk-shaped support auxiliary member 70
provided in the helical shaft 52C (winding shaft 52) of the cord support unit 5b.
This allows stable assembly of the delay unit 5a in the fourth embodiment to the helical
cord support unit 5b on the drive shaft 11 in a simple and detachable manner.
[0138] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 13, in the fourth embodiment as well, the case members
55a and 55b have the upper corner portions 550a formed with a rectangular recess.
Accordingly, when the delay unit 5a is mounted in the head box 1, the respective upper
corner portions 550a of the delay unit 5a supported by the lower corner portions 550b
are engaged with the upper end of the head box 1 (similar to Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C
above) to suppress a wobble in the fore and aft direction and the up and down direction.
Since the nails 558 are formed in the case members 55a and 55b of the delay unit 5a,
the holding to the projection 50b of the support case 50 in the cord support unit
5b also inhibits a wobble in the left and right directions.
Configuration for Assembly in Head Box related to Delay Unit
[0139] Fig. 15 is a top view illustrating a configuration for assembly inside a head box
1 related to a delay unit 5a in one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,
Fig. 15 illustrates a configuration for assembly inside the head box 1 using the delay
unit 5a illustrated in Fig. 13 as an example representative of the delay units 5a
in the first to fourth embodiments described above while it should be noted that same
applies in any of the first to fourth embodiments above.
[0140] The head box 1 has an upper surface opened with a length L1 in a fore and aft direction
and an inside having a storage space roughly with a length L2 (> L1) in the fore and
aft direction. A cord support unit 5b including a tilt drum 51, a winding shaft 52,
and an obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is stored in a support case 50 to
be mounted in the head box 1, controlled by the storage space with the length L2 not
to shift in the fore and aft direction and in an up and down direction. The cord support
unit 5b stored in the support case 50 is thus mounted in the head box 1 by enlarging
the upper surface of the head box 1 or being inserted from openings, not shown, at
both ends of the head box 1 in left and right directions.
[0141] Meanwhile, taken from above as illustrated in Fig. 15, the delay unit 5a has a length
d between sides on a drive transmission input side of case members 55a and 55b and
a side on a drive transmission output side of a stem 561 shorter than the length L1
of the opening in the upper surface of the head box 1. The delay unit 5a is thus readily
mounted in a desired position of the storage space in the head box 1. That is, mounting
of the delay unit 5a in the head box 1 does not require enlargement of the upper surface
of the head box 1 or insertion from the openings, not shown, at both ends of the head
box 1 in the left and right directions.
[0142] In addition, taken from above as illustrated in Fig. 15, the delay unit 5a has an
outer shape fitting within a circular arc S with a diameter D (≤ L2) from the center
of gravity OP. The delay unit 5a mounted in the head box 1 may thus face the cord
support unit 5b stored in the support case 50 subjected to coupling by, for example,
rotation about the center of gravity OP.
[0143] More specifically, for assembly of the delay unit 5a inside the head box 1, as illustrated
in Fig. 16A, the delay unit 5a is firstly mounted in the storage space of the head
box 1 near the cord support unit 5b stored in the support case 50 subjected to coupling.
As illustrated in Fig. 16B, the delay unit 5a is then rotated in the storage space
of the head box 1 to face the cord support unit 5b stored in the support case 50 subjected
to coupling.
[0144] As illustrated in the top view of Fig. 17A, then, a plurality of such delay units
5a and a plurality of such cord support units 5b are arranged in the head box 1 in
accordance with specifications of the intended Venetian blind. As illustrated in Fig.
17A, the plurality of cord support units 5b are arranged in respective orientations
in accordance with a position of hanging down the lift cord 10, and the delay units
5a are also arranged in orientations according to the orientations of the respective
cord support units 5b subjected to coupling. As illustrated in Fig. 17A, in accordance
with the specifications of the Venetian blind, a ladder cord support member 6 may
be arranged in an appropriate position.
[0145] As illustrated in the top view of Fig. 17B, a drive shaft 11 is then inserted arbitrarily
from the openings, not shown, at both ends of the head box 1 in the left and right
directions into the delay units 5a, the cord support units 5b, and the ladder cord
support member 6 arranged in the head box 1. Functional members, such as an operation
unit 2, are then arranged and both ends of the head box 1 in the left and right directions
are closed with side caps 1c.
[0146] In this situation, in an assembly procedure according to the related art, to describe
with the reference signs according to the present invention, the drive shaft 11 has
to be inserted into the plurality of cord support units 5b while positioning of the
lift cord 10 is simultaneously performed in all the winding shafts 52 (initially wounded
amount and attachment position of each winding shaft 52). In contrast, the delay units
5a described above in the first to fourth embodiments according to the present invention
are separated to allow free combination to the plurality of cord support units 5b,
and thus the drive shaft 11 may be arbitrarily inserted, allowing reduction in costs
(operations and expenses) for the assembly.
[0147] In other words, in the assembly procedure according to the present invention, after
insertion of the drive shaft 11, the attachment position (initially wounded amount
and attachment position of each winding shaft 52) of the lift cord 10 may be positioned
in all the winding shafts 52.
[0148] More specifically, after arbitrary insertion of the drive shaft 11, as illustrated
in the top view of Fig. 17C, the drive shaft 11 is arbitrarily rotated several times
(approximately, twice) using an operation cord 3 to initialize each delay unit 5a
for mounting of the delay units 5a. In other words, the drive shaft 11 is arbitrarily
rotated several times (approximately, twice) using the operation cord 3 for initialization
to align the positions of each projection and each projecting piece (e.g., in the
example illustrated in Fig. 12, the projecting piece 603 of the input shaft member
60, the projections 592a and 594 of the rotation relay plate 59, and the projection
564 of the output shaft member 56) inside each delay unit 5a.
[0149] As illustrated in the top view of Fig. 17D, attachment positions (S in Fig. 17D)
of the lift cord 10 on the winding shafts 52 idlable to the drive shaft 11 are then
aligned in the respective cord support units 5b, followed by coupling of the respective
delay units 5a faced with the respective cord support units 5b subjected to coupling
by sliding operation in the left and right directions. The respective delay units
5a in the first to fourth embodiments described above have upper corner portions 550a
formed with a rectangular recess in the case members 55a and 55b having lower corner
portions 550b, and thus the upper corner portions 550a are engaged with the upper
end of the head box 1 to allow sliding while suppressing a wobble in the fore and
aft direction and the up and down direction. It is thus possible to readily align
the positions of the winding shafts 52 in the respective cord support units 5b by
initializing the respective delay units 5a and to achieve raising and lowering behavior
of the slats 4 balanced in the left and right directions.
[0150] Each delay units 5a has the case members 55a and 55b provided with nails 558, which
hold a projection 50b of the support case 50 in each cord support unit 5b to inhibit
a wobble in the left and right directions. In particular, the nails 558 of the delay
unit 5a are formed in a position allowing visual recognition of the holding state
from the opening in the upper surface of the head box 1 (a position within the range
of the length L1 illustrated in Fig. 16B) with respect to the projection 50b of the
cord support unit 5b subjected to coupling, leading to easy coupling. In the related
art, although assembly had to be conducted by confirming the coupling state of the
drive shaft 11 with the winding shaft 52, the coupling state is not visually recognizable
and thus the assembly costs (operations and expenses) are large. In the first to fourth
embodiments, the delay unit 5a is capable of reduction in assembly costs (operations
and expenses) from this perspective.
[0151] The respective delay units 5a in the first to fourth embodiments are, as illustrated
in Fig. 18A, described as examples where the nails 558 described above holds the projection
50b of the support case 50 by fitting to couple the stem 561 (in the illustrated example,
an octagonal shaft) of the output shaft member 56 in the delay unit 5a with the shaft
hole 531a (in the illustrated example, an octagonal shaft hole) of the camshaft 531
in the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53. As another example, such shaft coupling
may be achieved by a configuration of direct holding (fitting) between the stem 561
and the camshaft 531.
[0152] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 18B, direct holding (fitting) between the stem
561 and the camshaft 531 also allows a configuration of achieving the shaft coupling.
With reference to Fig. 18B, in the delay unit 5a, instead of providing the nails 558,
the stem 561 of the output shaft member 56 is provided in a cylindrical shape and
has an inner periphery 561a with convex portions 561b at two facing spots. The inner
periphery 561a of the stem 561 is also provided with elastically deformable engagement
pieces 561d not to interfere with insertion of the drive shaft 11 at two spots orthogonal
to the convex portions 561b at the two facing spots. Each engagement piece 561d is
provided with a fitting projection 561c on an outer surface relative to the axial
center of the inner periphery 561a. Meanwhile, a coupling section in the camshaft
531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 is, instead of the shaft hole
531a illustrated in Fig. 18A, in a two-level outer peripheral shape having steps of
a section 5310 and a section 5319 on the outer periphery, the section 5319 provided
with concave portions 531b at two facing spots. On a surface of the coupling section
in the camshaft 531, a fitting wall 531c is provided that has a smaller diameter than
that of an inner peripheral wall constituting a shaft hole 5313 of the camshaft 531
and allows insertion of the drive shaft 11.
[0153] The convex portions 561b at two facing spots in the stem 561 are then capable of
engaging with the concave portions 531b at two facing spots in the section 5319 of
the camshaft 531, and in the coupling state by such engagement, the fitting projections
561c of the elastically deformable engagement pieces 561d of the stem 561 fit and
hold the fitting wall 531c of the camshaft 531 in a position where a tip end of the
coupling in the stem 561 approximately abuts on the section 5310 in the camshaft 531,
thereby configuring the stem 561 of the delay unit 5a as a locking mechanism to lock
the camshaft 531. In the coupling state by the engagement, the support case 50 rotatably
supports the cylindrical tubular stem 561 of the output shaft member 56. Note that
Fig. 18B merely illustrates an example and various modifications are assumed such
as exchanging the shapes of the convex portions 561b and the concave portions 531b
with each other.
[0154] As exemplified in Fig. 18B, the configuration of the stem 561 and the camshaft 531
for coupling with each other allows relatively nonrotatable coupling of rotation of
the stem 561 and the camshaft 531 without providing the nails 558 and the projection
50b as illustrated in Fig. 18A and also holding of the delay unit 5a by the cord support
unit 5b not to shift in the left and right directions.
Fifth Embodiment
[0155] A description is then given to a cord support device 5 having a delay unit 5a in
the fifth embodiment. Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic
configuration of the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 20 and 21 are perspective views respectively illustrating an assembly method
and a schematic configuration of a cord support device 5 of a modification having
the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The delay unit
5a and the cord support device 5 in the fifth embodiment in Figs. 19 to 21 are illustrated
as a modification from the first embodiment described above. Similar modifications
may be configured from the second to fourth embodiments as well. Identical reference
signs are given to components having the same function in the respective embodiments
described above.
[0156] The first to fourth embodiments have described the examples of aligning the delay
unit 5a from outside a support case 50 of the cord support device 5 while the fifth
embodiment is an example of a configuration in which the delay unit 5a is supported
inside the support case 50 of the cord support device 5 and the winding shaft 52 rotates
on the drive shaft 11 with a predetermined delay along with rotation of the tilt drum
51.
[0157] As illustrated in Fig. 19, similar to the first embodiment described above (refer
to Fig. 3), the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment is configured with the output
shaft member 56, the brake spring 57, the spring case 58, the rotation relay plate
59, and an input shaft member 60, while a case member 55 to store them and the input
shaft member 60 have partially different shapes compared with those in the first embodiment.
[0158] With reference to Fig. 19, the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment is configured,
compared with the first embodiment, in a shape suitable for supporting the case member
55 inside the support case 50 of the cord support device 5 and the shape of the input
shaft member 60 is changed in association with the above changes, and has the output
shaft member 56, the brake spring 57, and the spring case 58 in common with various
cord support devices 5.
[0159] The input shaft member 60 of the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment has a roughly
similar shape to that in the first embodiment while it is different in a shape from
a drive transmission input side of a flange 604 of the input shaft member 60 to a
tubular stem 606 having an approximately quadrangular shaft hole 602 directly coupled
with the drive shaft 11.
[0160] The stem 606 of the input shaft member 60 is, as illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21,
rotatably supported by a bearing 50c in the support case 50 of the cord support device
5 when the delay unit 5a is supported inside the support case 50 of the cord support
device 5.
[0161] The output shaft member 56, the brake spring 57, the spring case 58, and the rotation
relay plate 59 have the same shapes as those in the first embodiment to apply a total
delay of a delay between the input shaft member 60 and the rotation relay plate 59
and a delay between the rotation relay plate 59 and the output shaft member 56 until
the rotation of the input shaft member 60 is transmitted to the output shaft member
56.
[0162] The case member 55 of the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment is configured in
a shape suitable for being supported inside the support case 50 of the cord support
device 5 and has, in the present example, a cylindrical body with a storage portion
556 to store the output shaft member 56, the brake spring 57, the spring case 58,
the rotation relay plate 59, and the input shaft member 60 provided with legs 550c
having an approximately E-shaped cross section to form lower corner portions 550b
and extending downward.
[0163] The storage portion 556 of the case member 55 has a circumference rotatably supporting
a periphery of the flange 604 of the input shaft member 60 and the storage portion
556 is provided with convex portions 557 in the circumference locking a pair of concave
portions 582 provided in part of the spring case 58 to nonrotatably fix the spring
case 58. The stem 568 and the flange 567 of the output shaft member 56 are relatively
rotatably supported respectively by a circular opening 559c in an open side face 559a
(drive transmission output side) and the open side face 559a of the case member 55.
The stem 561 of the output shaft member 56 thus protrudes from the circular opening
559c of the case member 55 and allows integrally rotatable engagement with the camshaft
531 of the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53.
[0164] The delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment thus configured is, as illustrated in Fig.
20, firstly inserted into the cord support unit 5b including the tilt drum 51, the
winding shaft 52, and the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 to engage the
stem 561 of the output shaft member 56 in the delay unit 5a with the camshaft 531
of the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 for integration. The delay unit 5a,
the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53, the winding shaft 52, and the tilt
drum 51 are then are placed in respective storage sections 50d, 50e, 50f, and 50g
of the support case 50 to configure the cord support device 5. As illustrated in Fig.
21, the drive shaft 11 is then inserted into the cord support device 5.
[0165] As illustrated in Fig. 21, the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment is thus coupled
with the winding shaft 52 via the obstacle detecting and stopping device 53 in such
a manner that the winding shaft 52 rotates with a predetermined delay along with rotation
of the tilt drum 51 on the drive shaft 11 to be stored in the support case 50 of the
cord support device 5.
[0166] In the case member 55 of the delay unit 5a in the fifth embodiment, the lower corner
portions 550b of the legs 550c are stably supported inside the support case 50 of
the cord support device 5 not to positionally shift in the left and right directions
and in the fore and aft direction. The drive shaft 11 is then inserted into the cord
support device 5 supported inside the head box 1, so that the delay unit 5a is not
shifted in the up and down direction (and the left and right directions), either.
[0167] As just described, even in a configuration where the delay unit 5a and the cord support
device 5 in the first embodiment are modified as in the fifth embodiment to support
the delay unit 5a inside the support case 50 of the cord support device 5, it is possible
to operate rotation of the tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52 with the one drive
shaft 11 and also solve the problem of raising and lowering of the bottom rail 8,
when tilting operation is desired not to cause raising and lowering of the slats 4,
due to the tilting operation. In particular, it is possible to solve the problem of
raising the stacked slats before tilted during tilting operation when the bottom rail
8 is not in a lower limit position.
[0168] Accordingly, the delay unit 5a according to the present invention is a device for
the cord support device 5 allowing operation of raising, lowering, and tilting of
the slats 4 with the one drive shaft 11, and the winding shaft 52 is aligned on the
drive shaft 11 to rotate with a predetermined delay along with rotation of the tilt
drum 51 outside or inside the support case 50 rotatably supporting the tilt drum 51
and the winding shaft 52, respectively, with the one drive shaft 11 as an axis of
rotation.
[0169] In particular, the cord support device 5 of the present invention has an output stem
(the stem 561 of the output shaft member 56). The output stem is configured to rotate
with a predetermined delay along with rotation of the drive shaft, and the delay unit
5a is arranged to directly or indirectly couple the output stem with a bearing of
the winding shaft 52.
[0170] The Venetian blind according to the present invention then allows operation of raising
and lowering the slats 4 by winding or unwinding the lift cord 10 by the plurality
of winding shafts 52 configuring a cord winding device based on rotation of the one
drive shaft 11. The Venetian blind is configured to allow adjustment of the angle
of the slats 4 supported by the ladder cords 9 by hanging the ladder cords 9 from
the plurality of tilt drums 51 (or the tilt drum 51a of the ladder cord support member
6) to be rotated based on rotation of the drive shaft 11 and configured to, when the
slats 4 are flipped after the operation of raising and lowering the slats 4, transmit
the rotation of the drive shaft 11 to the tilt drums 51 (or 51a) and prevent rotation
of the winding shaft 52 during adjustment of the angle of the slats 4 and thus cause
the drive shaft 11 and the winding shafts 52 to rotate along with rotation of the
drive shaft 11 after predetermined relative rotation. In addition, the Venetian blind
is provided with a brake mechanism (the case members 55a and 55b, the brake spring
57, and the spring case 58 in the delay unit 5a) nonrotatably supported relative to
the head box 1 storing the cord winding device and the tilt drums 51 (or 51a), separately
from the cord winding device, and thus configured to prevent rotation of the winding
shaft 52 during adjustment of the angle of the slats 4.
[0171] Such a configuration allows rotation of the tilt drum 51 and the winding shaft 52
with the one drive shaft 11 and also solves the problem of raising and lowering of
the bottom rail 8, when tilting operation is desired not to cause raising and lowering
of the slats 4, due to the tilting operation. In particular, it solves the problem
of raising the stacked slats before tilted during tilting operation when the bottom
rail 8 is not in a lower limit position, leading to improvement in assemblability
and excellent practicality contributing to miniaturization, versatility reduction
of operations and expenses for parts control, and inexpensiveness.
[0172] The present invention has been described above using the examples of the specific
embodiments while the present invention is not limited to the examples of the embodiments
described above and may be variously modified without departing from the technical
spirit thereof. For example, although the examples of the embodiments described above
have mainly explained the example of working via the obstacle detecting and stopping
device 53, the present invention is not limited to them and may be configured to directly
or indirectly engage with the winding shaft 52 to exhibit the action and effects according
to the present invention.
[0173] In addition, although the examples of the embodiments described above have mainly
explained the examples of using different delay units 5a for the type of cord support
unit 5b, the present invention may be configured to obtain a similar delay to that
in the case applying the delay unit 5a in the second embodiment by preparing a rotation
relay plate 59 not to produce a delay, instead of applying the delay unit 5a in the
second embodiment to the cord support unit 5b illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B for example,
to be applied to the delay unit 5a in the first embodiment. In this case, it is possible
to use the case members 55a and 55b in common.
(A horizontal type bride equipped with a cord supporting device for suspending a ladder
cord having an annular upper end portion)
[0174] Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a horizontal blind having code supporting devices
5 L, 5 M, 5 R according to the present invention will be described.
[0175] First, in the horizontal blind shown in FIG. 22, the cord supporting devices 5 L,
5 M, 5 R according to the present invention are disposed on the left end side, the
center side and the right end side of the head box 1, respectively, in the head box
1.
[0176] Each of the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, 5R suspends and supports a number of
stages of slats 4 via a pair of cord-like ladder cords 9 hanging indoors and outdoors,
respectively, and the respective ladder cords 9 And the bottom rail 8 is suspended
and supported at the lower end. The head box 1 is fixed to the attachment surface
on the ceiling side via the bracket 7.
[0177] A cord-like lift cord 10 hangs from each of the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, 5R
at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction on the lower surface
of the head box 1, and the lower end of the lift cord 10 extends downward in the front-rear
direction of each slat 4 And is attached to the bottom rail 8 via an insertion hole
(not shown) provided at the center portion. With respect to the hanging position of
the lift cord 10, it may be arranged along the end portion in the front-rear direction
of each slat 4.
[0178] That is, each of the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, 5R in this example includes
a tilt drum 51 for suspending a pair of ladder cords 9 depending from the indoor side
and the outdoor side, and a tilt drum 51 for winding up or rewinding the lift cord
10 And a long tubular take-up shaft 52 having a slope to be inclined so as to be juxtaposed
on the rectangular rod-shaped drive shaft 11 and supported by the support case 50.
In addition, an obstacle detection stopping device 53 is provided on the distal end
side of the winding shaft 52.
[0179] In particular, in each of the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, 5R of the present embodiment,
the upper end portions of a pair of ladder cords 9 depending on the indoor side and
the outdoor side are made into an annular shape and hung on the tilt drum 51 so as
to suspend the ladder cord 9 And rotates the slat 4 supported by the weft of the ladder
code 9 by the rotation of the tilt drum 51. In the uppermost slat 4, a slat presser
12 for holding the slat 4 supported by the weft of the ladder cord 9 is provided.
The slat presser 12 guides the drooping of a pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down to
the indoor side and the outdoor side and guides the weft of the ladder cord 9 supporting
the uppermost slat 4 together with the slat 4 to the slat 4 It is engaged from below.
Incidentally, a notch or insertion hole (not shown) is provided in the slat presser
12 so as not to hinder the movement of the lift cord 10.
[0180] For this reason, although details will be described later, the upper ends of a pair
of ladder cords 9 hanging down to the interior side and the outdoor side, respectively,
are connected to form an annular upper end portion, and the tilt drum 51 has a predetermined
frictional force And has a V-shaped groove for hooking the annular upper end portion.
[0181] In each of the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, and 5R shown in FIG. 22, the delay
unit 5a shown in FIG. 2 and the like is not provided, and the tilt drum 51 and the
winding shaft 52 rotate relative to the driving shaft 11 Are connected in an incapable
manner.
[0182] However, each of the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, 5R is constructed in the same
manner as the above-described cord supporting device 5 shown in FIG. 2, and the tilt
drum 51 is connected to the driving shaft 11 so as not to rotate relative to the driving
shaft 11, 52 may be disconnected (disengaged) from the drive shaft 11 and a delay
unit 5 a may be provided for actuating the take-up shaft 52 to interlockingly rotate
with a predetermined delay amount with respect to the rotation of the tilt drum 51
.
[0183] In this example, three cord supporting devices are provided on the horizontal blind
as the cord supporting devices 5L, 5M, 5R, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration
in which two cord supporting devices are provided, or four or more cord supporting
devices A support device can be provided. The cord supporting apparatus according
to the present invention described below is provided with a V-shaped groove for simply
hanging a pair of ladder cords 9 depending respectively on the indoor side and the
outdoor side like the ladder code supporting member 6 shown in FIG. 1 It can also
be configured as an apparatus for supporting the tilt drum 51a.
[0184] On the right end side in the head box 1, an operation unit 2 is provided. The operation
unit 2 has a pulley (not shown) capable of engaging an endless cord-like operation
cord 3 (or an endless ball chain) as long as it is a manually-operated manipulation
unit, and is provided outside the head box 1 The operation cord 3 is led out so that
the drive shaft 11 can be rotated.
[0185] Alternatively, when the operation unit 2 is of the electric type, it can be an electric
motor that allows the drive shaft 11 to be rotated based on an operation signal from
the outside. Therefore, the form of the operation unit 2 can be of any form as long
as it can be transmitted to the rotation of the drive shaft 11 in accordance with
the operation by the operator.
[0186] Therefore, the horizontal blind shown in FIG. 22 rotates the drive shaft 11 by operating
the operation cord 3, and rotates the tilt drum 51 in each of the cord supporting
devices 5 L, 5 M, 5 R as the driving shaft 11 rotates , The tilt operation for adjusting
the angle of the slat 4 is possible. When the drive shaft 11 is rotated more than
the rotation required for the tilt operation, the slat 4 can be raised or lowered
while raising or lowering the slat 4 while maintaining the rotated state of the slat
4.
[0187] More specifically, from the viewpoint of code distribution of the ladder code 9,
with respect to the structure and operation of the code supporting device 5 M as representative
of each of the code supporting devices 5 L, 5 M, 5 R, the conventional technique and
the related Techniques (Examples 1 to 4) will be explained in order.
(Code distribution of ladder code based on conventional technique)
[0188] 23 (a) shows a partial front view of the periphery of the cord supporting device
5 M for hanging the ladder cord 9 having one annular upper end portion according to
the conventional technique, and FIG. 23 (b) And a side view of the periphery of the
cord supporting device 5 M (description of the lift cord 10 is omitted) relating to
the ladder cord 9 having the one annular upper end portion thereof.
[0189] First, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), a cord supporting device 5 M mounted in the head
box 1 is provided with a winding shaft 52 (shown in a non-sectional view) and a tilt
A drum 51 (shown in a sectional view) is provided and each is supported by a support
case 50. The winding shaft 52 has an elongated cylindrical shape with an inclined
surface for attaching and winding up or rewinding the upper end of the lift cord 10,
and the lower end of the lift cord 10 is, for example, And is attached to the bottom
rail 8 via an insertion hole (not shown) provided at a substantially central portion
in the front-rear direction of the slat 4 (see FIG. 22).
[0190] The slats 4 of multiple stages are respectively supported by one or two weft threads
9 a provided at predetermined intervals between a pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down
on the indoor side and the outdoor side. In the uppermost slat 4, a slat presser 12
for holding the slat 4 supported by the weft thread 9 a of the ladder cord 9 is provided.
[0191] Then, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), the upper ends 91F, 91R of the pair of ladder cords
9 hanging down to the indoor side and the outdoor side, respectively, form a single
annular upper end portion based on the conventional technique (For example, a caulking
metal member) 13. In the example shown in FIG. 23 (b), the locking member 13 is disposed
above the slat 4 within a range that does not interfere with the rotation of the slat
4.
[0192] As shown in FIG. 23 (a), the tilt drum 51 has a V-shaped groove 51 V whose width
becomes narrower toward the center axis of the tilt drum 51, and the groove bottom
51 b of the V-shaped groove 51 V is a ladder code 9 having a narrower width than the
cross section diameter. Incidentally, the usual ladder cord 9 has a substantially
square cross-sectional shape having a long side and a short side instead of a perfect
round cross section, but the groove bottom 51 b has a narrower width than its short
side.
[0193] That is, in the tilt drum 51, the annular upper end portion of the ladder cord 9
is hung with a predetermined frictional force by the V-shaped groove 51V.
[0194] As described above, the cord supporting device 5 </ b> M including the tilt drum
51 configured to hook the one annular upper end portion of the ladder cord 9 with
a predetermined frictional force by the V-shaped groove 51 </ b> V is provided on
the drive shaft 11 By the rotation of the tilt drum 51 accompanying the rotation,
it is possible to rotate the multiple slats 4 supported by the weft thread 9 a of
the ladder code 9.
[0195] In particular, the tilt drum 51 constructed so that the ladder cord 9 is suspended
by the V-shaped groove 51 V is different from the tilt drum 51 configured to suspend
the ladder cord 9 by the suspending member 511 as shown in FIG. 7 , It is advantageous
in that the load associated with the rotational operation of the drive shaft 11 by
the operation cord 3 can be greatly reduced.
[0196] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the configuration in which the ladder cord 9 is suspended
by the suspending member 511, the hanging member 511 is constituted by a torsion coil
spring, and both ends of the torsion coil spring are bent to form a loop A ladder
cord attachment portion 511a and an engagement end portion 511b are formed. The upper
ends of the pair of front and rear ladder cords 9 are attached to the ladder cord
attachment portion 511 a and suspended and supported. The suspending member 511 is
attached by tightening the tilt drum 51 and rotates together with the tilt drum 51
until the engaging end portion 511 b abuts against the wall portion formed on the
support case 50, When the end portion 511 b comes into contact with the wall portion
formed on the support case 50, the tightening force thereof weakens and idles with
respect to the tilt drum 51. As a result, the slats 4 can be angle-adjusted in the
same phase via the ladder cord 9 based on the rotation of the tilt drum 51. However,
since a load corresponding to a force for weakening the tightening force of the suspending
member 511 is applied to the operating cord 3 at this time, from the viewpoint of
reducing the operating force, it is preferable to use a V-shaped groove 51 V as shown
in FIG. 2 It is advantageous to form the tilt drum 51 configured to suspend the ladder
cord 9.
[0197] However, as a form of the horizontal blind, the slat 4 has various lengths and widths,
and the number of slats 4 is also various, so the load on the ladder code 9 is also
various. For this reason, as one form of the horizontal blind, the friction resistance
against the ladder cord 9 caused by the V-shaped groove 51 V is insufficient and the
operating force in the operation cord 3 is reduced, but as the ladder Code 9 will
be transported, which may degrade operability. In order to improve this, it is possible
to change the shape of the V-shaped groove 51 V for each form of the horizontal blind,
but it is desirable to have a technique that makes it possible to change or adjust
the frictional resistance more easily.
[0198] Further, according to the technique of separately providing a friction member to
the ladder cord 9, since the friction member changes its contact / non-contact state
by the rotation of the tilt drum 51, due to the rocking of the ladder cord 9 or the
like, the friction member and the tilt drum 51 So that poor rotation of the slat 4
may occur.
[0199] Therefore, in the cord supporting device 5M according to the present invention,
at the outer peripheral surface (V-shaped groove 51V in this example) formed in the
tilt drum 51, a plurality of annular upper ends of the ladder cord 9 And the ladder
cord 9 follows the rotation of the tilt drum 51 to rotate the slat 4. The code support
device 5M of the first to fourth embodiments will be described below.
(Code Supporting Device of First Embodiment)
[0200] FIG. 24 (a) shows a partial side view of the periphery of the cord supporting device
5 M according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 (b) is
a schematic diagram showing its code distribution. 24 (a) is illustrated in a manner
comparable to FIG. 23 (b), and illustration of the winding shaft 52 and the lift cord
10 is omitted. It is also possible to provide a device including only the tilt drum
51 without providing the winding shaft 52.
[0201] As shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b), a tilt drum 51 is provided in a cord supporting
device 5 M mounted in the head box 1 so as not to rotate relative to the driving shaft
11. The tilt drum 51 And is supported by the support case 50.
[0202] The slats 4 of multiple stages are respectively supported by one or two weft threads
9 a provided at predetermined intervals between a pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down
on the indoor side and the outdoor side. In the uppermost slat 4, a slat presser 12
for holding the slat 4 supported by the weft thread 9 a of the ladder cord 9 is provided.
[0203] Like the one shown in FIG. 23 (a), the tilt drum 51 shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24
(b) has a V-shaped groove 51 V whose width decreases toward the center axis of the
tilt drum 51 , The groove bottom 51 b of the V-shaped groove 51 V has a narrower width
than the cross-sectional diameter of the ladder cord 9. Incidentally, the usual ladder
cord 9 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape having a long side and a short
side instead of a perfect round cross section, but the groove bottom 51 b has a narrower
width than its short side.
[0204] Then, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), the upper end 91 </ b> F of the ladder cord 9 hanging
down to the interior side is hung on the V-shaped groove 51 </ b> V of the tilt drum
51 from the interior side and then the engaging member Member) 13a to be engaged with
the ladder cord 9 hanging out to the outdoor side. On the other hand, the upper end
91 </ b> R of the ladder cord 9 depending on the outdoor side is hung on the V-shaped
groove 51 </ b> V of the tilt drum 51 from the outdoor side, and then the ladder hanging
down toward the interior side by the locking member (for example, caulked metal member)
It is locked to code 9. In the examples shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b), the locking
members 13 a and 13 b are disposed so as to be positioned above the slats 4 within
a range not to hinder the rotation of the slats 4, but the locking members 13 a ,
13 b may be formed so as to be positioned below the slat 4 within a range that does
not interfere with the rotation of the slat 4.
[0205] As a result, the ladder cords 9 having the two annular upper end portions are hooked
on the V-shaped grooves 51V, the frictional resistance when the ladder cord 9 follows
the rotation of the tilt drum 51 and rotates the slats 4 Can be increased.
[0206] Incidentally, when forming the two annular upper end portions, with respect to the
arrangement of the code of the ladder cord 9 from the room side and the arrangement
of the code of the ladder cord 9 from the outdoor side, which one is the upper side
(or the lower side) But they are locked by the locking members 13a, 13b so that they
will not be twisted in the range of rotation of the slat 4. Since the usual ladder
cord 9 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape having a long side and a short
side, when forming the two annular upper end portions, the surface of the ladder cord
9 is aligned so that there is no twist It may be locked by the stop members 13a and
13b.
(Code Supporting Device of Embodiment 2)
[0207] FIG. 25 (a) shows a partial side view of the periphery of the cord supporting device
5 M according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 (b) is
a schematic diagram showing its code distribution. 25 (a) is shown to be comparable
with FIG. 23 (b), and illustration of the winding shaft 52 and the lift cord 10 is
omitted. It is also possible to provide a device including only the tilt drum 51 without
providing the winding shaft 52.
[0208] As shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b), a tilt drum 51 is provided in the code supporting
device 5 M placed in the head box 1 so as not to be able to rotate relative to the
drive shaft 11. The tilt drum 51 And is supported by the support case 50.
[0209] The slats 4 of multiple stages are respectively supported by one or two weft threads
9 a provided at predetermined intervals between a pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down
on the indoor side and the outdoor side. In the uppermost slat 4, a slat presser 12
for holding the slat 4 supported by the weft thread 9 a of the ladder cord 9 is provided.
[0210] Like the one shown in FIG. 23 (a), the tilt drum 51 shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25
(b) has a V-shaped groove 51 V whose width decreases toward the center axis of the
tilt drum 51 , The groove bottom 51 b of the V-shaped groove 51 V has a narrower width
than the cross-sectional diameter of the ladder cord 9. Incidentally, the usual ladder
cord 9 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape having a long side and a short
side instead of a perfect round cross section, but the groove bottom 51 b has a narrower
width than its short side.
[0211] Then, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the upper end 91 </ b> F of the ladder cord 9 hanging
down to the interior side is hung on the V-shaped groove 51 </ b> V of the tilt drum
51 from the interior side, and then the engaging member Member) 13 to the rudder cord
9 hanging down to the outdoor side. On the other hand, the upper end 91 </ b> R of
the rudder cord 9 depending from the outdoor side is hung from the outdoor side to
the V-shaped groove 51 </ b> V of the tilt drum 51 and then distributed along the
uppermost weft thread 9 a, For example, a caulked metal member) 13 with the upper
end 91 </ b> F. In the examples shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b), the locking member
13 is arranged so as to be positioned above the slat 4 within a range that does not
interfere with the rotation of the slat 4, but when the locking member 13 is a slat
4 so as not to interfere with the rotation of the slat 4.
[0212] As a result, the ladder cords 9 having the two annular upper end portions are hooked
on the V-shaped grooves 51V, the frictional resistance when the ladder cord 9 follows
the rotation of the tilt drum 51 and rotates the slats 4 Can be increased.
[0213] In addition, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 25, since the locking member
13 is located on the outdoor side as compared with the first embodiment shown in FIG.
24, it is possible to increase the frictional resistance without impairing the design
property it can.
[0214] Also in this example, when forming the two annular upper end portions, regarding
the code distribution of the ladder cord 9 from the room side and the code distribution
of the ladder cord 9 from the outdoor side, either the upper side (or the lower side
Side), but it is locked by the locking member 13 so as not to twist in the rotation
range of the slat 4. Since the usual ladder cord 9 has a substantially square cross-sectional
shape having a long side and a short side, when forming the two annular upper end
portions, the surface of the ladder cord 9 is aligned so that there is no twist It
may be locked by the stop member 13.
(Code Supporting Device of Third Embodiment)
[0215] FIG. 26 (a) shows a partial side view of the periphery of the cord supporting device
5 M according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 (b) is
a schematic diagram showing its code distribution. 26 (a) is shown in a manner comparable
to FIG. 23 (b), and illustration of the winding shaft 52 and the lift cord 10 is omitted.
It is also possible to provide a device including only the tilt drum 51 without providing
the winding shaft 52.
[0216] As shown in FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b), a tilt drum 51 is provided in the code supporting
device 5 M placed in the head box 1 so as not to be relatively rotatable with respect
to the drive shaft 11. The tilt drum 51 And is supported by the support case 50.
[0217] The slats 4 of multiple stages are respectively supported by one or two weft threads
9 a provided at predetermined intervals between a pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down
on the indoor side and the outdoor side. In the uppermost slat 4, a slat presser 12
for holding the slat 4 supported by the weft thread 9 a of the ladder cord 9 is provided.
[0218] Like the one shown in FIG. 23 (a), the tilt drum 51 shown in FIGS. 26 (a) and 26
(b) has a V-shaped groove 51 V whose width decreases toward the center axis of the
tilt drum 51 , The groove bottom 51 b of the V-shaped groove 51 V has a narrower width
than the cross-sectional diameter of the ladder cord 9. Incidentally, the usual ladder
cord 9 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape having a long side and a short
side instead of a perfect round cross section, but the groove bottom 51 b has a narrower
width than its short side.
[0219] Then, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), the upper end 91 </ b> F of the ladder cord 9 hanging
down to the interior side is hung on the V-shaped groove 51 </ b> V of the tilt drum
51 from the interior side and then the engaging member Member) 13a to be engaged with
the ladder cord 9 hanging out to the outdoor side. On the other hand, the upper end
91 </ b> R of the rudder cord 9 depending on the outdoor side is hung from the outdoor
side to the V-shaped groove 51 </ b> V of the tilt drum 51 and then distributed along
the uppermost weft thread 9 a, (For example, a caulked metal member) 13 b, and is
locked to the ladder cord 9 depending on the outdoor side. In the examples shown in
FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b), the two locking members 13 a and 13 b are arranged so as
to be positioned above and below the slat 4 within a range that does not interfere
with the rotation of the slat 4 May be formed so as to be located below (or above)
the slat 4 within a range in which neither of the two locking members 13 a, 13 b hinder
the rotation of the slat 4.
[0220] As a result, the ladder cords 9 having the two annular upper end portions are hooked
on the V-shaped grooves 51V, the frictional resistance when the ladder cord 9 follows
the rotation of the tilt drum 51 and rotates the slats 4 Can be increased.
[0221] Further, in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 26, as compared with the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 24, since the locking members 13 a, 13 b are both positioned on the
outdoor side, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 25, It is possible to increase
the frictional resistance without impairing the design property.
[0222] Further, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 25, since the three ladder cords
9 are locked by the locking member 13, the burden of workability can be increased,
but in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 26 , The number of cords to be latched by
the individual latching members 13a and 13b can be set to two, so that the burden
of workability can be reduced.
[0223] Also in this example, when forming the two annular upper end portions, regarding
the code distribution of the ladder cord 9 from the room side and the code distribution
of the ladder cord 9 from the outdoor side, either the upper side (or the lower side
Side), but they are locked by two locking members 13a, 13b so that they will not be
twisted in the range of rotation of the slat 4. Since the usual ladder cord 9 has
a substantially square sectional shape having a long side and a short side, when forming
the two annular upper end portions, the surface of the ladder cord 9 is matched so
that there is no twist and 2 By means of the locking members 13a and 13b at the places.
(Code Supporting Apparatus of Embodiment 4)
[0224] FIG. 27 (a) shows a partial side view of the periphery of the cord supporting device
5 M according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 (b) is
a schematic diagram showing its code distribution. 27 (a) is shown to be comparable
with FIG. 23 (b), and illustration of the winding shaft 52 and the lift cord 10 is
omitted. It is also possible to provide a device including only the tilt drum 51 without
providing the winding shaft 52.
[0225] As shown in FIGS. 27 (a) and 27 (b), a tilt drum 51 is provided in the code supporting
device 5 M placed in the head box 1 so as not to rotate relative to the drive shaft
11. The tilt drum 51 And is supported by the support case 50.
[0226] The slats 4 of multiple stages are respectively supported by one or two weft threads
9 a provided at predetermined intervals between a pair of ladder cords 9 hanging down
on the indoor side and the outdoor side. In the uppermost slat 4, a slat presser 12
for holding the slat 4 supported by the weft thread 9 a of the ladder cord 9 is provided.
[0227] Like the one shown in FIG. 23 (a), the tilt drum 51 shown in FIGS. 27 (a) and 27
(b) has a V-shaped groove 51 V whose width decreases toward the center axis of the
tilt drum 51 , The groove bottom 51 b of the V-shaped groove 51 V has a narrower width
than the cross-sectional diameter of the ladder cord 9. Incidentally, the usual ladder
cord 9 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape having a long side and a short
side instead of a perfect round cross section, but the groove bottom 51 b has a narrower
width than its short side.
[0228] Then, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the upper end 91 </ b> F of the ladder cord 9 hanging
down to the interior side is wrapped for the first time in the V-shaped groove 51
</ b> V of the tilt drum 51 from the interior side, Of the weft yarn 9a and again
engaged in the V-shaped groove 51V for a second time. Thereafter, it is engaged with
the ladder cord 9 hanging down to the outdoor side by the locking member (for example,
caulked metal member) 13b . On the other hand, the upper end 91 </ b> R of the rudder
cord 9 depending on the outdoor side is provided with a further engaging member for
the cord portion when the ladder cord 9 hanging down to the interior side of the V-shaped
groove 51 </ b> V is worn for the first time (For example, caulked metal member) 13a.
[0229] As a result, the ladder cords 9 having the two annular upper end portions are hooked
on the V-shaped grooves 51V, the frictional resistance when the ladder cord 9 follows
the rotation of the tilt drum 51 and rotates the slats 4 Can be increased.
[0230] In addition, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 27, since the locking members
13 a, 13 b are both positioned on the outdoor side, compared with the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 24, the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, 3, the frictional
resistance can be increased without impairing the design.
[0231] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 25 described above, since the three ladder
cords 9 are locked by the locking member 13, the burden of workability can be increased.
However, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 27 , The number of cords to be latched
by the individual latching members 13a and 13b can be set to two, so that the burden
of workability can be reduced.
[0232] Also in this example, when forming the two annular upper end portions, the code distribution
of the ladder cord 9 from the inside of the room may be made upper (or lower), but
the rotation range of the slat 4 So that it will not be twisted by two locking members
13a, 13b.
[0233] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific
embodiments with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27, the present invention is not limited
to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without
departing from the technical concept thereof . For example, in the above-described
embodiment, an example in which the code distribution shown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 27
is mainly applied to the code support device 5 M located at the center in the left-right
direction in the horizontal blind shown in FIG. 22 has been mainly described , The
code distribution shown in FIG. 26 can be applied to all of the code supporting devices
5L, 5R, 5M.
[0234] However, the code distribution shown in FIGS. 24 to 27 may be applied only to the
code supporting device 5 M, and the code distribution shown in FIG. 23B may be applied
to the other code supporting devices 5 L and 5 R. Alternatively, the code distribution
shown in FIGS. 24 to 27 may be applied only to the code supporting devices 5L and
5R, and the code distribution shown in FIG. 23 (b) may be applied to the code supporting
device 5M. That is, the code distribution shown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 27 is applied in
a manner that balances well in the left-right direction, including a case where more
code support devices are provided. This makes it possible to change or adjust the
frictional resistance associated with the various types of horizontal blinds.
[0235] Furthermore, by appropriately combining the cord supporting devices of the first
to fourth embodiments with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27, the frictional resistance
relating to the latching can be changed or adjusted with respect to a wide variety
of horizontal blinds.
[0236] In the examples of the cord supporting apparatuses of the first to fourth embodiments
shown in FIGS. 24 to 27 described above, two annular upper end portions are formed
for a pair of ladder cords 9 on the indoor side and the outdoor side to form a V An
example in which it is wrapped around the groove 51V has been described, but it is
also possible to form an annular upper end portion of three or more and engage with
the V-shaped groove 51V.
[0237] Further, in the above-described example, the example in which the pair of the ladder
cords 9 on the indoor side and the outdoor side is engaged with the engaging members
13 (or 13 a, 13 b) so as to form a plurality of annular upper end portions has been
described, Such as adhesive bonding, welding, sewing or the like.
[0238] Furthermore, in the example described above, the sectional shape of the ladder cord
9 is a substantially square cross-sectional shape and the specific shape of the V-shaped
groove 51 </ b> V is used as the outer circumferential surface of the tilt drum 51
has been described as an example. However, The ladder cord 9 having an arbitrary sectional
shape and the tilt drum 51 of an arbitrary shape engaged therewith can be formed as
the outer peripheral surface as long as it has a shape which generates a predetermined
frictional force.
Industrial Applicability
[0239] The present invention allows a configuration of a delay unit and a cord support device
that are excellent in practicality and is thus useful for Venetian blind applications
allowing operation of raising, lowering, and tilting slats with one drive shaft.
[0240] Further, according to the present invention, with respect to a cord supporting apparatus
having a tilt drum configured to hook an upper end portion of an annular ladder cord,
it is possible to change or adjust the frictional resistance of the various types
of horizontal blinds So that it is useful for the application of a horizontal blind
requiring change or adjustment of the frictional resistance.
Reference Signs List
[0241]
- 1
- Head Box
- 4
- Slat
- 5, 5L, 5M, 5R
- Cord Support Device
- 5a
- Delay Unit
- 5b
- Cord Support Unit
- 6
- Ladder Cord Support Member
- 8
- Bottom Rail
- 9
- Ladder Cord
- 10
- Lift Cord
- 11
- Drive Shaft
- 12
- Slat Presser
- 13, 13a, 13v
- Locking Member
- 50
- Support Case
- 51, 51a
- Tilt Drum
- 52
- Winding Shaft
- 53
- Obstacle Detecting and Stopping Device
- 55a, 55b
- Case Member
- 56
- Output Shaft Member
- 57
- Brake Spring
- 58
- Spring Case
- 59
- Rotation Relay Plate
- 60
- Input Shaft Member
- 70
- Support Auxiliary Member