AU2017327051A1

AU2017327051A1 - Brake device and screen device using same

Info

Publication number: AU2017327051A1
Application number: AU2017327051A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daisuke Takahashi; Takatoshi Uematsu; Kazuto Yamagishi
Original assignee: Tachikawa Corp; Tachikawa Blind Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tachikawa Corp
Priority date: 2016-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-07
Publication date: 2019-05-02
Also published as: TW201816256A; WO2018051883A1; JPWO2018051883A1; KR102606316B1; KR20190046994A; CN110191998A; TWI723218B; JP6895983B2

Abstract

The purpose of the invention is to provide a brake device that can suitably clamp a cord even if a clamping body that clamps the cord becomes smaller due to wear or if the diameter of a lift cord becomes smaller. Provided is a brake device that brakes the movement of a cord in the longitudinal direction, wherein: the brake device comprises a clamping body that has a pair of clamping members to clamp the cord and is configured so that at least one of the clamping members moves in a prescribed motion trajectory; the clamping body clamps the cord at a prescribed clamping position on the motion trajectory; and the motion trajectory extends beyond the clamping position.

Description

BRAKING DEVICE, AND SHIELDING DEVICE USING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]

The present invention relates to a braking device and a shielding device using the same and, in particular, to a braking device that can be used to properly slow the movement of hoisting cords.

BACKGROUND ART [0002]

In addition to roller curtains and blinds, semiautomated, suspended/supported shielding devices, such as accordion curtains, pleated screens, and partitions, have been commercialized. For example, a horizontal blind is opened by pulling an operation cord and thus raising slats serving as shielding members and a bottom rail. On the other hand, the horizontal blind is closed by lowering the slats and bottom rail, typically using the gravity based on the self-weight of the slats and bottom rail. At this time, there is used a known mechanism that reduces the descent momentum of the slats and bottom rail by applying a braking force to hoisting cords that move with the descent of the slats and bottom rail.

[0003]

Patent Literature 1 discloses a blind raising/lowering device including a damper that includes a braking-force generation centrifugal governor and a shaft (cord sandwiching unit) coupled to a braking part and where hoisting cords are in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the shaft rotates due to the movement of the hoisting cords and thus operate the braking part. By using this damper, a resistance can be reliably provided to the movement of the hoisting cords associated with a self-weight descent.

Citation List

Patent Literature [0004] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005030084

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem [0005]

Unfortunately, the damper disclosed in Patent Literature 1 cannot properly provide a resistance to the hoisting cords if the sandwiching unit is worn due to the friction with the hoisting cords and thus the diameter thereof is reduced or if the diameter of the hoisting cords is reduced.

[0006]

The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and an object thereof is to provide a braking device that is able to sandwich hoisting cords properly even if a sandwiching unit is reduced in size due to wear or even if the diameter of the hoisting cords is reduced. Solution to Problem [0007]

The present invention provides a braking device for braking movement in a length direction of a cord. The braking device includes sandwiching unit that includes a pair of sandwiching members that sandwich the cord. At least one of the sandwiching members is configured to move along a predetermined movement path, the sandwiching unit sandwiches the cord in a predetermined sandwich position on the movement path, and the movement path extends beyond the sandwich position.

[0008]

According to the present invention, at least one of the sandwiching members is configured to be able to sandwich the cord in the predetermined sandwich position by moving along the predetermined movement path, and the movement path extends beyond the sandwich position. According to this configuration, the sandwiching unit that has not worn yet sandwich the cord in the predetermined sandwich position, and the sandwiching unit that has worn move to a range on the movement path extending beyond the predetermined sandwich position. Thus, even the sandwiching unit that has worn can sandwich the cord properly and thus maintain the braking performance. Even if the cord diameter is reduced due to the wear of the cord, similar advantageous effects are obtained.

[0009]

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below. Any of the embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

Preferably, the movement path extends in a direction toward the cord.

Preferably, the movement path is a movement path of at least one of the sandwiching members along a regulation groove that regulates movement of at least one of the sandwiching members.

Preferably, the braking device farther includes a case that contains at least one of the sandwiching members and has the regulation groove.

Preferably, the sandwiching unit includes a first sandwiching member and a second sandwiching member, the first sandwiching member includes a shaft, the regulation groove is formed such that the shaft can approach the cord, and the sandwich position is a position spaced from an end close to the cord, of the regulation groove.

Preferably, the pair of sandwiching members both move along the movement path, and the movement path is formed such that extensions thereof intersect each other.

Preferably, the second sandwiching member includes a shaft, and the regulation groove is formed such that the shafts of the first and second sandwiching members can sandwich the cord in the predetermined sandwich position by moving along the regulation groove.

Preferably, the regulation groove includes two regulation grooves formed in the case, and at least one of the two regulation grooves has an arc shape.

Preferably, the two regulation grooves are formed so as to be inclined with respect to a movement direction of the cord.

Preferably, the two regulation grooves have different curvatures.

Preferably, the shaft is disposed approximately vertically.

Preferably, the second sandwiching member includes a sandwiching plane.

Preferably, the sandwiching plane is a plane fixed during movement of the first sandwiching member.

Preferably, the braking device further includes an energizing member configured to energize the first sandwiching member from a release position in which the cord is released toward a sandwich position in which the cord is sandwiched.

Preferably, the braking device further includes a guide wall formed along an edge of the regulation groove.

Preferably, there is provided a shielding device including one of the above braking devices and a shielding member suspended so as to be able to ascend and descend in accordance with movement of the cord.

Preferably, there is provided a shielding device including the braking device where the second sandwiching member includes a sandwiching plane, a shielding member suspended so as to be able to ascend and descend in accordance with movement of the cord, and a headbox containing the braking device, and the sandwiching plane is a bottom surface of the headbox. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0010]

Fig. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a shielding device 100A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of a braking device 1000 of a second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 2A is a drawing seen from a front-upper side; and Fig. 2B is a drawing seen from a rear-upper side.

Figs. 3A and 2B are exploded perspective views of the braking device 1000 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 3A is a drawing seen from a front-lower side; and Fig. 3B is a drawing seen from a rear-lower side.

Figs. 4A to 4C are assembly drawings of the braking device 1000 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 4A is a front perspective view; Fig. 4B is a rear perspective view; and Fig. 4C is a left side view.

Figs. 5A and 5B are assembly drawings of the braking device 1000 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 5A is a plan view; and Fig. 5B is a bottom view.

Figs. 6A and 6B are assembly drawings obtained by removing a case 10A from the braking device 1000 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 6A is a front perspective view; and Fig. 6B is a rear perspective view.

Figs. 7A and 7B are assembly drawings obtained by further removing a slider 220 from

Fig. 16, in which Fig. 7A is a front perspective view; and Fig. 7B is a rear perspective view.

Figs. 8A and 8B are assembly drawings obtained by further removing an internal gearprovided carrier 260 from Figs. 7A and 7B, in which Fig. 8A is a front perspective view; and Fig. 8B is a rear perspective view.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing the positional relationships between a knurled roller 240, a slider 220, and a pinion gear 50 of the second embodiment of the present invention and is a part of a sectional view passing through an approximate center of a shaft 31 seen from the left side surface of the braking device 1000.

Figs. 10A and 10B are drawings showing an arrangement member 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 10A is a perspective new; and Fig. 10B is a front view.

Figs. 11A and 11B are drawings showing the case 10A of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 11A is a front perspective view; and Fig. 11B is a rear perspective view.

Figs. 12A and 12B are drawings showing the case 10A of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 12A is a plan view; and Fig. 12B is a perspective view seen from below.

Figs. 13A to 13C are drawings showing the slider 220 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 13A is a front perspective view; Fig. 13B is a rear perspective view seen from below; and Fig 13C is a plan view.

Figs. 14A and 14B are drawings showing the case 10A and slider 220 of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 14A is a perspective view seen from below; and Fig. 14B is a perspective view seen from above.

Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing members other than the case 10A and slider 220 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 4C.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 5A.

Figs. 18A to 18C are drawings showing an aspect in which the braking device 1000 of the present invention brakes cords CD using Fig. 16, in which Fig. 18A is a drawing showing a state in which no tension is being applied to the cords CD (steady state); Fig. 18B is a drawing showing a state in which tension is being applied to the cords CD and the cords CD are sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 (sandwich state); and Fig. 18C is a table showing the rotation directions of the members when the state in Fig. 18A is changed to the state in Fig. 18B.

Figs. 19A and 19B are drawings showing the aspect of the movement of the slider 220 corresponding to Figs. 18A to 18C.

Fig. 20 is a drawing showing the predetermined sandwich positions of the pair of sandwiching members (roller 42 and the knurled roller 240) in the initial state (that have not worn yet) and the sandwich positions of the pair of sandwiching members that have worn.

Figs. 21A and 2 IB are drawings showing members used for the movement converter of the second embodiment, in which Fig. 21A is a drawing showing how the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 are connected by the plate 800; and Fig. 2IB is a drawing showing how the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 are connected by the string-like member 900.

Fig. 22 is a schematic view of the members of Fig. 2 IB seen from the direction of arrow Z, in which the members sandwich the cords CD.

Figs. 23A and 23B are drawings showing an aspect in which the movement converter of the second embodiment brakes the cords CD, in which Fig. 23A shows a free movement state; and Fig. 23B shows a sandwich state.

Figs. 24A and 24B are drawings showing an aspect in which the movement converter of the third embodiment brakes the cords CD, in which Fig. 24A shows a free movement state; and Fig. 24B shows a sandwich state.

Figs. 25A and 25B are drawings showing an aspect in which the movement converter of the second embodiment brakes the cords CD, in which Fig. 25A shows a free movement state; and Fig. 25B shows a sandwich state.

Figs. 26A and 26B are drawings showing a movement converter of a modification of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 26A is a drawing showing a free movement state; and Fig. 26B is a drawing showing a sandwich state.

Fig. 27 is a drawing showing the movement converter of the modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention and is a drawing showing an aspect in which cords CD can be sandwiched properly even if the diameter of a knurled roller 240 is reduced due to wear.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a braking device 5000 of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 29 is a plan view of the braking device 5000.

Figs. 30A and 30B are front views of the braking device 5000, in which Fig. 30A is a drawing showing a sandwich state; and Fig. 30B is a drawing showing a release state.

Fig. 31 is a sectional view taken along line P-P in Fig. 30B.

Figs. 32A and 32B are drawings showing aspects in which an inner cylinder 42A is pressfitted into an outer cylinder 240A, in which Fig. 32A shows an aspect before press-fitting; and Fig. 32B shows an aspect after press-fitting.

Fig. 33 is a drawing showing an example in which an elastic part 42Aa is disposed on an inner cylinder 42A.

Fig. 34 is a drawing showing an example in which a spring member 42Ab is disposed on an inner cylinder 42A.

Figs. 35A and 35B are drawings showing a braking device 5100 of a modification 1 of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 36A and 36B are drawings showing a braking device 5200 of a modification 2 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 36A is a drawing showing a sandwich state; and Fig. 36B is a drawing showing a release state.

Fig. 37 is a sectional view taken along line F-F in Fig. 36A.

Figs. 38A and 38B are drawings showing a braking device 5300 of a modification 3 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 38A shows a state in which cords CD are sandwiched between sandwiching unit; and Fig. 38B shows a state in which the sandwiching of the cords CD between the sandwiching unit is released.

Figs. 39A and 39B are sectional views of the braking device 5300 taken along line J-J in Figs. 38A and 38B.

Figs. 40A and 40B are sectional views of the braking device 5300 taken along line K-K in Figs. 38A and 38B.

Fig. 41 is a schematic perspective view showing sandwiching unit and a link mechanism 720 of a braking device 6000 of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 42 is a schematic plan view showing the sandwiching unit and link mechanism 720 on the sectional view of Fig. 16 in order to show a state in which the sandwiching unit and link mechanism 720 of the braking device 6000 in Fig. 41 are combined with the movement converter DT of the first embodiment.

Figs. 43A and 43B are drawings showing aspects in which the braking device 6000 in Fig. 41 brakes the cords CD, in which Fig. 43A shows a state in which the cords CD are sandwiched between the sandwiching unit; and Fig. 43B shows a state in which the sandwiching of the cords CD between the sandwiching unit is released.

Fig. 44 is a drawing showing another mounting position for the braking devices of the embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0011]

Now, preferred embodiments of a braking device of the present invention and a sunlight shielding device using the braking device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012]

1. First Embodiment

1-1 Overall Configuration

In a shielding device 100A shown in Fig. 1, a multilayer sunlight-shielding member 101 is suspended from and supported by a hollow headbox 130 through multiple ladder cords 123, and a bottom rail 122 is suspended from and supported by the lower ends of the ladder cords 123. The headbox 130 consists of a top surface 131, a bottom surface 132, and side surfaces 133, and both ends thereof are provided with box caps 134. The headbox 130 has a cord outlet 135 for inserting cords CD into an operation rod 108. The ladder cords 123 may have any configuration as long as they can support and rotate the sunlight-shielding member 101. For example, each ladder cord 123 may be configured as follows: it includes separated two warps; one warp is attached to one edge of a slat; and the other warp is attached to the other edge thereof.

[0013]

Multiple support members (not shown) are disposed in the headbox 130, and tilt drums (not shown) are rotatably supported by the support members. The upper ends of the ladder cords 123 are attached to the tilt drums, and a shaft 124 (shaft member) is inserted into the central portions of all the tilt drums. Thus, when the shaft 124 is rotated, all the tilt drums are rotated. With the rotation of the tilt drums, one warp of each ladder cord 123 is raised, so the sunlight-shielding member 101 and bottom rail 122 are angle-adjusted in phase. [0014]

The operation rod 108 consisting of a cylindrical body is suspended from and supported by one end of the headbox 130, and the lower end thereof is provided with an operation part 120. When the user rotationally operates the operation rod 108 while grasping the operation part 120, an angle adjustment shaft is rotated through a gear mechanism disposed in the headbox 130. Thus, the user is able to adjust the angle of the sunlight-shielding member 101. [0015]

Multiple (three in the present embodiment) hoisting cords 1021, 102c, 102r (simply referred to as “hoisting cords 102” if the distinction is not needed) are suspended from the headbox 130, and one end of each hoisting cord 102 is attached to the bottom rail 122. Deflection pulleys (not shown) are supported by the support members around axes extending in a direction perpendicular to the drawing plane so that the hoisting cords 102 introduced into the headbox 130 can be deflected and guided in the left-right direction of the headbox. Each support member has a space through which the other hoisting cords can pass in the leftright direction. Thus, the other end of the right-end hoisting cord 102r is deflected and guided by the support member. On the other hand, the hoisting cords (left-end and center hoisting cords 1021, 102c) on the non-operation side are guided in the direction toward the operation rod 108 within the headbox 130 through the support members and inserted into the cylindrical operation rod 108 through a lock part 104 and a braking device 1000 disposed in the headbox 130. Ends of those hoisting cords are coupled to a cord equalizer 121 disposed under the operation part 120. Thus, when the user pulls the hoisting cords 102 from the headbox 130 by pulling down the cord equalizer 121, the bottom rail 122 is raised, so the sunlight-shielding member 101 is raised.

[0016]

The lock part 104 permits or regulates the movement of cords CD on the basis of the operation of the cords CD (see Fig. 4).

[0017]

The braking device 1000 brakes the movement of the cords CD. The configuration and operation of the braking device 1000 will be described later. The braking device 1000 is disposed on the bottom surface 132 of the headbox 130, and both ends thereof are positioned by the side surfaces 133. Instead of disposing it on the bottom surface 132, the braking device 1000 may be disposed on another member disposed on the bottom surface 132.

[0018]

The braking device 1000 is disposed in the headbox 130 such that a front part thereof shown in Fig. 4 is oriented to the lock part 104 and a rear part thereof is oriented to the cord outlet 135. Thus, when the set of the cords CD are pulled down with the sunlight shielding member 101 lowered completely, that is, with the shielding device 100A closed, the cords CD are pulled toward the rear part shown in Fig. 4.

[0019]

On the other hand, when the cords CD are released with the sunlight shielding member 101 not lowered completely, that is, with the cords CD not locked by the lock part 104, the sunlight shielding member 101 descends by self-weight. Thus, the hoisting cords 102 are drawn out of the headbox 130, and the cords CD connected to the hoisting cords 102 are pulled toward the front of the braking device 1000. Thus, a braking force is applied to the cords CD, so the descending speed of the sunlight shielding member 101 is reduced. This allows for prevention of a breakage or the like of the sunlight shielding member 101 due to an excess of its descending speed. The above operation will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 18.

[0020]

As described above, according to the shielding device 100A of the present embodiment, the braking device 1000 properly applies a braking force to the movement in the length direction of the cords CD, which are able to raise and lower the sunlight shielding member 101. Thus, for example, as described above, even if the sunlight shielding member 101 descends by self-weight, the descending speed of the sunlight shielding member 101 can be reduced. [0021]

1-2 Braking Device

Next, referring to Figs. 2 to 20, the braking device 1000 will be described. The braking device 1000 of the present embodiment is a braking device that brakes the movement of the cords. Specifically, in the braking device 1000 of the present embodiment, a mechanism relating to a movement converter and a mechanism relating to a resistance provider are disposed approximately perpendicular to each other. In the present embodiment, the movement converter converts the movement of the cords CD into the movement of another member. The resistance provider generates a resistance when the cords CD move relatively in one direction. In the present embodiment, a slider 220, a coil spring SP, an idle roller 40 including a shaft 41 and a roller 42, a knurled roller 240, a pinion gear 50, a shaft 31, a washer 241, an internal gear-provided carrier 260 and planetary gears 280 correspond to the movement converter, and weights 340, a sun gear-provided weight holder 320 and a case 10A correspond to the resistance provider.

[0022]

Figs. 2A to 3B are exploded perspective views of the braking device 1000 of the present embodiment. The braking device 1000 includes an arrangement member 200, the case 10A, the slider 220, the coil spring SP, the idle roller 40 including the shaft 41 and roller 42, the knurled roller 240, the pinion gear 50, a shaft 31 passed through the knurled roller 240 and pinion gear 50, the washer 241, the internal gear-provided carrier 260, planetary gears 280, a plate 300, the sun gear-provided weight holder 320, the weights 340, and a base 70.

[0023]

In the present embodiment, the idle roller 40 and knurled roller 240 are a pair of sandwiching members (a first sandwiching member and a second sandwiching member) between which the cords are sandwiched, and serve as sandwiching unit by collaborating with each other. The idle roller 40 serves as a column, and the knurled roller 240 serves as a roller that rotates with the movement in the length direction of the cords. The slider 220 holds the idle roller 40 and knurled roller 240. The case 10A and base 70 are formed of, for example, a resin.

[0024]

As shown in Figs. 2A to 3B, in the present embodiment, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 is provided with four planetary gears 280, and eight weights 340 are held by the sun gearprovided weight holder 320. The respective members will be described below.

[0025]

1-2-1 Arrangement Member 200

As shown in Fig. 4A and 14B, the arrangement member 200 has the cords CD passed therethrough and arranges the cords CD in the same direction. The arrangement member 200 can be formed of, for example, a resin such as plastic. As shown in Fig. 4A, the directions of arrows are defined as the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction. Specifically, the direction in which the distance between a first top wall groove 16 and a second top wall groove 17 is reduced is defined as the front direction, and then the left-right direction (width direction) and the up-down direction are defined.

[0026]

As shown in Fig. 10A, the arrangement member 200 includes a front wall 205, a right wall 207 and a left wall 208 connected to the front wall 205, and a rear wall 206 connected to the right wall 207 and left wall 208. The front wall 205, right wall 207, left wall 208, and rear wall 206 may have any shape and, in the present embodiment, are approximately rectangular. Also, in the present embodiment, the front wall 205 and rear wall 206 have approximately symmetrical shapes.

[0027]

The front wall 205 has a first front groove 201, a first front cord insertion part 201 A, a second front groove 202, and a second front cord insertion part 202A. The rear wall 206 has a first rear groove 203, a first rear cord insertion part 203A, a second rear groove 204, and a second rear cord insertion part 204A.

[0028]

The first front cord insertion part 201A and second front cord insertion part 202A are parts through which the cords CD are inserted into the arrangement member 200 after assembling the braking device 1000. The first front cord insertion part 201A is formed so as to be wider than the first front groove 201. The second front cord insertion part 202A is formed so as to be wider than the second front groove 202. The cords CD can be inserted smoothly by first inserting the cords CD into the first front cord insertion part 201A and second front cord insertion part 202A and then sliding the cords CD toward the first front groove 201 and second front groove 202.

[0029]

The first rear cord insertion part 203A and second rear cord insertion part 204A are parts of the rear wall 206 through which the cords CD inserted into the front wall 205 and passed through front and rear through holes 225 (see Fig. 13) of the slider 220 (to be discussed later) are drawn out of the arrangement member 200. The first rear cord insertion part 203A is formed so as to be wider than the first rear groove 203. The second rear cord insertion part 204A is formed so as to be wider than the second rear groove 204. The cords CD can be inserted smoothly by first inserting the cords CD into the first rear cord insertion part 203A and second rear cord insertion part 204A and then sliding the cords CD toward the first rear groove 203 and second rear groove 204.

[0030]

The first front cord insertion part 201 A, second front cord insertion part 202A, first rear cord insertion part 203A, and second rear cord insertion part 204A need not have shapes shown in Fig. 10 and may have any shape. For example, the first cord insertion part 201A may have an approximately circular shape, or may be shaped so that it is longitudinally long, then oblique, and then connected to the first front groove 201 from left to right (this also applies to the other grooves). Also, in the present embodiment, a step 210 is provided between the first front cord insertion part 201A and first front groove 201. However, the front wall 205 may be approximately rectangular without having the step 210 (this also applies to the rear wall 206).

[0031]

As shown in Fig. 10B, in the present embodiment, the front wall 205 and rear wall 206 have approximately the same shape in front view. Accordingly, the cord CD inserted through the first front cord insertion part 201A is drawn out through the first rear cord insertion part 203A, and the cord CD inserted through the second front cord insertion part 202A is drawn out through the second rear cord insertion part 204A. In other words, the first front groove 201 and first front cord insertion part 201A and the first rear groove 203 and first rear cord insertion part 203A are a pair of corresponding grooves; the second front groove 202 and second front cord insertion part 202A and the second rear groove 204 and second rear cord insertion part 204A are a pair of corresponding grooves.

[0032]

As shown in Fig. 1OA, the right wall 207 of the arrangement member 200 is provided with a nail 209. The nail 209 becomes engaged with an engaging hole 19 (see Fig. 11) of the case 10A (to be discussed later) and fixes the arrangement member 200 to the case 10A when mounting the arrangement member 200 on the case 10A so as to cover the case 10A from above during the assembly of the braking device 1000. Although not shown in Fig. 10A, the inner surface of the left wall 208 is also provided with a similar nail 209 which is disposed so as to be opposed to the nail 209. The arrangement member 200 can be mounted on the case 10A by elastically engaging the two nails 209 of the arrangement member 200 with the two left and right engaging holes 19 of the case 10A while elastically deforming the right wall 207 and left wall 208 outward.

[0033]

1-2-2 Case 10A

Next, the case 10A will be described with reference to Figs. 11A, 11B, and 12. Note that in Fig. 12, the left direction is referred to as the front; the right direction as the rear; the up direction as the right; and the down direction as the left. The case 10A forms a cabinet with the base 70 and holds within itself the slider 220, the coil spring SP, the idle roller 40 including the shaft 41 and roller 42, the knurled roller 240, the pinion gear 50, the shaft 31, the washer 241, the internal gear-provided carrier 260, the planetary gears 280, the plate 300, the sun gear-provided weight holder 320, and the weights 340.

[0034]

The case 10A forms the cabinet of the braking device 1000 with the base 70, for example, as shown in Fig. 15. The case 10A also forms a resistance provider with the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 and weights 340, for example, shown in Fig. 15.

[0035]

As shown in Figs. 11A and 11B, the case 10A mainly includes a top wall 11 having an approximately square outer shape, a front side wall 12f, a right side wall 12r and a left side wall 121 connected to the front side wall 12f and top wall 11, a rear side wall 12b connected to the right side wall 12r and left side wall 121, a collar 13 opposed to the top wall 11 and extending radially from the right side wall 12r, rear side wall 12b, front side wall 12f and left side wall 121, a barrel 13C connected to the collar 13, and a cover 112 connected to the barrel 13C. [0036]

The front side wall 12f and rear side wall 12b have guide grooves 113. The two guide grooves 113 are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction. The guide grooves 113 are grooves through which the cords CD are inserted into the case 10A in the front-rear direction. Any number of cords CD may be inserted through the guide grooves 113. In the present embodiment, three cords CD are inserted longitudinally (see Fig. 4).

[0037]

The right side wall 12r and left side wall 121 have the engaging holes 19. As described above, the engaging holes 19 are engaged with the nails 209 of the arrangement member 200 to fix the arrangement member 200 to the case 10A.

[0038]

Provided above the left and right engaging holes 19 are support grooves 114. As shown in Fig. 4, the support grooves 114 support protrusions 230 of the slider 220 when the case 10A holds the slider 220 within itself. Thus, the slider 220 can be supported so as to be floating. Details will be described later.

[0039]

The top wall 11 has a first top wall groove 16 and a second top wall groove 17. As shown in Fig. 12A, the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17 are formed so as to be inclined with respect to the length direction of the cords CD, that is, the front-rear direction. The distance between the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17 is reduced in the front direction, which is one length direction of the cords CD. That is, the first top wall groove 16 has an arc shape, and the inner circumferential surface thereof consists of a sandwiching guide slope 16a, a release guide slope 16b, a sandwiching-side regulation surface 16c, and a release-side regulation surface 16d. The arc of the first top wall groove 16 is formed so as to be concentric with the inner circumferential surface of the internal gear-provided carrier 260 shown in Fig. 7 in plan view. On the other hand, the second top wall groove 17 has a gently curved shape, and the inner circumferential surface thereof consists of a sandwiching guide slope 17a, a release guide slope 17b, a sandwiching-side regulation surface 17c, and a release-side regulation surface 17d. Specifically, a front portion of the second top wall groove 17 is approximately linear, and more rear portions thereof are bent in the direction in which the second top wall groove 17 departs from the first top wall groove 16. The reason is as follows: the first top wall groove 16 has an arc shape such that it approaches the cords CD from the rear toward the front; accordingly, if the second top wall groove 17 is approximately linear, the shaft 31 and shaft 41 would be vertically displaced from the cords CD to different degrees when the shaft 31 and shaft 41 move along the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17, respectively; and the above shape of the second top wall groove 17 prevents such displacement. That is, if one groove is arc-shaped and the other is approximately linear, the vertical distance to the cords CD in the front-rear direction would vary between the shaft 31 and shaft 41. By causing the shafts 31, 41 to be vertically displaced from the cords CD to similar degree in this manner, the cords CD can be appropriately sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42. Note that the second top wall groove 17 is not limited to this shape and may be, for example, a groove that has approximately the same shape as the first top wall groove 16 and is bent toward the cords CD. Thus, the shafts 31,41 can be caused to be vertically displaced from the cords CD to approximately the same degree and thus the wear in the cords CD can be reduced. While, in the present embodiment, the shape shown in Fig. 12A is employed in order to cause the shafts 31, 41 to be vertically displaced from the cords CD to the same degree as much as possible, interactions or the like due to the movement or the like of other members are also considered in employing this shape.

In the present embodiment, the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17 can be said to have different curvatures.

[0040]

As shown in Figs. 1 ΙΑ, 1 IB, and 12A, a first guide wall 16A protruding upward from the first top wall groove 16 is disposed on at least part of a position along the outer edge of the case 10A, of the first top wall groove 16 in plan view. In the present embodiment, the first guide wall 16A is disposed so as to form an angle of approximately 90° with the first top wall groove 16. The first guide wall 16A aims to reduce the surface pressure of the shaft 31 that moves along the first top wall groove 16. Specifically, by disposing the first guide wall 16A, the area that contacts the shaft 31 is increased and thus the surface pressure of the shaft 31 is reduced. More specifically, while tension is applied to the cords CD and the braking device 1000 is in operation, the surface pressure of the shaft 31 is being applied to the inner surface of the first top wall groove 16; if the inner surface of the first top wall groove 16 is shaved due to this surface pressure, the distance between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 may vary and thus rotation may not be sufficiently transmitted to the knurled roller 240; and the disposition of the first guide wall 16A can prevent the case 10A from being shaved due to the pressure from the shaft 31. The thickness of the first guide wall 16A may be any thickness and is preferably appropriately designed considering the material of the case 10A, the moving speed of the shaft 31, or the like.

[0041]

A second guide wall 17A protruding upward from the second top wall groove 17 is disposed on at least part of a position along an edge distant from the center of the case 10A in a position along the outer edge of the case 10A, of the second top wall groove 17 in plan view. In the present embodiment, the second guide wall 17A is disposed so as to form an angle of approximately 90° with the second top wall groove 17. The second guide wall 17A aims to reduce the surface pressure of the shaft 41 that moves along the second top wall groove 17. Specifically, by disposing the second guide wall 17A, the area that contacts the shaft 41 is increased and thus the surface pressure of the shaft 41 is reduced. More specifically, while tension is applied to the cords CD and the braking device 1000 is in operation, the surface pressure of the shaft 41 is being applied to the inner surface of the second top wall groove 17; if the inner surface of the second top wall groove 17is shaved due to this surface pressure, the distance between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 may vary and thus rotation may not be sufficiently transmitted to the knurled roller 240; and the disposition of the second guide wall 17A can prevent the case 10A from being shaved due to the pressure from the shaft 41. The thickness of the second guide wall 17A may be any thickness and is preferably appropriately designed considering the material of the case 10A, the moving speed of the shaft 41, or the like. [0042]

Note that if the case 10A is formed of a strong material such as a metal, the first guide wall 16A or second guide wall 17A need not be disposed. This is because the case 10A is robust and therefore is hardly shaved due to the pressure from the shaft 31 and shaft 41. [0043]

The collar 13 is a member that is opposed to the top wall 11 and extends radially from the front side wall 12f, rear side wall 12b, right side wall 12r, and left side wall 121. In the present embodiment, the collar 13 is approximately circular.

[0044]

The barrel 13C is connected to the collar 13 and located outside an inner circumferential gear 115. In the present embodiment, the barrel 13C is approximately cylindrical.

[0045]

The cover 112 is a member that is connected to the barrel 13C and fitted into the base 70. In the present embodiment, the outer edge of the cover 112 is approximately square. The cover 112 has two first engaging grooves 111A in both edges of each of the left and right side surfaces thereof. The cover 112 also has two second engaging grooves 11 IB in both ends of the front edge thereof and has one second engaging groove 11 IB approximately in the center of the rear edge. The first engaging grooves 111A are engaged with first engaging plates 701A of the base 70 shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. The second engaging groove 11 IB is engaged with second engaging plates 701B of the base 70. Thus, the case 10A and base 70 are engaged with each other, forming the cabinet.

[0046]

Next, the internal structure of the case 10A will be described with reference to Figs. 12B, 13A and 16. As shown in Fig. 16, the ring-shaped inner circumferential gear 115 engaged with the planetary gears 280 is formed in the case 10A. As shown in Figs. 12B and 14A, Formed above the inner circumferential gear 115 is a waveform part 116 that is approximately ring-shaped in plan view. In the waveform part 116, horizontally less distant portions and horizontally distant portions from the center of a circle passing through the center of the inner circumferential gear 115 are arranged alternately and form a zigzag shape in plan view. Specifically, the waveform part 116 is in the shape of a polygon obtained by connecting many straight lines. Also, steps 117 having different heights in the vertical direction of the case 10A are disposed on the inner surface of a collar 13 in the case 10A. The disposition of the waveform part 116 and steps 117 can facilitate the positioning of other members, such as the internal gear-provided carrier 260, which is an example of a rotation member that rotates around a vertical, physical or virtual rotation axis with the movement of the cords CD, as well as can reduce the friction resistance. In the present embodiment, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 is a rotation member and includes the planetary gear 280. For this reason, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 can be said to be a speed-up member that speeds up the rotation of the knurled roller 240 with the movement of the cords CD and transmits the speeded-up rotation to the resistance provider RA. As used herein, the “physical or virtual rotation axis” means that the rotation axis of the rotation member is a physical axis or that it is not a physical axis but a virtual axis [for example, a vertical axis passing through the center point in plan view of the weight holder 320 [see Figs. 2A to 3B], [0047]

As shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, the left and right inner surfaces of the case 10A have four grooves 118. The grooves 118 are grooves through which the protrusions 230 of the slider 220 (to be discussed later) are passed during the assembly or disassembly of the braking device 1000. In the present embodiment, the slider 220 has four protrusions 230 and therefore the case 10A also has four grooves 118.

[0048]

1-2-3 Slider 220

Next, referring to Fig. 13, the slider 220 will be described. The slider 220 serves as a movement member that holds the idle roller 40 and knurled roller 240 within itself and moves together with the idle roller 40 and knurled roller 240. The slider 220 includes a top wall 221, a rear side wall 222 and a front side wall 224 connected to the top wall 221, and a bottom wall 223 connected to the rear side wall 222 and front side wall 224.

[0049]

The top wall 221 is approximately rectangular and has a first top wall groove 226 and a second top wall groove 227 forming a pair. The first top wall groove 226 and second top wall groove 227 are linear grooves extending along the left-right direction and aligned with each other.

[0050]

The bottom wall 223 is opposed to the top wall 221. In the present embodiment, the bottom wall 223 has approximately the same shape as the top wall 221, but the top wall 221 and bottom wall 223 may have different shapes. The bottom wall 223 also have a first bottom wall groove 228 and a second bottom wall groove 229 that are aligned with each other in the left-right direction and form a pair. The first bottom wall groove 228 is opposed to the first top wall groove 226 in the up-down direction, and the second bottom wall groove 229 is opposed to the second top wall groove 227 in the up-down direction. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 13C, the top and bottom grooves of the slider 220 appear to overlap each other in plan view. [0051]

The widths of the first top wall groove 226 and first bottom wall groove 228 are sizes within which the diameter of the shaft 31 falls. The widths of the second top wall groove 227 and second bottom wall groove 229 are sizes within which the diameter of the shaft 41 falls. [0052]

The four corners of the top wall 221 are provided with the protrusions 230 protruding in the left-right direction. As shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, the protrusions 230 are fitted in support grooves 114 of the case 10A and support the slider 220 in the case 10A in a floating state. In other words, the slider 220 is held so as to be in non-contact with the internal gear-provided carrier 260 located below.

[0053]

The front side wall 224 and rear side wall 222 have through holes 225. The through holes 225 penetrate through the front side wall 224 and rear side wall 222 in approximate width-direction centers of the front side wall 224 and rear side wall 222 in the front-rear direction. The holes may have any shape, but must have shapes into which at least one cord CD can be inserted. Preferably, the holes have shapes into which longitudinally arranged multiple cords CD can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the holes have approximately oval shapes that are long in the up-down direction.

[0054]

As shown in Fig. 13B, the rear side wall 222 has, on both sides of the through holes 225, recesses 231 formed from the outer side surfaces of the rear side wall 222. The recesses 231 may have any shapes and, for example, may have shapes obtained by notching the rear side wall 222 from the through hole 225 to the side surfaces, as shown in Fig. 13B, or the recesses 231 may be approximately circular or rectangular recesses or the like. In the present embodiment, the coil spring SP is disposed in the left recess 231, and one end of the coil spring SP protrudes from the recess 231. During the assembly of the braking device 1000, the coil spring SP contacts the inner wall of the case 10A and energizes the slider 220 in the front direction. Note that the portion protruding from the recess 231, of the coil spring SP is not shown in Fig. 13B. The coil spring SP may be disposed in the right recess 231, or coil springs SP may be disposed in the left and right recesses 231.

[0055]

The size in the left-right direction, of the slider 220 thus shaped is approximately the same as the distance between the inner walls in the width direction, of the case 10A. The size in the front-rear direction, of the slider 220 is smaller than the distance between the inner walls in the front-rear direction, of the case 10A. Accordingly, when the slider 220 is disposed in the space of the case 10A, the side surfaces of the top wall 221 and bottom wall 223 of the slider 220 contact the inner walls in the width direction, of the case 10A, and the movement in the width direction, of the slider 220 is regulated by the case 10A. In this state, the guide grooves 113 of the case 10A and the through holes 225 of the slider 220 are arranged in the front-rear direction. That is, the through holes 225 are holes for inserting the cords CD into the slider 220. On the other hand, in a state in which the slider 220 is disposed in the space of the case 10A, there are gaps in the front-rear direction between the slider 220 and the inner walls of the case 10A. Thus, the slider 220 can move in the front-rear direction with respect to the case 10A. Also, in a state in which the slider 220 is disposed in the space of the case 10A, the coil spring SP protruding from the recess 231 of the rear side wall 222 of the slider 220 presses the rear inner wall of the case 10A. Thus, in a state in which the slider 220 is disposed in the space of the case 10A, the slider 220 is pressed forward and located on the front side in the case 10A.

[0056]

Referring now to Figs. 14A and 14B, the protrusions 230 of the slider 220 will be described in detail. As shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, during the assembly of the braking device 1000, the slider 220 is located below the inside of the case 10A, and both are move relatively in the up-down direction so as to approach each other. Then, the protrusions 230 of the slider 220 are passed through the grooves 118 in the case 10A. Note that in Fig. 14A, the grooves 118 are emphasized to increase visibility. Then, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, the case 10A and slider 220 approach each other until the protrusions 230 reach the support grooves 114. Then, the coil spring SP on the slider 220 contacts the rear inner wall of the case 10A and energizes the slider 220 in the front direction. Thus, the protrusions 230 are located ahead of the grooves 118. Thus, once the slider 220 is mounted on the case 10A, the protrusions 230 can be prevented from being disengaged from the support grooves 114. Not only during the assembly of the braking device 1000 but also during the disassembly thereof, the grooves 118 allow the protrusions 230 to be passed therethrough. In this case, the slider 220 is moved back relative to the case 10A against the energizing force of the coil spring SP; and when the protrusions 230 reach the positions of the grooves 118, the slider 220 is moved down relative to the case 10A.

[0057]

According to this configuration, the slider 220 can be supported in the case 10A so as to be floating. Thus, it is possible to prevent the slider 220 from contacting another component, for example, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and thus to reduce or eliminate unnecessary resistance. As a result, the wear in the members can be reduced.

[0058]

1-2-4 Idle Roller 40, Knurled roller 240, and Pinion Gear 50

Next, Referring to Figs. 3A, 3B and 15, the idle roller 40, knurled roller 240, and pinion gear 50 will be described.

[0059]

The idle roller 40 includes the roller 42 and shaft 41. The idle roller 40 includes the shaft 41 in parallel with the shaft 31 of the knurled roller 240 and the roller 42 covering the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 41. Accordingly, the rotation axis of the knurled roller 240 and the rotation axis of the idle roller 40 are in parallel with each other. The outer diameter of the roller 42 of the idle roller 40 is greater than the outer diameter of the knurled roller 240. The outer circumferential surface of the roller 42 of the idle roller 40 has a higher friction coefficient than a flat metal surface. Both ends of the shaft 41 are exposed from the roller 42.

[0060]

One end of the shaft 31 is inserted in the center of the knurled roller 240, and the other end thereof is inserted into the pinion gear 50. The knurled roller 240 may be formed of any material, for example, stainless steel.

[0061]

The idle roller 40 and knurled roller 240 are held in the slider 220. The pinion gear 50 is held outside the slider 220. Referring now to Fig. 9, the positional relationship between the knurled roller 240, slider 220, and pinion gear 50 will be described. Fig. 9 is a part of a sectional view passing through an approximate center of the shaft 31 seen from the left side surface of the braking device 1000 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, during the assembly of the braking device 1000, the bottom wall 223 of the slider 220 is sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and pinion gear 50. In the present embodiment, a step 51 for reducing the contact area between the pinion gear 50 and slider 220 is formed in the pinion gear 50. Thus, when the knurled roller 240 and pinion gear 50 rotate integrally through the shaft 31, the sliding resistance between the pinion gear 50 and slider 220 can be reduced, allowing them to rotate smoothly. Note that in the present embodiment, the washer 241 (see Figs. 2A to 3B) is mounted on the shaft 31 below the pinion gear 50 to reduce the resistance. [0062]

1-2-5 Internal Gear-Provided Carrier 260 and Planetary Gears 280

Next, referring to Figs. 2A, 2B, and 15, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and planetary gears 280 will be described. In the present embodiment, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 is approximately doughnut-shaped in plain view. The internal gear-provided carrier 260 includes a flange 262 protruding outward from a cylinder 264 in plain view. [0063]

The inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 264 is provided with an internal gear 261 engaged with the pinion gear 50. The flange 262 is provided with support shafts 263 protruding downward in the vertical direction. Any number of support shafts 263 may be disposed, but the support shafts 263 are preferably disposed at equal intervals. In the present embodiment, four support shafts 263 are disposed.

[0064]

The planetary gears 280 are rotatably supported by the support shafts 263. The planetary gears 280 are engaged with a sun gear 323 (to be discussed later) and the inner circumferential gear 115 disposed in the case 10A. The planetary gears 280 can revolve around the center of the internal gear 261. Accordingly, when the rotation of the pinion gear 50 is transmitted to the internal gear 261, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 rotates. This rotation causes rotation of the planetary gears 280 rotatably supported by the support shafts 263 on the flange 262 of the internal gear-provided carrier 260. Thus, the rotation caused by the pinion gear 50 can be speeded up. The planetary gears 280 are provided with steps 281. The steps allow the planetary gears 280 to avoid contacting other members.

[0065]

1-2-6 Sun Gear-Provided Weight Holder 320 and Weights 340

Next, the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 and weights 340 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 15. The weights 340 are an example of centrifugal expansion parts that are placed on the base 70 in the case 10A and that receive an radially outward centrifugal force when receiving rotation from the target to be braked. The sun gear-provided weight holder 320 includes a ring 324 and projections 321 and depressions 322 arranged outwardly alternately on the outside of the ring 324. The projections 321 are members that contact the side surfaces of the weights 340 when the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 rotates. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the outer circumferential surface of the ring 324 is provided with the sun gear 323 that is engaged with the planetary gears 280 and whose rotation axis is directed in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction of the projections 321. The weights 340 are disposed in the depressions 322. That is, the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 can be said to be a member that holds the weights 340 in the depressions 322 having the projections 321 as boundaries during the assembly of the braking device 1000. Any number of weights 340 may be provided, but the weights 340 are preferably disposed at equal intervals in terms of the balance during rotation. In the present embodiment, eight weights 340 are disposed and therefore eight projections 321 and eight depressions 322 are provided. That is, the depressions 322 are disposed so as to be equally spaced from each other and equally distant from the rotation center of the sun gear-provided weight holder 320. [0066]

In the present embodiment, the weights 340 have protrusions 341 on the sides thereof close to the base 70. Thus, steps are formed on at least parts of the contact surfaces between the weight 340 and base 70. This allows for a reduction in the resistance caused when the weights 340 contact the base 70. Any number of protrusions 341 may be disposed. In the present embodiment, four protrusions 341 are disposed.

[0067]

When the weights 340 rotate due to the rotation of the pinion gear 50, the weights 340 move in a direction in which the weights 340 departs from the center of the internal gear 261, by centrifugal force and then contact the inner circumferential wall of the case 10A. Thus, the weights 340 give resistance serving as a centrifugal brake to the rotation. As a result, the inner circumferential wall of the case 10A, the sun gear-provided weight holder 320, and the weights 340 can produce effects as the resistance provider.

[0068]

During the assembly of the braking device 1000, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and sun gear-provided weight holder 320 are assembled with the plate 300 therebetween. Specifically, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and sun gear-provided weight holder 320 are assembled such that the cylinder 264 of the internal gear-provided carrier 260 is inserted into the ring 324 of the sun gear-provided weight holder 320. Accordingly, the diameter of the cylinder 264 is designed so as to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the ring 324.

[0069]

The plate 300 has a function of preventing inclination of the planetary gears 28, as well as preventing the interference between the planetary gears 280 and weights 340. To reduce the thickness of the entire braking device 1000, the weights 340 are preferably formed so as to be as thin as possible. While the plate 300 is preferably formed of a metal to obtain a thin plate, it may be formed of a resin if technically possible. In this case, the plate 300 may be formed integrally with the sun gear 323.

[0070]

2-1-7 Base 70

Next, referring to Figs. 2A to 3B, 5B, and 15, the base 70 will be described. As shown in Figs. 2A to 3B, the base 70 has, in an approximate center thereof, a barrel 708 that is higher than adjacent portions and has a recessed lower portion. As shown in Figs. 2A, 2B, and 5B, the upper surface of the barrel 708 is provided with a first base groove 706, a first guide wall 706A, a second base groove 707, and a second guide wall 707A.

[0071]

The first base groove 706 and first guide wall 706A correspond to the first top wall groove 16 and first guide wall 16A, respectively, of the case 10A. The lower end of the shaft 31 is inserted in the first base groove 706 and is in contact with the first guide wall 706A formed on an edge of the first base groove 706. Similarly, the second base groove 707 and second guide wall 707A correspond to the second top wall groove 17 and second guide wall 17A, respectively, of the case 10A. The lower end of the shaft 41 is inserted in the second base groove 707 and is in contact with the second guide wall 707A formed on an edge of the second guide wall 707A. [0072]

The barrel 708 need not be necessarily provided. However, the disposition of the barrel 708 having the recessed lower portion can prevent the lower ends of the shafts 31,41 from contacting the placement surface on which the braking device 1000 is placed and allows the lower ends of the shafts 31, 41 to be appropriately inserted.

[0073]

The base 70 has two first engaging plates 701A on both edges of each of the left and right side surfaces thereof. The base 70 also has two second engaging plates 70IB on both edges of the front side surface thereof and has one second engaging plate 70IB in an approximate center of the rear side surface thereof. The first engaging plates 701A are engaged with the first engaging grooves 111A of the case 10A. The second engaging plates 701B are engaged with the second engaging grooves 11 IB of the case 10A. Thus, the case 10A and base 70 are engaged with each other, forming the cabinet.

[0074]

As shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, 5B, 15, and the like, the base 70 has, on the outer surface of the bottom thereof, a mounting tube 702 used to dispose the braking device 1000 in a head box of a shielding device. For example, by fitting the mounting tube 702 into a member, such as a shaft, disposed in the head box, the braking device 1000 can be stably disposed in the head box.

[0075]

1-3 Assembly Configuration

Next, a state in which the above members are assembled will be described with reference to Figs. 4A to 8B. Figs. 4A and 4B are assembly drawings of the braking device 1000 obtained by assembling these members. As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the braking device 1000 appears to consist of the cabinet where the case 10A and base 70 are connected together, and the arrangement member 200 disposed so as to cover the case 10A from above. This assembly is performed with the center axes of the respective members aligned in the up-down direction, as shown in Figs. 2A to 3B. Specifically, the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and the sun gearprovided weight holder 320 holding the weights 340 are assembled with the plate 300 therebetween. At this time, the planetary gears 280 on the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and the sun gear 323 on the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 are engaged with each other. [0076]

Then, the shaft 31 is horizontally slid to the first top wall groove 226 and first bottom wall groove 228 in the slider 220 with the knurled roller 240 located inside the slider 220 and with the pinion gear 50 located outside the slider 220. Also, the shaft 41 is horizontally slid to the second top wall groove 227 and second bottom wall groove 229 with the roller 42 located inside the slider 220. Then, in order to engage the internal gear 261 on the internal gear-provided carrier 260 and the pinion gear 50 with each other, the slider 220 and internal gear-provided carrier 260 are move relatively so as to approach each other.

[0077]

Then, the base 70 is disposed below these members and covered with the case 10A from above in such a manner that the protrusions 230 of the slider 220 are passed through the grooves 118 of the case 10A, as shown in Fig. 14. At this time, it is confirmed that the coil spring SP on the slider 220 is in contact with the inner circumferential wall of the case 10A, the slider 220 is energized in the front direction, and the protrusions 230 are not disengaged from the support grooves 114. Then, the case 10A and base 70 are fixed to each other by engaging the first engaging grooves 111A and second engaging grooves 11 IB in the case 10A and the first engaging plates 701A and second engaging plates 70IB on the base 70 with each other.

[0078]

Finally, the cabinet consisting of the case 10A and base 70 is covered with the arrangement member 200 from above. Then, the arrangement member 200 and case 10A are fixed to each other by engaging the nails 209 on the arrangement member 200 with the engaging holes 19 in the case 10A.

[0079]

The braking device 1000 thus assembled is shown in Figs. 4A to 4C. After the assembly of the braking device 1000 is complete, the first cord CD is disposed outside the front wall 205 of the arrangement member 200 and above the first front groove 201. Then, the second cord CD is inserted into the first front groove 201 of the arrangement member 200 through the first front cord insertion part 201 A. Then, the third cord CD is inserted into the second front groove

202 through the second front cord insertion part 202A.

[0080]

Then, these cords CD are passed through the guide grooves 113 formed in the front and rear side walls of the case 10A and the through holes 225 formed in the front and rear walls of the slider 220.

[0081]

Then, of these cords CD, the first cord CD is passed so as to be located outside the rear wall 206 of the arrangement member 200 and above the first rear groove 203. Then, the second cord CD is drawn out of the first rear groove 203 of the rear wall 206 of the arrangement member 200 through the first rear cord insertion part 203A. Then, the third cord CD is drawn out of the second rear groove 204 through the second rear cord insertion part 204A. Thus, a state shown in Figs. 4A and 4B is obtained.

[0082]

Fig. 4C is a left side view of the braking device 1000, that is, a side view seen from the direction of an arrow X in Fig. 4A. As is seen in the side view of Fig. 4C, the case 10A, arrangement member 200, and base 70 are disposed in the braking device 1000 sequentially from above, and the protrusions 230 are supported by the support grooves 114.

[0083]

As is seen in the plan view of Fig. 5A, the case 10A, the arrangement member 200, and a part of the base 70 are disposed in the braking device 1000 sequentially from the center. As is seen in Figs. 4A, 4B, and 5A, the upper end of the shaft 31 passes through the first top wall groove 226 of the slider 220 and then the first top wall groove 16 of the case 10A and then exits the case 10A. Similarly, the upper end of the shaft 41 passes through the second top wall groove 227 of the slider 220 and then the second top wall groove 17 of the case 10A and then exits the case 10A.

[0084]

The shaft 31 is in contact with the first guide wall 16A on the edge of the first guide wall 16A, and the shaft 41 is in contact with the second guide wall 17A on the edge of the second top wall groove 17.

[0085]

As is seen in the bottom view of Fig. 5B, the lower end of the shaft 31 is inserted in the first base groove 706 of the base 70, and the lower end of the shaft 41 is inserted in the second base groove 707 thereof. Note that a portion corresponding to the barrel 708 of the surface on which the mounting tube 702 is disposed may be covered with a surface so that the lower ends of the shafts 31,41 are not seen from outside.

[0086]

1-3-2 Internal Structure in Assembled State Next, referring to Figs. 6A to 8B, the internal structure in an assembled state will be described. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the arrangement member 200 and case 10A are removed from the assembled braking device 1000 shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the shafts 31,41 protrude upward from the slider 220. The movement of the shaft 31 in the first top wall groove 226 is limited to the width direction of the slider 220. Similarly, the movement of the shaft 41 in the second top wall groove 227 is limited to the width direction of the slider 220. Note that the cords CD (not shown) are inserted in the through holes 225 of the slider 220 in the front-rear direction of the slider 220 so as to be longitudinally arranged.

[0087]

Figs. 7A and 7B are perspective views showing a state in which the slider 220 is removed from the braking device 1000 shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. The cords CD (not shown) are inserted in the front-rear direction of the braking device 1000 so as to be sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42. The pinion gear 50 and internal gear 261 are engaged with each other. Accordingly, when a tension is applied to the cords CD, friction occurs between the cords CD and knurled roller 240. Thus, the pinion gear 50 rotates integrally with the knurled roller 240, and the rotation of the pinion gear 50 is transmitted to the internal gear 261. As a result, the internal gear 261 rotates, and the support shafts 263 disposed on the flange 262 along with the internal gear-provided carrier 260 revolve. Thus, the planetary gears 280 rotatably supported by the support shafts 263 starts to revolve while rotating.

[0088]

Figs. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing a state in which the internal gear-provided carrier 260 is further removed from the braking device 1000 shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, the planetary gears 280 and sun gear 323 are engaged with each other. Accordingly, the rotation of the planetary gears 280 is transmitted to the sun gear 323, and the sun gearprovided weight holder 320 starts to rotate. As a result, as shown in Fig. 15, the weights 340 held by the depressions 322 of the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 start to rotate. Then, when the rotation speed exceeds a predetermined value, the weights 340 contact the inner wall of the case 10A by centrifugal force. Thus, resistance is given to the rotation of the knurled roller 240.

[0089]

Next, referring to Figs. 16 and 17, the positional relationships among the members of the assembled braking device 1000 will be described in detail. Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 16, the pinion gear 50 around the shaft 31 and the internal gear 261 on the internal gear-provided carrier 260 are engaged with each other. The rotation of the internal gear 261 is transmitted to the planetary gears 280 through the support shafts 263 of the internal gear-provided carrier 260. The planetary gears 280 are engaged with the sun gear 323 on the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 and the inner circumferential gear 115 in the case 10A. Accordingly, when rotation caused by the pinion gear 50 is transmitted to the planetary gears 280, the planetary gears 280 revolve around the central portion of the internal gear 261 within the space between the sun gear 323 and inner circumferential gear 115.

[0090]

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 5A. As shown in Fig. 17, in the present embodiment, the line B-B sectional view is approximately symmetrical with respect to the mounting tube 702. The shaft 31 and shaft 41 protrude from the upper edge of the case 10A and the lower edge of the base 70. In the present embodiment, the upper edges of the first guide wall 16A and second guide wall 17A have approximately the same height as the upper ends of the shaft 31 and shaft 41.

[0091]

The knurled roller 240 and roller 42 are located in the slider 220. The pinion gear 50 is located outside the slider 220 with the slider 220 between the pinion gear 50 and knurled roller 240. The pinion gear 50 and internal gear 261 are engaged with each other.

[0092]

Portions from an upper portion to the collar 13 of the case 10A are covered by the arrangement member 200. The lower edge of the case 10A is engaged with the base 70. The weights 340 are held by an upper portion of the base 70. In the present embodiment, the weights 340 are detachable. Accordingly, the number or type of weights 340 may be changed in accordance with the required braking force. Specifically, if a greater braking force is required, the number of weights 340 may be increased, or weights having higher density may be held by the sun gear-provided weight holder 320. On the other hand, if the required braking force is small, the number of weights 340 may be reduced. Note that the weights 340 are preferably symmetrically disposed on the surface of the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 on which the weights 340 are to be held, in terms of stability during rotation. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 341 of the weights 340 and the bottom of the base 70 are in contact with each other and thus the resistance between the weights 340 and base 70 during rotation is reduced.

[0093]

1-4 Operation

Next, referring to Figs. 18A and 18B, the operation of the braking device 1000 of the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 18A is a drawing showing a state in which no tension is being applied to the cords CD (steady state). Fig. 18B is a drawing showing a state in which tension is being applied to the cords CD and the cords CD are sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 (sandwich state). Fig. 18C is a table showing the rotation directions of the members when the state in Fig. 18A is changed to the state in Fig. 18B. As with Fig. 16, Figs. 18A and 18B are sectional views taken along line A-A in Fig. 4C. For convenience, the circumference of the roller 42 which is not shown in the sectional views is shown so as to be overlaid on the perimeter of the shaft 41, and the circumference of the knurled roller 240 which is not shown in the sectional views is shown so as to be overlaid on the perimeter of the shaft 31. The circumference of the knurled roller 240 is not exactly circular, but is shown so as to be approximately circular for simplification.

[0094]

As described above, in the steady state, the coil spring SP is in contact with the rear inner wall of the case 10A and is pressing the slider 220 forward, as shown in Fig. 18A. Accordingly, the slider 220 is located ahead of the case 10A. For this reason, the shaft 31 whose position is regulated by the first top wall groove 226 and first bottom wall groove 228 of the slider 220 and the shaft 41 whose position is regulated by the second top wall groove 227 and second bottom wall groove 229 thereof move forward along with the slider 220. The distance between the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17 of the case 10A held above the slider 220 is shorter in more front positions. Similarly, the distance between the first base groove 706 and second base groove 707 of the base 70 is shorter in more front positions. Accordingly, the distance between the roller 42 rotatably supported by the shaft 41 and the knurled roller 240 rotatably supported by the shaft 31 is shorter. Specifically, the first top wall groove 16 and first base groove 706 serve as regulation grooves into which the shaft 31 of the knurled roller 240 is movably fitted and that regulate the movement of the knurled roller 240 which is not along the grooves. Similarly, the second top wall groove 17 and second base groove 707 serve as regulation grooves into which the shaft 41 of the roller 42 is movably fitted and that regulate the movement of the roller 42 which is not along the grooves. Also, the first top wall groove 16 and first base groove 706 are formed so as to be concentric with the center point of the inner circumferential surface of the internal gear-provided carrier 260 in plan view. Thus, even if the shaft 31 moves in the grooves, the pinion gear 50 can be continuously engaged with the internal gear 261 on the internal gear-provided carrier 260.

[0095]

As seen above, as the distance between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 is reduced, the knurled roller 240 is pressed by the roller 42, and the cords CD are sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42. That is, in the present embodiment, the coil spring SP also serves as an energizing member that always energizes the knurled roller 240 so that the knurled roller 240 is pressed by the roller 42.

[0096]

Assume that tension is applied to the cords CD in the direction of an arrow D1 (forward) in the braking device 1000 in the steady state. At this time, due to the friction between the cords CD, and the knurled roller 240 and roller 42, the knurled roller 240 rotates counterclockwise, and the roller 42 rotates clockwise. Due to the rotation of the knurled roller 240, the pinion gear 50 fixed so as to share the same shaft 31 also rotates in the same direction (counterclockwise) as the knurled roller 240. At this time, as shown in Fig. 18B, the shaft 31 and shaft 41 move forward in plan view. Thus, the shaft 31 and shaft 41 approach each other in the left-right direction, and the cords CD are sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 with stronger force. The knurled roller 240 reliably rotates in accordance with the movement of the cords CD. Since the pinion gear 50 is engaged with the internal gear 261, the internal gear 261 rotates counterclockwise by a force given by the teeth of the pinion gear 50. The internal gear-provided carrier 260 also rotates counterclockwise along with the internal gear 261. Thus, the planetary gears 280 on the internal gear-provided carrier 260 also revolve counterclockwise. Since the planetary gears 280 are engaged with the inner circumferential gear 115 fixed by the sun gear 323 and case 10A, the planetary gears 280 revolve counterclockwise while rotating in a direction (clockwise) opposite to the revolving direction. Accordingly, the sun gear 323 engaged with the planetary gears 280 inside the planetary gears 280 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise) opposite to the rotation of the planetary gears 280. At this time, the rotation of the sun gear 323 is speeded up by the planetary gears 280. Thus, the weights 340 held by the sun gear-provided weight holder 320 that rotates with the sun gear 323 also start to rotate. Since the case 10A and base 70 are fixed, the inner circumferential gear 115 engaged with the planetary gears 280 outside the planetary gears 280 does not rotate even during the rotation of the planetary gears 280. [0097]

Then, as shown in Fig. 18B, when the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 approach the limit (sandwich state), the knurled roller 240 stops the movement thereof along the internal gear 261 although it continuously rotates. At this time, the rotation of other members caused by the rotation of the knurled roller 240 continues. Then, when the weights 340 contact the inner wall of the case 10A by centrifugal force, resistance against the rotation occurs. Specifically, as the moving speed of the cords CD increases, the rotation speed increases and thus the centrifugal force increases. Due to the increase in the centrifugal force, the weights 340 contact the inner wall of the case 10A more strongly, increasing the resistance. Thus, the moving speed of the cords CD (the fall speed of the sunlight shielding member) can be suppressed. If approximately constant tension is applied to the cords CD (e.g., if a sunlight shielding member suspended from the front cord CD of the braking device 1000 so as to be able to be raised and lowered falls freely), the moving speed of the cords CD becomes approximately constant when a balance is struck between the tension applied to the cords CD and the resistance between the weights 340 and the inner circumferential wall of the case 10A. Thus, the braking device 1000 serves as a rotary damper against the movement of the cords CD and is able to lower the sunlight shielding member slowly.

[0098]

Fig. 18C is a table showing the rotation directions of the members (the rotation direction of the pinion gear 50 additionally includes the front-rear direction and fastening direction in plan view) when the steady state is changed to the sandwich state.

[0099]

On the other hand, if tension is applied to the cords CD in a direction (backward) opposite to the direction of the arrow DI, the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 rotate in a direction opposite to the above direction. As a result, the shaft 31 and shaft 41 move away from each other along the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17, respectively. Thus, the sandwiching force of the knurled roller 240 acting on the cords CD is weakened so that the cords CD can be pulled by a weak force. For this reason, if the braking device 1000 is disposed in the head box, it is preferred to set the direction in which tension is applied to the cords CD in the front direction in Fig. 18 to the sunlight shielding member lowering direction and to set the direction in which tension is applied to the cords CD in the rear direction in Fig. 18 to the sunlight shielding device raising direction.

[0100]

Next, referring to Figs. 19A and 19B, the movement of the slider 220 when the steady state is changed to the sandwich state will be described. Fig. 19A corresponds to Fig. 18A, and Fig. 19B corresponds to Fig. 18B.

[0101]

When the steady state in Fig. 19A is changed to the sandwich state in Fig. 19B, the shaft 41 and roller 42, and the shaft 31 and knurled roller 240 move in the front direction in the drawings due to the friction between these members and the cords CD. At this time, the shaft 41 is in contact with the second top wall groove 227 and second bottom wall groove 229. Accordingly, a forward force is applied to the second top wall groove 227 and second bottom wall groove 229 as the shaft 41 moves forward. Similarly, the shaft 31 is in contact with the first top wall groove 226 and first bottom wall groove 228. Accordingly, a forward force is applied to the first top wall groove 226 and first bottom wall groove 228 as the shaft 31 moves forward. Accordingly, when the shafts 31,41 move forward by A, the slider 220 also moves forward by A.

[0102]

Next, referring to Fig. 20, the predetermined sandwich positions of the pair of sandwiching members (the roller 42 and knurled roller 240) in the initial state (that have not worn yet) and the sandwich positions of the pair of sandwiching members that have worn will be described. In the present embodiment, the roller 42 is a rotor that rotates around the shaft 41, and the knurled roller 240 is a rotor that rotates around the shaft 31.

[0103]

As shown in Fig. 20, in the initial state of the knurled roller 240, that is, in the state before the diameter thereof is reduced due to wear, the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 move forward from the release position along the first top wall groove 16 and second top wall groove 17 with the movement of the cords CD. That is, at least one of the pair of sandwiching members is configured to move along a predetermined movement path (a double-headed arrow in the drawing). Such movement paths can be said to be the movement paths of the sandwiching unit along the regulation grooves [the first top wall groove 16 and first base groove 706, and the second top wall groove 17 and second base groove 707 (see Fig. 5)]. Thus, the cords CD are sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42. The then positions of the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 are predetermined sandwich positions.

[0104]

The movement paths extend beyond the predetermined sandwich positions. In other words, the regulation grooves extend beyond the sandwich positions. Also, the movement paths extend in directions toward the cords CD. Further, the movement paths of the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 are formed such that the extensions thereof intersect each other. The sandwich positions are positions spaced from the ends close to the cords CD (the front ends in Fig. 20), of the regulation grooves. If a part of the knurled roller 240 or roller 42, in particular, a portion thereof in contact with the cords CD is shaved due to wear and thus the diameter of the knurled roller 240 or roller 42 is reduced, the shaft 31 and shaft 41 are held within ranges beyond the predetermined sandwich positions (the sandwich positions in the initial state) of the regulation grooves. Thus, the cords CD are sandwiched between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42. As shown in Fig. 20, the sandwich positions of the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 that have worn are positions spaced from the predetermined positions by d in the forward direction in the drawing.

[0105]

As seen above, the movement path (regulation groove) extends beyond the sandwich position of the knurled roller 240 or roller 42 in the initial state. Thus, even if the diameter of the knurled roller 240 or roller 42 is reduced due to wear, the cords CD can be sandwiched properly.

[0106]

Even if the cord diameter is reduced due to the wear of the cords, similar advantageous effects are obtained.

[0107]

2. Second Embodiment

Next, referring to Figs. 21 to 23, the movement converter of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 21, the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 are connected via the respective to shaft 31 and 41. Here, the connection may ve realized in any method. For example, a pair of plates 800 may be used. In the second embodiment, the plate 800 is substantially rectangular, and for example, made of metal. A through hole 801 is provided at a position corresponding to the shaft 3 land 41 in the plate 800, and the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 can be connected by inserting the shaft 31 and 41 into the through hole 801. In the case of using the string-like member 900 shown in Fig. 22, the string-like member 900 is crossed, since the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 rotate in the opposite direction with the movement of the cord CD. Here, Fig. 22 is a schematic view of the members of Fig. 2 IB seen from the direction of arrow Z, in which the members sandwich the cords CD.

[0108]

Further, as shown in Fig. 2IB, the knurled roller 240 and roller 42 may be connected using string-like members 900 instead of the plate 800.

[0109]

As shown in Fig. 23, these members are provided so as to sandwich the cord CD between the knurled roller 240 and roller 42. In Fig. 23, in order to improve the visibility, the embodiment using the string-like member 900 in Fig. 2IB will be described. In Fig. 23, the gravity g acts in the direction indicated by the arrow g. For convenience of explanation, the direction of the arrow g is defined as downward, and opposite direction to the arrow g is defined as upward.

[0110]

In the case 10B, first side wall holes 119A is provided at a position corresponding to the shaft 31. The first side wall holes 119A have oblong shapes that are inclined forward. These shapes are not specifically limited, and they will be designed appropriately. In the second embodiment, the first side wall hole 119A corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of the first sandwiching member (knurled roller 240) in the initial state. In Fig. 23B, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle. The operation of the sandwiching unit that has worn will be described below. A double-headed arrow in Fig. 23B shows the movement path of the sandwiching unit.

[0111]

The shaft 31 is movable along the first side wall hole 119A. Here, the knurled roller 240 is a roller provided at a position where it can contact the cords CD and movable in the vertical direction. The inner circumferential surface of the first side wall hole 119A consists of a sandwiching guide slope 119a, a release guide slope 119b, a sandwiching-side regulation surface 119c, and a release-side regulation surface 119d [0112]

A column 92 is fixed at a position facing the knurled roller 240 with the cords CD in between, and forward of the knurled roller 240.

[0113]

When tension is applied to the cord CD in the direction of the arrow D2 shown in Fig. 23A, the knurled roller 240 is moved downward along the first side wall hole 119A in the direction of the arrow D3 by the frictional force generated between the knurled roller 240 and the cord CD. The movement path of the knurled roller 240 is along the first side wall hole 119A. As shown in Fig. 23B, the movement track extends beyond the predetermined sandwich position. [0114]

As shown in Fig. 23B, the sandwich position is defined as a first position which is a lower position in the movable direction having a vertical component. In this position, the cord CD is bent and sandwiched, since the distance between the knurl 240 and the column 92 in the vertical direction is small. Thus, the column 92 works as the second sandwiching member positioned so as to sandwich the cord CD in cooperation with the knurled roller 240. Also, roller 42 works as an auxiliary roller that moves in conjunction with the knurled roller 240. [0115]

In the sandwich state, when the shaft 31 reaches the front limit of the movable range, the knurled roller 240 which has moved approximately in parallel begins rotation (clockwise in the figure). The rotation of the shaft 31 may be output to the resistance provider RA which generates a resistance force as the cords CD moves. In this case, a one-way clutch may be provided in the knurled roller 240 itself or between the knurled roller 240 and the resistance provider RA in such a way that the rotation is transmitted to the resistance provider RA when the cords CD moves forward and that the rotation is not transmitted to them when the cords CD moves backward. The resistance provider RA may be provided inside or outside of the case 10B, or may be provided inside the knurled roller 240.

[0116]

On the other hand, when the cord CD is tensioned in the direction opposite to the arrow D2, the movement opposite to the above occurs, which increases the distance between the knurled roller 240 and the column 92 in the vertical direction and weakens the force to sandwich the cord CD.

[0117]

As shown in Fig. 23A, shaft 31 moves against gravity g to the second position of the first side wall hole 119A which is the upper position in the movable direction (oblique direction in Fig. 23) having the vertical component. This state is called a free movement state. In the free movement state, the cords CD is released in the non-bended state. Thus, the cords CD can move freely.

[0118]

Instead of using shaft 31 and the knurled roller 240, and shaft 41 and roller 42, a pair of columns which does not rotate can be used.

[0119]

As seen above, also in the second embodiment, the movement path (regulation groove) extends beyond the sandwich position of the knurled roller 240 or roller 42 in the initial state. Thus, even if the diameter of the knurled roller 240 or roller 42 is reduced due to wear, the cords CD can be sandwiched properly.

[0120]

3. Third Embodiment

Referring to Fig. 24, the movement converter of the third embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 24, a housing space 93 slightly larger than the diameter of the knurled roller 240 is formed in the case 10C. The housing space 93 has a shape combining an arc shape and a half straight shape in a cross sectional view. Therefore, the knurled roller 240 can move freely in the housing space 93. Further, a sandwiching guide slope 93a and a release-side regulation surface 93d are formed around the housing space 93.

[0121]

The shaft 31, the knurled roller 240, the column 92, two output shafts 95, and an endless belt 94 are disposed inside the case 10C. In the case 10C, a first side wall hole 119A is formed in a position corresponding to the shaft 31. In the third embodiment, the first side wall hole 119A corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of a first sandwiching member (knurled roller 240) in the initial state. In Fig. 24B), the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle. The operation of the sandwiching unit that has worn will be described below. A double-headed arrow in Fig. 24B shows the movement path of the sandwiching unit. In a free movement state, the knurled roller 240 is in slight contact with the cords CD.

[0122]

The knurled roller 240 is provided so as to sandwich the cord CD with roller 42. The endless belt 94 is wounded tightly around the two output shafts 95. The endless belt 94 is configured to rotate by rotation of the knurled roller 240 and to apply a resistive force to the knurled roller 240. The surface of the endless belt 94 may be shaped to engage with the surface of the knurled roller 240 and the output shafts 95. The surface of the endless belt 94 may be shaped to engage with the surface of the knurled roller 240 and the output shafts 95. The output shafts 95 are configured to output their own rotation to the resistance provider which generates a resistance as the cords CD moves. The output shafts 95 and the endless belt 94 are configured such that the endless belt 94 is substantially in line with the half straight shape of the housing space 93.

[0123]

When a tension is applied to the cord CD in the direction of the arrow D2 shown in Fig. 24A, the knurled roller 240 rotates in the direction of the arrow D5 by the friction with the cord CD. Then, the knurled roller 24 moves in a direction approaching the endless belt 94 along with the half straight shape of the housing space 93. The movement path of the knurled roller 240 is along the first side wall hole 119A. As shown in Fig. 24B, the movement track extends beyond the predetermined sandwich position. In this state, the distance between the knurled roller 240 and the column 92 is small, so the cord CD is bent and is in a sandwich state. Here, the column 92 works as the second sandwiching member positioned so as to sandwich the cord CD in cooperation with the knurled roller 240.

[0124]

In the sandwich state, the rotation of the output shafts 95 may be output to the resistance provider RA. At this time, the endless belt 94 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow D5 (counterclockwise) due to the frictional force acting between the knurled roller 240 and the endless belt 94. As a result, the output shafts 95 also rotates in the same direction (counterclockwise) as the endless belt 94 rotates. This rotation is output to the resistance provider RA. In such a configuration, one of the output shafts 95 exerts the same function of transmitting the rotation to the resistance provider RA. In this case, a one-way clutch may be provided between the knurled roller 240 and the resistance provider RA in such a way that the rotation is transmitted to the resistance provider RA when the cords CD moves forward and that the rotation is not transmitted to them when the cords CD moves backward.

[0125]

On the other hand, when the cord CD is tensioned in the direction opposite to the arrow

D4, the movement opposite to the above occurs, which increases the distance between the knurled roller 240 and the column 92 in the vertical direction and weakens the force to sandwich the cord CD.

[0126]

As shown in Fig. 24A, shaft 31 moves against gravity g to the second position which is a position away from the endless belt. This state is called a free movement state. In the free movement state, the cords CD is released in the non-bended state. Thus, the cords CD can move freely.

[0127]

Instead of using the column 92, shaft and roller may be used. [0128]

As seen above, also in the third embodiment, the movement path (regulation groove) extends beyond the sandwich position of the knurled roller 240 in the initial state. Thus, even if the diameter of the knurled roller 240 is reduced due to wear, the cords CD can be sandwiched properly.

[0129]

4. Fourth Embodiment

Referring to Fig. 25, the movement converter of the fourth embodiment will be described. The forth embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following, only the changes from the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 23, in the second embodiment, the shaft 31 and the knurled roller 240 are configured to be lowered downward using gravity g, where gravity g is considered to be used as a biasing member. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment as shown in Fig 25, the shaft 31 is connected to the fixed shaft 160 by the connecting member 170. The connecting member 170 can be, for example, the plate 800 of Fig 21. The spring 150 is attached to the connecting member 170. Thus, the connecting member 170 is biased in the direction of arrow g around the fixed shaft 160, thereby biasing the shaft 31 and the knurled roller 240 in the direction of arrow g. [0130]

Also in the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a first side wall hole 119A corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of a first sandwiching member (knurled roller 240) in the initial state. In Fig. 25B, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle. The operation of the sandwiching unit that has worn will be described below. A double-headed arrow in Fig. 25B shows the movement path of the sandwiching unit.

[0131]

When a tension is applied to the cords CD in the direction of the arrow D6 in the free movement state shown in FIG. 25A, the shaft 31 and the knurled roller 240 also move in the direction of the arrow D6 by the friction with the cord CD. At this time, due to the clockwise rotation of the connecting member 170 about the fixed shaft 160, the shaft 31 and the knurled roller 240 move in the arrow g direction. As a result, the state shifts to the sandwich state shown in Fig. 25B. The movement path of the knurled roller 240 is along the first side wall hole 119A. As shown in Fig. 25B, the movement path extends beyond the predetermined sandwich position.

[0132]

When a tension is applied to the cords CD in the direction opposite to the arrow D6, the sandwich state shown in Fig. 25B is shifted to the free movement state shown in Fig. 25A. [0133]

That is, the device using members of the fourth embodiment is configured such that the knurled roller 240 moves such that the friction between the knurled roller 240 and cords CD when the knurled roller 240 is located in a second position becomes smaller than the friction between the knurled roller 240 and cords CD when the knurled roller 240 is located in a first position.

[0134]

In the case of outputting the rotation of the shaft 31 to the resistance provider RA that generates a resistance with the movement of the cords CD, the device using the members of the fourth embodiment is configured such that the rotation of the knurled roller 240 caused by the movement of the cords CD is output to the resistance provider RA when the knurled roller 240 is located in the first position, and the rotation of the knurled roller 240 caused by the movement of the cords CD is not output to the resistance provider RA when the knurled roller 240 is located in the second position.

[0135]

Modification of Fourth Embodiment

Next, referring to Figs. 26A and 26B, a modification of the fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figs. 26A and 26B, a first sandwiching member (knurled roller 240) and a second sandwiching member (sandwiching plane 132s) form a pair of sandwiching members. A case 10B contains the knurled roller 240. That is, the case 10B contains at least one of the pair of sandwiching members. A broken line CB in Figs. 26A and 26B shows the bottom surface of the case 10B. The case 10B also has a first side wall hole 119A.

[0136]

The sandwiching plane 132s permits the movement of cords CD in a free movement state; it sandwiches the cords CD with the knurled roller 240 in a sandwich state. The sandwiching plane 132s is a plane fixed during the movement of the knurled roller 240.

[0137]

Also in the modification of the fourth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the first side wall hole 119A corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of the first sandwiching member (knurled roller 240) in the initial state. In Fig. 26B, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle. The operation of the sandwiching unit that has worn will be described below. A double-headed arrow in Fig. 26B shows the movement path of the knurled roller 240 (shaft 31).

[0138]

When a tension is applied to the cords CD in the direction of an arrow D7 in the free movement state shown in Fig. 26A, the shaft 31 and knurled roller 240 also move in the direction of the arrow D7 by the friction with the cords CD. At this time, a connecting member 170 rotates clockwise around a fixed shaft 160 and thus the shaft 31 and knurled roller 240 move in the direction of an arrow g. Thus, a transition to a sandwich state shown in Fig. 26B is made. The movement path of the knurled roller 240 is along the first side wall hole 119A. As shown in Fig. 26B, the movement path extends beyond the predetermined sandwich position.

[0139]

When a tension is applied to the cords CD in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow D7, the sandwich state shown in Fig. 26B makes a transition to the free movement state shown in Fig. 26A.

[0140]

That is, the device using the members of the modification of the fourth embodiment is configured such that the knurled roller 240 moves such that the friction between the knurled roller 240 and cords CD when the knurled roller 240 is located in a second position becomes smaller than the friction between the knurled roller 240 and cords CD when the knurled roller 240 is located in a first position.

[0141]

The sandwiching plane 132s may be the bottom surface 132 of a headbox HB or the bottom surface of a member different from the headbox HB.

[0142]

Next, referring to Fig. 27, the advantage that the cords CD can be sandwiched properly even if the diameter of the first sandwiching member (knurled roller 240) is reduced due to wear will be described in more detail. Fig. 27 corresponds to the sandwich state shown in Fig. 26B.

[0143]

As shown by a broken line in Fig. 27, the knurled roller 240 that has not worn yet sandwiches the cords CD in the predetermined sandwich position. On the other hand, the knurled roller 240 that has worn is smaller in diameter than that which has not worn yet. Accordingly, in the sandwich position before wear, the knurled roller 240 has some distance to the cords CD, failing to properly sandwich the cords CD. However, the movement path (the first side wall hole 119A corresponding to the regulation groove) extends beyond the sandwich position of the knurled roller 240 in the initial state (that has not worn yet). Thus, the knurled roller 240 that has worn moves to a position beyond the sandwich position before wear and sandwiches the cords CD in this sandwich position.

[0144]

5. Fifth Embodiment

Next, referring to Figs. 28 to 34, a braking device 5000 of a fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figs. 28 and the like, the braking device 5000 of the present embodiment is configured such that a movement converter DT and a resistance provider RA are disposed in parallel. The present embodiment will be outlined below.

[0145]

As shown in Figs. 28 to 30, the movement converter DT consists of a catch roller 32A consisting of an inner cylinder 42A and an outer cylinder 240A and a catch roller 32B consisting of a knurled roller 240 which is a so-called fixed pulley and is rotatably mounted on a shaft 31. Both the catch rollers 32A, 32B are disposed in a case 440A. Cords CD are sandwiched by the rotational movement torque of the catch rollers 32A, 32B. The cords CD are inserted into the movement converter DT through a cord insertion hole 14A. The catch roller 32A will be described in more detail later.

[0146]

The resistance provider RA is a so-called centrifugal governor. When the weights 340A revolve around a damper axis shown in Fig. 29 and move toward the outer diameter by the centrifugal force, they contact a case lOAa and causes friction and thus a braking force. A rotation transmission mechanism (not shown) that rotates the weights 340A and the shaft 31 of the catch roller 32B are connected to each other. When the catch roller 32B rotates, power associated with this rotation is transmitted to the resistance provider RA through the rotation transmission mechanism, so the weights 340A revolve around the damper axis. The number of weights 340A is not limited to a particular number and may be, for example, 2, 4, 8, or 16. [0147]

The catch roller 32A are configured such that the inner cylinder 42A and outer cylinder 240A are relatively rotatable and generate a sliding resistance during relative rotation. Also, as shown in Fig. 31, the catch roller 32A is configured such that the outer cylinder 240A covers the perimeter of the inner cylinder 42A. These configurations will be described in detail later. The inner cylinder 42A has a rotation shaft 3IB and a guide shaft 31C on the side surface thereof. The case 440A is provided with a bearing for the rotation shaft 3IB and a guide groove 31Ca that guides the movement of the guide shaft 31C. That is, the catch roller 32A is configured to rotationally move around the rotation shaft 3IB. The guide groove 31Ca is formed such that one side thereof brings the catch roller 32A and cords CD close to each other and the other side locates the catch roller 32A and cords CD away from each other. In other words, the guide groove 31Ca is formed such that the catch roller 32A is located away from the cords CD from one side thereof toward the other side. In the fifth embodiment, the guide groove 31Ca corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of the sandwiching unit (the catch roller 32A and catch roller 32B) in the initial state. In Fig. 30A, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle. The operation of the sandwiching unit that has worn will be described below.

[0148]

According to this structure of the guide groove 3 ICa, when the cords CD move in a braking direction shown by an arrow in Fig. 30A, the catch roller 32A rotationally moves around the rotation shaft 3IB and thus the guide shaft 31C moves along the guide groove 31Ca. The inner circumferential surface of the guide groove 31Ca consists of a sandwiching guide slope 31a, a release guide slope 31b, a sandwiching-side regulation surface 31c, and a release-side regulation surface 3Id. When the guide shaft 31C is located on one side (a first position) of the guide groove 31Ca shown in Fig. 30A, the rotation of the catch roller 32A is restricted. In this state, the cords CD are sandwiched between the catch rollers 32A, 32B. When the cords CD further move in the braking direction, the outer cylinder 240A of the catch roller 32A rotates with respect to the inner cylinder 42A, and the catch roller 32B rotates around the shaft 31. Thus, a resistance is provided to the cords CD by the resistance provider RA connected to the catch roller 32B, so the movement of the cords CD is braked.

[0149]

Also, according to this structure of the guide groove 31Ca, when the cords CD move in a release direction shown by an arrow in Fig. 30B, the catch roller 32A rotates around the rotation shaft 3IB and thus the guide shaft 31C moves along the guide groove 31Ca. The movement (rotational movement) path of the catch roller 32A is along the guide groove 31Ca. As shown in Fig. 30B, the movement path extends beyond the predetermined sandwich position. Since the same applies to modifications 1 to 3 of the fifth embodiment (to be discussed later), the illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0150]

When the guide shaft 31C is located on the other side (a second position) of the guide groove 31Ca shown in Fig. 30B, the rotational movement of the catch roller 32A is restricted. In this state, the cords CD are not sandwiched between the catch rollers 32A, 32B, or are sandwiched therebetween only by a relatively weak force. Even if the cords CD further move in the release direction, the catch roller 32B does not rotate for lack of torque to rotate the catch roller 32B. Accordingly, any resistance is not provided to the cords CD by the resistance provider RA.

[0151]

In summary, when the state in Fig. 30A, in which a resistance is provided to the cords CD by the resistance provider RA, is changed to the state in Fig. 30B, the resistance provider RA no longer works. In the state in Fig. 30B, the distance between the outer cylinder 240A and knurled roller 240 is longer than that in the state in Fig. 30A and therefore the cords CD are sandwiched by a weaker sandwiching force. Thus, the braking force applied to the cords CD is released, allowing the cords CD to move freely. When the state in Fig. 30B is changed to the state in Fig. 30A, a resistance is provided to the cords CD by the resistance provider RA. In the state in Fig. 30A, the cords CD are sandwiched, and the resistance provider RA works. [0152]

The sliding resistance between the inner cylinder 42A and outer cylinder 240A during relative rotation only has to be a resistance that makes the inner cylinder 42A and outer cylinder 240A relatively unrotatable when the guide shaft 31C rotationally moves to the first position. In view of the foregoing, the inner cylinder 42A and outer cylinder 240A of the catch roller 32A can be configured as follows.

[0153]

In an example, a catch roller 32A shown in Fig. 32B is realized by a process of pressfitting an inner cylinder 42A into an outer cylinder 240A as shown in Fig. 32A. In another example, as shown in Fig. 33, an elastic part 42Aa may be disposed on an inner cylinder 42A so that a desired resistance can be obtained. In yet another example, as shown in Fig. 34, a spring member 42Ab that applies a pressure to an outer cylinder 240A may be disposed on an inner cylinder 42A so that a desired resistance can be obtained. Further, lubrication may be performed using viscous grease in order to stabilize the resistance.

[0154]

Modification 1 of Fifth Embodiment

As shown in Figs. 35A and 35B, a braking device 5100 of a modification 1 of the fifth embodiment may be configured as follows: a torsion spring 31Cb in which a coil is wound around a rotation shaft 3 IB is disposed as mean for energizing a guide shaft 31C, between a fixed part 441A and a guide shaft 31C disposed in a case lOAa so that the guide shaft 31C is located in a first position except when cords CD is moved in a release direction. In this modification, a guide groove 31Ca corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of a sandwiching member (catch roller 32A) in the initial state. In Fig. 35A, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle, c [0155]

As seen above, also in this modification, the regulation groove extends beyond the sandwich position of the catch roller 32A in the initial state. Thus, even if the diameter of the catch roller 32A is reduced due to wear, the cords CD can be sandwiched properly.

[0156]

Modification 2 of Fifth Embodiment

Next, referring to Figs. 36 and 37, a braking device 5200 of a modification 2 of the fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figs. 36 and 37, the braking device 5200 of this modification is configured such that a movement converter DT and a resistance provider RA are disposed in parallel in the left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the drawing surface). This modification will be outlined below.

[0157]

As shown in Fig. 36A, the movement converter DT consists of a catch roller 32A consisting of an inner cylinder 42A and an outer cylinder 240A and a catch roller 32B consisting of a knurled roller 240 which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 31. The inner cylinder 42A and outer cylinder 240A have configurations similar to those in Figs. 28, 30A, and 30B and are formed so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The inner cylinder 42A has a rotation shaft 3IB and a guide shaft 31C on the side surface thereof. Also in this modification, the catch roller 32A is configured to be rotationally movable around the rotation shaft 3IB. A guide groove 31Ca is formed on the side surface of a case 440B and in a position in which the state of the catch roller 32B can be switched between a state in which it sandwiches the cords CD and a state in which it releases the cords CD. In this modification, the catch roller 32A and catch roller 32B form sandwiching unit. In this modification, the guide groove 31Ca corresponds to the regulation groove and extends beyond the sandwich position of the sandwiching unit (catch roller 32A and catch roller 32B) in the initial state. In Fig. 36A, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle.

[0158]

In this modification, the outer cylinder 240A has a pinion gear 50B on the side surface thereof. The pinion gear 50B has a rotation axis perpendicular to the drawing surface and is formed so as to be engaged with the inner teeth of a transmission gear 26 IB disposed on the resistance provider RA. A speed-up gear 280B is disposed in a position that is engaged with the outer teeth of the transmission gear 26 IB. The speed-up gear 280B is rotatably mounted on a support shaft 263B. As shown in Fig. 36B, a weight holder 320B that rotates integrally with the speed-up gear 280B is disposed coaxially with the speed-up gear 280B. Weights 340B are held by the weight holder 320B. In the present embodiment, four weights 340B are held by the weight holder 320B.

[0159]

Since the weight holder 320B is disposed so as to rotate integrally with the speed-up gear 280B, the weight holder 320B also rotates as the speed-up gear 280B rotates. Thus, the weights 340B held by the weight holder 320B revolve.

[0160]

As shown in Fig. 37, in this modification, three cords CD are sandwiched horizontally. These cords CD are inserted into a cord insertion hole 14A formed in the movement converter DT. The pinion gear 50B protrudes from the case 440B of the movement converter DT and is engaged with the transmission gear 26IB of the resistance provider RA disposed adjacent to the movement converter DT.

[0161]

Thus, when a tension is applied to the cords CD in the braking direction, the catch roller 32A rotates clockwise around the rotation shaft 3 IB by the friction between the outer cylinder 240A and cords CD. With the rotation of the catch roller 32A, the pinion gear 50B disposed on the outer cylinder 240A also rotationally moves clockwise while rotating. Thus, the transmission gear 26IB engaged with the pinion gear 50B starts to rotate counterclockwise, so the speed-up gear 280B engaged with the transmission gear 26IB starts to rotate clockwise. Since the diameter of the speed-up gear 280B is smaller than the diameter of the transmission gear 26IB, the rotation of the pinion gear 50B caused by the movement of the cords CD is speeded up and transmitted to the speed-up gear 280B. At this time, the inner cylinder 42A and outer cylinder 240A rotate integrally due to the respective sliding resistances.

[0162]

Due to the rotation of the speed-up gear 280B, the weights 340B start to revolve clockwise. Since the weights 340B contact the inner wall of the case lOAa of the resistance provider RA, a braking force can be exerted on the movement of the cords CD. In the state in Fig. 36A, the guide shaft 31C and guide groove 31Ca are in contact with each other and thus the rotational movement of the inner cylinder 42A is blocked. Then, when a tension is further applied to the cords CD in the braking direction, the outer cylinder 240A starts to rotate relative to the inner cylinder 42A. Thus, the braking force from the resistance provider RA can be exerted on the sandwiched cords CD.

[0163]

On the other hand, when a tension is applied to the cords CD in the release direction, the catch roller 32A rotationally moves counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 3 IB. At this time, the pinion gear 50B, transmission gear 26IB, and speed-up gear 280B rotate in a direction opposite to the direction in which a tension is applied to the cords CD to brake the cords CD. In the state in Fig. 36B, the guide shaft 31C and guide groove 31Ca are in contact with each other and thus the rotational movement of the inner cylinder 42A is blocked. The outer cylinder 240A continues to rotate relative to the inner cylinder 42A. In this state, the distance between the outer cylinder 240A and knurled roller 240 is longer than that in Fig. 36A and thus the cords CD cannot be sandwiched sufficiently. Since the cords CD cannot be sandwiched sufficiently, the rotation of the outer cylinder 240A is suppressed. For this reason, the rotation caused by the movement of the cords CD is not transmitted to the resistance provider RA.

[0164]

As seen above, also in this modification, the regulation groove extends beyond the sandwich position of the catch roller 32A or catch roller 32B in the initial state. Thus, even if the diameter of the catch roller 32A or catch roller 32B is reduced due to wear, the cords CD can be sandwiched properly.

[0165]

Modification 3 of Fifth Embodiment

Next, referring to Figs. 38 to 40, a braking device 5300 of a modification 3 of the fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figs. 37, the braking device 5300 of this modification is configured such that a movement converter DT and a resistance provider RA are disposed in parallel in the left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the drawing surface). This modification will be outlined below.

[0166]

As shown in Figs. 38A and 38B, the movement converter DT consists of a catch roller 830 consisting of an inner cylinder 830A and an outer cylinder 830B and a catch roller 840 including a knurled roller 43 which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 41. As in Fig. 31, the inner cylinder 830A and outer cylinder 830B are configured such that the inner cylinder 830A is rotatably mounted on a rotation shaft 831 and the inner cylinder 830A and outer cylinder 830B are relatively rotatable and rotate integrally due to the sliding resistances in case receiving a predetermined torque or less. However, unlike in Fig. 31, the rotation shaft 831 is disposed in the center of the catch roller 830 and supported by a case 810A. A guide shaft 850 protrudes toward axial both sides in a position decentered from the rotation shaft 831. In this modification, as shown in Figs. 39A and 39B, the catch roller 840 is rotatably held in support grooves 821 (see Figs. 39A and 39B) of a movement case 820 that can move parallelly in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the catch rollers 830 and 840 form a pair of sandwiching members (sandwiching unit).

[0167]

Also in this modification, the resistance provider RA includes a centrifugal governor and transmits the rotation of the rotation shaft 831 to the centrifugal governor so that the centrifugal governor performs braking. As in the modification 2, the rotation of the outer cylinder 830B of the catch roller 830 is transmitted to the resistance provider RA through a pinion gear 50B (see Fig. 37). With respect to the configuration of the resistance provider RA, an appropriate one may be selected from those described in the above embodiments. [0168]

The movement case 820 includes a pair of parallel plates 822 formed on both ends of the catch rollers 830, 840, and support grooves 821 are formed on the parallel plates 822 (see Figs. 39A and 39B). Upward opening guide grooves 823 are formed in the upper part of the parallel plates 822 in the centers in front-rear direction. The parallel plates 822 have long holes 824 into which the guide shaft 850 can be inserted, in positions in front of the guide grooves 823. The long holes 824 are formed in a direction such that the guide shaft 850 can move in the front-rear direction. In this modification, the guide grooves 823 correspond to the regulation grooves and extend beyond the sandwich position of the sandwiching unit (catch rollers 830, 840) in the initial state. In Fig. 38B, the predetermined sandwich position is shown by a broken-line circle. The operation of the sandwiching unit that has worn will be described below.

[0169]

In this modification, in a state in which no tension is applied to cords CD (steady state), the cords CD are in contact with only the catch roller 830 located above and are not in contact with the catch roller 840, as shown in Fig. 38A.

[0170]

According to the above configuration, when the cords CD move rearward (rightward in

Figs. 38A, 38B) in a state in which no tension is applied to the cords CD (steady state), the outer cylinder 830B of the catch roller 830 attempts to rotate counterclockwise (in the direction of an arrow X) in Fig. 38A. However, the cords CD are not sandwiched between the catch rollers 830, 840 serving as a pair of sandwiching members [see also Figs. 39A, 40A], For this reason, the rotation of the cords CD is not sufficiently transmitted as the rotation of the catch roller 830 (outer cylinder 830B) and therefore the rotation of the outer cylinder 830B is not transmitted to the resistance provider RA so that a resistance is provided to the cords CD. In this case, even if the outer cylinder 830B rotates, the guide shaft 850 of the inner cylinder 830A contacts the long hole 824 of the movement case 820, and the movement case 820 is regulated by the case 810A in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the inner cylinder 830A cannot rotate counterclockwise.

[0171]

On the other hand, when the cords CD move forward (leftward in the drawing), the outer cylinder 830B of the catch roller 830 rotates clockwise (in the direction of an arrow Y), as shown in Fig. 38B. At this time, there is a sliding resistance between the outer cylinder 830B and inner cylinder 830A and therefore the outer cylinder 830B and inner cylinder 830A start to rotate integrally. Simultaneously with the rotation of the inner cylinder 830A, the guide shaft 850 of the inner cylinder 830A rotates clockwise and pushes up the movement case 820 by pressing the top surface of the long hole 824 of the movement case 820 [see Figs. 38B, 39B, 40B], As a result, the catch roller 840 held by the movement case 820 moves upward, that is, in the direction in which it approaches the cords CD and sandwiches the cords CD with the catch roller 830.

[0172]

When the cords CD further move forward (leftward in the drawing) in this state, the movement of the cords CD is transmitted as the rotation of the outer cylinder 830B. After the catch roller 840 contacts the cords CD, the movement case 820 cannot further move upward and therefore the inner cylinder 830A also cannot further rotate. Thus, the outer cylinder 830B alone rotates relative to the inner cylinder 830A.

[0173]

As a result, when the cords CD move forward (leftward in the drawing) with the cords CD sandwiched between the catch roller 830 and catch roller 840 in Fig. 38B, the movement of the cords CD is sufficiently transmitted as the rotation of the outer cylinder 830B. The resistance provider RA applies a braking force to the rotation of the outer cylinder 830B, thereby braking the cords CD.

[0174]

[0175]

6. Sixth Embodiment

Next, referring to Figs. 41 to 43B, a braking device 6000 of a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The braking device 6000 of the present embodiment is similar to the braking device 1000 of the second embodiment. However, the braking device 6000 of the present embodiment mainly differs from the braking device 1000 in that both axial ends of the shafts of a pair of sandwiching members are held by a link mechanism 720 consisting of pairs of link plates 721, 722. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference signs, and different components will be mainly described.

[0176]

The braking device 6000 of the sixth embodiment does not have regulation grooves, unlike those of the first to fifth embodiments. In Fig. 43A, predetermined sandwich positions are shown by broken-line circles. The operation of sandwiching unit that have worn will be described below.

[0177]

As shown in Fig. 41, the pair of sandwiching members of the present embodiment consist of a tension transmission roller 30 including a knurled roller 240 and an idle roller 40 including a roller 42. Both axial ends of a shaft 31 of the tension transmission roller 30 that extends in the up-down direction are supported by one ends of the pair of link plates 721. Similarly, both axial ends of a shaft 41 of the idle roller 40 that extends in the up-down direction are supported by one ends of the pair of link plates 722. Also, as in the first embodiment, a pinion gear 50 is mounted on the end remote from the tension transmission roller 30, of the shaft 31 of the tension transmission roller 30.

[0178]

The link plates 721 and link plates 722 are relatively rotatably connected to each other through a shaft 723 inserted into holes formed in the centers of the plates and form a link mechanism 720. The other ends of the link plates 721, 722 are provided with coupling pins 724, 725 (see Fig. 42) that extend in the up-down direction and couple the link plates 721, 722. [0179]

As shown in Figs. 43A and 43B, the coupling pins 724, 725 are pressed in directions in which they approach each other, by a torsion spring 726 serving as energizing means in which a coil is wound around the shaft 723. Thus, the link plates 721 and link plates 722 are energized so as to rotate around the shaft 723 in directions in which the tension transmission roller 30 and idle roller 40 held thereby approach each other. As a result, the cords CD are sandwiched between the rollers 30, 40. Although not shown in Fig. 41, the shaft 723 is supported by a case 10A.

[0180]

According to the above configuration, in a state in which no tension is applied to the cords CD (steady state), as shown in Fig. 43A, the tension transmission roller 30 and idle roller 40 are energized by the torsion spring 726 through the link mechanism 720 and thus sandwich the cords CD. When the cords CD move forward [leftward in Figs. 43A, 43B] in this state, the movement of the cords CD is transmitted to the tension transmission roller 30, and the rotation of the tension transmission roller 30 is transmitted sequentially to an internal gear-provided carrier 260, a planetary gear 280, and a sun gear-provided weight holder 320. Thus, weights 340 are rotated [see Figs. 2(a) and 2(b)], and a braking force is applied to the cords CD due to the rotation resistance of the weights 340. That is, also in the present embodiment, the sandwiching members sandwich the cords CD with the movement of the link mechanism 720 (link plates 721 and link plates 722) serving as a holding member. The movement paths of the roller 42 and knurled roller 240 are as shown by double-headed arrows in Fig. 43A. As shown in Fig. 43A, the movement paths extend beyond the predetermined sandwich positions. [0181]

On the other hand, when the cords CD move rearward [rightward in Figs. 43A, 43B], the tension transmission roller 30 held by the link plates 721 and the idle roller 40 held by the link plates 722 rotate around the shaft 723 in the direction in which the distance between the tension transmission roller 30 and idle roller 40 is increased, against the energizing power of the torsion spring 726 through the link mechanism 720, as shown in Fig. 43B. Thus, the sandwiching of the cords CD between the sandwiching unit is weakened, resulting in a reduction in the resistance provided to the cords CD by the resistance provider RA through the tension transmission roller 30.

[0182]

While, in the above embodiment, the link mechanism 720 is configured such that the pairs of link plates 721, 722 are disposed on both axial ends of the shafts 31, 41, a pair of link plates may be disposed only on one axial ends thereof.

[0183]

While various embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited thereto and the shielding device 100A of the present invention may have other configurations. For example, the sunlight shielding device of the present invention may be a roll curtain, where a curtain cloth is wound, or a blind, where multiple slats are raised and lowered. Further, as shown in Fig. 44, the braking device 1000 may be fixed to the window frame 110 using a screw 111 or the like. In addition, a braking device 1000 may be provided inside the grip 109. Furthermore, the braking device 1000 may be provided anywhere in the passage of the hoisting cord 102.

Industrial Applicability [0184]

As described above, the present invention provides a braking device that is able to sandwich cords properly even if cord sandwiching unit are reduced in size due to wear, allowing for prevention of the degradation of the members.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS [0185]

10A: case, 31,41: shaft, 50: pinion gear, 70: base, 200: arrangement member, 220: slider,

240: knurled roller, 260: internal gear-provided carrier, 280: planetary gear, 300: plate, 320: sun gear-provided weight holder, 340: weight

Claims

1. A braking device for braking movement in a length direction of a cord, comprising sandwiching unit that comprises a pair of sandwiching members that sandwich the cord, wherein at least one of the sandwiching members is configured to move along a predetermined movement path, the sandwiching unit sandwiches the cord in a predetermined sandwich position on the movement path, and the movement path extends beyond the sandwich position.

2. The braking device of Claim 1, wherein the movement path extends in a direction toward the cord.

3. The braking device of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement path is a movement path of at least one of the sandwiching members along a regulation groove that regulates movement of at least one of the sandwiching members.

4. The braking device of Claim 3, further comprising a case that contains at least one of the sandwiching members and has the regulation groove.

5. The braking device of Claim 4, wherein the sandwiching unit comprises a first sandwiching member and a second sandwiching member, the first sandwiching member comprises a shaft, the regulation groove is formed such that the shaft can approach the cord, and the sandwich position is a position spaced from an end close to the cord, of the regulation groove.

6. The braking device of Claim 5, wherein the pair of sandwiching members both move along the movement path, and the movement path is formed such that extensions thereof intersect each other.

7. The braking device of Claim 6, wherein the second sandwiching member comprises a shaft, and the regulation groove is formed such that the shafts of the first and second sandwiching members can sandwich the cord in the predetermined sandwich position by moving along the regulation groove.

8. The braking device of Claim 7, wherein the regulation groove comprises two regulation grooves formed in the case, and at least one of the two regulation grooves has an arc shape.

9. The braking device of Claim 8, wherein the two regulation grooves are formed so as to be inclined with respect to a movement direction of the cord.

10. The braking device of Claim 8 or 9, wherein the two regulation grooves have different curvatures.

11. The braking device of any one of Claims 6 to 10, wherein the shaft is disposed approximately vertically.

12. The braking device of Claim 5, wherein the second sandwiching member comprises a sandwiching plane.

13. The braking device of Claim 12, wherein the sandwiching plane is a plane fixed during movement of the first sandwiching member.

14. The braking device of any one of Claims 5 to 13, further comprising an energizing member configured to energize the first sandwiching member from a release position in which the cord is released toward a sandwich position in which the cord is sandwiched.

15. The braking device of any one of Claims 3 to 14, further comprising a guide wall formed along an edge of the regulation groove.

16. A shielding device comprising:

the braking device of any one of Claims 1 to 15; and a shielding member suspended so as to be able to ascend and descend in accordance with movement of the cord.

17. A shielding device comprising:

the braking device of Claim 12 or 13;

a shielding member suspended so as to be able to ascend and descend in accordance with movement of the cord; and a headbox containing the braking device, wherein the sandwiching plane is a bottom surface of the headbox.