SCREEN APPARATUS

A longitudinal adjuster 10 that forms a free end 61 of the first guide 6, to which a weight 101 is attached, and which moves in an inside of the slidable frame in a Z-axis direction is connected to a first guide unit 63 that is positioned at the other end in the Z-axis direction of the first guide 6. A pair of hollow first stoppers 103 opposing to each other in a Y-axis direction are provided at an end part to which the first guide unit 63 is connected in the adjuster 10, each of the first stoppers 103 has an open end 103a at a side of the first guide unit 63 and a closed end 103b at a side opposite to the open end 103a in the longitudinal direction of the adjuster 10. A linear notch 103c is formed on an extension line of a rail part 63g of the first guide unit 63 to which the adjuster 10 is connected at each of inner side surfaces in an opposite direction of both of the first stoppers 103. A stopping unit 64 is connected to the first guide unit 63 that exists at a position corresponding to the other end in an X-axis direction in a drawn portion 62 of the first guide 6, and a stopping unit 64 is the same as the first guide unit 63 except that a supporting piece 63h is removed and a second stopper 64a extending from each of the rail parts 63g to the other end in the Z-axis direction of each of the side walls 63a is provided at a connected end to the first guide unit 63.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a screen apparatus adaptable to a net door, a partition and the like, as well as a shading and dimming means such as a curtain, a blind and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, the screen apparatus of this kind generally includes a screen that can be freely expanded and stored: on a premise that an expansion and storage direction of the screen is defined as an X-axis direction in orthogonal three axes including the X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, a pair of frames consisting of a first frame and a second frame, at least one of which is a slidable frame in the X-axis direction, which are longitudinal in the Z-axis direction and hollow; and which are disposed opposite to each other in the X-axis direction; a first guide and a second guide each of which has a free end at an end, and which are drawn from an inside of the slidable frame when the slidable frame is slid to one side in the X-axis direction and are stored in the inside of the slidable frame when the slidable frame is slid to the other side in the X-axis direction: and a tension member that is stored in the inside of the slidable frame and connects the free ends of the first guide and the second guide. In the screen apparatus, one end in the X-axis direction of the screen is fixed to the first frame and the other end in the X-axis direction of the screen is fixed to the second frame, a portion of the first guide, which is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame, extends linearly in the X-axis direction between one end portions in the Z-axis direction of the pair of the frames, and a portion of the second guide, which is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame, extends linearly in the X-axis direction between the other end portions in the Z-axis direction of the pair of the frames.

As one of such the screen apparatuses, there has been known a screen apparatus in which the first guide is formed by connecting a plurality of first guide units, each of the first guide units includes a pair of side walls disposed opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction when the first guide is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame and a bottom wall connecting both of the side walls, one of two adjacent first guide units is pivotally supported by the other, whereby the first guide not only bends to the other side in the Z-axis direction but also maintains linearity in the X-axis direction, and one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the expanded screen is inserted between both of the side walls of each of the first guide units in the portion of the first guide, which is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame (See Patent document No. 1, for example).

In the above-mentioned screen apparatus, a pair of pins directing inward in an opposite direction of both of the side walls are provided with one end parts in the X-axis direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, which correspond to one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the first guide and which are drawn from the slidable frame, and a pair of openings are opened in the other end parts in the X-axis direction of both of the side walls. Two first guide units are connected to each other by causing each of the pins of the other of the first guide units to loosely fit in each of the openings of one of the first guide units, both of the pins form a pivot, and each of the first guide units are pivotally movable.

Further, a rigid protrusion protruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls is provided with a part of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, which is disposed at a side of which each of the above-mentioned pins is provided. Each of the rigid protrusions, in the first guide, is disposed along an imaginary line that connects a pivot center of each of the first guide units in a connecting direction of the first guide units. The above-mentioned rigid protrusions stab the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen, which is inserted between both of the side walls of each of the first guide units in a drawn portion of the first guide when the first guide is drawn to the other side in the X-axis direction accompanying sliding of the slidable frame to one side in the X-axis direction. If the expanded screen receives external forces such as a wind pressure, the rigid protrusions hold the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen so as to prevent the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen from slipping out of the drawn portion of the first guide.

However, although the rigid protrusion, each of the first guide units is generally an integrally molded product made of a resin and since the rigid protrusions repeatedly stab and slip out of the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen accompanying expansion and storage of the screen, the rigid protrusions have problems such as deformation due to bending, damage due to breaking, and the like. Additionally, a kind of the screen is generally changed according to a use, an installation site, and the like of the screen apparatus.

Accordingly, in a case where a strength of a molding material of the above-mentioned first guide unit is higher than that of the screen, when the above-mentioned rigid protrusions stab the screen, there is some concern that the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen will be damaged. In order to prevent the screen form being damaged, it is necessary in the above-mentioned screen apparatus for the first guide units to be made of a plurality of molding materials each of which corresponds to the kind of the screen. As a result, a kind of the first guide also becomes plural.

Then, the applicant has proposed that a screen apparatus which can suppress the damage of the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen, which is inserted into the first guide, even by repetition of the expansion and storage of the screen and in which the first guide can be formed by only one kind of the first guide unit in spite of the kind of the screen (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-038505 (not published at a filing date of the present application)).

In the above-mentioned screen apparatus, a pair of pins directing outward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls are provided with one end part in the X-axis direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units and a pair of openings are opened in the other end parts in the X-axis direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, the two adjacent first guide units are connected by causing each of the pins of the other of the first guide units to loosely fit in each of the openings of one of the first guide units, both of the pins form the pivot, and each of the first guide unit is pivotally movable.

Additionally, a rail part is provided at inner side parts in the opposite direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, the rail part extends along an imaginary line that connects a pivot center of each of the first guide units in a connecting direction, and a supporting piece protruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls is provided at end edge parts of both of the side walls, which are disposed further from the bottom wall than the rail parts in the Z-axis direction.

Further, a screen retaining member in which a plurality of needle-like parts aligned at a distance are attached to a longitudinal base that is bendable in a pivotal moving direction of each of the first guide units is detachably attached to an inner side of the opposite direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, in an attached state of each of the screen retaining members, a base is supported between each of the rail parts and each of the supporting pieces of each of the first guide units, and all of the needle-like parts protrude inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units.

Furthermore, when the first guide is drawn to the other side in the X-axis direction accompanying sliding to one side in the X-axis direction of the slidable frame, the needle-like parts of each of the screen retaining members stab the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen, which is inserted between both of the side walls of each of the first guide units in the drawn portion of the first guide, and it is impossible for the screen to slip out of the drawn portion of the first guide, and when the first guide is stored in the inside of the slidable frame accompanying sliding to the other side in the X-axis direction of the slidable frame, the needle-like parts of each of the screen retaining members slip out of the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen.

REFERENCE

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Incidentally, though the base of each of the screen retaining members is, as above-mentioned, supported between each of the rail parts and each of the supporting pieces, each of the rail parts and each of the supporting pieces are opened in a longitudinal direction of the base of each of the screen retaining members. Accordingly, when withdrawal from and storage in the inside of the slidable frame of the first guide are repeated, there is a fear that each of the screen retaining members will slip out in the longitudinal direction of the base from between each of the rail parts and each of supporting pieces of each of the first guides which support the base.

In the light of the above-mentioned problem, the invention provides a screen apparatus, which, despite the repetition of withdrawal from and storage in the inside of the slidable frame of the first guide, can suppress slipping-out of each of the screen retaining members in the longitudinal direction of the base from between each of the rail parts and each of the supporting pieces in each of the first guide units of the first guide without damaging the needle-like parts.

Solution to Problem

The invention presupposes a screen that can be freely expanded and stored: on a premise that an expansion and storage direction of the screen is defined as an X-axis direction in orthogonal three axes including the X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, a pair of frames consisting of a first frame and a second frame, at least one of which is a slidable frame in the X-axis direction, which are longitudinal in the Z-axis direction and hollow, and which are disposed opposite to each other in the X-axis direction: a first guide and a second guide each of which has a free end at an end, and which are drawn from an inside of the slidable frame when the slidable frame is slid to one side in the X-axis direction and are stored in the inside of the slidable frame when the slidable frame is slid to the other side in the X-axis direction; and a tension member that is stored in the inside of the slidable frame and connects the free ends of the first guide and the second guide, wherein one end in the X-axis direction of the screen is fixed to the first frame and the other end in the X-axis direction of the screen is fixed to the second frame, a portion of the first guide, which is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame, is configured to extend linearly in the X-axis direction between one end portions in the Z-axis direction of the pair of the frames, and a portion of the second guide, which is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame, is configured to extend linearly in the X-axis direction between the other end portions in the Z-axis direction of the pair of the frames, wherein the first guide is formed by connecting a plurality of first guide units, each of the first guide units includes a pair of side walls disposed opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction when the first guide is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame and a bottom wall connecting both of the side walls, one of two adjacent first guide units is pivotally supported by the other, whereby the first guide not only bends to the other side in the Z-axis direction but also maintains linearity in the X-axis direction, and one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the expanded screen is inserted between both of the side walls of each of the first guide units in the portion of the first guide, which is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame, wherein a pair of pins directing outward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls are provided at one end part in the X-axis direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units and a pair of openings are opened in the other end parts in the X-axis direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, the two adjacent first guide units are connected by causing each of the pins of the other of the first guide units to loosely fit in each of the openings of one of the first guide units, both of the pins form a pivot, and each of the first guide unit is pivotally movable, wherein a rail part is provided at inner side parts in the opposite direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, the rail part extends along an imaginary line that connects a pivot center of each of the first guide units in a connecting direction, and a supporting piece protruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls is provided at end edge parts of both of the side walls, which are disposed further from the bottom wall than the rail parts in the Z-axis direction, wherein a screen retaining member in which a plurality of needle-like parts aligned at a distance are attached to a longitudinal base that is bendable in a pivotal moving direction of each of the first guide units is detachably attached to an inner side of the opposite direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, in an attached state of each of the screen retaining members, a base is supported between each of the rail parts and each of the supporting pieces of each of the first guide units, and all of the needle-like parts protrude inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls of each of the first guide units, and wherein when the first guide is drawn to the other side in the X-axis direction accompanying sliding to one side in the X-axis direction of the slidable frame, the needle-like parts of each of the screen retaining members stab the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen, which is inserted between both of the side walls of each of the first guide units in the drawn portion of the first guide, and it is impossible for the screen to slip out of the drawn portion of the first guide, and when the first guide is stored in the inside of the slidable frame accompanying sliding to the other side in the X-axis direction of the slidable frame, the needle-like parts of each of the screen retaining members slip out of the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the screen. In the screen apparatus, a longitudinal adjuster that forms the free end of the first guide, to which a weight is attached, and which moves in the inside of the slidable frame in the Z-axis direction is connected to the first guide unit that is positioned at the other end in the Z-axis direction of the first guide when the first guide is stored in the inside of the slidable frame, a pair of hollow first stoppers opposing to each other in the Y-axis direction are provided at an end part to which the first guide unit is connected in the adjuster, each of the first stoppers has an open end at one side of the first guide unit and a closed end at an opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the adjuster to the open end, and a linear notch is formed on an extension line of the rail part of the first guide unit to which the adjuster is connected at each of inner side surfaces in an opposite direction of both of the first stoppers. Additionally, in the screen apparatus, a stopping unit is connected to the first guide unit that exists at a position corresponding to the other end in the X-axis direction in the drawn portion of the first guide when the first guide is drawn from the inside of the slidable frame, and the stopping unit is the same as the first guide unit except that the supporting piece is removed and a second stopper extending from each of the rail parts to the other end in the Z-axis direction of each of the side walls is provided at an end connected to the first guide unit. Further, in the screen apparatus, in an attached state of each of the screen retaining members, one end portion in a longitudinal direction of the base of each of the screen retaining members is configured to be inserted into an inside of each of the first stoppers of the adjuster and to come into contact with the closed end of each of the first stoppers, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base of each of the screen retaining members is configured to come into contact with each of the second stoppers of the stopping unit, and the needle-like parts are configured to protrude inwardly in the opposite direction of both of the first stoppers through the notch and not to come into contact with each of the second stoppers at a portion of each of the screen retaining members of which the base is inserted into the inside of each of the first stoppers.

According to the invention, in the attached state of each of the screen retaining members to each of the first guide units of the first guide, movements in the longitudinal direction of the base are regulated. Accordingly, even though withdrawal from and storage in the inside of the slidable frame of the first guide is repeatedly performed, slipping out of each of the screen retaining members in the longitudinal direction of the base from between each of the rail parts and each of the supporting pieces which are provided with each of the first guide units of the first guide can be suppressed.

Additionally, the needle-like parts protrude inwardly through the notch in the opposite direction of both of the first stoppers and do not come into contact with each of the second stoppers at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of each of the screen retaining members entering the inside of each of the first stoppers. Accordingly, suppression of the slipping-out of each of the screen retaining members in the longitudinal direction of the base can be realized without damaging the needle-like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG.1, a screen apparatus SD of the embodiment includes a screen1that can be freely expanded and stored, is installed in an opening such as a window frame, door frame, and the like, and the opening is opened and closed in a horizontal direction by the screen1, for example. In other words, in the screen apparatus SD, an expansion and storage direction is defined as an X-axis direction in orthogonal three axes including the X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, the X-axis direction corresponds to the horizontal direction, i.e., a left-right direction inFIG.1, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to a vertical direction, i.e., an top-bottom direction inFIG.1. Accordingly, in the following one side in the X-axis direction is defined to be left and the other side in the X-axis direction is defined to be right, and one side in the Z-axis direction is defined to be bottom and the other side in the Z-axis direction is defined to be top.

The screen apparatus SD includes a first frame2that is slidable in the left-right direction of the opening, is longitudinal in the top-bottom direction, and is hollow; and a second frame3that is disposed opposite to the first frame2in the left-right direction, is fixed to a right end portion of the above-mentioned opening, is longitudinal in the top-bottom direction, and is hollow: A pair of frames consist of the first frame2and the second frame3. A left end of the screen1is fixed to the first frame2and a right end of the screen1is fixed to the second frame3. Specifically, the left end of the screen1is fixed to a right end portion of the first frame2and the right end of the screen1is fixed to a portion in the top-bottom direction of an outer peripheral part of a roller pipe31that is longitudinal in the top-bottom direction, is hollow; and is rotatably stored in an inside of the second frame3. When a closing operation causes the first frame2to slide leftward by a user of the screen apparatus SD, the screen1is unwound from the outer peripheral part of the roller pipe31and is expanded in the opening and when the closing operation by the user is stopped, the screen1is wound around the outer peripheral part of the roller pipe31and is stored in the inside of the second frame3. At this time, the first frame2automatically slides rightward and when a right end of the first frame2comes into contact with a left end of the second frame3, the sliding of the first frame2rightward is automatically stopped.

In order to realize such the automatic storage of the screen1in the inside of the second frame3, a coil spring31ais built in the inside of the roller pipe31. When the first frame2is slid leftward, the coil spring31arotates forward in the inside of the second frame3and when the screen1is unwound from the outer peripheral part of the roller pipe31, the coil spring31ais twisted around a rotation axis of the roller pipe31, and an elastic force is generated and accumulated. When the user stops a closing operation, the accumulated elastic force is released, the roller pipe31reverses in the inside of the second frame3, and the screen1is wound around the outer periphery of the roller pipe31.

Additionally, in order to smoothly realize the sliding in left-right direction of the first frame2, the screen apparatus SD includes an upper rail4and a lower rail5. The upper rail4is provided at an upper end portion of the opening and the lower rail5is provided at a lower end of the opening. The upper rail4is a hollow member of which a section in the top-bottom direction is U-shaped and an upper end portion of the first frame2is inserted into an inside of the upper rail4. The lower rail5is a longitudinal and linear member in the left-right direction. Wheels, not shown, are provided at a lower end portion of the first frame2and roll on the lower rail5. Since the siding in the left-right direction of the first frame2is guided by the upper rail4and the lower rail5, the sliding of the first frame2in the left-right direction is smoothly realized.

Further, the screen apparatus SD includes a first guide6and a second guide7that are drawn from the inside of the first frame2when the first frame2is slid leftward, and which are stored in the inside of the first frame2when the first frame2is slid rightward. The first guide6and the second guide7have free ends61,71at an end, respectively, portions62,72drawn from the inside of the first frame2maintain linearity in the left-right direction, and the portion62extends in the left-right direction between the lower end portions of the first frame2and the second frame3as the pair of the frames. Similarly, the portion72extends in the left-right direction between the upper end portions of the first frame2and second frame3. Furthermore, the screen apparatus SD includes a tension member8that is stored in the inside of the first frame2and connects the free ends61,71of the first guide6and the second guide7. The tension member8is formed into a non-crossing loop and is disposed in the top-bottom direction. The loop of the tension member8may be a crossing loop.

Referring toFIG.2,FIG.3A,FIG.3B,FIG.4A,FIG.4B,FIG.4C, andFIG.4D, the first guide6is formed by connecting of a plurality of first guide units63. Each of the first guide units63includes a pair of side walls63a,63ashown inFIG.2, which are disposed opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction, and a bottom wall63bconnecting both of the side walls63a,63a. In the first guide6, one of two adjacent first guide units63,63is pivotally supported by the other. The first guide6maintains linearity in the left-right direction and upwardly bends due to pivotal support. Additionally, upper left end parts and upper right end parts of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63correspond to an upper end portion of the portion62of the first guide6drawn from the inside of the first guide6. A pair of pins63c,63cdirecting outward in an opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aare provided with the upper left end parts, and a pair of openings63d,63dare opened in the upper right end parts.

Specifically, a first recessed part63a1recessed inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63ais formed at a peripheral part of each of the pins63cin each of the side walls63aof each of the first guide units63. A length of each of the pins63cis equal to a depth of the first recessed part63a1, and an outer diameter of each of the pins63cand an inner diameter of each of the openings63dare of such a size that each of the pins63ccan be loosely fitted in each of the openings63d. Additionally, a first notched part63a2is formed by notching a peripheral part of each of the openings63dwith leaving an upper end edge part of each of the side walls63aand the upper end edge part becomes a protruding piece63eextending rightward. Further, a hill part63frising upwardly is provided with a right and lower end portion of the first recessed part63a1. Furthermore, a second recessed part63a3with the same depth as the one of the first recessed part63a1is formed at a portion positioned at a lower end portion of each of the side walls63aand below the first recessed part63a1. Then, the bottom wall63bis disposed at a position corresponding to a lower end portion of the second recessed part63a3of both of the side walls63a,63ain each of the first guide units63, and has a length from a left end of the second recessed part63a3to a left and lower end of the first notched part63a2.

In the first guide6, the two adjacent first guide units63,63are connected by inserting the left end parts of both of the side walls63a,63aof the other of the first guide units63into an inner side of the right end parts of one of the first guide units63in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aand by loosely fitting each of the pins63cof the other of the first guide units63in each of the openings63dof one of the first guide units63. At this time, both of the pins63c,63cform a pivot. The first guide6is formed by repetition of such connection of the two adjacent first guide units63,63. A pivotal movement range of the two adjacent first guide units63,63is from a position at which the right ends of the lower end parts of both of the side walls63a,63aof one of the first guide units63and the left ends of the lower end parts of both of the side walls63a,63aof the other of the first guide units63contact to a position at which each of the protruding pieces63eof both of the side walls63a,63aof the one of the first guide units63and the hill part63fof each of the first recessed parts63a1that are formed at both of the side walls63a,63aof the other of the first guide units63contact. The pivotal movement range of each of the first guide units63is identical, and due to the pivotal movement in the above-mentioned pivotal movement range of each of the first guide units63, the first guide6, as shown inFIG.1, bends so as to direct toward the upper end portion of the first frame2when the first guide6is stored in the inside of the first frame2, and the first guide6directs rightward and returns to a linear state when the first guide6is drawn from the inside the first frame2.

In this connection, when the first guide6is drawn from the inside of the first frame2, each of the second recessed parts63a3that are formed at both of the side walls63a.63aof one of the two adjacent first guide units63,63, which pivotally moves, is inserted into the inside in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof the other first guide units63. Therefore, outer side surfaces in the opposite direction of the lower parts of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first units63are disposed in a same plane in the drawn portion62of the first guide6from the inside of the first frame2. Additionally, as above-mentioned, since the length of each of the pins63cis equal to the depth of the first recessed part63a1, an outer side surface in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the pins63cand an outer surface in the opposite direction of the upper parts of both of the side walls63a,63aare disposed in a same plane.

Additionally, a rail part63gis provided at an inner side portion in the opposite direction of each of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63and the rail part63gextends along an imaginary line VL that connects a center of the above-mentioned pivot of each of the first guide units63. Further, a supporting piece63hprotruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63ais provided at each of the upper end edge parts of both of the side walls63a,63a, which is further upward from the bottom wall63bthan the rail part63g. Each of the supporting pieces63his disposed, in the top-bottom direction, opposite to each of the rail parts63gof each of the side walls63aat a side that each of the supporting pieces63his provided and a storage part63ithat is hollow is formed between each of the supporting pieces63hand each of the rail parts63. SeeFIG.4D. Specifically, each of the rail parts63ghas a length from the left end of each of the first guide units63to the lower left end of the first notched part63a2. On the other hand, each of the supporting pieces63hextends in the left-right direction except the left end part of each of the first guide units63. Additionally, a front shape of each of the supporting pieces63his L-shaped, and each of the supporting pieces63hconsists of a locking part63h1suspending in parallel with respect to each of the side walls63aand an inclined part63h2extending downhill to a side of the rail part63g.

Each of the rail parts63gfunctions as a guide when the screen retaining members9are attached to and detached from the first guide6. With reference also toFIGS.5A and5B, the screen retaining member9consists of a longitudinal base91that is bendable in a pivotal moving direction of each of the first guide units63of the first guide6and longitudinal, and a plurality of needle-like parts92that are aligned at a distance and attached to the base91. The screen retaining member9is attached to the inner side in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63by inserting the base91into an inside of each of the storage parts63iof each of the first guide units63from one of right and left ends of the first guide6. Each of the rail parts63gguides the insertion of the base91into the storage part63iduring attachment of the screen retaining member9. The base91is supported between each of the rail parts63gand each of the supporting pieces63hand all of the needle-like parts92protrude inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63. Additionally, the screen retaining member9can be detached from the first guide6, while being guided by each of the rail parts63g, by drawing the base91from the inside of each of the storage parts63iof each of the first guide units63from one of the right and left ends of the first guide6.

Specifically, the base91is locked by the locking part63h1of the supporting piece63hof each of the first guide units63and all of the needle-like parts92are inclined to a side of the bottom wall63balong the downward slope of the inclined part63h2by the inclined part63h2. SeeFIG.3B. Due to the inclination of all of the needle-like parts92, gaps in the Y-axis direction, which are shown inFIG.2, are formed between tip ends in a protruding direction of the needle-like parts92of two of the screen retaining members9attached to both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63in the first guide6.

Since the bases91of the screen retaining members9are bendable in the pivotal moving direction of each of the first guide units63of the first guide6, when the first guide6shown inFIG.1bends upward, as shown inFIG.6, the screen retaining members9also bend in the same direction. Additionally, as above-mentioned, since each of the rail parts63gextends along the imaginary line VL that connects the center of the above-mentioned pivot of each of the first guide units63, as shown inFIG.3A, the base91of each of the screen retaining members9attached to the inner side in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63is disposed in parallel to the imaginary line VL. The pivotal movement of each of the first guide units63, i.e., the bending of the first guide6is smoothly realized by disposition of the base91in parallel to the imaginary line VL. Additionally, since the above-mentioned pivot is positioned at the upper end part of the each of the first guide units63, the above-mentioned pivot is disposed further upward from the lower end of the above-mentioned opening in which the screen apparatus SD is installed. Accordingly, the pivot is less susceptible to dust, sand, mud, and the like which are easily accumulated on the lower end of the above-mentioned opening, and coupled with the smooth bending of the first guide6, a closing operation of the first frame2by the user is performed lightly and stably. Similarly, since the base91of the screen retaining member9easily returns to the linear state from a bent state, the return of the first guide6from the bent state to the linear state when the first guide6is drawn from the inside of the first frame2can also be smoothly realized. Accordingly, an opening operation of the first frame2is also performed lightly and stably.

Further, a concave part63jthat extends in the same direction as the portion62of the first guide6, which is drawn from the inside of the first frame2, extends and is recessed inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63ais provided with both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63. A third recessed part63a4that is recessed inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aand is similar to the first recessed part63a1and the second recessed part63a3is formed at the left end part of the both of the side walls63a,63a, at which the concave part63jis provided. The third recessed part63a4is positioned between the first recessed part63a1and the second recessed part63a3at each of the side walls63a. Additionally, a second notched part63a5is formed by cutting an inner surface in the opposite direction of the right end part of both of the side walls63a,63a, at which is the concave part63jis provided. SeeFIGS.4B and4C. When the first guide6is drawn from the inside of the first frame2and each of the first guide units63pivotally moves, the second notched part63a3of the first guide unit63that pivotally moves overlaps on the third recessed part63a4of the first guide unit63that has finished pivotal movement and is disposed adjacent to the first guide unit63that pivotally moves. Linearity of the portion62of the first guide6, which is drawn from the inside of the first frame2, is maintained by overlapping of the second notch63a3on the third recessed part63a4and a contact between the right end of the lower end part of both of the side walls63a,63aof the first guide unit63that pivotally moves and the left end of both of the side walls63a,63aof the first guide unit63that has finished pivoting. Additionally, the inner surfaces in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63a, at which the concave parts63jare formed, respectively, are placed flush with each other.

In this connection, at both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63, as shown inFIGS.3B,4C and4D, the inner surface in the opposite direction of the lower end part of each of the second recessed parts63a3is notched and the third notched part63a6is formed. A notch depth of each of the third notched parts63a6is reduced from the light end to the right end of each of the second recessed parts63a3. Additionally, a guided piece63kcontinuously protruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a.63afrom the right end of each of the third notched parts63a6is provided. A right end of each of the guided pieces63kis positioned below the right end of the bottom wall63b. When the first guide6is drawn from the inside of the first frame2, both of the guided pieces63k,63kengage with one side end portion and the other side end portion in the Y-axis direction of the lower rail5shown inFIG.1, respectively, whereby each of the first guide units63in the drawn portion62of the first guide6is suppressed to separate from the lower rail5. On the other hand, when the first guide6is stored in the inside of the first frame2, each of the third notched parts63a6causes the engagement of the each of the guided pieces63kwith one side end portion and the other side end portion in the Y-axis direction of the lower rail5to smoothly release, and separation of the each of the first guide units63from the lower rail5is facilitated. As a result, the sliding in the left-right direction of the first frame2is realized more smoothly.

Returning toFIG.1, a right end of the first guide6is fixed to the lower end portion of the second frame3and becomes a fixed end. Additionally, the free end61of the first guide6is always stored in the inside of the first frame2. Specifically, the free end61is positioned at an upper end of an adjuster10that moves up and down in the top-bottom direction in the inside of the first frame2. The adjuster10is connected to the first guide unit63positioned at an upper end when the first guide6is stored in the inside of the first guide6. A weight101that is longitudinal in the top-bottom direction and lumpy is attached to the adjuster10. Gravitational force acting on the weight101acts on the portion of the first guide6, which is stored in the inside of the first frame2. When the first frame2is caused to slide leftward, such the gravitational force assists the first guide6to be smoothly drawn rightward from the inside of the first frame2against the elastic force of the coil spring31abuilt in the roller pipe31and provides the closing operation by the user a comfortable and stable feeling. Additionally, when the first frame2is slid rightward and the screen1is stored in the inside of the second frame3, the gravitational force acting on the weight101provides a suitable resistance to the storage of the first guide6in the inside of the first frame2. Rapid winding of the screen1around the outer periphery of the roller pipe31due to release of the elastic force accumulated in the coil spring31ais suppressed by the resistance.

A curved protrusion11curved by a prescribed curvature is provided with a pair of inner side surfaces, not shown, opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction shown inFIG.1. The curved protrusion11guides the storage of the first guide6in the inside of the first frame2and the withdrawal of the first guide6from the in the inside of the first frame2due to insertion of the curved protrusion11into the concave part63jof each of the first guide units63. In other words, the curved protrusion11is curved by the prescribed curvature that can bend the first guide6so as to direct upward and return the first guide6rightward in the inside of the first frame2. Accordingly, a smoother storage of the first guide6in the inside of the first frame2and a smoother withdrawal of the first guide6from the first frame2are realized.

In the screen apparatus SD, when the first guide6is drawn from the inside of the lower portion of the first frame2rightward accompanying the leftward sliding of the first frame2, a lower end portion of the screen1is inserted between both of the side walls63a.63aof each of the first guide units63in the drawn portion62of the first guide6. Specifically, the lower end portion of the screen1is inserted into the above-mentioned gaps between the tip ends in the protruding direction of the needle-like parts92shown inFIGS.2,3A and3Bof the two screen retaining members9attached to both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63. At this time, each of the needle-like parts92of the screen retaining members9stabs the lower end portion of the screen1and it becomes impossible for the screen1to slip out of the drawn portion62of the first guide6. Additionally, when the first guide6is stored in the inside of the first frame2accompanying the rightward sliding of the first frame2, the needle-like parts92of each of the screen retaining members9slip out of the lower end portion of the screen1, which the needle-like parts92have stabbed. As above-mentioned, in the screen apparatus SD, since the screen retaining members9) are detachably attached to the inner sides in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63of the first guide6, multiple kinds of the screen retaining members9which are made by attaching a plurality of the needle-like parts92corresponding to the kind of the screen1to the base91can be prepared in advance. Further, an appropriate screen retaining member9selected from the multiple species can be attached to both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63of the first guide6, whereby damage to the lower end portion of the screen1can be suppressed even by repetition of expansion and storage of the screen1. Additionally, it is not necessary for the first guide unit63to be made of each kind of the screens1and the first guide6can be made of only one kind of the first guide unit63.

In this connection, an integrally molded product made of a hard resin can be adopted to each of the first guide units63. A cloth and a net knitted with fibers made of a resin and the like can be adopted to the screen1under consideration of weight reduction. A soft resin, a light metal and the like can be adopted to a material for the base91of the screen remaining member9. The needle-like parts92are made of an appropriate material to the kind of the screen1. Additionally, a size of each of the needle-like parts92and a distance between the needle-like parts92can be appropriately set corresponding to the kind of the screen1. For example, in a case where the screen1is a knitted fabric or a net, the size of each of the needle-like parts92can be a size which each of the needle-like parts92can enter a stitch or a mesh, and the distance between each of the needle-like parts92can be equal to that between the stiches or the meshes. Further, the curved protrusion11can be made of a material such that each of the first guide units63is not easily worn out even by repetitive insertion of the curved protrusion11into the concave part63jof each of the first guide units63.

Furthermore, the second guide7that is provided with the screen apparatus SD can be adopted to a conventional one. Similar to the first guide6, the conventional guide is also formed by connecting of a plurality of second guide units73. Each of the second guide units73also includes a pair of side walls, which are disposed opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction, when the second guide7is drawn from the inside of the first frame2, and a bottom wall connecting the side walls. Additionally, one of two adjacent second guide units73is pivotally supported by the other of the two adjacent second guide units73. The second guide7may be any of which an upper end portion of the expanded screen1is inserted between both of the side walls of each of the second guide units73in a drawn portion72of the inside of the first frame2. Similar to the first guide6, a right end of the second guide7is fixed to the second frame3and becomes a fixed end.

In the screen apparatus SD, each of the first guide6and the second guide7is stored in a separate region of the inside of the first frame2. In other words, a first guiding piece21extending in the longitudinal direction of the first frame2and protruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the inner side surfaces is provided with each of a pair of inner side surfaces except both of the upper and lower end portions of the first frame2, which are opposite in the Y-axis direction of the first frame2. The inside of the first frame2is divided into a first storage portion22for storing the first guide6and a second storage portion23for storing the second guide7by both of the first guiding pieces21. The first storage portion22is positioned at a left side that is one side in the X-axis direction of the inside of the first frame2and the second storage portion23is positioned at a right side that is the other side in the X-axis direction of the inside of the first frame2. The first guide6and the second guide7that are stored in the inside of the first frame2do not collide with each other but pass each other in the inside of the first frame2due to the division of the storage regions of the first guide6and the second guide7in the inside of first frame2into the first storage portion22and the second storage portion23. Therefore, entire length of each of the first guide6and the second guide7can correspond to a size in the left-right direction of the opening in which the screen apparatus SD is installed. Additionally, the needle-like parts92of the screen retaining members9attached to the inner sides in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a.63aof each of the first guide units63of the first guide6are not damaged by the second guide7and structural constraints are not imposed on the second guide unit73forming the second guide7. Further, in each of the first guide units63of the first guide6, in order to make it less susceptible to dust, sand, mud, and the like that are easily accumulated on the lower end of the above-mentioned opening in which the screen apparatus SD is installed, the bottom wall63bin the drawn portion62of the first storage portion22is positioned away from the lower rail5. Therefore, a size in the top-bottom direction of each of the first guide units63of the first guide6becomes relatively large. Accordingly, the curvature of bending of the first guide6when the first guide6is stored in and drawn from the first storage portion22can become relatively large due to the first storage portion22that is positioned at the left side in the inside of the first frame2, and the storage of the first guide6in the first storage portion22and the withdrawal of the first guide6from the first storage portion22are performed more smoothly.

In this connection, protruding ends of both of the first guiding pieces21,21are disposed away from each other in the Y-axis direction and the tension member8is possible to enter both the first storage portion22and the second storage portion23. Additionally, both of the first guiding pieces21,21guide not only up and down movements of the adjuster10of the first guide6but also up and down movements of the guided member12that is connected to the second guide unit73positioned at a lower end portion of the second guide7when the second guide7is stored in the second storage portion23and forms the free end71of the second guide7. The free end71of the second guide2is positioned at a lower end of the guided member12.

Thus, in a case where the first guide6and the second guide7are configured to be stored in the first storage portion22and the second storage portion23that are separate regions in the inside of the first frame2, respectively, an aspect size, i.e., a size in the left-right direction, of the first frame2becomes relatively large. Taking into consideration of the aspect size of the first frame2, it is preferable that the size in the top-bottom direction of both of the side walls of each of the second guide units73in the drawn portion72of the second storage portion23of the first frame2is shorter than that in the top-bottom direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63in the drawn portion62of the first storage portion22of the first frame2. In a case where it is difficult for the screen retaining member9to be attached to the first guide6is attached to the second guide7, a screen retaining member13that is longitudinal in the left-right direction is attached to each of a pair of inner side surfaces opposing to each other in the Y-axis direction of the upper rail4through a supporting piece and the like. The similar constitution to that of the screen retaining member9is adopted to the screen retaining member13, for example. In this case, each of the needle-like parts of the screen retaining member13stabs the upper end portion of the expanded screen1and slipping-out of the expanded screen1from the upper rail4due to receiving of an external force such as a wind pressure can be suppressed. Additionally, damage to the upper end portion of the screen1can be suppressed even by repeating the expansion and storage of the screen1.

In the screen apparatus SD, a bending guide14having a curved surface141curved by a prescribed curvature is provided at the upper end portion of the second storage portion23of the first frame2. The curved surface141of the bending guide14is capable of coming into contact with the bottom wall of each of the second guide units73forming the second guide7. Due to the contact between the curved surface141and the bottom wall of each of the second guide units73, the bending guide14causes each of the second guide units73to pivotally move and bends the second guide7downward, and causes the second guide7to return in the left-right direction. Therefore, the storage of the second guide7in the second storage portion23and the withdrawal of the second guide7from the second storage portion23accompanying the sliding of the first frame2in the left-right direction are smoothly realized. The prescribed curvature of the curved surface141can be appropriately set under consideration of such the bending and returning of the second guide7.

Further, a direction changing member15such as a pulley is provided at each of the upper and lower end portions of the first storage portion22of the first frame2in the screen apparatus SD. The tension member8is hung on each of the direction changing members15. Each of the direction changing members15causes a direction of the tension member8to change in the Z-axis direction and provides a prescribed tension to the tension member8.

ReferringFIGS.7A and7B, the adjuster10and a stopping unit64connected to the first guide unit63of the first guide6are mentioned. In the following, with respect to the adjuster10, the same symbols will be placed on the parts and the like which have been mentioned and explanations of the same will be omitted. Additionally, the stopping unit64has the parts common to those of the first guide unit63, and the same symbols are placed on the parts common to those of the first guide unit63in the stopping unit64and explanations of the same are omitted.

In the adjuster10, a linear slit102for avoiding coming into contact with each of the hill part63fof the first guide unit63to be connected is formed at a part corresponding to the lower end part shown inFIG.1. Parts of the adjuster10from the slit102to a side to be disposed at the second storage portion23of the inside of the first frame2shown inFIG.1are a pair of tongue piece parts102a,102aopposing to each other in the Y-axis direction and each of the tongue piece parts102ahas a thickness corresponding to the depth of the first concave part63a1of the first guide unit63to be connected. An opening102bin which the pin63cof the first guide unit63to be connected is loosely fitted is opened in each of the tongue piece parts102a. Additionally, parts from the slit102to an opposite side to the second storage portion23are a pair of skirt parts102c,102copposing to each other in the Y-axis direction and each of the skirt parts102cis disposed at an outside of the second recessed part63a3shown inFIG.2and the like of the first guide unit63to be connected. Each of surfaces positioned outside in an opposite direction of both of the skirt parts102c,102cis disposed in a same plane with each of the surfaces positioned outside in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof the first guide unit63to be connected.

Additionally, in the adjuster10, at a part adjacent to each of the tongue piece parts102aand each of the skirt part102cof which a position in the Y-axis direction is the same, i.e., at an end part of a side, to which is the first guide unit63is connected, of the adjuster10, a pair of first stoppers103,103that extend in the longitudinal direction of the adjuster10, oppose to each other in the Y-axis direction, and are hollow are provided. Each of the first stoppers103has an open end103aat a side of the first guide unit63that is connected to the adjuster10and a closed end103bat a side opposite to the open end103ain the longitudinal direction of the adjuster10. Additionally, a linear notch103cis formed on an extension line of each of the rail parts63gof the first guide unit63that is connected to the adjuster10at each of inner side surfaces in the opposite direction of both of the first stoppers103,103.

The stopping unit64is connected to the first guide unit63existing at a position corresponding to a right end of the drawn portion62when the first guide6is drawn from the first storage portion22of the inside of the first guide2shown inFIG.1. A constitution and a structure of the stopping unit64are the same as those of the first guide unit63except the following two points. That is, the supporting piece63hprotruding inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof the first guide63is removed. On the other hand, in the stopping unit64, the second stopper64aextending from each of the rail parts63gto an upper end of each of the side walls63ais provided at a connecting end to the first guide63.

For example, when each of the screen retaining members9is attached to each of the first guide units63of the first guide6, the stopping unit64is detached from the first guide6and the base91of each of the screen retaining members9is inserted into the inside of each of the storage parts63ishown inFIG.4Dof the first guide unit63to which the stopping unit64is connected. Subsequently, when the base91is moved in the longitudinal direction of the first guide6along the rail part63gof each of the first guide units63, one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the base91of each of the screen retaining members9enters an inside of each of the first stoppers103through the open end103aof each of the first stoppers103from the first guide unit63connected to the adjuster10. Then, the one end in the longitudinal direction of the base91of each of the screen retaining members9comes into contact with the closed end103bof each of the first stoppers103. At this time, the needle-like parts92attached to the base91that enters the inside of the each of the first stoppers103protrude inward in the opposite direction of both of the first stoppers103,103from the slit102formed at each of the first stoppers103. Additionally, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base92of each of the screen retaining members9is disposed at a right end of the first guide unit63that exists at the position corresponding to the right end of the drawn portion92when the first guide6is drawn from the first storage portion22of the inside of the first frame2. In this state, the stopping unit64is connected to the first guide unit63at which the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base91of each of the screen retaining members9is disposed. At this time, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base91of each of the screen retaining members9comes into contact with the second stopper64aof the stopping unit64.

In other words, in the attached state of each of the screen retaining members9to each of the first guide units63, as above-mentioned, in addition that the base91is supported between each of the rail parts63gand each of the supporting parts63h, the one end in the longitudinal direction of the base91of each of the screen retaining members91comes into contact with the closed end103bof each of the first stoppers103, and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base91of each of the screen retaining members9comes into contact with the second stopper64aof the stopping unit64. Therefore, movements of each of the screen retaining members9in the longitudinal direction of the base91are regulated. Accordingly, despite the repetition of bringing out of and storing in the first frame2of the first guide6, it can be suppressed that each of the screen retaining members9slips out of between each of the rail parts63gand each of the supporting pieces63hthat are provided with each of the first guide units63of the first guide6in the longitudinal direction of the base91.

Additionally, in one end portion in the longitudinal direction of each of the screen retaining members9, at which the base92enters the inside of each of the first stoppers103, the needle-like parts91protrude inward in the opposite direction of both of the first stoppers103,103through the notch103cand do not come into contact with the second stopper64a. Accordingly, slipping out of each of the screen retaining members9in the longitudinal direction of the base91can be suppressed without damaging the needle-like parts92.

In this connection, a plurality of the stopping units64can be connected in the connecting direction of each of the first guide units63. In the screen apparatus SD shown inFIG.1, the roller pipe31is built in the inside of the second frame3, and when the closing operation causing the first frame2to slide leftward is performed, the screen1wound around the roller pipe31is unwound accompanying the closing operation. If the first guide6is formed by the connecting the first guide units63up to the fixed end to the second frame3, it is considered that an unwound portion of the screen1will come into contact with each of the supporting pieces63hof some of the first guide units63positioned at a side of the fixed end, the lower end portion of the screen1will be distorted inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63, and the lower end portion of the screen1will wear due to rubbing with any of inner parts of the side walls63a,63a. As above-mentioned, since the supporting pieces63hof each of the first slide guide units63are removed in the stopping unit64, the stopping unit64is effective for the screen apparatus SD.

As shown inFIG.8, for example, two or more of the stopping units64are connected to the right end portion of the first guide6, which is positioned at the side of the fixed end to the second frame3, and one stopping unit64in the two or more of the stopping units64, which is positioned at the left end, is connected to the first guide unit63. In such the screen apparatus SD, a portion positioned at the side of the fixed end of the first guide6can be suppressed from coming into contact with an unwound portion1aof the screen1.

Accordingly, it can be overcome that, at the time of the closing operation of the first frame6, the lower end portion of the unwound portion1aof the screen1from the roller pipe31is distorted inward in the opposite direction of both of the side walls63a,63aof each of the first guide units63and wears due to rubbing with any of the inner parts of the side walls63a,63a1.

Incidentally, the tension member8shown inFIG.1is, for example, a string. The tension member8is hung on both of the direction changing members15,15, one of which is disposed at the lower end portion of the first storage portion22and the other of which is disposed at the upper end portion of the first storage portion22, and is passed from the first storage portion22to the second storage portion23through both of the first guiding pieces21,21. A ball knot is formed at an end portion of the tension member8. The ball knot is inserted into a not-shown slit which is formed at a lower end part of the guided member12forming the free end71of the second guide7and downwardly extends, is caught in a lower end edge part of the guided member12, and is fixed to the guided member12. Additionally, a portion of the other end side of the tension member8is hung on a part of a right end side of a screw head from above and upwardly directs again and another ball knot is formed at an upper end part of the portion of the other end side of the tension member8. Another ball knot is inserted into a not-shown slit which is formed at an upper end part of the guided member12forming the free end71of the second guide7and downwardly extends, is caught in an upper end edge part of the guided member12, and is fixed to the guided member12. The screw is passed through an inside of a slot that is formed in the guided member12and extends in the top-bottom direction. A tightening position in the top-bottom direction of the screw with respect to the guided member12is adjusted and a prescribed tension is applied to the tension member8. Further, a portion of the tension member8, which is positioned at the first storage portion22between both of the direction changing members15,15, is pressed leftward and is fixed to the upper end part of the adjuster10forming the free end61of the first guide6by the screw. Thus, the tension member8connects the free end61of the first guide6and the free end71of the second guide7, and forms a loop disposed in the top-bottom direction. A stored length in the first storage portion22and a drawn length of the first storage portion22of the first guide6become equal to a stored length in the second storage portion23and a drawn length of the second storage portion23of the second guide7due to the loop formed by the tension member8. As a result, a parallel sliding of the first frame2with respect to the second frame3can be certainly realized. Additionally, the parallel sliding of the first frame2is realized by the closing operation of the user at an arbitrary portion in the top-bottom direction of the first frame2. Further, the parallel sliding of the first frame2is also realized during the opening operation due to the elastic force of the coil spring31a. The prescribed tension applied to the tension member8is appropriately set under consideration of the above-mentioned sliding of the first frame2.

Though the invention is descried regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, the invention is not restricted to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, in addition to such the automatic storage manner using the elastic force of the coil spring31aas in the above-mentioned embodiment, an automatic opening and closing manner using a torque when a motor rotates for the expansion and storage of the screen1and an opening and closing manner manually performing both of the expansion and storage of the screen1may be applicable to the screen apparatus SD. Additionally, a foldable screen in which a plurality of pleats are formed can be adopted to the screen1. Further, in the case of the screen apparatus SD of the manual opening and closing manner, the second frame3is not fixed to the above-mentioned opening and is made slidable in the left-right direction like the first frame2, whereby a screen apparatus SD can be a double-opening manner. Furthermore, the Z-axis direction is not limited to the vertical direction but may be an orthogonal direction with respect to the X-axis direction. For example, the screen apparatus SD can be installed in an inclined opening that is inclined with respect to the vertical plane.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS