Dimming device and dimming unit, and method for manufacturing a dimming unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a dimming device and dimming unit that offer excellent ease of installation on the object to be installed (ease of installation on the object to be constructed), as well as a method for manufacturing a dimming unit. [Solution] The dimming device 10 is attached to the sash 60 and comprises a dimming sheet 20 and a protective sheet 40 that is attached to the surface of the dimming sheet 20. The protective sheet 40 is characterized in that, when attaching the dimming device 10 to the sash 60, an inner area A1 (part) of the protective sheet 40 is left on the surface of the dimming sheet 20, and the outer area A2 (other part) of the protective sheet 40 is removed from the surface of the dimming sheet 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dimming device, a dimming unit, and a method for manufacturing a dimming unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a sealed dimming element with a surface protection film having a dimming element, a surface protection film, and a sealing layer. The dimming element includes a first transparent conductive film, a second transparent conductive film disposed to face the first transparent conductive film, and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer disposed between the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film. The surface protection film includes a base material and an adhesive layer provided on one side thereof, and is laminated on at least one main surface of the dimming element via the adhesive layer. The sealing layer is provided at the end faces of the dimming element and the surface protection film. And a relational expression regarding the thickness of the sealing layer, the base material thickness of the surface protection film, and the thickness of the dimming element is defined.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the intensive research of the present inventor, the sealed dimming element (dimming sheet) with a surface protection film of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement from the viewpoint of the attachability to the attachment object (workability to the construction object).

[0005] The present invention has been completed based on the above problem awareness, and an object thereof is to provide a dimming device and a dimming unit excellent in attachability to an attachment object (workability to a construction object), and a method for manufacturing a dimming unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The dimming device of this embodiment is a dimming device to be attached to an object to be attached, and comprises a dimming sheet and a protective sheet attached to the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet, wherein the protective sheet has a trimming line for removing the other portion of the protective sheet from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet, while leaving a portion of the protective sheet on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet when the dimming device is attached to the object to be attached.

[0007] The dimming unit of this embodiment is a dimming unit comprising an object to be mounted and a dimming device to be mounted on the object, wherein the dimming device comprises a dimming sheet and a protective sheet to be attached to the surface on which the dimming sheet is attached, and the protective sheet has a trimming line for removing the other portion of the protective sheet from the surface on which the dimming sheet is attached, while leaving a portion of the protective sheet on the surface on which the dimming device is attached to the object to be mounted.

[0008] The manufacturing method of the dimming unit of this embodiment is a method for manufacturing a dimming unit to be attached to an object, wherein the dimming unit comprises a dimming sheet and a protective sheet attached to the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached, and when the dimming unit is attached to the object to be attached, a portion of the protective sheet is left on the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached along the trimming line of the protective sheet, and the other portion of the protective sheet is removed from the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dimming device and a dimming unit that are excellent in terms of ease of attachment to the object to be attached (ease of installation on the object to be constructed), as well as a method for manufacturing a dimming unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dimming device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a dimming device bonded to a light-transmitting member in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the dimming unit of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing an example of a trimming line provided on the protective sheet of this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing a first modified example of a trimming line provided on a protective sheet. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the second to fourth modified examples of the trimming lines provided on the protective sheet. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing a fifth modified example of the trimming line provided on the protective sheet. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the technical challenges of conventional dimming devices and dimming units. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <Definitions of Terms, etc.> In this specification, the term "object to be mounted" is used to include the concept of a "light-transmitting member" to which a dimming device is mounted, and a "sash" or "caulking member" to which the light-transmitting member (the light-transmitting member with the dimming device mounted) is mounted. For this reason, "object to be mounted" may be read as "light-transmitting member," "sash," or "caulking member." In other words, in this specification, "light-transmitting member," "sash," or "caulking member" are given as examples of "object to be mounted," but "object to be mounted" is not limited to these and may be any member for which a dimming device is mounted.

[0012] In this specification, "characteristics of the object to be mounted" is used as a concept that includes the shape of light-transmitting members, sashes or caulking members, design drawings, and construction environment. In other words, "characteristics of the object to be mounted" may also refer to any information related to constraints (difficulty or inconvenience of installation) when mounting (constructing) the dimming device to the object to be mounted.

[0013] In this specification, the term "light-transmitting member" may be read as "light-transmitting plate" or "light-transmitting window," and is used in a concept that includes "glass member," "glass plate," or "glass window." That is, in this specification, "glass member (glass plate, glass window)" is given as an example of a "light-transmitting member (light-transmitting plate, light-transmitting window)," but a "light-transmitting member (light-transmitting plate, light-transmitting window)" may be composed of materials other than glass, such as various plastics or other materials. For example, a "light-transmitting member (light-transmitting plate, light-transmitting window)" may be made of polycarbonate.

[0014] In this specification, a "dimming unit" comprises a light-transmitting member, a dimming device attached to the light-transmitting member, and a sash or caulking member to which the light-transmitting member (the light-transmitting member with the dimming device attached) is attached. As its name suggests, the light-transmitting member possesses light-transmitting properties as an inherent characteristic. The dimming device ensures the light-transmitting properties of the light-transmitting member and thus the dimming unit (making it transparent) by not performing its own dimming function, and inhibits the light-transmitting properties of the light-transmitting member and thus the dimming unit (making it opaque) by performing its own dimming function. There are two types of dimming devices: a normal type (normal mode) that is transparent when powered on and opaque when not powered on, and a reverse type (reverse mode) that is transparent when not powered on and opaque when powered on. Performing the dimming function of the dimming device means when the normal type is not powered on and when the reverse type is powered on. Also, not performing the dimming function of the dimming device may mean when the normal type is powered on and when the reverse type is not powered on. Thus, the dimming device can switch between a transparent state and an opaque state by switching between an energized state and an unenhanced state. Here, the transparent state does not mean a visible light transmittance of 100% (it does not mean a strictly transparent state). Similarly, the opaque state does not mean a visible light transmittance of 0% (it does not mean a strictly opaque state). The terms transparent state and opaque state are used to include a semi-transparent state. Furthermore, in this specification, "dimensioning device" may mean a component of the dimming unit, the dimming device in its state before being attached to the light-transmitting member.

[0015] In this specification, the dimming method by the dimming unit (dimming device) can use, for example, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) method and the polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) method. Alternatively, the dimming method by the dimming unit (dimming device) may be one that utilizes electrochromic (EC), liquid crystal (LC), or suspended particle device (SPD). That is, there is freedom in the dimming method by the dimming unit (dimming device), and various design changes are possible.

[0016] In this specification, the dimming device may have a "dimming region (dimming part, dimming surface) that switches between a transparent state and an opaque state by switching between an energized state and a non-energized state" and a "sealing region (sealing part, sealing surface) that seals at least a part of the periphery of the dimming region". The dimming region may, for example, mean substantially the entire area excluding the periphery of a dimming sheet (dimming film) having a dimming layer, a pair of transparent conductive layers located on both sides sandwiching the dimming layer, and a pair of transparent base material layers located on both sides sandwiching the pair of transparent conductive layers. Furthermore, the dimming region may be defined as a region where the dimming function of the dimming sheet (dimming film) is exhibited and the visible light transmittance changes, and / or a region where the dimming layer of the dimming sheet (dimming film) exists when viewed in plan view. The sealing region may, for example, be configured to include a sealing member (e.g., a material that can be UV-cured in a short time) that seals at least a part of the periphery of the dimming sheet.

[0017] In this specification, the light-transmitting member to which the dimming device is attached may include so-called single-piece or double-piece light-transmitting members. In the case of a single-piece light-transmitting member, the dimming device may be attached to the surface of the single-piece light-transmitting member. Further, in the case of a double-piece light-transmitting member, the dimming device may be supported by sandwiching it with an intermediate layer (intermediate film) interposed between the two light-transmitting members. Alternatively, in the case of a double-piece light-transmitting member, the dimming device may be attached to the surface of one of the two light-transmitting members. Thus, the structure for attaching the dimming device to the light-transmitting member has a degree of freedom, and various design changes are possible.

[0018] In this specification, "upper surface" and "lower surface" may be defined as, for example, the upper and lower surfaces in the figure (or may be defined based on the vertical direction in the figure). Also, in this specification, "outer side" and "outer support layer" may be defined as being outside a certain reference (center) layer, or as a layer supported outside a certain reference (center) layer, regardless of the vertical direction in the figure. For example, assume a laminated structure in which a certain reference (center) layer A is provided, layer B is provided on both sides of layer A, and layer C is provided on both sides of layer B. In this case, layer B is an "outer support layer" supported "outside" layer A, and layer C is an "outer support layer" supported "outside" layer A and layer B. In that sense, "outer side" and "outer support layer" may be read as "upper layer" and "upper layer support layer". In this case, "outer side" and "outer support layer" are defined as the upper layer side as they are farther from a certain reference (center) layer, and as the lower layer side as they are closer to a certain reference (center) layer.

[0019] In this specification, the "protective sheet" is attached to at least one of the front and back surfaces of the dimming sheet when the dimming sheet is not in use (after manufacturing and before installation) to protect the dimming sheet (protect it from scratches and dirt). This protective sheet may be gradually removed in an appropriate desired shape and size step by step when attached to the object to be attached (object to be installed) (during installation) by using the "trimming line" described later.

[0020] In this specification, "trimming line" is defined as a separation assist line provided in advance at the boundary between a portion of the protective sheet and another portion of the protective sheet, in order to leave a portion of the protective sheet on the surface to be attached to the dimming sheet and remove the other portion of the protective sheet from the surface to be attached to the dimming sheet. For example, a trimming line (separation assist line) is provided to make it easier to separate (cut off) the obstructing portion in accordance with the constraints (difficulty or inconvenience of installation) when attaching the dimming device to the object to be attached. For example, a trimming line (separation assist line) may be a perforated cut made to a predetermined depth in the protective sheet, or a cut of a constant depth.

[0021] <Conventional technical challenges> Recently, dimming devices that can control transparency and opacity (transmittance) by applying voltage have come into use in partitions, residential windows, cars, and other applications, for purposes such as ambient light adjustment and privacy protection. In this way, dimming devices are products that can instantly switch between transparency and opacity by utilizing the properties of liquid crystal.

[0022] Such dimming devices are not used as standalone units; for example, when used in building materials, the dimming sheet that constitutes the dimming device is attached to a light-transmitting member (for example, a glass member). Therefore, the dimming device is required to be designed to prevent malfunctions during the process of laminating the dimming sheet to the light-transmitting member, or during the process of attaching the dimming sheet with the light-transmitting member attached to the sash.

[0023] To explain in more detail, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, dimming sheets generally have protective sheets (protective films) attached to both the front and back surfaces to protect against scratches and dirt on the dimming area when they are shipped from the factory after manufacturing. These protective sheets are typically removed (peeled off) from the dimming sheet during the process of laminating the dimming sheet to the light-transmitting member.

[0024] By the way, it is preferable that the protective sheet attached to the dimming sheet be left in place until immediately before installation or even after installation (and removed after installation).

[0025] For example, it is preferable to keep the protective sheet attached to the side of the light-filtering sheet that is attached to the light-transmitting member attached until immediately before the process of bonding it to the light-transmitting member, that is, immediately before installation. On the other hand, it is preferable to keep the protective sheet attached to the side of the light-filtering sheet that is opposite to the side that is attached to the light-transmitting member attached until after the light-filtering sheet has been attached (fixed) to the sash, that is, after installation.

[0026] However, when removing the protective sheet from the dimming sheet, it may not come off properly.

[0027] Figures 10 and 11 show examples of technical challenges in conventional dimming devices and dimming units.

[0028] Figure 10 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a dimming unit in which a dimming device bonded to a light-transmitting member is attached to a window frame. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in Figure 10.

[0029] Figure 10 shows the light-transmitting member and the dimming sheet and protective sheet that constitute the dimming device, superimposed in order from the back in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

[0030] As shown in Figure 10, the outer shapes of the light-transmitting member, the dimming sheet, and the protective sheet are all rectangular (or nearly rectangular). The outer shape of the dimming sheet is slightly smaller than that of the light-transmitting member. The outer shape of the protective sheet is the same as or nearly the same as that of the dimming sheet.

[0031] When such a light-transmitting member and a dimming device (dimming sheet) attached to the light-transmitting member are fitted into a window frame, as shown in Figure 11, the periphery of the light-transmitting member and the dimming device is covered by the window frame. In other words, the periphery of the protective sheet, which is set to be the same as or approximately the same as the outer shape of the dimming sheet, is covered by the window frame. For example, in this state, if one tries to peel the protective sheet from the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached, the window frame gets in the way, making it difficult to remove the protective sheet from the dimming sheet properly. As a result, there is a risk that the ease of installation (workability) of the dimming device (dimming unit) will be worsened.

[0032] Alternatively, if the periphery of the light-transmitting member and dimming device fitted into the sash is fixed to the sash via a pair of caulking members, the periphery of the protective sheet, which is set to be the same as or approximately the same as the outer shape of the dimming sheet, will be sandwiched between the caulking members. In this state, if one tries to peel the protective sheet from the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached, the caulking members will get in the way, making it difficult to remove the protective sheet from the dimming sheet properly. As a result, there is a risk that the ease of installation (workability) of the dimming device (dimming unit) will be worsened.

[0033] <Technical Concept of the Invention> The inventors of the present invention considered the above problems as important technical challenges and came up with the idea of ​​providing a dimming device and dimming unit with excellent ease of attachment to the object to be attached (ease of installation on the object to be constructed), as well as a method for manufacturing the dimming unit, by pre-applying trimming lines to the protective sheet to be attached to the dimming sheet.

[0034] More specifically, the dimming device of this embodiment is attached to an object to be mounted (for example, a glass member, a sash, or a caulking member), and comprises a dimming sheet and a protective sheet attached to the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached. The protective sheet has a trimming line that allows a portion of the protective sheet to remain on the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached when the dimming sheet is attached to the object to be mounted, while the other portion of the protective sheet can be removed from the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached. This allows a portion of the protective sheet, which is attached to the entire surface (or nearly the entire surface) of the dimming sheet, to remain on the dimming sheet, as it is not restricted (not obstructed) by the object to be mounted. Then, only the other portion that is restricted (obstructed) by the object to be mounted can be removed (peeled off) along the trimming line. Therefore, even after the dimming device has been attached to the object to be mounted (after installation), a portion of the protective sheet can be left in a position that is easy to remove from the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached (a position that is not obstructed by the object to be mounted).

[0035] Furthermore, the objects to which dimming devices are attached are often covering members such as sashes that cover the periphery of the dimming device. In particular, when attaching a dimming device to such a covering member, from the viewpoint of ease of installation (workability), the protective sheet attached to the dimming sheet is required to avoid the covering member. Therefore, it is preferable to set the trimming line at a position where the central part (inner region) of the protective sheet remains and the peripheral part (outer region) of the protective sheet is removed.

[0036] Furthermore, when the mounting object to which the dimming device is attached is a sash that covers the periphery of the dimming device, it is preferable that the trimming line of the protective sheet be a closed trimming line that divides the protective sheet into an inner region and an outer region. By providing such a closed trimming line on the protective sheet, only the outer region of the protective sheet can be removed integrally from the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached in a single removal operation (a peeling and stripping operation).

[0037] Furthermore, when the mounting object to which the dimming device is attached is a sash that covers the periphery of the dimming device, the trimming lines of the protective sheet may be longitudinal and transverse trimming lines that traverse longitudinally between different positions on the periphery of the protective sheet. By providing such longitudinal and transverse trimming lines on the protective sheet, multiple longitudinal and transverse regions that constitute the outer region of the protective sheet can be removed separately. This makes it possible to selectively remove the protective sheet at an appropriate timing and position when removing the outer region of the protective sheet, according to the characteristics of the mounting object (for example, the shape and size of the sash or caulking material that is the mounting object, the process of attaching the dimming device to the mounting object, etc.).

[0038] Furthermore, the trimming lines of the protective sheet may be configured as multiple trimming lines. For example, by providing multiple closing trimming lines with different external shapes, multiple patterns of shape change before and after trimming of the protective sheet can be set depending on whether the protective sheet is left on or removed based on one of the multiple closing trimming lines, or on a combination of two or more of the multiple closing trimming lines. In other words, the optimal closing trimming line can be selected from among multiple closing trimming lines according to the characteristics of the object to which the dimming device is attached. This increases the versatility of the protective sheet attached to the dimming sheet.

[0039] Furthermore, the multiple trimming lines may have indicators that show which of the multiple trimming lines should be used to leave or remove the protective sheet, depending on the characteristics of the object to be attached. By providing such indicators, it is possible to visually identify in advance which trimming line of the multiple trimming lines is to be left or removed from the protective sheet. Therefore, even if multiple trimming lines are provided on the protective sheet, the target trimming line can be accurately selected.

[0040] <Specific Embodiments> The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and proportions in each drawing are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Furthermore, even when the same part is represented between different drawings, the relationship between dimensions and proportions may be represented differently. In particular, the following embodiments are illustrative examples of devices and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not determined by the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0041] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dimming device of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 1A shows the dimming sheet with the protective sheet attached. Figure 1B shows the dimming sheet in the process of being peeled off from one side. Figure 1C shows the dimming sheet with the protective sheet completely peeled off from one side.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1A, the dimming device 10 includes a dimming sheet 20, a first protective sheet 30 provided (attached) to the upper surface of the dimming sheet 20, and a second protective sheet 40 provided (attached) to the lower surface of the dimming sheet 20.

[0044] The dimming sheet 20 has a dimming layer (liquid crystal layer) 21. The dimming layer 21 contains a liquid crystal composition. The dimming layer 21 is composed of, for example, polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC), polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP), guest-host liquid crystal (GHLC), etc. For example, polymer network liquid crystal has a polymer network having a three-dimensional mesh structure, and liquid crystal molecules are held in the voids of the polymer network. The liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 21 have, for example, positive dielectric anisotropy, and the dielectric constant in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule is greater than the dielectric constant in the short axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule. Liquid crystal molecules include, for example, Schiff base-based, azo-based, azoxy-based, biphenyl-based, terphenyl-based, benzoic acid ester-based, tran-based, pyrimidine-based, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ester-based, phenylcyclohexane-based, and dioxane-based liquid crystal molecules.

[0045] A transparent conductive layer 22X is provided on the outside of one side of the dimming layer 21 (the top side in the figure), and a transparent substrate layer 23X is provided on the outside of the transparent conductive layer 22X. A transparent conductive layer 22Y is provided on the outside of the other side of the dimming layer 21 (the bottom side in the figure), and a transparent substrate layer 23Y is provided on the outside of the transparent conductive layer 22Y. Thus, the dimming sheet 20 has a dimming layer 21, a pair of transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y located on both sides of the dimming layer 21, and a pair of transparent substrate layers 23X and 23Y located on both sides of the pair of transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y. Each pair of transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y and the transparent substrate layers 23X and 23Y constitute a "pair of outer support layers" located on both sides of the dimming layer 21.

[0046] The transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y are transparent layers that have conductivity. Examples of materials that make up the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y include polymers containing indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and multilayer films containing Ag alloy thin films. The transparent substrate layers 23X and 23Y are layers composed of materials such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

[0047] Furthermore, the "outer support layer" may be an additional or alternative layer located outside the transparent substrate layers 23X and 23Y. In other words, there is flexibility in the number and type of "outer support layers," allowing for various design changes. For example, the "outer support layer" may be a transparent support layer made of a transparent substrate. As the transparent support layer, for example, a glass substrate or a silicon substrate, or a polymer film made of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymer, triacetylcellulose, etc. may be used. In addition, as the "outer support layer," for example, a layer to protect the light-adjusting layer 21, the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y, and the transparent substrate layers 23X and 23Y, a layer that contributes to controlling the light transmittance in the light-adjusting sheet 20, or a layer that enhances the strength, heat resistance, and other properties of the light-adjusting sheet 20 may be used. For example, the "pair of outer support layers" located on both sides of the light-adjusting layer 21 may each include a transparent conductive layer, a transparent substrate layer, a hard coat layer, and an adhesive layer as a functional film.

[0048] Although not shown in the illustration, the outer edges (end faces) of the dimming sheet 20 are not flush with each other, and may be arranged so that their positions are offset from each other when viewed from above.

[0049] For example, when considering a certain end (end face) of the dimming sheet 20, the transparent conductive layer 22X and transparent substrate layer 23X provided on one surface (upper surface in the figure) of the dimming layer 21 protrude laterally than the transparent conductive layer 22Y and transparent substrate layer 23Y provided on the other surface (lower surface in the figure) of the dimming layer 21. Half-cut portions are formed in the protruding transparent conductive layer 22X and transparent substrate layer 23X. These half-cut portions may be provided with an electrode portion and a wiring portion (not shown) for applying a driving voltage to the dimming sheet 20 (dimming layer 21).

[0050] Furthermore, when considering another end (end face) of the dimming sheet 20, the transparent conductive layer 22Y and transparent substrate layer 23Y provided on the other surface (bottom surface in the figure) of the dimming layer 21 protrude laterally more than the transparent conductive layer 22X and transparent substrate layer 23X provided on one surface (top surface in the figure) of the dimming layer 21. Half-cut portions are formed in the protruding transparent conductive layer 22Y and transparent substrate layer 23Y. These half-cut portions may be provided with electrode portions and wiring portions (not shown) for applying a driving voltage to the dimming sheet 20 (dimming layer 21).

[0051] When a drive current is passed through the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y via the electrode section and wiring section (not shown) of the dimming sheet 20 configured as described above, a drive voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y, i.e., to the dimming layer 21.

[0052] When no driving voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y (the dimming layer 21), the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the dimming layer 21 along its long axis is irregular. As a result, light incident on the dimming layer 21 is scattered, and the dimming sheet 20 appears cloudy (white dimming). In other words, the dimming sheet 20 is opaque.

[0053] On the other hand, when a driving voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y (the dimming layer 21), the liquid crystal molecules in the dimming layer 21 are oriented, and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned with the electric field direction between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y. As a result, light is more easily transmitted through the dimming layer 21, and the dimming sheet 20 becomes transparent. In this way, the dimming sheet 20 functions as a normal type (normal mode).

[0054] The dimming sheet 20 may also include a pair of alignment layers sandwiching the dimming layer 21 between the dimming layer 21 and the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y. The alignment layers control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 21, and when no driving voltage is applied, they orient the liquid crystal molecules along the direction normal to the alignment layer. In a configuration with alignment layers, the dimming sheet 20 becomes opaque when a driving voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y (dimming layer 21). Also, when no driving voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y (dimming layer 21), the dimming sheet 20 becomes transparent (functions as a reverse type (reverse mode)). Examples of materials constituting the alignment layers include organic compounds such as polyimide, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, and cyanide compounds, inorganic compounds such as silicon oxide and zirconium oxide, and silicone. Examples of orientation treatments for forming the alignment layers include rubbing treatment, polarized irradiation treatment, and microfabrication treatment.

[0055] Furthermore, the dimming layer 21 may contain a dye having a predetermined color that does not hinder the movement of liquid crystal molecules in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage applied to the dimming layer 21. In addition, a dichroic dye and a black spacer may be added to the dimming layer 21. With this configuration, a dimming sheet 20 having a predetermined color can be realized. In other words, black dimming and colored dimming become possible.

[0056] The dimming sheet 20 can be cut into a desired shape from a large sheet consisting of a multilayer structure with each layer that makes up the dimming sheet 20, and used for various purposes. For example, the dimming sheet 20 can be applied to various applications such as dimming films that block visibility from the inside and outside at specific times, office partitions, laminated glass, and frosted glass, where transparent glass is normally acceptable. The dimming sheet 20 can also be installed in the upper part of a car's windshield to provide a partial sun visor function.

[0057] The dimmable glass / dimming method of this embodiment described above is just one example, and various design modifications are possible. For example, the dimmable glass / dimming method of this embodiment may be an electrochromic (EC) dimmable glass, an SPD (Suspended Particle Device) method, a gaschromic method, or other dimmable glass / dimming methods.

[0058] The first protective sheet 30 has a transparent substrate layer 31 and an adhesive layer 32 provided on the side of the transparent substrate layer 31 facing the light-adjusting sheet 20. The adhesive force of the adhesive layer 32 causes the first protective sheet 30 (transparent substrate layer 31) to adhere to the light-adjusting sheet 20 (transparent substrate layer 23X).

[0059] The second protective sheet 40 has a transparent substrate layer 41 and an adhesive layer 42 provided on the side of the transparent substrate layer 41 facing the light-adjusting sheet 20. The adhesive force of the adhesive layer 42 causes the second protective sheet 40 (transparent substrate layer 41) to adhere to the light-adjusting sheet 20 (transparent substrate layer 23Y).

[0060] The transparent substrate layer 31 and the transparent substrate layer 41 may be made of the same material and have the same properties, or they may be made of different materials and have different properties. For example, the transparent substrate layer 31 and the transparent substrate layer 41 may be layers made of a material such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

[0061] The adhesive layer 32 and the adhesive layer 42 may have the same material and properties, or they may have different materials and properties. The adhesive layer 32 and the adhesive layer 42 may be layers composed of, for example, an acrylic adhesive. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 32 and the adhesive layer 42 may be a mixture of one or more resin materials such as acrylic resin and silicone resin. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 32 and the adhesive layer 42 may be formed by forming adhesive layer material in layers on the surface of a film substrate (transparent substrate layer 31 and transparent substrate layer 41). In addition, the adhesive layer 32 and the adhesive layer 42 may be formed by modifying the surface layer of the film substrate (transparent substrate layer 31 and transparent substrate layer 41) to impart tackiness.

[0062] The first protective sheet 30 and the second protective sheet 40, each having such adhesive layers 32 and 42, are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the dimming sheet 20 from manufacturing to transportation (see Figure 1A). In the process of laminating the dimming sheet 20 to the light-transmitting member 50, the first protective sheet 30 attached to the surface of the dimming sheet 20 that is to be laminated to the light-transmitting member 50 (the upper surface of the dimming sheet 20) is removed from the dimming sheet 20 (transparent base material layer 23X). The upper surface of the dimming sheet 20 from which the first protective sheet 30 has been removed is exposed and attached to the light-transmitting member 50. Meanwhile, the second protective sheet 40 remains attached to the lower surface of the dimming sheet 20 while the upper surface of the dimming sheet 20 is attached to the light-transmitting member 50 (see Figures 1B and 1C). In other words, the side of the dimming sheet 20 opposite to the side that is bonded to the light-transmitting member 50 is protected by the second protective sheet 40 even after the dimming sheet 20 is bonded to the light-transmitting member 50.

[0063] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a dimming device bonded to a light-transmitting member of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a dimming unit of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in Figure 3.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the light-transmitting member 50, the dimming sheet 20 attached to the light-transmitting member 50, and the second protective sheet 40 attached to the dimming sheet 20, stacked on top of each other from the back in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. As shown in Figure 2, the outer shapes of the light-transmitting member 50, the dimming sheet 20, and the second protective sheet 40 are all rectangular (approximately rectangular).

[0065] The outer dimensions of the dimming sheet 20 and the second protective sheet 40 are set to be slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the light-transmitting member 50. Furthermore, the outer dimensions of the dimming sheet 20 and the second protective sheet 40 are set to be the same or nearly identical. In other words, the second protective sheet 40 is attached so as to cover nearly the entire surface of the dimming sheet 20.

[0066] Furthermore, the external shapes of the dimming sheet 20 and the second protective sheet 40 do not have to be exactly the same. That is, the external shape of the second protective sheet 40 covering the dimming sheet 20 may be set to be slightly larger than the external shape of the dimming sheet 20. Alternatively, the external shape of the second protective sheet 40 covering the dimming sheet 20 may be set to be slightly smaller than the external shape of the dimming sheet 20. In other words, the second protective sheet has flexibility, and various design changes are possible. Therefore, the external shape of the second protective sheet 40 can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the dimming sheet 20, the dimming area of ​​the dimming sheet 20, or the construction environment (layout of the light-transmitting member 50 and dimming device 10, etc.).

[0067] Furthermore, as an example of this embodiment, a dimming device 10 (dimming unit 1) that is rectangular (or roughly rectangular) will be described, but the dimming device 10 is not limited to a rectangle and may have any other suitable shape, such as a circle.

[0068] Figure 3 shows a dimming unit 1 manufactured by attaching a dimming device 10, which is bonded to a light-transmitting member 50, to a sash 60. The manufacturing method of the dimming unit 1 (the process of attaching the dimming device 10, which is bonded to the light-transmitting member 50, to the sash 60) will be described below.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the dimming unit 1 has a sash 60 as the object to which it is mounted. The sash 60 has a receiving recess 61, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0070] The receiving recess 61 is capable of receiving the peripheral edges of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 (dimming sheet 20 and second protective sheet 40) bonded to the light-transmitting member 50. When the peripheral edges of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 are received, a pair of caulking members 70 are provided in the receiving recess 61 as mounting objects to fix the peripheral edges of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 to the sash 60. The pair of caulking members 70 may be, for example, rubber gaskets, and may also be members that fix the peripheral edges of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 to the sash 60 and function as a sealed and airtight structure. When attaching (fitting) the lower ends of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 to the sash 60, a setting block 71 that supports the lower ends of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 may be provided on the bottom surface of the receiving recess 61 on the lower side of the sash 60.

[0071] The light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10, installed in this manner, together with the sash 60 and a pair of caulking members 70, constitute the dimming unit 1.

[0072] At this point, during the process of attaching the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 to the sash 60, the second protective sheet 40, which was attached to the surface of the dimming sheet 20, is removed (peeled off) from the surface of the dimming sheet 20.

[0073] However, in this embodiment, when the second protective sheet 40 is removed from the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached, it is possible to leave a portion of the second protective sheet 40 on the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached. In other words, when the second protective sheet 40 in this embodiment is removed from the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached, only the remaining portion of the second protective sheet 40 is removed from the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the second protective sheet 40 is removed from the surface of the dimming sheet 20, the central inner region A1 that is not obstructed by the sash 60 and the pair of caulking members 70 remains on the dimming sheet 20. Then, when the second protective sheet 40 is removed from the surface of the dimming sheet 20, only the peripheral outer region A2 that is obstructed by the sash 60 and the pair of caulking members 70 is removed from the surface of the dimming sheet 20.

[0075] To realize such a second protective sheet 40, the second protective sheet 40 of this embodiment has a pre-trimming line 40L.

[0076] Figure 6 is a plan view showing an example of a trimming line provided on the protective sheet of this embodiment.

[0077] The trimming line 40L is provided at the boundary between the inner region A1 and the outer region A2 of the second protective sheet 40. The trimming line 40L is a separation auxiliary line for separating the inner region A1 and the outer region A2. Such a trimming line 40L is pre-cut to a predetermined depth in the second protective sheet 40 based on, for example, the shape of the sash 60 or a pair of caulking members 70, the design drawings, and the construction environment (layout, etc.).

[0078] For example, the object to which the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 are attached is often a covering member such as a sash 60 that covers the periphery of the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10. In particular, when attaching the dimming device 10 to such a covering member, from the viewpoint of ease of attachment (workability), the second protective sheet 40 attached to the dimming sheet 20 is required to avoid the covering member. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the trimming line 40L at the boundary between an inner area A1 that is not obstructed by the sash 60, etc., and an outer area A2 that is obstructed by the sash 60, etc., based on the dimensions of the covering member such as the sash 60.

[0079] The conditions for the depth of the trimming line 40L, such as the cut depth, are determined in advance through experiments or other means, based on the thickness and material properties of the second protective sheet 40, in order to accurately separate the remaining and removed portions of the second protective sheet 40. Such a trimming line 40L may be a perforated cut or a cut of a constant depth.

[0080] Figure 6A shows the closing trimming line 40La provided on the second protective sheet 40. Figure 6B shows the state in which the outer region A2 of the second protective sheet 40 is being peeled off along the closing trimming line 40La, with the inner region A1 of the second protective sheet 40 remaining on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. Figure 6C shows the state in which only the outer region A2 of the second protective sheet 40 has been completely peeled off from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20 along the closing trimming line 40La.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6A, the closing trimming line 40La is provided to divide the second protective sheet 40 into an inner region A1 and an outer region A2. That is, the closing trimming line 40La provided on the second protective sheet 40 is rectangular in shape and is drawn in a single stroke with the starting point and ending point coinciding.

[0082] In such a closed trimming line 40La, when only the outer region A2 of the second protective sheet 40 is removed from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20, the inner region A1 of the second protective sheet 40 is pressed against the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. In this state, as shown in Figure 6B, one corner of the outer region A2 of the second protective sheet 40 is peeled up. Then, as shown in Figure 6C, only the outer region A2 of the second protective sheet 40 is integrally removed (peeled off) from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. As a result, of the second protective sheet 40 that was attached to the entire surface (almost the entire surface) of the dimming sheet 20, only the inner region A1 of the second protective sheet 40 remains on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20.

[0083] In this state, the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 are fitted into the sash 60 and fixed to the sash 60 via a pair of caulking members 70. Through these steps, the dimming unit 1 is manufactured. The inner region A1 of the second protective sheet 40 remaining on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20 is removed (peeled off) from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20 at an appropriate time after installation.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the inner region A1 corresponds to one specific example of a "part" and a "central part." Also, in this embodiment, the outer region A2 corresponds to one specific example of a "other part" and a "peripheral part." Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light-transmitting member 50, the sash 60, and the pair of caulking members 70 correspond to one specific example of an "object to be attached." Also, in this embodiment, the shape, design drawings, and construction environment (layout, etc.) of the sash 60 or the pair of caulking members 70 correspond to one specific example of "characteristics of the object to be attached." Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second protective sheet 40 corresponds to one specific example of a "protective sheet" (hereinafter, the second protective sheet 40 will be referred to as protective sheet 40).

[0085] In this embodiment, as an example, the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 is left on the dimming sheet 20, and the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 is removed from the dimming sheet 20. However, the trimming line 40L may be provided to remove (peel off) a portion of the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40, depending on the shape of the sash 60 and the pair of caulking members 70, the design drawings, the construction environment, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the timing for separating the inner region A1 and outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 along the trimming line 40L was described as being performed during the process of attaching the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 to the sash 60. However, the timing for separation may also be the timing for attaching the dimming sheet 20 to the light-transmitting member 50. In other words, the timing for separation may be an appropriate timing depending on the construction environment.

[0087] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which the protective sheet 40 having the trimming line 40L is attached to the side of the dimming sheet 20 opposite to the side that is attached to the light-transmitting member 50, it may also be attached to the side that is attached to the light-transmitting member 50. In other words, the protective sheet 40 having the trimming line 40L may be provided on either side of the dimming sheet 20, or on both sides of the dimming sheet 20.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the dimming device 10 is attached to a light-transmitting member 50, a sash 60, or a caulking member 70, and includes a dimming sheet 20 and a protective sheet 40 attached to the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached. The protective sheet 40 has a trimming line 40L that, when attaching the dimming device 10 to the light-transmitting member 50, a sash 60, or a caulking member 70, leaves the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 on the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached, and removes the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 from the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached. With these configurations, it is possible to provide a dimming device 10 and a dimming unit 1 that are excellent in terms of ease of attachment to the object to be attached (ease of installation on the object to be constructed), as well as a method for manufacturing the dimming unit 1.

[0089] In other words, the dimming device 10 comprises a dimming sheet 20 and a protective sheet 40 that is attached to the surface of the dimming sheet 20. The protective sheet 40 has a trimming line 40L that allows the inner region A1 to remain on the surface of the dimming sheet 20 while the outer region A2 is removed from the surface of the dimming sheet 20 when the dimming device 10 is attached to a sash 60 or the like. This makes it possible to remove only the outer region A2 along the trimming line 40L when attaching the dimming device 10 to a sash 60 or the like.

[0090] Furthermore, by pre-installing the trimming line 40L at an appropriate position on the protective sheet 40 based on the shape of the sash 60, design drawings, and construction environment (layout, etc.), the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40, which is attached to the entire surface (or nearly the entire surface) of the dimming sheet 20, can be set to a position where it is not restricted (not obstructed) by the sash 60, etc. Also, the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40, which is attached to the entire surface (or nearly the entire surface) of the dimming sheet 20, can be set to a position where it is restricted (obstructed) by the sash 60, etc. Therefore, even after the dimming device 10 is attached to the sash 60 (after construction), the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 can be left in a position that is easy to remove from the surface of the dimming sheet 20 (a position that is not obstructed by the object to which it is attached). In other words, even after construction, the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 can be easily removed from the surface of the dimming sheet 20. As a result, the dimming device 10 (dimming unit 1) can be made easier to install (easier to construct) on the object to be mounted.

[0091] Furthermore, it is preferable that the trimming line 40L provided on the protective sheet 40 is a closed trimming line 40La that divides the protective sheet 40 into an inner region A1 and an outer region A2. By providing such a closed trimming line 40La on the protective sheet 40, only the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 can be integrally removed from the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached in a single removal operation (a peeling and stripping operation). Therefore, the dimming device 10 (dimming unit 1) can be made easier to install (easier to install) on the object to be attached.

[0092] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a first modified example of a trimming line provided on a protective sheet.

[0093] Figure 7A shows the longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb provided on the protective sheet 40. Figure 7B shows the state in which the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 is being peeled off from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20 along the longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb, with the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 remaining on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. Figure 7C shows the state in which the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 has been completely peeled off from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20 along the longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb. In the following description, the same configuration as in the above embodiment will be omitted from the explanation.

[0094] As shown in Figure 7A, the longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb are provided to traverse the protective sheet 40 between different locations on its peripheral edge.

[0095] Specifically, the vertical and horizontal trimming lines 40Lb are provided to divide the protective sheet 40 into an inner region A1 and an outer region A2. However, the vertical and horizontal trimming lines 40Lb are formed by the intersection of each end of a pair of first lines 40Lb1 that extend in the vertical direction of the paper and each end of a pair of second lines 40Lb2 that extend in the horizontal direction of the paper. This point differs from the embodiment described above.

[0096] By providing such vertical and horizontal trimming lines 40Lb on the protective sheet 40, the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 is divided in the vertical and horizontal directions (for example, into four regions, two vertically and two horizontally). As a result, when removing the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20, each of the four regions of the outer region A2 divided in the vertical and horizontal directions can be removed separately at appropriate timings.

[0097] To explain in more detail, when removing only the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20, the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 is pressed against the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. In this state, as shown in Figure 7B, one corner of any one of the four regions that make up the outer region A2 is lifted up. Then, one of the regions that make up the outer region A2 is removed (peeled off) from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. Similarly, for the remaining three regions of the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40, one region is removed (peeled off) from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20 in order at appropriate timings. Then, as shown in Figure 7C, all four regions that make up the outer region A2 of the protective sheet 40 are removed (peeled off) from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet 20. As a result, of the protective sheet 40 that was attached to the entire surface (or nearly the entire surface) of the dimming sheet 20, only the inner region A1 of the protective sheet 40 remains on the surface to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached.

[0098] By pre-applying these vertical and horizontal trimming lines 40Lb to the protective sheet 40 based on the shape of the sash 60, design drawings, and construction environment (layout, etc.), the protective sheet 40 can be selectively removed at the appropriate timing and location according to the shape and size of the sash 60 and caulking material 70, and the installation process of the dimming device. Therefore, the dimming device 10 (dimming unit 1) can improve not only ease of installation (workability) but also quality preservation.

[0099] Figure 8A is a plan view showing a second modified example of the trimming line provided on the protective sheet. Figure 8B is a plan view showing a third modified example of the trimming line provided on the protective sheet. Figure 8C is a plan view showing a fourth modified example of the trimming line provided on the protective sheet. In the following description, the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment will not be described.

[0100] Figure 8A shows the combination of the closing trimming line 40La and the longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb provided on the protective sheet 40.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8A, the trimming line 40L may be provided on the protective sheet 40 by combining a closing trimming line 40La and longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb. This allows for selective removal of the protective sheet 40 at an appropriate time and location, similar to the first modified example.

[0102] Figure 8B shows multiple closing trimming lines 40La provided on the protective sheet 40 attached to the dimming sheet 20. Figure 8C shows multiple vertical and horizontal trimming lines 40Lb.

[0103] Thus, the trimming line 40L may consist of multiple closed trimming lines 40La on the protective sheet 40. Alternatively, the trimming line 40L may consist of multiple longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb on the protective sheet 40. Note that these differ only in the pattern of the trimming line 40L (closed trimming line 40La, longitudinal and transverse trimming lines 40Lb), and are similar in that both have multiple trimming lines 40L. For this reason, in the following explanation, only the case in which multiple closed trimming lines 40La are provided will be described as an example.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8B, for example, three closing trimming lines 40La with different external shapes are provided on the protective sheet 40.

[0105] By providing multiple closing trimming lines 40La on the protective sheet 40, multiple patterns of shape change before and after trimming of the protective sheet 40 can be set depending on whether the protective sheet 40 is left on or removed based on one of the multiple closing trimming lines 40La, or on a combination of two or more of the multiple closing trimming lines 40La. In other words, when attaching the dimming device 10 to a sash 60, the optimal closing trimming line 40La can be selected from among the multiple closing trimming lines 40La according to the shape of the sash 60, the design drawings, and the construction environment (layout, etc.). This increases the versatility of the protective sheet 40 attached to the dimming sheet 20.

[0106] Figure 9 is a plan view showing a fifth modified example of the trimming line provided on the protective sheet. In the following description, the same configuration as in the previously described embodiment will not be explained.

[0107] Figure 9 shows that the protective sheet 40 has three closed trimming lines 40La, each with a different outer shape. Furthermore, one of the three closed trimming lines 40La has a different cut pattern from the others.

[0108] Specifically, the perforated cut patterns of the largest and smallest outermost closing trimming line 40La among the three closing trimming lines 40La are dashed lines. On the other hand, the perforated cut pattern of the closing trimming line 40La located between the largest and smallest outermost closing trimming line 40La is a dashed line.

[0109] Thus, in this embodiment, the notch pattern of one of the multiple closing trimming lines 40La is different. Such a different closing trimming line 40La may also serve as an indicator to show which of the multiple closing trimming lines 40La is to be used to leave or remove the protective sheet 40.

[0110] Furthermore, by providing such indicators at appropriate positions on the protective sheet 40 according to the shape of the sash 60, design drawings, and construction environment (layout, etc.), it is possible to visually identify the closing trimming lines 40La that will be left on or removed from the protective sheet 40 in advance when attaching the light-transmitting member 50 and the dimming device 10 to the sash 60. Therefore, even if multiple closing trimming lines 40La are provided on the protective sheet 40, the target closing trimming line 40La can be accurately selected. Thus, the dimming device 10 (dimming unit 1) can be made easier to install (easier to construct). In this embodiment, an example of an indicator in multiple closing trimming lines 40La was described as changing the perforated cut pattern, but it is sufficient to identify the closing trimming line 40La that will be left on or removed from the protective sheet 40. Therefore, the indicators in multiple closing trimming lines 40La are not limited to perforated cut patterns, but may also be indicators that change the color or thickness of the line.

[0111] The invention described in the above embodiments is not limited to those forms, and various modifications can be made during implementation without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0112] Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed.

[0113] Furthermore, if the problems described can be solved and the effects described can be obtained even if some of the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are deleted, then the configuration with the deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Dimming Unit 10. Dimmer 20. Dimmable sheet (dimmable film) 21. Dimming layer (liquid crystal layer) 22X...Transparent conductive layer (outer support layer) 22Y...Transparent conductive layer (outer support layer) 23X...Transparent base layer (outer support layer) 23Y...Transparent base layer (outer support layer) 30. First protective sheet 31...Transparent base material layer 32...adhesive layer 40...Second protective sheet (protective sheet) 40L...Trimming line 40La...Closed trimming line 40Lb...Vertical and horizontal trimming lines 40Lb1...1st line 40Lb2...Second line 41...Transparent base material layer 42...adhesive layer 50...Light-transmitting material 60... sash 70... Caulking materials A1...inner area A2...outer area

Claims

1. A dimming device to be attached to an object, Dimming sheet and A protective sheet is attached to the surface of the dimming sheet, It has, The protective sheet has a trimming line for removing the other portion of the protective sheet from the surface of the dimming sheet, while leaving a portion of the protective sheet on the surface of the dimming sheet when attaching the dimming device to the object to be mounted. A dimming device characterized by the following features.

2. The trimming line on the protective sheet is intended to allow the central portion of the protective sheet to remain on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet when attaching the dimming device to the object to be mounted, while removing the peripheral portion of the protective sheet from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet. The dimming device according to feature 1.

3. The trimming lines of the protective sheet are composed of a closing trimming line that divides the protective sheet into an inner region and an outer region, a longitudinal and transverse trimming line that crosses longitudinally between different positions on the peripheral edge of the protective sheet, or a combination of the closing trimming line and the longitudinal and transverse trimming lines. The dimming device according to feature 1.

4. The trimming line of the protective sheet is configured as a plurality of trimming lines. Depending on whether the protective sheet is retained or removed based on any one of the plurality of trimming lines, or based on a combination of two or more of the plurality of trimming lines, multiple patterns of shape change of the protective sheet before and after trimming are set. The dimming device according to feature 1.

5. The trimming line of the protective sheet is configured as a plurality of trimming lines. The plurality of trimming lines have indicators that show which of the plurality of trimming lines should be used to leave or remove the protective sheet, depending on the characteristics of the object to be attached. The dimming device according to feature 1.

6. The dimming sheet and the protective sheet have the same or substantially the same shape when viewed from above. The dimming device according to feature 1.

7. The object to be attached and A dimming device to be attached to the object to be mounted, A dimming unit having, The dimming device is Dimming sheet and A protective sheet is attached to the surface of the dimming sheet, It has, The protective sheet has a trimming line for removing the other portion of the protective sheet from the surface of the dimming sheet, while leaving a portion of the protective sheet on the surface of the dimming sheet when attaching the dimming device to the object to be mounted. A dimming unit characterized by the following features.

8. A method for manufacturing a dimming unit to which a dimming device is attached to an object to be mounted, The dimming device comprises a dimming sheet and a protective sheet that is attached to the surface on which the dimming sheet is attached. When attaching the dimming device to the object to be mounted, a portion of the protective sheet is left on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet along the trimming line of the protective sheet, and the other portion of the protective sheet is removed from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet. A method for manufacturing a dimming unit characterized by the above.

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