Lighting device and maintenance system for lighting device

Abstract

Foreign matter such as dust and water that gets mixed in between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate can be easily removed. [Solution] The dimming device 10 comprises a first polarizing plate 11, a second polarizing plate 12 positioned opposite the first polarizing plate 11, and a frame 13 that houses the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. The dimming device 10 is configured to change the light transmission state of opposing portions of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 by relatively moving the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 along a first direction X, which is the planar direction of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. Air holes 24A and 24B are provided at the edges of the frame 13, communicating the inside and outside of the frame 13 and communicating with the space between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dimming device and a maintenance system for the dimming device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dimming device. The dimming device described in Patent Document 1 includes a first polarizing plate, a second polarizing plate disposed opposite to the first polarizing plate, and a frame that houses the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. Further, the dimming device is configured to be able to change the light transmission state of the opposing portions of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate by relatively moving the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate along a first direction which is the plane direction of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a dimming device, foreign substances such as dust and water may enter between the two polarizing plates through gaps in the frame or the like. In this case, there is a risk of problems such as scratches on the surface of the polarizing plate when the polarizing plates are relatively moved with dust mixed in. Further, there is a risk of problems such as the relative movement of the polarizing plates becoming difficult due to the polarizing plates being adsorbed to each other through water, that is, the operability deteriorating.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Each aspect of a dimming device and a maintenance system for the dimming device for solving the above problems is described. [Aspect 1] A first polarizing plate, A second polarizing plate is positioned opposite the first polarizing plate, The device comprises a frame that houses the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, The device is configured such that the light transmission state of opposing portions of the first and second polarizing plates can be changed by moving the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate relative to each other along a first direction which is the surface direction of the first and second polarizing plates. The edge of the frame is provided with air holes that connect the inside and outside of the frame and communicate with the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. Dimming device.

[0006] With this configuration, since air holes are provided at the edge of the frame, it is possible to supply air to the inside of the frame through the nozzle of an air supply device by inserting the nozzle into the air holes, for example. Since the air holes are in communication with the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, the air introduced into the inside of the frame flows through this space. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and water mixed in the space is removed by the flow pressure of the air. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust and water mixed in between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate can be easily removed.

[0007] Furthermore, when using a dimmer, it is preferable to seal the air holes with a sealing material to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the dimmer through the air holes. [Aspect 2] The first polarizing plate is fixed to the frame, The second polarizing plate is configured to slide relative to the frame along the first direction. A dimming device as described in Embodiment 1.

[0008] With this configuration, by sliding only the second polarizing plate relative to the frame along the first direction, the light transmission state of the opposing portions of the first and second polarizing plates is changed. Therefore, the operation of the dimming device becomes easier.

[0009] [Aspect 3] In the state in which the second polarizing plate is closest to the air hole in the first direction, the edge of the second polarizing plate on the air hole side in the first direction is located closer to the air hole in the first direction than the edge of the first polarizing plate on the air hole side in the first direction. A dimming device according to embodiment 2.

[0010] With this configuration, compared to a configuration where the edge of the first polarizing plate on the air hole side in the first direction and the edge of the second polarizing plate on the air hole side in the first direction are located at the same position in the first direction, air introduced into the frame through the air hole can more easily flow into the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust and water that gets mixed in between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate can be more easily removed.

[0011] [Aspect 4] The frame comprises a first divided body and a second divided body that sandwiches the first polarizer and the second polarizer in the direction opposite to the first polarizer and the second polarizer, The second divided body is positioned closer to the second polarizer than the first polarizer in the opposing direction. A dimming device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3.

[0012] According to this configuration, a frame housing a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate, which are arranged with a gap between them in opposing directions, can be easily realized. [Aspect 5] The air holes are provided between the second polarizing plate and the first divided body in the opposing direction. A dimming device according to embodiment 4.

[0013] With this configuration, air introduced into the frame through the air holes flows more easily into the space between the first and second polarizing plates. Therefore, foreign matter mixed into the space is more easily removed.

[0014] [Aspect 6] The inner surface of the first divided body has an inclined portion that faces the air hole in the first direction and inclines so as to approach the second polarizing plate in the facing direction as it is located more inward in the first direction. The second polarizing plate is configured to face the inclined portion in a state where it is closest to the air hole in the first direction. The dimming device according to Aspect 5.

[0015] According to this configuration, the air introduced into the frame through the air hole flows along the inclined portion of the first divided body to the inside in the first direction, and thus gradually approaches the second polarizing plate in the facing direction. Then, the air flows into the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate along the second polarizing plate. Therefore, the air can be smoothly introduced into the above space.

[0016] [Aspect 7] The frame is in the shape of a rectangular plate having a pair of first sides extending along the first direction and a second side extending along a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the facing direction of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. The air hole a first air hole provided in a portion of the edge of the frame corresponding to one of the second sides; a second air hole provided in a portion of the edge of the frame corresponding to the other of the second sides, and includes: The dimming device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6.

[0017] According to this configuration, the air supplied into the frame through the first air hole flows through the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate and then is discharged to the outside of the frame through the second air hole. For this reason, air flows throughout the first direction in the above space. Thereby, foreign matter mixed in the above space can be effectively removed.

[0018] [Aspect 8] The dimming device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, and The air supply device includes a nozzle that can be inserted into the air hole and is configured to supply air to the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate through the nozzle. Maintenance system for dimming devices.

[0019] According to this configuration, by inserting a nozzle into the air hole of the dimming device, air can be supplied to the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate through the nozzle. Therefore, the same effects as any one of embodiments 1 to 7 can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, foreign matter such as dust and water mixed between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate can be easily removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dimming device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dimmer along line 2-2 in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the first and second polarizers in the transmission state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the first and second polarizers in the blocked state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a dimming device illustrating the operation of one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] A dimming device and a maintenance system for the dimming device according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dimming device 10 of this embodiment comprises a first polarizing plate 11, a second polarizing plate 12 positioned opposite the first polarizing plate 11, and a frame 13 that houses the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12.

[0023] The dimming device 10 is configured to change the light transmission state of opposing portions of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 by moving the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 relative to each other along the first direction X, which is the planar direction of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the frame 13 of this embodiment is rectangular in shape, having a pair of first sides 13A extending along a first direction X, and a second side 13B extending along a second direction Y that is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the opposing direction Z of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12.

[0025] The dimming device 10 of this embodiment has a symmetrical shape in the first direction X. For this reason, by describing the configuration of one side of the dimming device 10 in the first direction X (the right side in Figures 1 and 2), the description of the configuration of the other side of the dimming device 10 in the first direction X (the left side in Figures 1 and 2) may be omitted. Furthermore, regarding the configuration of the other side of the dimming device 10 in the first direction X (the left side in Figures 1 and 2), redundant explanations may be omitted by assigning the code "**B" which is obtained by changing the "A" in the code "**A" assigned to the configuration of one side to "B".

[0026] <First polarizing plate 11 and second polarizing plate 12> As shown in Figure 3, the first polarizing plate 11 has a transparent base film and an absorbing polarizing film attached to the base film (both are not shown in the figure). The base film and polarizing film constituting the first polarizing plate 11 are both well-known configurations.

[0027] The first polarizing plate 11 in this embodiment is rectangular in shape. The longer side direction of the first polarizing plate 11 (left-right direction in Figure 3) coincides with the first direction X, and the shorter side direction of the first polarizing plate 11 (up-down direction in Figure 3) coincides with the second direction Y.

[0028] The first polarizing plate 11 has a first region A1 and a second region A2 arranged side by side in a first direction X. Both the first region A1 and the second region A2 have a predetermined length L in the first direction X. The first region A1 and the second region A2 are arranged alternately and adjacent to each other in the first direction X.

[0029] The first region A1 and the second region A2 extend across the entire first polarizing plate 11 in the second direction Y. The first region A1 has a transmission axis T1. The second region A2 has a transmission axis T2. The axis of the transmission axis T1 in the first region A1 and the axis of the transmission axis T2 in the second region A2 are orthogonal to each other. Although not shown in the illustration, the first region A1 has an absorption axis orthogonal to the transmission axis T1. The second region A2 has an absorption axis orthogonal to the transmission axis T2.

[0030] The transmission axes T1 and T2 are inclined with respect to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the transmission axes T1 and T2 are inclined at 45 degrees with respect to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Since the second polarizing plate 12 has the same configuration as the first polarizing plate 11, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0031] <Frame 13 and operating knob 50> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frame 13 has a first divided body 20 and a second divided body 30 that sandwiches the first divided body 20, the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 in the opposing direction Z.

[0032] The second divided body 30 is positioned closer to the second polarizing plate 12 than to the first polarizing plate 11 in the opposing direction Z. The outer edges of the first divided body 20 and the second divided body 30 in this embodiment are both rectangular in shape when viewed from the front, forming the outer edge of the frame 13.

[0033] Openings 21 and 31 are provided in the central parts of the first divided body 20 and the second divided body 30 in the opposing direction Z. Both openings 21 and 31 are rectangular in shape when viewed from the front and are of the same size.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, a stepped portion 22 is provided around the entire circumference of the periphery of the opening 21 on the inner surface of the first divided body 20. A transparent cover 40 is attached to the stepped portion 22, covering the opening 21 from the inside. The cover 40 is a rectangular plate shape that follows the outer edge of the stepped portion 22.

[0035] The first polarizing plate 11 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 40. The first polarizing plate 11 is fixed to the first segmented body 20, i.e., the frame 13. The second polarizing plate 12 is provided so as to be movable relative to the frame 13 along the first direction X.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, an operating knob 50 is slidably mounted on the frame 13 along a first direction X. The operating knob 50 is located at the center of the edge of the frame 13 in the first direction X. A second polarizing plate 12 is driven and connected to the operating knob 50. The second polarizing plate 12 is configured to move along the first direction X in conjunction with the sliding operation of the operating knob 50 along the first direction X.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the edges of the frame 13 are provided with air holes 24A and 24B that connect the inside and outside of the frame 13 and communicate with the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12.

[0038] The first air hole 24A is provided on the first edge portion 23A of the frame 13, which corresponds to one side of the second edge 13B (the right side in Figure 2). The second air hole 24B is provided on the second edge portion 23B of the frame 13, which corresponds to the other side (left side in Figure 2) of the second edge 13B.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a plurality of first air holes 24A are provided at equal intervals from each other in the second direction Y. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of second air holes 24B are also provided at equal intervals from each other in the second direction Y.

[0040] As shown by the solid line in Figure 2, the dimensions of the second polarizer 12 in the first direction X are larger than the dimensions of the first polarizer 11 in the first direction X. At the neutral position, which is the center of the sliding range of the second polarizer 12, both end edges 12a of the second polarizer 12 in the first direction X are located further outward in the first direction X than both end edges 11a of the first polarizer 11 in the first direction X.

[0041] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, when the second polarizing plate 12 is closest to the first air hole 24A in the first direction X, the edge 12a of the second polarizing plate 12 on the first air hole 24A side in the first direction X is located closer to the first air hole 24A in the first direction X than the edge 11a of the first polarizing plate 11 on the first air hole 24A side in the first direction X.

[0042] The first air hole 24A is provided between the second polarizing plate 12 and the first polarizing plate 11 in the opposing direction Z. The inner surface of the first divided body 20 has outer straight portions 25A, 25B, inclined portions 26A, 26B, and inner straight portions 27A, 27B.

[0043] The outer straight section 25A is connected to the inside of the first air hole 24A (left side in Figure 2) in the first direction X and extends along the first direction X. The inclined section 26A is connected to the inside of the outer straight section 25A in the first direction X.

[0044] The inclined portion 26A is inclined so that it faces the first air hole 24A in the first direction X, and the further inward it is in the first direction X, the closer it is to the second polarizing plate 12 in the opposing direction Z.

[0045] The inner straight section 27A is connected to the inside of the inclined section 26A (left side in Figure 2) in the first direction X and extends along the first direction X. In this embodiment, the inner straight portion 27A and the first polarizing plate 11 are flush with each other.

[0046] The second polarizing plate 12 is configured to face the inclined portion 26A when it is closest to the first air hole 24A in the first direction X. <Maintenance system for dimming device 10> As shown in Figure 6, the maintenance system for the dimming device 10 includes the dimming device 10 and the air supply device 60.

[0047] The air supply device 60 has nozzles 61 that can be inserted into the air holes 24A and 24B. The air supply device 60 is configured to supply air to the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 through the nozzles 61.

[0048] When the nozzle 61 is inserted until it contacts the inclined portions 26A and 26B, it is configured to be sandwiched between the inner surface of the first divided body 20 and the second polarizing plate 12 in the opposing direction Z. <Operation of this embodiment> As shown in Figure 4, when the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the first polarizing plate 11 and the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the second polarizing plate 12 are facing each other, the transmission axes T1 and T2 of the opposing portions of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 are parallel. As a result, the linearly polarized ambient light that passes through the first polarizing plate 11 passes through the second polarizing plate 12. At this time, the dimming device 10 is in a transmission state that transmits ambient light.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, in the blocked state where the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second region A2 and the first region A1 of the second polarizing plate 12 face each other, the transmission axis T1 and the transmission axis T2 in the opposing portions of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 are orthogonal. As a result, the linearly polarized ambient light that passes through the first polarizing plate 11 is absorbed by the second polarizing plate 12. At this time, the dimming device 10 is in a blocked state that blocks ambient light.

[0050] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 6, for example, by inserting the nozzle 61 of the air supply device 60 into the first air hole 24A, it is possible to supply air to the inside of the frame 13 through the nozzle 61. Since the air holes 24A and 24B are in communication with the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12, the air introduced into the inside of the frame 13 flows through the space S. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and water mixed in the space S is removed by the flow pressure of the air. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust and water mixed between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 can be easily removed.

[0051] Furthermore, when using the dimming device 10, it is preferable to seal the air holes 24A and 24B with a sealing material (not shown in the figure) to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the dimming device 10 through the air holes 24A and 24B.

[0052] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The dimming device 10 comprises a first polarizing plate 11, a second polarizing plate 12 positioned opposite the first polarizing plate 11, and a frame 13 that houses the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. The dimming device 10 is configured to change the light transmission state of opposing portions of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 by moving the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 relative to each other along a first direction X, which is the planar direction of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. Air holes 24A and 24B are provided at the edges of the frame 13, which communicate the inside and outside of the frame 13 and communicate with the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12.

[0053] With this configuration, the effects of the above embodiment are achieved, making it easy to remove foreign matter such as dust and water that has entered between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. (2) The first polarizing plate 11 is fixed to the frame 13. The second polarizing plate 12 is configured to slide relative to the frame 13 along the first direction X.

[0054] With this configuration, by sliding only the second polarizing plate 12 along the first direction X relative to the frame 13, the light transmission state of the opposing portions of the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 is changed. Therefore, the operation of the dimming device 10 becomes easier.

[0055] (3) When the second polarizing plate 12 is closest to the first air hole 24A in the first direction X, the edge 12a of the second polarizing plate 12 on the first air hole 24A side in the first direction X is located closer to the first air hole 24A in the first direction X than the edge 11a of the first polarizing plate 11 on the first air hole 24A side in the first direction X.

[0056] With this configuration, compared to a configuration where the edge 11a of the first polarizing plate 11 on the side of the first air hole 24A in the first direction X and the edge 12a of the second polarizing plate 12 on the side of the first air hole 24A in the first direction X are located at the same position in the first direction X, the air introduced into the frame 13 through the first air hole 24A can more easily flow into the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust and water that has entered between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 can be more easily removed.

[0057] (4) The frame 13 has a first segment 20 and a second segment 30 that sandwiches the first segment 20, the first polarizer 11 and the second polarizer 12 in the opposing direction Z. The second segment 30 is positioned closer to the second polarizer 12 than to the first polarizer 11 in the opposing direction Z.

[0058] With this configuration, a frame 13 that houses the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12, which are arranged with a gap between them in the opposing direction Z, can be easily realized. (5) The first air hole 24A is provided between the second polarizing plate 12 and the first divided body 20 in the opposing direction Z.

[0059] With this configuration, air introduced into the frame 13 through the first air hole 24A flows more easily into the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust and water that has entered between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 is more easily removed.

[0060] (6) The inner surface of the first divided body 20 has an inclined portion 26A that faces the first air hole 24A in the first direction X and is inclined so that the further inward it is in the first direction X, the closer it is to the second polarizing plate 12 in the opposing direction Z. The second polarizing plate 12 is configured to face the inclined portion 26A when it is closest to the first air hole 24A in the first direction X.

[0061] With this configuration, the air introduced into the frame 13 through the first air hole 24A flows inward in the first direction X along the inclined portion 26A of the first divided body 20, gradually approaching the second polarizer 12 in the opposite direction Z. The air then flows along the second polarizer 12 into the space S between the first polarizer 11 and the second polarizer 12. Therefore, the air can flow smoothly into the space S.

[0062] (7) The frame 13 is a rectangular plate shape having a pair of first sides 13A extending along a first direction X and a second side 13B extending along a second direction Y that is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the opposing direction Z of the first polarizer 11 and the second polarizer 12. A first air hole 24A is provided in the first edge 23A of the frame 13, which corresponds to one of the second sides 13B. A second air hole 24B is provided in the second edge 23B of the frame 13, which corresponds to the other of the second sides 13B.

[0063] With this configuration, air supplied to the inside of the frame 13 through the first air hole 24A flows through the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12, and is then discharged to the outside of the frame 13 through the second air hole 24B. As a result, air flows throughout the entire first direction X in the space S. This effectively removes foreign matter mixed into the space S.

[0064] (8) The maintenance system for the dimming device 10 comprises the dimming device 10 and an air supply device 60 having nozzles 61 that can be inserted into the air holes 24A and 24B, and configured to supply air to the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 through the nozzles 61.

[0065] With this configuration, by inserting the nozzle 61 into the air holes 24A and 24B of the dimming device 10, air can be supplied to the space S between the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 through the nozzle 61. Therefore, the same effects as (1) to (7) can be achieved.

[0066] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0067] The second air hole 24B may be provided on the edge of the frame 13 in the portion corresponding to the first side 13A. Both air holes 24A and 24B may be provided on the edge of the frame 13, in the portion corresponding to the first side 13A.

[0068] • The inclined sections 26A and 26B can be omitted. The division of the frame 13 is not limited to those illustrated in the above embodiment. For example, the second divided body 30 may be provided with air holes 24A and 24B.

[0069] The air holes 24A and 24B do not necessarily have to be provided between the second polarizing plate 12 and the first polarizing plate 11 in the opposing direction Z. If the air holes 24A and 24B are provided between the second polarizing plate 12 and the second divided body 30 in the opposing direction Z, it is preferable to incline the air holes 24A and 24B with respect to the first direction X so that the tip of the nozzle 61 is inserted into the second polarizing plate 12 and the first polarizing plate 11.

[0070] The second polarizing plate 12 may be positioned such that, when it is closest to the air holes 24A and 24B in the first direction X, its edge 12a is located inward in the first direction X than the edge 11a of the first polarizing plate 11.

[0071] Both the first polarizing plate 11 and the second polarizing plate 12 can be configured to slide relative to the frame 13. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10… Dimming device 11…First polarizing plate 12…Second polarizing plate 13...frame 13A... First side 13B...Second side 20...first division body 21…Opening 22... Stepped section 23A…First edge 23B…Second edge 24A…First air vent 24B...Second air vent 25A, 25B... outer straight section 26A, 26B…Slope part 27A, 27B... Inner straight section 30…Second division body 31…Opening 40...cover 50... Operation knob 60... Air supply device 61… Nozzle A1…First area A2…Second area X…first direction Y...Second direction Z... Opposite direction

Claims

1. First polarizing plate and A second polarizing plate is positioned opposite the first polarizing plate, The device comprises a frame that houses the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, The device is configured such that the light transmission state of opposing portions of the first and second polarizing plates can be changed by moving the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate relative to each other along a first direction which is the surface direction of the first and second polarizing plates. The edge of the frame is provided with air holes that connect the inside and outside of the frame and communicate with the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. Dimming device.

2. The first polarizing plate is fixed to the frame, The second polarizing plate is configured to slide relative to the frame along the first direction. The dimming device according to claim 1.

3. In the state in which the second polarizing plate is closest to the air hole in the first direction, the edge of the second polarizing plate on the air hole side in the first direction is located closer to the air hole in the first direction than the edge of the first polarizing plate on the air hole side in the first direction. The dimming device according to claim 2.

4. The frame comprises a first divided body and a second divided body that sandwiches the first polarizer and the second polarizer in the direction opposite to the first polarizer and the second polarizer, The second divided body is positioned closer to the second polarizer than the first polarizer in the opposing direction. The dimming device according to claim 3.

5. The air holes are provided between the second polarizing plate and the first divided body in the opposing direction. The dimming device according to claim 4.

6. The inner surface of the first divided body has an inclined portion that faces the air hole in the first direction and is inclined such that the further inward it is from the air hole in the first direction, the closer it is to the second polarizing plate in the opposing direction. The second polarizing plate is configured to face the inclined portion when it is closest to the air hole in the first direction. The dimming device according to claim 5.

7. The frame is rectangular in shape, having a pair of first sides extending along the first direction and a second side extending along a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the opposing directions of the first and second polarizers. The aforementioned air holes are A first air hole is provided in the portion of the frame's edge corresponding to one of the second sides, A second air hole is provided in the portion of the frame's edge corresponding to the other side of the second side, The dimming device according to claim 1.

8. A dimming device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The air supply device includes a nozzle that can be inserted into the air hole and is configured to supply air to the space between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate through the nozzle. Maintenance system for dimming devices.

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