Light control device, light control unit, and method for manufacturing light control unit

Abstract

Provided are: a light control device and a light control unit that exhibits excellent mountability to a mounting object (workability with respect to a work object); and a method for manufacturing the light control unit. A light control device (10) is characterized by being mounted to a sash (60) and having a light control sheet (20) and a protective sheet (40) attached to an attachment surface of the light control sheet (20), and is characterized in that the protective sheet (40) has a trimming line (40L) that is for removing, by allowing an inner region (A1) (one portion) of the protective sheet (40) to remain on the attachment surface of the light control sheet (20), an outer region (A2) (the other portion) of the protective sheet (40) from the attachment surface of the light control sheet (20) when mounting the light control device (10) to the sash.

Description

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

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

[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 face 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.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-056505

[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.

[0006] The dimming device of the present embodiment is a dimming device attached to an attachment object, and includes a dimming sheet and a protection sheet attached to the pasting surface of the dimming sheet. The protection sheet has a trimming line for leaving a part of the protection sheet on the pasting surface of the dimming sheet and removing the other part of the protection sheet from the pasting surface of the dimming sheet when the dimming device is attached to the attachment object.

[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.

[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.

[0010] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dimming device of this embodiment. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the dimming device laminated to the light-transmitting member of this embodiment. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the dimming unit of this embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view along the line V-V in Figure 3. This is a plan view showing an example of a trimming line provided on the protective sheet of this embodiment. This is a plan view showing a first modified example of a trimming line provided on the protective sheet. This is a plan view showing second to fourth modified examples of a trimming line provided on the protective sheet. This is a plan view showing a fifth modified example of a trimming line provided on the protective sheet. This is a diagram showing an example of the technical problems of conventional dimming devices and dimming units. This is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI in Figure 10.

[0011] <Definitions of Terms, etc.> In this specification, the term "mounting object" is used to include the "light-transmitting member" to which the dimming device is attached, and the "sash" or "caulking member" to which the light-transmitting member (light-transmitting member with the dimming device attached) is attached. For this reason, "mounting object" 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 "mounting objects" for explanation, but "mounting object" is not limited to these and may be any member for which a dimming device is attached.

[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 by not performing its own dimming function (making it transparent), and inhibits the light-transmitting properties of the light-transmitting member and thus the dimming unit by performing its own dimming function (making it opaque). 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 (dimmer) can be, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) method or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) method. Alternatively, the dimming method by the dimming unit (dimmer) may utilize electrochromic (EC), liquid crystal (LC), or suspended particle device (SPD). In other words, the dimming method by the dimming unit (dimmer) offers flexibility, and various design modifications are possible.

[0016] In this specification, a dimming device may have a dimming region (dimming section, dimming surface) that switches between a transparent state and an opaque state by switching between an energized state and an unenhanced state, and a sealing region (sealing section, sealing surface) that seals at least a part of the periphery of the dimming region. The dimming region may mean, for example, substantially the entire area of ​​a dimming sheet (dimming film) excluding the periphery, which has a dimming layer, a pair of transparent conductive layers located on both sides of the dimming layer, and a pair of transparent substrate layers located on both sides of the pair of transparent conductive layers. Furthermore, the dimming region may be defined as the region in which the dimming function of the dimming sheet (dimming film) is activated and the visible light transmittance changes, and / or the region in the dimming sheet (dimming film) where the dimming layer exists when viewed from above. The sealing region may consist of, for example, a sealing member (for example, 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. In the case of a double-piece light-transmitting member, the dimming device may be supported by sandwiching it between the two light-transmitting members with an intermediate layer (interlayer). 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, there is a degree of freedom in the structure for attaching the dimming device to the light-transmitting member, and various design modifications are possible.

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

[0019] In this specification, "protective sheet" refers to a protective sheet that is attached to at least one of the front or back surfaces of a dimming sheet when it 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 removed in stages to the desired shape and size as appropriate when it is installed on the object to be installed (during installation) by using the "trimming line" described later.

[0020] In this specification, "trimming line" is defined as a separation auxiliary 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 auxiliary 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 auxiliary 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, from the perspective of ambient light adjustment and privacy protection, dimming devices that can control transparency and opacity (transmittance) by applying voltage have come to be used in partitions, residential windows, cars, etc. Thus, a dimming device is a product 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 window frame.

[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 approximately 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 set to be the same as or approximately 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 (making it difficult to peel off). 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 peripheral edges of the light-transmitting member and dimming device fitted into the sash are fixed to the sash via a pair of caulking members, the peripheral edges of the protective sheet, which are 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, this may worsen the ease of installation (workability) of the dimming device (dimming unit).

[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 be left 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 outer shapes, multiple patterns of shape change before and after trimming of the protective sheet can be set depending on whether the retention and removal of the protective sheet is performed based on one of the multiple closing trimming lines, or based on a combination of two or more of the multiple closing trimming lines. In other words, the optimal closing trimming line according to the characteristics of the object to which the dimming device is attached can be selected from among multiple closing trimming lines. 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> 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 drawings, the relationship between dimensions and proportions may be represented differently. In particular, some embodiments shown below 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 specified by the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

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

[0042] Figure 1A depicts a state where a protective sheet is attached to the dimming sheet. Figure 1B depicts a state in the process of peeling the protective sheet from one surface of the dimming sheet. Figure 1C depicts a state where the protective sheet is completely peeled from one surface of the dimming sheet.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1A, the dimming device 10 includes a dimming sheet 20, a first protective sheet 30 provided (attached) on the upper surface of the dimming sheet 20, and a second protective sheet 40 provided (attached) on 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 Network Liquid Crystal), polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), capsule type nematic liquid crystal (NCAP: Nematic Curvilinear Aligned Phase), guest - host liquid crystal (GHLC: Guest - Host Liquid Crystal), etc. For example, the polymer network liquid crystal has a three - dimensional network - shaped polymer network and holds liquid crystal molecules in the voids of the polymer network. The liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 21 have, for example, a positive dielectric anisotropy, and the dielectric constant in the long - axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is larger than the dielectric constant in the short - axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules are, for example, Schiff base - type, azo - type, azoxy - type, biphenyl - type, terphenyl - type, benzoic acid ester - type, trans - type, pyrimidine - type, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ester - type, phenylcyclohexane - type, dioxane - type liquid crystal molecules.

[0045] A transparent conductive layer 22X is provided on the outside of one side of the light-adjusting 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 light-adjusting 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 light-adjusting sheet 20 has a light-adjusting layer 21, a pair of transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y located on both sides of the light-adjusting 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 light-adjusting 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 (CNT), 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] Note that as the "outer support layer" positioned outside the transparent base material layers 23X and 23Y, other additional / replacement layers may be provided. That is, there is flexibility in the number and type of the "outer support layer", and various design changes are possible. For example, the "outer support layer" may be a transparent support layer made of a transparent base material. As the transparent support layer, for example, a glass substrate, a silicon substrate, or a polymer film made of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymer, triacetyl cellulose, etc. may be used. Further, as the "outer support layer", for example, a layer for protecting the light control layer 21, the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y, and the transparent base material layers 23X and 23Y, a layer contributing to the control of light transmittance in the light control sheet 20, a layer for enhancing characteristics such as the strength and heat resistance of the light control sheet 20, etc. may be used. For example, the "pair of outer support layers" positioned on both sides of the light control layer 21 may each include, as a functional film, a transparent conductive layer, a transparent base material layer, a hard coat layer, and an adhesive layer.

[0048] Although illustration is omitted, the end portions (end faces) on the outer peripheral side of the light control sheet 20 may be arranged such that they are not flush and are displaced from each other in a plan view.

[0049] For example, when paying attention to a certain end portion (end face) of the light control sheet 20, the transparent conductive layer 22X and the transparent base material layer 23X provided on one surface (the upper surface in the figure) of the light control layer 21 protrude laterally more than the transparent conductive layer 22Y and the transparent base material layer 23Y provided on the other surface (the lower surface in the figure) of the light control layer 21. And a half-cut portion is formed in the protruding transparent conductive layer 22X and transparent base material layer 23X. An electrode portion and a wiring portion (not shown) for applying a driving voltage to the light control sheet 20 (light control layer 21) may be provided in this half-cut portion.

[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. Electrode portions and wiring portions (not shown) for applying a driving voltage to the dimming sheet 20 (dimming layer 21) may be provided in these half-cut portions.

[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 (the dimming layer 21). Also, when no driving voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layers 22X and 22Y (the 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 made of a multilayer structure comprising the layers that make up the dimming sheet 20, and used for various purposes. For example, the dimming sheet 20 can be applied to various uses 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 substrate 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 when 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 V-V 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. Also, the outer dimensions of the dimming sheet 20 and the second protective sheet 40 are set to be the same or approximately the same. In other words, the second protective sheet 40 is attached so as to cover almost 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 substantially 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. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sash 60 has a housing recess 61.

[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, which are installed in this manner, together with the sash 60 and the 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 to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached, 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 to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached, 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 to which the dimming sheet 20 is attached.

[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 region A1 that is not obstructed by the sash 60, etc., and an outer region 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 cut in the trimming line 40L are determined in advance through experiments, etc., 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 a closed 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 closed 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 closed 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 start and end points 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 light-adhering 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 light-adhering sheet 20, or it may be provided on both sides of the light-adhering 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-setting 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 attached.

[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 (an operation of peeling it up and removing it). Therefore, the dimming device 10 (dimming unit 1) can be made easier to attach to the object to be attached (easy to install).

[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 longitudinally between different positions 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 extending in the vertical direction of the paper and each end of a pair of second lines 40Lb2 extending 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 in the vertical direction and two in the horizontal direction). 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 constituting the outer region A2 is lifted up. Then, one of the regions constituting 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 constituting 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 position according to the shape and size of the sash 60 and caulking member 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 described in the above embodiment will not be explained.

[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 lines 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 closed 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 of the protective sheet 40 before and after trimming 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 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 cutting 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. This 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 closed 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 closed trimming lines 40La are provided on the protective sheet 40, the target closed 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 for multiple closed trimming lines 40La was described as changing the perforated cut pattern, but it is sufficient to identify the closed trimming line 40La that will be left on or removed from the protective sheet 40. Therefore, the indicators for multiple closed 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.

[0114] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-167955, filed on September 27, 2024. All of its contents are included here.

Claims

1. A dimming device for mounting to an object, comprising: 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 mounting the dimming device to the object.

2. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the trimming line of the protective sheet is for removing the peripheral portion of the protective sheet from the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet while leaving the central portion of the protective sheet on the adhesive surface of the dimming sheet when attaching the dimming device to the object to be attached.

3. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that 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 traverses 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 line.

4. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the trimming lines of the protective sheet are configured as a plurality of trimming lines, and a plurality of shape change patterns of the protective sheet before and after trimming are set depending on whether the protective sheet is left on or removed based on any one of the plurality of trimming lines, or whether the protective sheet is left on or removed based on a combination of two or more of the plurality of trimming lines.

5. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein the trimming line of the protective sheet is configured as a plurality of trimming lines, and the plurality of trimming lines have an indicator that indicates 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.

6. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimming sheet and the protective sheet have the same or substantially the same shape when viewed from above.

7. A dimming unit comprising: an object to be mounted; and a dimming device to be mounted on the object to be mounted, 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 sheet is attached when the dimming device is mounted on the object to be mounted.

8. A method for manufacturing a dimming unit for attaching a dimming device to an object to be attached, wherein the dimming device comprises a dimming sheet and a protective sheet attached to the surface to which the dimming sheet is attached, and when attaching the dimming device 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.

Images