本発明は、広くはLED照明ユニットに関する。 The present invention generally relates to an LED lighting unit. 更に詳細には、ここに開示される種々の発明的方法及び装置は、外部環境から実質的に密閉された複数のLEDを有するLED型照明ユニットに関する。 More particularly, various inventive methods and apparatus disclosed herein relate to LED-based lighting unit having a plurality of LED which is substantially sealed from the external environment.
デジタル照明技術、即ち発光ダイオード(LED)等の半導体光源に基づく照明は、従来の蛍光灯、HID及び白熱電球に対する発展性のある代替物を提供する。 Digital lighting technologies, i.e. illumination based on semiconductor light sources such as light emitting diodes (LED), the conventional fluorescent lamps, providing development resistant there alternatives to HID and incandescent bulbs. LEDの機能的利点及び有益性は、高いエネルギ変換及び光学的効率、耐久性、低運転コスト及び多くの他のものを含む。 LED functional advantages and benefits of the include high energy conversion and optical efficiency, durability, lower operating costs, and many others. LED技術における最近の進歩は、多くの用途において種々の照明効果を可能にするような効率的で且つ頑丈な全スペクトル照明源をもたらしている。 Recent advances in LED technology have led to and robust full spectrum illumination source is efficient so as to permit a variety of lighting effects in many applications. これらの光源を具現化する照明器具の幾つかは、例えば参照により本明細書に組み込まれる米国特許第6,016,038号及び同第6,211,626号公報に詳細に説明されているように、例えば赤、緑及び青等の異なる色を発生することができる1以上のLED、並びに斯かるLEDの出力を独立に制御して多様な色及び色変化照明効果を発生させるプロセッサを含んだ照明モジュールを特徴としている。 Some luminaire embodying these sources, for example as described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,016,038 and ibid No. 6,211,626 discloses, incorporated herein by reference, such as red, green and blue it is characterized one or more different LED capable of generating color, and a lighting module including a processor that controls the output of such LED independently to generate a variety of colors and color change lighting effects of such.
LED光源を採用した照明器具は、しばしば、当該照明器具の光学系の1以上の側面に関して、侵入保護をもたらすように設計される。 Luminaire employing LED light sources are often for one or more aspects of the optical system of the luminaire, it is designed to provide penetration protection. 侵入保護とは、一般的に、固体の外部物体(例えば、塵埃、花粉)及び/又は液体(例えば、水)等の特定の望ましくない外部物体からの保護の程度を指す。 Intrusion protection and generally, solid external object (e.g., dust, pollen) refers and / or liquid (e.g., water) the degree of protection from certain undesired external object, such as. 例えば、幾つかのLED照明器具においては、LEDは望ましくない外部物体から密閉することができる。 For example, in some LED lighting fixture may be sealed from the LED is undesirable external object. また、例えば幾つかのLED照明器具においては、他の電気部品(例えば、当該LEDが結合された回路基板等)及び/又は当該照明器具の光学系の他の部品を、オプションとして、望ましくない外部物体から密閉することもできる。 Further, for example, in some LED luminaire, other electrical components (e.g., the LED is bonded a circuit board or the like) and / or other components of the optical system of the luminaire, optionally, undesirable external It can also be sealed from the object.
幾つかのLED型照明器具においては、LED及び光学系の他の部品は透明又は半透明ガラス部を有するハウジング内に封入することができ、該ガラス部は該ハウジングの開口上で実質的に密閉されている。 In some LED lighting fixtures, other components of the LED and the optical system may be enclosed in a housing having a transparent or semi-transparent glass portion, the glass portion is substantially closed on the opening of the housing It is. 上記ハウジング及びガラス部は一緒に上記光学系に対する或る程度の侵入保護をもたらし、時には、設けられる侵入保護の唯一の形態である。 The housing and the glass portion is brought a degree of ingress protection against the optical system together, sometimes, the only form of ingress protection provided. このような照明器具は或る程度の侵入保護を提供することはできるが、該照明器具の密閉の態様は損傷を受け易く、高価であり、数が多過ぎ、LEDの1以上のものの光出力を不所望に変化させ得、ハウジングの内部への都合良い接近を妨げ得、及び/又は他の欠点も提起し得る。 Such a luminaire may be provided intrusion protection some degree, the sealing configuration the luminaire easily damaged, expensive, the number is too large, the light output of the LED of 1 or more of the resulting varied undesirably, resulting interfere with convenient access to the interior of the housing, and / or other disadvantages may be posed. 他のLED照明器具においては、LEDに対する或る程度の侵入保護を設けるために、該LED上に透明な樹脂が直接塗布される。 In other LED lighting fixtures, in order to provide a degree of ingress protection against LED, transparent resin is coated directly onto the LED. このようなLED照明器具はLEDに対する侵入保護をもたらし得るが、該照明器具の上記樹脂はLEDの1以上の光出力特性を不所望に変化させ得、正確に塗布することが困難であり得、光学系の他の電気部品適切に保護することができず、及び/又は他の欠点を提起し得る。 Such LED lighting fixture may lead to intrusion protection against LED, but the resin is obtained by changing one or more optical output characteristics of the LED undesirably of the luminaire, it is difficult to accurately applied to obtain, It can not be protected other electrical components suitably in the optical system, and may raise / or other disadvantages.
このように、当業技術においては、外部環境から実質的に密閉された複数のLEDを有し、且つ、オプションとして上述した欠点の1以上に対処することができる改善されたLED型照明ユニットを提供する必要性が存在する。 Thus, in the art, a plurality of LED which is substantially sealed from the external environment, and, an improved LED-based lighting unit may address one or more of the disadvantages described above as optional there is a need to provide.
本開示は、外部環境から実質的に密閉された複数のLEDを有するLED型照明ユニットに対する発明的方法及び装置に向けられている。 The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and apparatus for the LED-based lighting unit having a plurality of LED which is substantially sealed from the external environment. 例えば、該LED型照明ユニットは取付面と、該取付面に結合された複数のLEDとを含むことができる。 For example, the LED-based lighting unit may include a mounting surface, and a plurality of LED coupled to said mounting surface. 複数の光学要素も設けることができ、これら光学要素の各々は上記複数のLEDの少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺で上記取付面に隣接する基部を有する。 A plurality of optical elements can also be provided, each of these optical elements have a base adjacent to the mounting surface at the periphery of at least one LED of the plurality the LED. また、該LED型照明ユニットは、上記光学要素の間に延在すると共に該光学要素に当接するエラストマ層(弾性層)も含むことができる。 Moreover, the LED-based lighting unit is in contact with the elastomer layer in the optical element as well as extending between the optical elements (elastic layer) may also be included. 上記エラストマ層及び光学要素は、上記複数のLEDを外部環境から共動して実質的に密閉するように機能し得る。 The elastomer layer and the optical element may function to substantially seal and cooperate with the plurality of LED from the external environment. オプションとして、接着層を上記光学要素と上記取付面との間に、及び/又は上記エラストマ層と上記取付面との間に介挿することができる。 Optionally, an adhesive layer may be interposed between the between the optical element and the mounting surface, and / or the elastomer layer and the mounting surface. また、オプションとして、剛性層を上記エラストマ層上に、及び/又は上記光学要素の一部上に設けることができる。 Further, optionally, the rigid layer onto the elastomeric layer, and / or may be provided on a portion of the optical element. 設けられた場合、該剛性層は上記取付面と共動して、上記光学要素及び/又は上記エラストマ層を押圧する。 If provided, the rigid layer and the mounting surface and cooperating, to press the optical element and / or the elastomer layer.
広くは、一態様において、取付面を有するLED型照明ユニットが提供される。 In general, in one aspect, LED-based lighting unit having a mounting surface is provided. 該LED型照明ユニットは、複数のLEDと、接着層と、複数の光学要素と、エラストマ層とを含む。 The LED-based lighting unit includes a plurality of LED, and the adhesive layer, and a plurality of optical elements, and an elastomeric layer. 上記LEDは上記取付面に結合され、これらLEDの各々は発光部を有する。 The LED is coupled to said mounting surface, each of these LED has an emission portion. 上記接着層は上記取付面上にあり、上記LEDの少なくとも幾つかの発光部とは接触しない。 The adhesive layer is on the mounting surface, not in contact with at least some of the light emitting portion of the LED. 上記光学要素は、各々、上記複数のLEDのうちの少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺で上記接着層と接触する基部を有する。 The optical elements each have a base portion in contact with the adhesive layer around the at least one LED of the plurality the LED. 上記光学要素の少なくとも幾つかは、個別に、少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺に配置可能である。 At least some of the optical elements, individually, can be disposed around at least one the LED. 上記エラストマ層は、上記接着層と接触すると共に、上記光学要素の間に延在し且つ該光学要素に当接する。 It said elastomeric layer is configured to contact with the adhesive layer, in contact with the extending Mashimashi and optical elements between the optical elements. 該LED型照明ユニットは上記LEDを外部環境から実質的に密閉するように構成されている。 The LED-based lighting unit is configured to substantially seal the LED from an external environment.
幾つかの実施例において、前記エラストマ層は前記取付面の周部を越えて延在すると共に、該周部に被さる(lip over)。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer with extends beyond the periphery of the mounting surface, it covers the peripheral portion (lip over).
幾つかの実施例において、前記光学要素の各々は、個別に少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺に配置可能である。 In some embodiments, each of the optical elements can be placed on the periphery of at least one LED individually.
幾つかの実施例において、前記エラストマ層は前記光学要素の各々の基部全体に当接する。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer is in contact with the entire base of each of the optical elements.
幾つかの実施例において、当該LED型照明ユニットは前記エラストマ層上に剛性層を更に含む。 In some embodiments, the LED-based lighting unit further includes a rigid layer on the elastomeric layer. これらの実施例のバージョンにおいて、上記剛性層は前記光学要素の一部と重なり合う。 In versions of these embodiments, the rigid layer overlaps a portion of the optical element. これらの実施例のバージョンにおいて、上記剛性層及び前記取付面は、一緒になって、前記エラストマ層及び光学要素の少なくとも一方に圧縮力を付与する。 In versions of these embodiments, the rigid layer and the mounting surface are taken together to impart a compressive force to at least one of the elastomeric layer and the optical element. これらの実施例のバージョンにおいて、上記剛性層は前記エラストマ層の周部を越えて延在すると共に、該周部に被さる。 In versions of these embodiments, together with the rigid layer extends beyond the periphery of the elastomeric layer, overlying the peripheral portion.
広くは、他の態様において、取付面を有するLED型照明ユニットが提供される。 In general, in another aspect, LED-based lighting unit having a mounting surface is provided. 該LED型照明ユニットは複数のLEDと、複数の光学要素と、エラストマ層と、剛性層とを含む。 The LED-based lighting unit includes a plurality of LED, and a plurality of optical elements, and an elastomer layer, and a rigid layer. 上記LEDは上記取付面に結合され、これらLEDの各々は発光部を有する。 The LED is coupled to said mounting surface, each of these LED has an emission portion. 上記光学要素は、各々、上記LEDのうちの少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺において上記取付面に隣接する基部を有する。 The optical elements each have a base adjacent to the mounting surface in the vicinity of the at least one LED of said LED. 上記エラストマ層は上記光学要素の間に延在すると共に、これら光学要素の各々の基部に当接し且つ該基部を取り囲む。 Together with the elastomeric layer extends between the optical element, it abuts and surrounds the base portion to the base of each of these optical elements. 上記剛性層は、上記エラストマ層上にあると共に、上記光学要素の各々の一部上にある。 It said rigid layer, as well is on the elastomer layer, located on a portion of each of the optical elements. 上記剛性層は上記光学要素の各々の基部と上記エラストマ層との間の当接部に重なる。 It said rigid layer overlaps the contact portion between the base and the elastomer layer of each of the optical elements. 当該LED型照明ユニットは上記LEDを外部物体から実質的に密閉するよう構成される。 The LED-based lighting unit is configured to substantially seal the LED from an external object.
幾つかの実施例において、前記光学要素の基部と前記取付面との間には接着層が介挿される。 In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is interposed between the base and the mounting surface of the optical element.
幾つかの実施例において、前記エラストマ層と前記取付面との間には接着層が介挿される。 In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is interposed between the elastomeric layer and the mounting surface.
幾つかの実施例において、前記剛性層及び前記取付面は、一緒になって、前記エラストマ層及び前記光学要素のうちの少なくとも一方に圧縮力を付与する。 In some embodiments, the rigid layer and the mounting surface are taken together to impart a compressive force to at least one of said elastomeric layer and said optical element. これら実施例のバージョンにおいて、上記剛性層及び取付面は、一緒になって、上記エラストマ層上及び上記取付面上に圧縮力を付与する。 In versions of these embodiments, the rigid layer and the mounting surface are taken together to impart a compressive force on the elastomeric layer and the mounting surface.
幾つかの実施例において、前記エラストマ層は前記取付面の周部を越えて延在すると共に、該周部に被さる。 In some embodiments, together with the elastomeric layer extends beyond the periphery of the mounting surface, cover the peripheral portion.
幾つかの実施例において、前記エラストマ層は、前記光学要素の各々の基部の表面に対し、該光学要素との当接部の近傍において実質的に面一である。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer, for each of the base surface of the optical element is substantially flush in the vicinity of the contact portion between the optical element.
広くは、他の態様において、取付面を有するLED型照明ユニットが提供される。 In general, in another aspect, LED-based lighting unit having a mounting surface is provided. 該LED型照明ユニットは、複数のLEDと、複数の光学要素と、エラストマ層と、剛性層とを含む。 The LED-based lighting unit includes a plurality of LED, and a plurality of optical elements, and an elastomer layer, and a rigid layer. 上記LEDは上記取付面に結合され、これらLEDの各々は発光部を有している。 The LED is coupled to said mounting surface, each of these LED has a light emitting portion. 上記光学要素は、各々、上記LEDのうちの少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺において上記取付面に隣接する基部を有する。 The optical elements each have a base adjacent to the mounting surface in the vicinity of the at least one LED of said LED. 上記エラストマ層は上記光学要素の間に延在すると共に、これら光学要素に当接する。 Said elastomeric layer with extending between the optical element and abuts thereto optical element. 上記剛性層は、上記エラストマ層上にあると共に、上記光学要素の各々の一部上にある。 It said rigid layer, as well is on the elastomer layer, located on a portion of each of the optical elements. 上記剛性層は上記光学要素の各々と上記エラストマ層との間の当接部に重なり、上記剛性層及び上記取付面は、一緒になって、上記エラストマ及び上記光学要素の少なくとも一方に圧縮力を付与する。 Said rigid layer overlaps the contact portion between each and the elastomer layer of the optical element, the rigid layer and the mounting surface, together, a compressive force to at least one of said elastomer and said optical element Give.
幾つかの実施例において、前記光学要素の基部と前記取付面との間には接着層が介挿される。 In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is interposed between the base and the mounting surface of the optical element. これらの実施例の幾つかのバージョンにおいては、上記エラストマ層と上記取付面との間に接着層が介挿される。 In some versions of these embodiments, the adhesive layer is interposed between the elastomeric layer and the mounting surface.
幾つかの実施例において、前記光学要素の少なくとも1つは軸外し反射プリズムを含む。 In some embodiments, at least one of said optical element comprises off-axis reflection prism.
本開示のために本明細書で使用される場合、"LED"なる用語は、電気信号に応答して放射を発生することができる如何なるエレクトロルミネッセントダイオード又は他のタイプのキャリア注入/接合型システムをも含むものと理解されるべきである。 When used herein the purposes of this disclosure, "LED" The term any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection / junction-type capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal it should be understood to include a system. 従って、LEDなる用語は、これらに限定されるものではないが、電流に応答して光を放出する種々の半導体型構造体、発光ポリマ、有機発光ダイオード(OLED)、エレクトロルミネッセント・ストリップ等を含む。 Therefore, LED the term, but are not limited to, various semiconductor-type structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diode (OLED), electroluminescent strips, etc. including. 特に、LEDなる用語は、赤外線スペクトル、紫外線スペクトル及び可視スペクトルの種々の部分(一般的に、約400ナノメートルから約700ナノメートルまでの放射波長を含む)のうちの1以上で放射を発生するように構成することができる全てのタイプの発光ダイオード(半導体及び有機発光ダイオードを含む)を指す。 In particular, LED The term IR spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers) various portions of the ultraviolet spectrum and the visible spectrum to generate radiation in one or more of It refers to all types of light-emitting diodes (including semiconductor and organic light emitting diodes) that can be configured to. LEDの幾つかの例は、これらに限定されるものではないが、種々のタイプの赤外線LED、紫外線LED、赤色LED、青色LED、緑色LED、黄色LED、琥珀色LED、橙色LED及び白色LED(後に更に説明する)を含む。 Some examples of the LED, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LED, UV LED, red LED, blue LED, green LED, a yellow LED, amber LED, orange LED and white LED ( including after further described). また、LEDは所与のスペクトル(例えば、狭帯域幅、広帯域幅)に対して種々の帯域幅(例えば半値全幅又はFWHM)を有すると共に、所与の一般色分類内で種々の優勢波長を有する放射を発生するように構成及び/又は制御することができると理解されるべきである。 Moreover, LED is given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth) which has a different bandwidth (e.g. FWHM or FWHM) relative to have various dominant wavelengths within a given general color classification it should be understood that it is possible to configure and / or controlled to generate radiation.
例えば、実質的に白色光を発生するように構成されたLED(例えば、白色LED)の一構成例は、組み合わせで実質的に白色光を形成するように混ざり合う異なるスペクトルの発光を各々放出するような複数のダイを含むことができる。 For example, the configured LED to generate essentially white light (e.g., white LED) configuration example of each emit substantially emission of different spectra mix to form white light in combination It may include a plurality of dies such as. 他の構成例では、白色LEDは、第1スペクトルを持つ発光を別の第2スペクトルに変換するような蛍光体材料に関連し得る。 In another configuration example, the white LED may be associated with a phosphor material that converts light emission having a first spectrum to a different second spectrum. この構成の一例において、相対的に短い波長及び狭い帯域幅のスペクトルを持つ発光は上記蛍光体材料に"ポンプ"作用し、該蛍光体材料は幾らか広いスペクトルを持つ一層長い波長の放射を放出する。 In one example of this configuration, light emission having a spectrum of relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth is "pumps" act on the phosphor material, the radiation of longer wavelengths with phosphor material is somewhat broad spectral emission to.
また、LEDなる用語はLEDの物理的及び/又は電気的なパッケージタイプを限定するものではないと理解されるべきである。 Moreover, LED the term is intended to limit the physical and / or electrical package type of an LED is to be understood that there is no. 例えば、前述したように、LEDとは、異なるスペクトルの放射を各々放出するように構成された(例えば、個々に制御可能である又は制御可能でない)複数のダイを有する単一の発光デバイスを指すことができる。 For example, as described above, LED and refers to a single light emitting device having different spectral configured each to emit radiation (e.g., not individually is controllable or controllable) a plurality of dies be able to. また、LEDは当該LED(例えば、幾つかのタイプの白色LED)の一体部分と見なされる蛍光体に関連され得る。 Moreover, LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LED). 一般的に、LEDなる用語は、パッケージLED、非パッケージLED、表面実装LED、チップオンボードLED、TパッケージLED、ラジアルパッケージLED、電力パッケージLED、何らかのタイプのケース及び/又は光学要素(例えば、拡散レンズ)を含むLED等を指すことができる。 Generally, it LED The term package LED, unpackaged LED, surface mount LED, chip-on-board LED, T package LED, radial package LED, power package LED, some type of case and / or optical element (e.g., spreading lens) may refer to a LED or the like including a.
"光源"なる用語は、これらに限定されるものではないが、LED型光源(先に定義したような1以上のLEDを含む)、白熱光源(例えば、フィラメント電球、ハロゲン電球等)、蛍光光源、燐光光源、高輝度放電光源(例えば、ナトリウム蒸気、水銀蒸気及び金属ハライド電球)、レーザ、他のタイプのエレクトロルミネッセント光源、熱発光光源(例えば、炎)、キャンドル発光光源(例えば、ガスマントル、炭素アーク放射光源)、光ルミネッセント光源(例えば、ガス放電光源)、電子飽和を使用するカソード発光光源、電流発光光源、結晶発光光源、キネ発光光源、熱発光光源、摩擦発光光源、音発光光源、電波発光光源及び発光ポリマを含む種々の放射光源の何れか1以上を指すと理解されたい。 The term "light source" is not limited to, (including one or more LED as defined above) LED-based light source, incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen bulbs, etc.), fluorescent light , phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor, mercury vapor and metal halide bulbs), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, heat emitting sources (e.g., flames), candle light emission source (e.g., gas mantle, carbon arc radiation sources), photoluminescent light source (e.g., gas discharge source), cathode luminescent sources using electronic saturation current emission source, crystal light emission source, kine light emission source, thermal emission source, friction-emitting source, the sound emission a light source, it is to be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including a radio emission source and light emitting polymer.
所与の光源は、可視スペクトル内、可視スペクトル外、又はこれら両方の組み合わせで電磁放射を発生するように構成することができる。 Given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. 従って、"光"及び"放射"なる用語は、ここでは入れ替え可能に使用される。 Accordingly, the term "light" and "radiation" are used herein to be interchanged. 更に、光源は、一体部品として、1以上のフィルタ(例えば、カラーフィルタ)、レンズ又は他の光学部品を含むことができる。 Furthermore, the light source, as an integral part, one or more filters can comprise (e.g., color filters), lenses, or other optical components. また、光源は、これらに限定されるものではないが指示、表示及び/又は照明を含む種々の用途のために構成することができると理解されるべきである。 Further, the light source, but are not limited to instructions, it should be understood that can be configured for various applications including display and / or illumination. "照明光源"は、内部又は外部空間を効果的に照明するために十分な輝度を持つ放射を発生するように特別に構成された光源である。 "Illumination source" is a specially configured light source to generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space. この点において、"十分な輝度"とは、周囲照明(即ち、間接的に知覚され得ると共に、例えば全体的に又は部分的に知覚される前に1以上の種々の介在表面から反射され得る光)を形成するために空間又は環境において発生される可視スペクトルにおける十分な放射パワーを指す(放射パワー又は"光束"に関しては、しばしば、"ルーメン"なる単位が光源から全方向への全光出力を表すために使用される)。 In this regard, "sufficient intensity" and may be reflected from the ambient illumination (i.e., with may be indirectly perceived, for example, wholly or partially perceived one or more of a variety of intervening surfaces before being light ) with respect refers to sufficient radiant power (radiation power or "luminous flux" in the visible spectrum generated in the space or environment in order to form the often "lumen" as units of total light output in all directions from the light source It is used to represent).
"照明器具"なる用語は、ここでは、特定のフォームファクタ、アセンブリ若しくはパッケージでの1以上の照明ユニットの構成又は配置を指すために使用されている。 "Luminaire" The term here is used to refer to structure or arrangement of one or more lighting units in a particular form factor, assembly, or package. "照明ユニット"なる用語は、ここでは、同一又は異なるタイプの1以上の光源を含む装置を指すために使用されている。 "Lighting unit" The term here is used to refer to a device containing the same or different types of one or more light sources. 所与の照明ユニットは、光源(又は複数の光源)のための種々の取付配置、エンクロージャ/ハウジング配置及び形状、並びに/又は電気的及び機械的接続構造の何れかを有することができる。 Given lighting unit, various mounting arrangements for the light source (or a plurality of light sources), it may have either an enclosure / housing arrangements and shapes, and / or electrical and mechanical connection structure. 更に、所与の照明ユニットは、オプションとして、当該光源(又は複数の光源)の動作に関係する種々の他の部品(例えば、制御回路)に関連され得る(例えば、含む、結合される及び/又は一緒にパッケージ化される)。 Furthermore, and given lighting unit optionally, various other components involved in the operation of the light source (or a plurality of light sources) (e.g., control circuit) may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled / or packaged together). "LED型照明ユニット"とは、上述したような1以上のLED型光源を単独で又は他の非LED型光源との組み合わせで含む照明ユニットを指す。 "LED-based lighting unit" and refers to a lighting unit comprising alone or in combination with other non LED-based light sources of one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above. "多チャンネル照明ユニット"とは、異なるスペクトルの放射を各々発生するように構成された少なくとも2つの光源を含むLED型又は非LED型の照明ユニットを指し、上記異なるスペクトルの各々を当該多チャンネル照明ユニットの"チャンネル"と称することができる。 The "multi-channel lighting unit", different refers to an LED-based or non LED-based lighting unit that includes at least two light sources configured to spectral emission of each generated, the multi-channel lighting each of said different spectral it can be referred to as a "channel" of the unit.
上述した思想及び後に詳細に説明される付加的思想の全ての組み合わせ(このような思想が相互に矛盾しない限り)は、ここに開示される発明の主題の一部であると考えられると理解されるべきである。 All combinations of additional ideas to be discussed in detail in the spirit and after the above-described (as long as such ideas are not mutually inconsistent) are understood to be considered part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein is Rubeki. 特に、本開示の末尾にある請求項に記載された事項の全ての組み合わせは、ここに開示される発明の主題の一部であると考えられる。 In particular, all combinations of matters described in the claims at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. また、参照により本明細書に組み込まれる何れかの開示にも現れるものであって、本明細書で明示的に使用される用語は、ここに開示される特定の思想と最も一貫した意味が付与されるべきであると理解されるべきである。 Further, by reference be those which appear in any disclosure incorporated herein, the term is explicitly used herein, the most consistent meaning with certain ideas disclosed herein are applied it should be understood that it should be.
尚、図面において同様の符号は、概して、異なる図を通して同一の部分を指している。 The same reference numerals in the drawings, generally refer to like parts throughout the different views. また、図面は必ずしも実寸ではなく、概して、本発明の原理を解説するに際して強調されている。 Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, generally are highlighted when to explain the principles of the present invention.
図1は、実質的に密閉されたLEDを備えるLED型照明ユニットの一実施例の底面分解斜視図を示す。 Figure 1 shows a bottom exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an LED-based lighting unit comprising a substantially enclosed LED. 図2は、図1のLED型照明ユニットの取付面及び接着層の上面斜視図を示し、接着層が取付面から分解されて示されている。 Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the mounting surface and the adhesive layer of the LED-based lighting unit of Figure 1, the adhesive layer is shown exploded from the mounting surface. 図3は、図1のLED型照明ユニットの取付面、LED及び接着層の上面斜視図を示し、接着層が取付面上に示されている。 3, the mounting surface of the LED-based lighting unit of Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the LED and the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is shown on the mounting surface. 図4は、図1のLED型照明ユニットの取付面、LED、接着層及び光学要素の上面斜視図を示し、複数の光学要素がLEDの周辺に接着層と接触して配置されており、これら光学要素の1つはLEDの1つから分解されて示されている。 4, the mounting surface of the LED-based lighting unit of Figure 1, LED, shows a top perspective view of the adhesive layer and the optical elements are placed in contact with the adhesive layer a plurality of optical elements on the periphery of the LED, these one of the optical elements are shown as being decomposed from one the LED. 図5は、図1のLED型照明ユニットの光学要素及びエラストマ層の上面斜視図を示し、光学要素はLEDの周辺に接着層と接触して配置されており、エラストマ層は光学要素の間に延在すると共に該光学要素に当接する一方、接着層と接触している。 Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the optical elements and the elastomeric layer of the LED-based lighting unit of Figure 1, the optical elements are placed in contact with the adhesive layer around the LED, the elastomeric layer between the optical element while in contact with the optical element along with extending, in contact with the adhesive layer. 図6は、図1のLED型照明ユニットの剛性層及び光学要素の上面斜視図を示し、剛性層はエラストマ層上に位置すると共に、光学要素の一部上に位置している。 Figure 6 shows a top perspective view of the rigid layer and the optical elements of the LED-based lighting unit of Figure 1, the rigid layer is located on the elastomeric layer is positioned on a portion of the optical element. 図7は、LED型照明ユニットの、図6の7−7線に沿う断面図を示す。 Figure 7 shows the LED-based lighting unit, a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
当該ハウジングの開口上に実質的に密閉された透明又は半透明なガラス部を有するハウジング内にLEDを収容したLED照明器具が設計されている。 LED lighting fixture housing the LED in the housing having a transparent or semi-transparent glass portion is substantially enclosed on the opening of the housing is designed. これらハウジング及びガラス部は、一緒になって、上記LEDに対する或る程度の侵入保護をもたらす。 These housing and glass unit together, resulting in intrusion protection some degree with respect to the LED. LEDに対する或る程度の侵入保護を形成するために透明又は半透明な樹脂内にLEDを封入するLED照明器具も設計されている。 LED luminaire encapsulating the LED in a transparent or semi-transparent in the resin for forming a degree of ingress protection against LED also been designed. このような照明器具は侵入保護を備えさせることができるが、これら照明器具は1以上の欠点も有する。 Such luminaire can be provided with penetration protection, these luminaires also have one or more disadvantages. 例えば、これらの密閉の態様は、損傷を受け易く、高価であり、数が多すぎ、適用するのが困難であり、LEDの1以上の光出力を不所望に変化させ得、及び/又はハウジングの内部及び/又は光学系への都合良い接近を妨げ得る。 For example, aspects of these sealing are susceptible to damage, are expensive, the number is too large, it is difficult to apply, obtained by varying one or more of the light output of LED undesirably, and / or housing the can interfere with convenient access to the interior and / or optical system. 従って、出願人は外部環境から実質的に密閉された複数のLEDを有すると共に、オプションとして上述した欠点の1以上に対処することができるような改善されたLED型照明ユニットを提供する必要性が当業技術には存在すると認識及び理解した。 Accordingly, the applicant has a plurality of LED which is substantially sealed from the outside environment, a need to provide an improved LED-based lighting unit that may address one or more of the disadvantages described above as optional recognized and understood that the present in the art.
より一般的には、出願人は、各々が少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺に設けられる少なくとも複数の光学要素(optical pieces)と、外部環境から上記LEDを実質的に密閉するために上記光学要素の間に延在するエラストマ(弾性)層とを使用するLED型照明を提供することが有益であると認識及び理解した。 More generally, Applicants have at least a plurality of optical elements each of which is provided around the at least one LED (Optical pieces), between the external environment of the optical element to substantially seal the LED providing an LED-based lighting to use and extending elastomer (elastic) layer was recognized and understood to be beneficial.
上記に鑑みて、本発明の種々の実施例及び構成例は、取付面と、該取付面に結合された複数のLEDと、各々が上記複数のLEDのうちの少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺に位置する複数の光学要素と、これら光学要素の間に延在すると共に該光学要素に当接するエラストマ層とを含むLED型照明ユニットに向けられたものである。 In view of the above, various embodiments and configurations of the present invention includes a mounting surface, a plurality of LED coupled to the mounting surface, located around the at least one LED of each of the plurality LED a plurality of optical elements, are directed to LED-based lighting unit including a elastomeric layer in contact with the optical element along with extending therebetween optical elements. 上記エラストマ層及び光学要素は、共動して、上記複数のLEDを外部環境から実質的に密閉するように機能することができる。 The elastomer layer and the optical element, it is possible to cooperate, functions to substantially seal the plurality of LED from the external environment. 上記光学要素と上記取付面との間、及び/又は上記エラストマ層と上記取付面との間には、オプションとして接着層を介挿することができる。 Between said optical element and said mounting surface, and / or between the elastomeric layer and the mounting surface, an adhesive layer can interposing optional. また、上記エラストマ層及び/又は上記光学要素の一部上には、オプションとして剛性層を設けることができる。 Further, on a portion of the elastomeric layer and / or the optical element, it can be provided rigid layer as an option.
図1を参照すると、LED型照明ユニット10の一実施例は、LED基板20と、接着層40と、光学要素52の一群(バンク)50と、エラストマ層60と、剛性層70とを含み、これらは図1では互いに分解されて底面斜視図で示されている。 One embodiment of the Referring to FIG. 1, LED-based lighting unit 10 includes an LED substrate 20, the adhesive layer 40, and a group (bank) 50 of the optical element 52, the elastomeric layer 60, and a rigid layer 70, these are shown in a bottom perspective view is decomposed together in FIG. 本明細書で更に詳細に示されるように、代替実施例では、該LED型照明ユニット10は、オプションとして、ここに図示及び説明される1以上の構成要素を備えないで設けることもできる。 As shown in more detail herein, in alternative embodiments, the LED-based lighting unit 10 can optionally also be provided without comprising one or more of the components shown and described herein. 例えば、幾つかの実施例では、剛性層70及び/又は接着層40を省略することができる。 For example, in some embodiments, it can be omitted stiffness layer 70 and / or the adhesive layer 40.
図2及び図3を参照すると、LED基板20及び接着層40の上面斜視図が示されている。 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a top perspective view of the LED substrate 20 and the adhesive layer 40 is shown. 接着層40は、図2ではLED基板20から分解されて示されており、図3ではLED基板20の取付面22上に結合されて示されている。 The adhesive layer 40 is shown exploded from the LED substrate 20 in FIG. 2, is shown coupled on the mounting surface 22 of the LED substrate 20 in FIG. 3. 接着層40は、当該LED型照明ユニット10の他の態様を一層良好に見せるために図2及び図3では実質的に透明であるように図示されている。 The adhesive layer 40 is illustrated another embodiment of the LED-based lighting unit 10 as is more FIGS. 2 and 3, substantially transparent to better show. 接着層40は幾つかの実施例では透明とすることができるが、該接着層は他の実施例では半透明又は不透明とすることもできると理解される。 Although the adhesive layer 40 in some embodiments can be transparent, adhesive layer is understood that in other embodiments it may be a translucent or opaque. 取付面22上には、49個のLED30が設けられている。 On the mounting surface 22, 49 of LED30 is provided. これらLED30の各々は、当該LED30から光が放出される発光部32を含んでいる。 Each of these LED30 are light from the LED30 contains a light-emitting portion 32 to be released. 電気接続部7が電気配線5を介してLED30に対し電気的接続状態にあり、選択的に電力を供給する。 Electrical connection 7 is in electrical connection to LED30 through electrical wiring 5, selectively provides power. 上記電気配線5は電源に対し、選択的に電気的に接続することができる。 The electrical wiring 5 to the power supply can be selectively electrically connected. 電気配線5は、上記電気接続部7から上記LED基板20の切欠き24を介して延びている。 Electrical wiring 5 extends from the electrical connection 7 via a notch 24 of the LED substrate 20. 幾つかの実施例において、接着層40は、3M(登録商標)から入力可能なVHB(登録商標)両面テープとすることができる。 In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 40 may be a 3M can be input from the (R) VHB (TM) double-sided tape.
LED基板20は複数の固定具(ファスナ)開口29を含み、これら開口は接着層40が取付面22に結合される際に該接着層40のファスナ開口49のうちの特定のものと整列する。 LED substrate 20 includes a plurality of fasteners (fastener) opening 29, these openings are aligned with certain of the fastener aperture 49 of the adhesive layer 40 when the adhesive layer 40 is bonded to the mounting surface 22. 本明細書において更に詳細に説明されるように、ファスナ開口29及び49は、エラストマ層60及び/又は剛性層70をLED基板20に結合するために、ファスナ3(図1、図6、図7)が貫通して延在するのを可能にする。 As described in further detail herein, for the fastener openings 29 and 49, to couple the elastomer layer 60 and / or the rigid layer 70 on the LED substrate 20, the fastener 3 (FIGS. 1, 6, 7 ) is to allow the extending therethrough. 接着層40は複数のLED開口42も含み、これら開口は該接着層40が取付面22に結合される際にLED30と位置合わせされる。 The adhesive layer 40 also includes a plurality of LED openings 42, the openings are aligned with LED30 when adhesive layer 40 is bonded to the mounting surface 22. 従って、接着層40は、取付面22に結合された場合、LED30を囲むがLED30と接触することはない。 Therefore, the adhesive layer 40, when attached to the mounting surface 22, but surround the LED 30 does not contact with the LED 30.
LED基板20は複数の第2ファスナ開口27も含み、これら開口は接着層40が取付面22に結合される際に該接着層40のファスナ開口49の特定のものと整列する。 LED substrate 20 also includes a plurality of second fastener apertures 27, these openings are aligned with certain of the fastener openings 49 of the adhesive layer 40 when the adhesive layer 40 is bonded to the mounting surface 22. 該第2ファスナ開口27は、オプションとして、LED基板20をハウジング又は他の構造体に結合するためにファスナが貫通して延在するのを可能にすることができる。 Second fastener opening 27 is optional as fasteners to couple the LED substrate 20 to the housing or other structure can be enabled to extend through. 第2ファスナ開口27は、他の例として、LED基板20から後方に延び、これにより該LED基板20をハウジング又は他の構造体に結合するボスに結合することもできる。 The second fastener opening 27, as another example, extends from the LED substrate 20 to the rear, thereby may be coupled to the boss to couple the LED substrate 20 housing or other structure. LED型照明ユニット10を照明器具内に施工する場合、LED型照明ユニット10のLED基板20及び/又は他の部分をハウジング又は他の構造体に結合するために他の方法及び/又は構造を用いることもできる。 If you construction of LED-based lighting unit 10 in the lighting fixture, the LED substrate 20 and / or other parts of the LED-based lighting unit 10 using other methods and / or structures for coupling to the housing or other structure it is also possible. 幾つかの実施例において、LED基板20は例えばアルミニウムコア印刷回路基板等の金属コア印刷回路基板とすることができる。 In some embodiments, LED substrate 20 may be a metal core printed circuit board such as an aluminum core printed circuit board, for example.
ここでは固有のLED基板20及びLED30の配置が図示及び説明されるが、本開示の利益を受けた当業者は、他の実施例ではLED取付面を含む他のLED支持構造体を利用することもできることを認識するであろう。 It has now, but the arrangement of the specific LED substrate 20 and LED30 are shown and described, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, in other embodiments utilize other LED support structure comprising a LED mounting surface It will recognize that you can be. 例えば、幾つかの実施例において、上記LED支持構造体は、非平面的とすることができ、他の形状とすることができ、及び/又は複数のLED基板等の複数の個別のLED支持構造体を有することができる。 For example, in some embodiments, the LED support structure may be a non-planar, a plurality of individual LED support structure can be of other shapes, and / or such as a plurality of LED substrates it can have a body. 更に、他の数の及び/又は他の配置のLED30を設けることもできる。 Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the LED30 other numbers and / or other arrangements. 例えば、もっと多くの又は少ないLEDを設けることができ、上記LEDの1以上を別のLEDパッケージに設けることができ、上記LEDを非対称な配置で設けることができ、及び/又は上記LEDを互いに対して非平面的とすることができる。 For example, more or fewer LED may be provided, one or more of the LED may be provided in a separate LED package, can be provided with the LED in an asymmetric arrangement, and / or against the LED with each other It may be non-planar Te. また、ここでは固有の接着層40が図示及び説明されるが、本開示の利益を受けた当業者は、他の接着層を設けることもできることを認識するであろう。 Also, here is the specific adhesive layer 40 is shown and described, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that it is also possible to provide other adhesive layer. 例えば、他の実施例において、上記接着層は複数のシートで設けることができ、異なるように配置された貫通開口を備えることができ、又はシートの形状では設けられないものとすることができる(例えば、液体の形態で又はジェルの形態で塗布することができる)。 For example, in other embodiments, the adhesive layer may be provided in a plurality of sheets, the through openings arranged differently can comprise, or can be assumed not provided in the form of a sheet ( for example, it can be applied in the form or a gel form of a liquid). 更に、当該LED型照明ユニットの幾つかの実施例において、上記接着層40は省略することができる。 Further, in some embodiments of the LED-based lighting unit, the adhesive layer 40 can be omitted.
図4を参照すると、LED基板20、接着層40及び光学要素52のバンク50の上面斜視図が示されている。 Referring to FIG. 4, LED substrate 20, top perspective view of the bank 50 of the adhesive layer 40 and the optical element 52 is shown. バンク50は、49個の光学要素52を含んでいる。 Bank 50 includes 49 optical elements 52. 光学要素52のうちの48個は、各々、単一のLED30の上及び周辺に、且つ、接着層40に接触して配置されるように図示されている。 48 of the optical element 52, respectively, on and around a single LED 30, and are shown to be placed in contact with the adhesive layer 40. 光学要素52のうちの1つは、LED30の1つ及び接着層40から分解されて図示されている。 One of the optical elements 52 are shown exploded from one and the adhesive layer 40 of the LED 30. 光学要素52の各々は、当該光学要素52がLED30のうちの1つの上で且つ周辺に配置された場合に、接着層40に少なくとも部分的に接触すると共に接着的に結合される基部55を含んでいる。 Each of the optical element 52, when the optical element 52 is disposed around and on one of the LED 30, includes a base 55 which is adhesively bonded together at least partially in contact with the adhesive layer 40 They are out. 基部55は、図示の実施例では実質的に平らな上面57を含んでいる。 The base 55 is in the illustrated embodiment includes a substantially flat upper surface 57. また、光学要素52の各々は、基部55に結合されると共に該基部から遠ざかるように延びる反射プリズム54も含んでいる。 Further, each optical element 52 also includes a reflecting prism 54 which extends away from the base portion while being coupled to the base 55. 図示された光学要素52は、LED30の単一のものにより放出された光を反射プリズム54の或る面に向かって平行化(コリメート)するように構成されている。 Optical element 52 illustrated is configured to collimate (collimated) towards the emitted light to a certain surface of the reflecting prism 54 by that of a single LED 30. この場合、反射プリズム54の上記面は、該面に向けられたコリメートされた上記光の実質的に大部分を、LED30の上記単一のもの主光出力軸に対して軸が外れた全般方向(general direction)に向け直す。 In this case, the surface of the reflecting prism 54, general direction substantially most of the collimated directed to said surface said light axis is deviated with respect to the single one main light output shaft of LED30 redirect to (general direction). 光学要素52がLED30の周辺に配置された場合、これらLED30はLED基板20及び光学要素52により実質的に封入される。 When the optical element 52 is disposed around the LED 30, these LED 30 is substantially encapsulated by the LED substrate 20 and the optical element 52. 幾つかの実施例において、光学要素52はPhilips Lumec社から入手可能なLifeLED(登録商標)光学要素とすることができる。 In some embodiments, optical element 52 can be a possible LifeLED (TM) optical elements obtained from Philips Lumec Corporation.
ここでは固有の光学要素52が詳細に説明されるが、ここで述べるLED型照明ユニットには他の光学要素を利用することもできると理解される。 Here Although specific optical element 52 is described in detail, the LED-based lighting unit described here is understood also possible to use other optical components. 例えば、他の実施例では、LEDからの光出力を主LED軸に対して全般的に軸外しされた方向に向け直さないような光学要素を設けることもできる。 For example, in other embodiments, can be provided an optical element that does not redirected to off-axis has been direction All in all the optical output to the main LED axis from LED. また、例えば、他の実施例ではコリメートしない光学要素を設けることもできる。 Further, for example, in other embodiments can be provided an optical element which is not collimated. また、例えば、他の実施例ではLED30の2つ以上の上で且つ周辺に配置することが可能な光学要素を設けることもできる。 Further, for example, in other embodiments can be provided an optical element that can be placed around and over two or more of the LED 30. また、他の実施例では、1以上の光学要素を互いに結合することもできる。 Also, in other embodiments, it is also possible to combine one or more optical elements to each other. また、例えば、他の実施例では、例えば他の形状の基部、他の寸法の基部、及び/又は非平坦な上面を持つ基部等の、他の基部構造を備えた光学要素を設けることもできる。 Further, for example, in other embodiments, may for example the base of another shape, the base of the other dimensions, and / or of the base or the like having a non-planar upper surface, be provided with an optical element with another base structure . 更に、単一のLED型照明ユニットは複数の固有の構造の光学要素を内部で組み合わせることもできると理解される。 Further, a single LED-based lighting unit is understood that it is also possible to combine the optical elements of the more unique structure internally.
図5を参照すると、エラストマ層60が、図4に示したLED基板20、接着層40及び光学要素52のバンク50上に配置されて図示されている。 Referring to FIG. 5, the elastomeric layer 60, LED substrate 20 shown in FIG. 4, it is shown disposed on the bank 50 of the adhesive layer 40 and the optical element 52. エラストマ層60は、前記光学要素52の少なくとも一部が貫通して延在するのを可能にする複数の光学要素開口62(図1)を含んでいる。 Elastomer layer 60, at least a portion of the optical element 52 contains a plurality of optical elements opening 62 that allows for extending through (Fig. 1). ここで更に詳細に説明するように、エラストマ層60は光学要素52の間に延在すると共に該光学要素52に当接し、且つ、前記接着層40上に少なくとも部分的に位置すると共に該接着層40に接触する。 Here, as described in more detail, the elastomer layer 60 is in contact with the optical element 52 as well as extending between the optical element 52, and, the adhesive layer with at least partially located over the adhesive layer 40 in contact with the 40. エラストマ層60は複数のファスナ(固定具)開口69を含み、これら開口69は、該エラストマ層60が前記接着層40及びLED基板20上に配置された際に、LED基板20のファスナ開口29及び接着層40のファスナ開口49と整列する。 Elastomeric layer 60 includes a plurality of fasteners (fastener) opening 69, the openings 69, when the elastomeric layer 60 is disposed on the adhesive layer 40 and the LED substrate 20, the fastener apertures 29 of the LED substrate 20 and aligned with fastener opening 49 of the adhesive layer 40. ファスナ開口69は、該エラストマ層60をLED基板20と結合するためにファスナ3が貫通して延在するのを可能にする。 Fastener opening 69, the fastener 3 for coupling with LED substrate 20 the elastomeric layer 60 is enabled to extend through. エラストマ層60は、光学要素52の基部55に当接すると共に、基部55の上面57と実質的に面一である凹状領域64を含んでいる。 Elastomeric layer 60 abuts against the base 55 of the optical element 52 includes an upper surface 57 and substantially concave region 64 which is flush base 55. ここで更に詳細に説明するように、エラストマ層60はLED基板20の周部を越えて延在すると共に、該周部に被さる(lip over)。 Here, as described in more detail, together with the elastomeric layer 60 extends beyond the periphery of the LED substrate 20, cover the peripheral portion (lip over). 幾つかの実施例において、エラストマ層60は40A以下のジュロメータ測定値を有し得る。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer 60 may have the following durometer measurements 40A. 幾つかの実施例において、エラストマ層60は、約40Aから約80Aの範囲内のジュロメータ測定値を有し得る。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer 60 may have a durometer measurement within the range of about 40A to about 80A. 幾つかの実施例において、エラストマ層60は熱可塑性エラストマ(TPE)とすることができる。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer 60 may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). 幾つかの実施例において、該エラストマ層はエクソンモービルケミカル社から入手可能なSantoprene(登録商標)とすることができる。 In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer can be a available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company Santoprene (registered trademark).
また、エラストマ層60は上記凹状領域64から上方に延びる複数の凸部61bも含んでいる。 Further, the elastomeric layer 60 also includes a plurality of convex portions 61b extending upwardly from the recessed area 64. これら凸部61bは、剛性層70の対応する凹部71b(図1)内に受入されるように寸法決め及び位置決めされている。 These protrusions 61b are sized and positioned to be received in corresponding recesses 71b (FIG. 1) of the rigid layer 70. これら凸部61b及び凹部71bは、オプションとしてエラストマ層60に対して剛性層70を適切に位置合わせするのを補助することができると共に、オプションとして互いに嵌り合うことができる。 These protrusions 61b and recesses 71b may be it is possible to assist in properly aligning the rigid layer 70 relative to the elastomeric layer 60 as an option, fitted to each other optionally. また、エラストマ層60は、該エラストマ層60の周囲上面66の少なくとも幾らかに対して凹まされた複数の凹部61aも含んでいる。 Further, the elastomeric layer 60 also includes a plurality of recesses 61a that are recessed for at least a some of the surrounding upper surface 66 of the elastomeric layer 60. これら凹部61aは、剛性層70の対応する凸部71a(図1)を受入するように寸法決め及び位置決めされている。 These recesses 61a are sized and positioned to receive the corresponding protrusions 71a (FIG. 1) of the rigid layer 70. これら凹部61a及び凸部71aは、オプションとしてエラストマ層60に対して剛性層70を適切に位置合わせする際に補助することができると共に、オプションとして互いに嵌り合うことができる。 These recesses 61a and the convex portion 71a may be it is possible to assist in properly aligning the rigid layer 70 relative to the elastomeric layer 60 as an option, fitted to each other optionally.
ここでは固有のエラストマ層60が説明されるが、ここで述べるLED型照明ユニットには他のエレメント層も使用することができると理解される。 Here Although specific elastomer layer 60 is described, the LED-based lighting unit described herein is understood can be used other elements layer. 例えば、他の実施例では、エラストマ層60は複数の要素で設けることができ、他の配置の貫通開口、他の形状の貫通開口、異なる位置合わせ構造を備えて、及び/又は位置合わせ構造を備えないで設けることができる。 For example, in other embodiments, the elastomeric layer 60 may be provided with a plurality of elements, through openings in the other arrangement, the through-openings of other shapes, comprise different alignment structure, and / or the alignment structure it can be provided not provided.
図6は、図5に示したLED基板20、接着層40、光学要素52のバンク50及びエラストマ層60上に配置された剛性層70の上面斜視図を示している。 Figure 6 shows a top perspective view of the LED substrate 20, adhesive layer 40, the rigid layer 70 disposed on the bank 50 and the elastomeric layer 60 of the optical element 52 shown in FIG. 該剛性層70は光学要素52の少なくとも一部が貫通して延在するのを可能にするための複数の光学要素開口72(図1)を含んでいる。 Rigid layer 70 includes a plurality of optical elements opening 72 for at least a portion of the optical element 52 is enabled to extend through (Fig. 1). ここで更に詳細に説明するように、剛性層70は前記エラストマ層60上に位置すると共に、エラストマ層60と光学要素52との間の当接部上に延在する。 As described herein in more detail, the rigid layer 70 while positioned on the elastomeric layer 60 extends over the contact portion between the elastomer layer 60 and the optical element 52. 剛性層70は、該剛性層70がエラストマ層60、接着層40及びLED基板20上に配置される際に、該エラストマ層60のファスナ開口69、該LED基板20のファスナ開口29及び該接着層40のファスナ開口49と整列する複数のファスナ開口79(図1)を含んでいる。 Rigid layer 70 is rigid layer 70 is an elastomeric layer 60, when placed on the adhesive layer 40 and the LED substrate 20, fastener apertures 69 of the elastomeric layer 60, the fastener openings 29 and the adhesive layer of the LED substrate 20 it includes a plurality of fasteners openings 79 (FIG. 1) that align with fastener openings 49 and 40. これらファスナ開口79は、剛性層70をLED基板20に結合するためにファスナ3が貫通して延在するのを可能にする。 These fastener openings 79, the fastener 3 to bond the rigid layer 70 on the LED substrate 20 to allow the extending therethrough. ここで更に詳細に説明するように、剛性層70は、エラストマ層60の周部を越えて延在すると共に該周部に被さり、LED基板20の周部も越えて延在する。 As described herein in more detail, the rigid layer 70 overlies the peripheral portion with extends beyond the periphery of the elastomeric layer 60 also extends beyond the peripheral portion of the LED substrate 20. 幾つかの実施例において、剛性層70はオプションとしてポリカーボネイト又はアルミニウムを有することができる。 In some embodiments, the rigid layer 70 may have a polycarbonate or aluminum as an option. オプションとして、該剛性層70は塗装することができる。 Optionally, the rigid layer 70 may be painted.
図7を参照すると、LED型照明ユニット10の図6の7−7線に沿う断面図が示されている。 Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6 of an LED-based lighting unit 10 is shown. 光学要素52の接触面56は、接着層40(取付面22上の暗い線として、断面で見える)と接触した状態で示されている。 The contact surface 56 of optical element 52, (as a dark line on the mounting surface 22, seen in cross-section) adhesive layer 40 is shown in contact with. エラストマ層60の一部が接着層40と接触していることも分かる。 It can also be seen that a portion of the elastomeric layer 60 is in contact with the adhesive layer 40. 接触面56はLED30及びLED発光部32を取り囲んでいる。 The contact surface 56 surrounds the LED30 and the LED light emission unit 32. 光学要素52の基部55は、エラストマ層60の光学要素開口62を画定する壁63に当接する側面58を含んでいる。 The base 55 of the optical element 52 includes a side surface 58 abutting against the wall 63 defining an optical element aperture 62 of the elastomeric layer 60. これら側面58及び壁63は、互いに締まり嵌め状態であり得る。 These side 58 and wall 63 may be in a state interference fit with each other. 図7に示されるように、図示された実施例では、エラストマ層60の凹状領域64は基部55の上面57と実質的に面一である。 As shown in FIG. 7, in the embodiment illustrated, the recessed area 64 of the elastomer layer 60 is substantially flush with the upper surface 57 of the base 55. エラストマ層60の面取り部が、凹状領域64と該エラストマ層60の上面66との間に延在する。 Chamfer of the elastomeric layer 60, extends between the upper surface 66 of the recessed area 64 and the elastomeric layer 60.
剛性層70は、上記凹状領域64及び上記上面57の一部の両方の上に設けられる重なり部74を含んでいる。 Rigid layer 70 includes the overlapping portions 74 provided on both the portion of the recessed areas 64 and the top surface 57. 光学要素開口72の各々は、該光学要素開口72を画定する壁73、及び該壁73と当該剛性層70の上面との間に延在する面取り部を含んでいる。 Each optical element aperture 72 includes a chamfer extending between the top wall 73, and wall 73 and the rigid layer 70 which defines the optical element aperture 72. 剛性層70の光学要素開口72は、エラストマ層60の光学要素開口62より小径のものであると共に、基部55の側面58よりも小径のものであり、これにより該剛性層70がエラストマ層60と基部55との間の当接部に重なるようにしている。 Optical element aperture 72 of the rigid layer 70, together with those of smaller diameter than the optical element aperture 62 of the elastomeric layer 60 is of a smaller diameter than the side surface 58 of the base portion 55, thereby the rigid layer 70 is an elastomeric layer 60 and so as to overlap the contact portion between the base portion 55. 図7では、エラストマ層60の唇部67が見られ、該唇部はLED基板20に被さっている。 7, the lip portion 67 of the elastomeric layer 60 can be seen, 該唇 portion is overlaying the LED substrate 20. 図7には、剛性層70の唇部77も見られ、該唇部はエラストマ層60に被さっている。 Figure 7 is a lip 77 of the rigid layer 70 also seen, 該唇 portion lying over an elastomer layer 60.
図7には単一のファスナ3が見られ、該ファスナは剛性層70を経る開口79、エラストマ層60を経る開口69及びLED基板20を経る開口29により囲まれている。 A single fastener 3 seen in FIG. 7, the fastener is surrounded by an opening 29 through the opening 79, the opening 69 and the LED substrate 20 through the elastomeric layer 60 through the rigid layer 70. ファスナ3は、プッシュロック型ファスナとすることができ、LED基板20の一部とロック的に係合する面取り部4を含んでいる。 The fastener 3 may be a push-lock fasteners, and includes a portion of the LED substrate 20 and the chamfered portion 4 for locking engages. 開口79及び開口29を介して挿入された場合、上記面取り部4は基板20に係合することができ、該ファスナ3の頭部は剛性層70の一部に係合することができる。 When inserted through the opening 79 and the opening 29, the chamfered portion 4 may engage the substrate 20, the head of the fastener 3 can engage a portion of the rigid layer 70. 該ファスナ3は、剛性層70とLED基板20との間で光学要素52及び/又はエラストマ層60を圧縮する圧縮力を付与することができる。 The fastener 3 can impart a compressive force to compress the optical element 52 and / or elastomeric layer 60 between the rigid layer 70 and the LED substrate 20. 他の実施例では、剛性層70及び/又はエラストマ層60をLED基板20に固定するために他のファスナ及び/又は他の構造を用いることもできる。 In other embodiments, it is also possible to use other fasteners and / or other structures to secure the rigid layer 70 and / or the elastomer layer 60 in the LED substrate 20. 例えば、幾つかの実施例においては、ネジ溝付きファスナが、開口69、開口79及び/又は開口29に形成され又は結合されたボスに受け入れられるようにすることができる。 For example, in some embodiments, it can be threaded fastener, the opening 69, to be received in formed in the opening 79 and / or the opening 29 or bonded boss. また、例えば、エラストマ層60又は剛性層70及びLED基板20の外側に面する面に接触するクランプを設けることもできる。 Further, for example, it may be provided a clamp in contact with the facing surface on the outside of the elastomer layer 60 or the rigid layer 70 and the LED substrate 20. 本開示の利益を受ける当業者は、剛性層70及び/又はエラストマ層60を固定するために他の構造及び/又は方法を用いることもできることを認識するであろう。 Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that it is also possible to use other structures and / or methods for fixing the rigid layer 70 and / or elastomeric layer 60.
ここでは固有の剛性層70が説明されるが、ここで述べるLED型照明ユニットには他の剛性層も用いることができ、当該LED型照明ユニットの幾つかの実施例では該剛性層70は省略することができる。 Here Although inherent rigidity layer 70 is described, other rigid layer in LED-based lighting unit described herein can also be used, omitting the rigid layer 70 in some embodiments of the LED-based lighting unit can do. 例えば、他の実施例では、剛性層70は複数の要素で設けることができ、他の配置の貫通開口を備えることができ、他の形状の貫通開口を備えることができ、異なる位置合わせ構造を備えることができ、及び/又は位置合わせ構造を備えないこともできる。 For example, in other embodiments, the rigid layer 70 can be provided in a plurality of elements, can be provided with through openings of other arrangements, it can be provided with through openings of other shapes, different alignment structure provided that it is, and / or the alignment structure can also be without a.
当該LED型照明ユニット10は、例えば屋外照明器具等の照明器具に組み込むことができる。 The LED-based lighting unit 10 can be incorporated for example in lighting fixtures, such as outdoor lighting fixtures. オプションとして、該LED型照明ユニット10は光出力開口を含むハウジングに組み込むこともできる。 Optionally, the LED-based lighting unit 10 may be incorporated into a housing containing the light output aperture. 幾つかの実施例において、上記光出力開口はレンズ無しとすることができ、該LED型照明ユニット10の一部(例えば、剛性層70及び光学要素52;エラストマ層60及び光学要素52)は外部環境に対して暴露させることができる。 In some embodiments, the light output aperture can be no lens, a portion of the LED-based lighting unit 10 (e.g., a rigid layer 70 and the optical element 52; elastomer layer 60 and the optical element 52) is outside it can be exposed to the environment. オプションとして、剛性層70及び/又はエラストマ層60は、LED基板20の背面を外部環境から実質的に密閉するために、照明器具の他の部分と接するようにすることができる。 Optionally, the rigid layer 70 and / or the elastomer layer 60, in order to substantially seal the back of the LED substrate 20 from the external environment, can be in contact with other parts of the luminaire. オプションとして、LED基板20の背面は、実質的に電気部品を有さないものとすることができ、及び/又は何らかの外部要素による損傷を容易に受けることがないようにすることができる。 Optionally, the back of the LED substrate 20 may be such that it does not substantially can be assumed that no electrical components, and / or easily damaged by some external factors.
以上、幾つかの発明的実施例を、ここに説明及び図示したが、当業者であれば、ここに記載された結果及び/又は利点の1以上を得るための、及び/又は機能を果たすための種々の他の手段及び/又は構造を容易に思いつくであろう。 Above, several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art, the results described herein and / or for obtaining one or more advantages, and / or to serve It will occur to various other means and / or structures easily. 斯様な変形例及び/又は変更例の各々は、ここに述べた発明的実施例の範囲内であると見なされるものである。 Each of such variations and / or modifications are intended to be considered within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. もっと一般的には、当業者であれば、ここで述べた全てのパラメータ、寸法、材料及び構造は例示的であることを意図したものであり、実際のパラメータ、寸法、材料及び構造は当該発明的な教示が用いられる固有の用途又は複数の用途に依存するであろう。 More generally, those skilled in the art, all parameters described herein, the dimensions, the materials and structures are intended to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and structures the invention teachings will depend on the specific application or applications for use. 当業者であれば、ここで述べた固有の発明的実施例の多数の均等物を、認識し又は決まり切った実験を用いて確かめることができるであろう。 Those skilled in the art, numerous equivalents of specific inventive embodiments described herein, will be able to ascertain using the recognized or determined completely experiments. 従って、上述した実施例は例示的なものとしてのみ提示されたものであり、添付請求項及び斯かる請求項の均等物の範囲内で発明的実施例を上述され及び請求項に記載されたもの以外で実施することができると理解されるべきである。 Therefore, the above embodiments has been presented as exemplary only, that the inventive examples within the scope of equivalents of the appended claims and such claims are described in the above and in the claims it should be understood that it can be practiced otherwise than. 本開示の発明的実施例は、ここで述べた個々のフィーチャ、システム、物品、材料、キット及び/又は方法に向けられたものである。 Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the individual features mentioned, system, are directed to articles, materials, kits, and / or methods. 更に、斯かるフィーチャ、システム、物品、材料、キット及び/又は方法の2以上の如何なる組み合わせも、これらフィーチャ、システム、物品、材料、キット及び/又は方法が相互に矛盾しない限り、本開示の発明的範囲内に含まれるものである。 Further, such features, systems, articles, materials, two or more any combination of kits and / or methods, these features, systems, articles, unless materials, kits, and / or the methods are not mutually inconsistent, the disclosed invention it is intended to be included within the scope.
ここで定められ及び使用された全ての定義は、辞書の定義、参照により組み込まれる文献における定義、及び/又は定義された用語の通常の意味を支配すると理解すべきである。 All definitions defined and used herein, dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or should be understood to dominate the ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
本明細書において及び請求項において使用される単数形は、そうでないと明記しない限り、"少なくとも1つ"を意味すると理解されるべきである。 Singular forms as used herein and in the claims, unless specified otherwise, it should be understood to mean "at least one".
明細書及び特許請求の範囲で使用された"及び/又は"なる表現は、そのように結合された要素の"何れか一方又は両方"(即ち、幾つかの場合には接続的に、他の場合には離接的に存在する要素)を意味すると理解されたい。 Specification and the appended "and / or" The expression used in the claims, as such "either or both" of the combined element (i.e., connected manner in some cases, other It is understood to mean an element) that exists in disjunctive if. "及び/又は"で列記された複数の要素は、同様に、即ちその様に結合された要素の"1以上"と見なされるべきである。 "And / or" Multiple elements listed in the same manner, i.e., are to be considered "one or more" of such coupling elements. "及び/又は"なる表現により特に識別される要素以外に、他の要素も、上記特に識別された要素に関係があるか関係がないかに拘わらず、オプションとして存在し得る。 "And / or" comprising besides the elements specifically identified by the expression, other elements may also, irrespective of whether there is relevant or related to the is particular identification elements may be present as optional. このように、限定するものではない例として、"A及び/又はB"なる言及は、"有する"等の非制限的表現と一緒に使用された場合、一実施例ではAのみを示し(オプションとしてB以外の要素を含む)、他の実施例ではBのみを示し(オプションとしてA以外の要素を含む)、更に他の実施例ではA及びBの両方を示し(オプションとして他の要素を含む)、等々となる。 Thus, as a non-limiting example, "A and / or B" becomes mention, when used in conjunction with non-limiting representation of such "comprising", it shows only A in one embodiment (option including elements other than B) as showed only B in other embodiments (including elements other than a as optional), in yet other embodiments including other elements (optional illustrates both a and B ), and so on.
明細書及び特許請求の範囲で使用された場合、"又は"は上述した"及び/又は"と同じ意味を有すると理解されたい。 When used in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" described above. 例えば、リスト内で項目を分ける場合、"又は"又は"及び/又は"は包括的であると、即ち複数の要素又は要素のリストにおける少なくとも1つを含むのみならず、2以上を含み、オプションとして追加の掲載されていない要素も含む、と解釈されるべきである。 For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" it is when a comprehensive, not only at least one of the words listed in a plurality of elements or components, includes two or more, optional as also include additional posted that are not elements, it should be interpreted as. "のうちの1つのみ"若しくは"のうちの正確に1つ"又は請求項で使用された場合の"からなる"等の、明らかにそうでないと示される用語だけは、複数の要素又は要素のリストのうちの正確に1つの要素を含むことを示す。 "Exactly one of," or "composed of", etc. when used in the claims, only apparently terms indicated otherwise, a plurality of elements or element or "only one of" indicating that contains exactly one element of a list. 一般的に、ここで使用される"又は"なる用語は、"何れか"、"のうちの1つ"、"のうちの1つのみ"又は"のうちの正確に1つ"等の排他性の用語が先行した場合のみ、排他的代替物(即ち、"両方ではなく一方又は他方")を示すと解釈されるべきである。 Generally, herein the term "or" as used herein, "one", "one of", or "exactly one of" exclusivity, such as "only one of" If the terms preceded only, exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") should be construed as indicating. "から本質的になる"は、請求項で使用された場合、特許法の分野で使用される通常の意味を有する。 "Consisting essentially of", when used in the claims, it shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
明細書及び特許請求の範囲で使用される場合、1以上の要素のリストに関連した"少なくとも1つ"なる表現は、該要素のリストにおける要素の何れか1以上から選択された少なくとも1つの要素を意味すると理解されるべきであり、必ずしも該要素のリスト内に特別に掲げられた各々の全ての要素の少なくとも1つを含むものではなく、該要素のリストにおける要素の如何なる組み合わせも排除するものではない。 As used in the specification and claims, one or more list elements associated with the "at least one" The expression, at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements It should be understood to mean, not necessarily including at least one of all the elements of each that are listed specially in the list of elements, but also to eliminate any combinations of elements in the list of elements is not. この定義は、該"少なくとも1つ"なる表現が参照する当該要素のリスト内で特別に識別される要素以外に要素が、特別に識別された要素に関係するか関係しないかに拘わらず、オプションとして存在することも許容する。 This definition, the "at least one" as expression elements other than elements specifically identified within the list of the element referenced by, regardless of whether not relevant or related to specially identified element, optional also allowed to exist as. この様に、限定しない例として、"A及びBの少なくとも1つ"(又は等価的に"A又はBの少なくとも一方"、又は等価的に"A及び/又はBの少なくとも1つ")は、一実施例においては、Bは存在せず(オプションとして、B以外の要素を含む)に、少なくとも1つの(オプションとして2以上を含む)Aを示すことができ、他の実施例では、Aは存在せずに(オプションとして、A以外の要素を含む)、少なくとも1つの(オプションとして2以上を含む)Bを示すことができ、更に他の実施例では、少なくとも1つの(オプションとして2以上を含む)A及び少なくとも1つの(オプションとして2以上を含む)B(オプションとして他の要素を含む)を示すことができる等となる。 Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently "at least one of A or B", or "at least one of A and / or B" equivalently) is in one embodiment, B is absent (and optionally including elements other than B) to be indicative of the at least one (optionally including more than) a, in other embodiments, a is in the absence (optionally including elements other than a), at least, optionally including more than one may indicate a B, and yet another embodiment, at least one (two or more optionally including) including more than a and at least one (optional) B (a or the like can exhibit including other elements) as an option.
また、明瞭にそうでないと示さない限り、2以上のステップ又は作用を含む請求項の如何なる方法においても、該方法の上記ステップ又は作用の順序は、必ずしも、該方法のステップ又は作用が記載された順序に限定されるものではないと理解されるべきである。 Also, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any method claims, including two or more steps or actions, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily, steps or acts of the method have been described it is not limited to the order it should be understood that there is no.
請求項及び明細書において、"有する"、"含む"、"担持する"、"持つ"、"含む"、"関わる"、"保持する"、"を含む"等の全ての移行句は、非制限的である、即ち含むが、限定されるものではない、ことを意味すると理解されるべきである。 In the claims and specification, "having", "including", "carrying", "having", "including", "involving", all transitional phrases such as "hold", "including", the non limiting, i.e. including, without limitation, it should be understood to mean that. "からなる"及び"から本質的になる"なる移行句のみが、米国特許庁の特許審査手順マニュアル、セクション2111.03に記載されたように、各々、制限的又は準制限的な句である。 Only "essentially consisting of" consisting transitional phrase and "consisting of" are described in US Patent Office patent examination procedure manual, as described in Section 2111.03, respectively, is limited or quasi-limiting phrase.
前記LEDを外部物体から実質的に密閉するLED型照明ユニット。 LED-based lighting unit that substantially seal the LED from an external object.
前記エラストマ層が前記取付面の周部を越えて延在すると共に、該周部に被さる請求項1に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 Together with the elastomeric layer extends beyond the periphery of the mounting surface, LED-based lighting unit according to claim 1 which covers the peripheral portion.
前記光学要素の各々が、前記少なくとも1つのLEDの周辺に個別に配置可能である請求項1に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 Wherein each of the optical elements, LED-based lighting unit according to claim 1 can be placed separately in the periphery of the at least one the LED.
前記エラストマ層が前記光学要素の各々の基部全体に当接する請求項1に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 LED-based lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the elastomer layer comes into contact with the entire base of each of the optical elements.
前記エラストマ層上に位置する剛性層を更に有する請求項1に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 LED-based lighting unit according to claim 1, further comprising a rigid layer positioned over the elastomeric layer.
前記剛性層が前記光学要素の一部と重なり合う請求項5に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 LED-based lighting unit according to claim 5, wherein the rigid layer overlaps a portion of the optical element.
前記剛性層及び前記取付面が、一緒になって、前記エラストマ層及び前記光学要素の少なくとも一方に圧縮力を付与する請求項6に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 The rigid layer and the mounting surface, together, LED-based lighting unit according to claim 6 for imparting a compressive force to at least one of said elastomeric layer and said optical element.
前記剛性層が前記エラストマ層の周部を越えて延在すると共に、該周部に被さる請求項6に記載のLED型照明ユニット。 Together with the rigid layer extends beyond the periphery of the elastomeric layer, LED-based lighting unit according to claim 6 covers the peripheral portion.


text:
The U.S. Armed Forces, Social Experimentation, and Bedlam
Dateline: 4 August 2001, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. I arrived in East Anglia with two teenagers and a wife. About five weeks later the world changed. You, dear reader, may recall the events of 11 September 2001. America was attacked by that existential enemy of all civilized people, (radical) Islam.
Beginning in early October, my unit deployed all over the theater (which then included Europe and (mainly) northern Africa) to support the efforts to defeat our enemy in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). My flight (a company-sized unit in Army speak) consisted of about 23 intel people, six COMSEC troops, and a SERE expert. After we had sent most of our equipment (that means 'airplanes') and personnel down range, we were tasked further. So it was that the senior enlisted intel guy (me) and my senior enlisted COMSEC guy (Teresa) were the only people left to deploy to support the mission.
So we deployed, leaving no enlisted leadership at our home base. This is a dangerous situation, as one never wants to leave officers on their own; they get up to all sorts of mischief. It's what plants crave.
Seriously, the reason we were the only ones left was that we were the leaders. At this point, we were the only fully qualified people who could be sent to support flight operations. The 100th Air Refueling Wing had no trained up and experienced intel people still at home apart from my boss, a senior captain who was our Flight Chief (and who was also brilliant - love ya Trish) who could be sent to kill people and break their things. So Teresa and I moved out to Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany.
I say all that to say this: Allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military is among the stupidest ideas that has ever been thought up. Imagine this: On that October day in 2001, me and Teresa leading our teams and being the last two qualified troops available… what if one of us (or some other troop who had already deployed) were unavailable because of some mental issue? Gender dysphoria is a mental deformity, kids. The APA can change terms all they like, but "dysphoria" means "confusion," and that's fucking crazy.
Worse, what if a qualified troop was convalescing from an elective surgery (paid for by you, by the way) and was unable to deploy to support the mission (which you also pay for)? I suppose if you never served, you might think this is something that is easy to deal with. You'd be wrong as a wrong thing in Wrongland on wrong holiday. Authorized manning levels do not change. So if I am sent a deranged troop (a 'transgender' or serial killer or clown or otherwise mentally deficient), and it goes into elective surgery (which the DoD does not pay for in any other cases), I do not get another body to replace it while it is doing all the bullshit we are paying for to support its mental illness.
Tell me, Mr. Civilian (or specifically, SJW retard): How do we overcome this? A military force has one job: Destroy the enemy and protect the country from external threats. Transexuals (people with the mental illness now called 'gender dysphoria') have built-in mental issues and are not suited to military life. Do you know transsexuals have a 40 percent suicide attempt rate? I served 23 years, and I can tell you that suicide rates are far higher in the military than they are in the civilian world. It's a stressful way to make a living. Now add to that the madness of not being able to see your sex organs and understand this basic core of mammalian existence (or whatever the fuck happens in these psychos' heads). Yeah, glad I don't have to lead a platoon of psychotic people into a fight.
It is often said that the military isn't the place for social experimentation. I don't necessarily agree completely with that. The military was the first institution that tried racial integration, and met with great success doing that. It took a while, and there were fits and starts, but we got it done. It was also the military where females first gained equal footing with males in the context of pay and career opportunity. I know some will argue we haven't fully achieved that integration, but I don't believe women should be front-line ground troops. That is a debate for another time. We do have female combat pilots and women serve on ships. There are also many homosexuals serving in the armed forces. I was retired by the time Obama canceled DADT, so I don't know if my concerns about that have panned out. But DADT worked well. And I knew quite a few gay people. I knew it, they knew it; I didn't ask and they didn't tell.
To my mind, allowing people with gender dysphoria to serve at all will generally cause problems. I understand there are a few currently serving and keeping quiet about the problem they have. That's bad, but there is no perfect way for a recruiter or DI to diagnose many mental afflictions. Gender dysphoria definitely fits this category.
Readiness. Unit cohesion. Esprit de corps. These are terms which might not mean much to a politician or to a silly kid who believes in equality of outcome over equality of opportunity. But to the United States armed forces, they mean everything. Our missions are global, and we have to be prepared to go anywhere, at any time, with little or no notice. This is the very nature of our business. Some people might read this and call me a bigot for my way of thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth. I do not 'hate' people based on generalities, and I certainly do not hold any resentment or anger because a person has a mental disorder. That would be cruel. I genuinely hope every single transexual person in America gets the help they need to deal with their disorder. I also will not celebrate or try to normalize any sort of 'dysphoria.' That might even be crueler.
Some of my words here might seem 'mean' or worse. I don't mean it 'mean,' but our military has to be ready at all times. Allowing people who have a known mental disorder to serve makes no sense. It's a dangerous idea which should be discarded post haste.
Thanks for reading and #AimHigh!
Rex, MSgt, USAF (ret)
Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking
An unsecured border is an open pathway for human trafficking, and this could be the strongest but most neglected argument to convince skeptics of the need for regulated immigration. When we turn a blind eye to those crossing the borders, we are ignoring the criminal activity of human trafficking. Individuals who were promised freedom get exploited and abused, sold into labor and prostitution. Often proponents of tough immigration laws are accused of lacking compassion, but there is no compassion in ignoring the smuggling and trading of human beings, nor in protecting traffickers or inhibiting investigations with sanctuary cities. If the left cares about human trafficking, they need to recognize that illegal immigrants are especially vulnerable and unenforced law does not help them.
The promises and policies of the Obama administration made easy targets for human traffickers, and the lack of immigration enforcement was an enabler. Human trafficking is profitable and with lessened border enforcement, it was easier.
The influx of unaccompanied minors across the southern border between 2011 and 2016 was met with no resistance under the Obama Administration. The Washington Post reported on the difficulty in tracking these children. One official conceded that "identity requirements" for those claiming to be family members of the children were "relaxed" to place the children more quickly. The children were released to individuals who were not assuredly verified as relatives, and with limited follow-up, if any. Such an acknowledgment would seem to indicate complicity in trafficking, or at the least, pure negligence. Legal advocates for the minors said the children faced abuse, and sometimes vanished. This is how Guatemalan teens ended up being held captive as forced labor on an egg farm. That discovery is what prompted Senator Rob Portman to launch an investigation. The Washington Post highlighted the findings of the report by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (part of the DHHS) which stated the minors were placed with shady caretakers. The DHHS failed to properly vet the sponsors and allowed them to avoid oversight by caseworkers.
Why wasn't this a core focus of those trying secure the border? It seems that the mainstream media interest in human trafficking as a result of Obama policy was largely absent. In the midst of pro-illegal immigrant reporting, such a story fell to the wayside. However, it's the lack of consistent discourse on illegal immigration and human trafficking on the right that is notable and concerning. It's not that it doesn't exist, only that often it is drowned out by other concerns in the immigration debate. Advocates for tightening immigration appeared to favor cultural and economic arguments, but setting aside the human trafficking situation gave Obama and the Democrats a huge pass in accountability. More so, it permitted a horrible consequence to go uncovered.
The Trump Administration has vowed to combat human trafficking. Let's hope it is sincere, and policy toward immigration does not ignore it.
The Heritage Foundation
"The Human Tragedy of Illegal Immigration: Greater Efforts Needed to Combat Smuggling and Violence"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: How do I load a GLTF model via intent? I'm trying to get a validated GLTF file to load from a web page on Android phones using an intent. I've followed the instructions on the ARCore developer site, but I cannot get my model to load, I just get this message:

"Cannot load object. Looks like there's something wrong with this
  object"

But the model generates no errors in Google's online previewer, and I can get the model to load up in GLTF model viewers.
Am I missing something? Is there an issue with the model that I'm not seeing? My test webpage is here, the model itself is here, and this is the html I'm using for the intent:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: How to get Maven to read a file from my resources folder I have been happily using JUnit to run my tests and everything has been fine.
However, I now need to use Maven but for some reason it cannot find any of my resource files.
The files are in the expected place: src/main/resources
I am using the following code to try to read a file:
public Map<String, String> readCsv(String filename) {

    Map<String, String> headersAsMap;
    CSVDataManipulator csvDataManipulator = new CSVDataManipulator();
    ClassLoader classLoader = getClass().getClassLoader();
    String wrkbook = new File(classLoader.getResource(filename).getFile()).toString();
    headersAsMap = csvDataManipulator.getAllRecordsAsMap(wrkbook);
    return headersAsMap;
}

However, try as I might it cannot find the file.
I've tried lots of different code and tried moving the files to different locations but I cannot get Maven to find my resource files.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

A: To my understanding classLoader.getResource(..) expects the file to be in a folder structure matching the package of the class. So if the package of your class is com.matt.stuff, then you'll have to put the csv file in src/main/resources/com/matt/stuff.
Or you could just use this to grab your csv file:
private static String readFile(String fileName) throws IOException {
    //filename can be src/main/resources/my-csv.csv
    return new String(Files.readAllBytes(Paths.get(fileName)));
}

A: A File is indeed a file on the file system. For a resource which might be a file zipped in a jar, and has a path on the class path, you need something else.
Traditionally one would use a more general InputStream instead of a File.
InputStream in = getClass().getResourceAsStream("/.../x.csv"); // Path on the class path

With the new class Path, more general than File, you can deal with several (virtual) file systems:
URL url = getClass().getResource("/.../x.csv"); // Path on the class path
Path path = Paths.get(url.toURI());

Files.copy(path, Paths.get("..."));

With a bit of luck your CSVManipulator should besides being parametrized with a File, also with an InputStream or Reader (new InputStreamReader(in, "UTF-8"))

A: Here's my file structure of a Maven project built from the quick-start-archetype, with comons-io added as a dependency:
src
src/main
src/main/java
src/main/java/com
src/main/java/com/essexboy
src/main/java/com/essexboy/App.java
src/main/resources
src/main/resources/dir1
src/main/resources/dir1/test.txt
src/main/resources/dir2
src/main/resources/dir2/test.txt
src/main/resources/test.txt
src/test
src/test/java
src/test/java/com
src/test/java/com/essexboy
src/test/java/com/essexboy/AppTest.java

Here's my test
public class AppTest {
    @Test
    public void shouldAnswerWithTrue() throws Exception {

        StringWriter writer = new StringWriter();
        IOUtils.copy(getClass().getResourceAsStream("/test.txt"), writer, Charset.defaultCharset());
        assertEquals("from root", writer.toString().trim());

        writer = new StringWriter();
        IOUtils.copy(getClass().getResourceAsStream("/dir1/test.txt"), writer, Charset.defaultCharset());
        assertEquals("from dir1", writer.toString().trim());

        writer = new StringWriter();
        IOUtils.copy(getClass().getResourceAsStream("/dir2/test.txt"), writer, Charset.defaultCharset());
        assertEquals("from dir2", writer.toString().trim());
    }
}


The flora of the Washington (D.C.) -Baltimore Area is rich in number and diversity of species. Nearly 2,800 species of native and naturalized vascular plants (ferns and fern allies, conifers and flowering plants) have been catalogued in this region. The region includes mountain, Piedmont, and coastal plain habitats and thus embraces a wide variety of ecological conditions. Local plants have been studied since at least the 1830s ("A Prodromus of the Flora Columbiana"), and the DC Herbarium, located within the U.S. National Herbarium, was established as an integral part of that research. An up-to-date Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Plants of the Washington-Baltimore Area has been completed in two parts (Part I, 2000;Part II, 2002) by Stanwyn Shetler and Sylvia Orli. The recording of spring flowering dates is another of the current projects, which has continued for more than 30 years. Plant specimens from the DC area are completely inventoried and can be accessed in the online data catalog.


Arrow Charm - An Arrow is known to symbolize direction, wonder and courage. Wear your Arrow Rose Quartz charm bracelet as a reminder to shoot forward and follow your bliss!
-Each beaded Arrow Rose Quartz charm bracelet is accented with two Pyrite stones worn to bring good luck and good fortune to the wearer.


text:
'Concern' over sharp rise in rent prices with renters now paying average of €1,352 per month
Average rents in Dublin now stand at €1,848 per month, which means it costs €22,176 per year on average to rent in the capital
Ruairi Scott ByrneDigital Reporter
A couple walks by an estate agency in Ranelagh, Dublin, during Level 5 Covid-19 lockdown. On Sunday, February 14, 2021, in Ranelagh, Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)
Rents have risen on average by 7 per cent across the state this year, with the average rent price in Ireland now standing at €1,352 per month.
The figures were revealed in the latest report from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which looked at the quarterly Rent Index for the April to June period (Q2) of 2021.
The report is based on actual rents paid on 13,884 private tenancies registered with the RTB in the quarter, compared to 16,085 in Q1 2021.
RTB, the state body that regulates the rental sector, has expressed concern over the level of increase in rent prices and stated that it may be a result of non-compliance from landlords with rent-setting regulations.
On an annualised basis, rents grew by 7 per cent in the second quarter of 2021. This growth rate is higher than that of the previous quarter (4.4 per cent) and the highest since Q1 2019 (which recorded growth of 7.4 per cent).
A view of a '2 Bed To Rent Short Term' sign seen in Dublin City Centre (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The national standardised average rent stood at €1,352 in Q2 2021 – an increase of €32 compared to the previous quarter.
When it comes to the differences in rent price in terms of houses versus apartments, the standardised average rent for houses now stands at €1,347 per month, which is an increase of 3.4 per cent on the previous quarter and a rise of 9.1 per cent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the standardised average rent for apartments for Q2 2021 stood at €1,379 per month this quarter, which is an increase of 1.9 per cent on Q1 2021 and 5.5 per cent year-on-year.
Rent prices in Dublin
As of Q2 2021, standardised average rent in Dublin (€1,848 per month) was higher than outside Dublin (€1,058 per month), according to the report. To put that figure into perspective, that means a person is paying €22,176 per year on average to rent in the capital.
The standardised average rent in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) stood at €1,397 as of Q2 2021 while it was €1,007 outside the GDA. Year-on-year price inflation was lowest at 4.4 per cent in the Dublin area and 10.8 per cent outside the GDA.
Taking a typical two-bedroom house, the report found that the standardised average rent in Dublin stood at €1,817 per month in Q2 2021. This is €841 more than the level for a two-bedroom house outside Dublin for which the most recent standardised average rent was €976 per month.
A lady looks at property To Let outside a Estate Agent on Lower Camden Street, in Dublin (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The standardised average rent for a two-bedroom house in the GDA was €1,354 in Q2 2021. As the report points out, the difference in the level of rents between Dublin and elsewhere is noticeable as the rent for a one-bedroom house in Dublin (€1,414 per month) costs €203 per month more than a house with four or more bedrooms outside Dublin (€1,211 per month).
The report also highlighted the fierce demand for properties in the capital, with Dublin and the GDA accounting for 58 per cent of all tenancy agreements registered in Q2 2021.
Rent price changes county by county
Dublin represented the highest standardised average rent for Q2 2021 at €1,848 per month while the lowest monthly rents were in Donegal, where the standardised average stood at €677 per month.
10 counties now have standardised average rents above €1,000 per month - Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Meath and Wicklow.
On a quarterly basis, rents rose in all but three counties in Q2 2021. Rents in Leitrim increased the most with a quarterly growth rate of 17.6 per cent. On the other hand, rents in Louth experienced the largest quarterly decrease, falling by 0.5 per cent.
A giant billboard calls for lower rents in Grafton Street on December 2, 2010 in Dublin, Ireland (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
On an annualised basis, the lowest growth in the standardised average rent in Q2 2021 was in Dublin at 4.4 per cent. The county with the fastest growing rents in Q2 2021, meanwhile, was Leitrim at 17.3 per cent year-on-year growth.
The report shows that Laois, Sligo, Wicklow, Mayo, Offaly, Kilkenny, Longford and Clare all had annualised growth above 10 per cent in Q2 2021 as well.
'Level of increase a source of concern'
Commenting on the latest RTB Index findings, Padraig McGoldrick, Interim Director of the RTB, said that the level of increase in rent prices in Q2 2021 is 'a source of concern' and may suggest that landlords are pushing up rents beyond limits imposed under regulations already in place.
In July, the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Bill 2021 was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins. The Bill states that landlords can no longer apply a 4 per cent rent hike and must instead link any rent increases on properties in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) to inflation.
"While the latest rent levels will not yet have been impacted by the change in rules for rent setting introduced in July, the level of increase in Q2 2021 is a source of concern and, while there may be legitimate reasons reflecting the rate of increase, it may also indicate an unacceptable level of non-compliance by landlords with rent-setting regulations restricting rent increases in Rent Pressure Zone areas (RPZ)," Mr McGoldrick said.
"The impact of not complying with these measures can be very severe, and the RTB is committed to ensuring increased compliance with these requirements."
A group of young people during a symbolic housing protest outside the GPO in Dublin's city centre on Saturday, 29 May 2020, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Where landlords circumvent the legislation in relation to RPZ rent caps, the RTB has the power to investigate and apply sanctions, with fines of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.
As of Q2 2021, the RTB has commenced almost 400 investigations into improper conducts and to date almost €260,000 has been refunded to current and former tenants as a direct result of breach of rent setting rules.
"On the basis of a request from Minister Darragh O' Brien, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the RTB will escalate its response and introduce an accelerated and focused campaign to identify and, where necessary, pursue those who abuse or ignore their rent setting responsibilities," Mr McGoldrick added.
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text:
Q: Extracting multiple Excel files from different paths in python at once while they are zipped in various places I have 30 folders (from 2021-06-01 to 2021-06-30) and in each of them I have 15 excel files. Currently I am using  this code separately 30 times
file1= glob.glob('C:/Users/Dell/Downloads/2021-06-01/*')

to make a file file1 that run data processing operation for each single folder( going into 15 excel files).So that I can have file 1 to file 30 and then I concat them to make one single file.
Is there any way to automate this process as I dont want to run this operation 30 times separately? I am not figuring out how to make a loop for this purpose of extracting file from different paths.
Also I have the data but they are zipped inside the folders (from 2021-06-01 to 2021-06-30). So, it is tedious to go there one by one and unzip them and then run the operation one by one.
How could I achieve both purpose in a easier way? I saw unzipping operation solutions by search by I cant do them while I also have to obtain the another purpose I mentioned about ( going through different folders and extract them one by one at once, making file 1 to file 30 at once)
my directories look like:
- download
       -month
                 -2021-01-01
                     -AA
                          -file.zip
                              -a list of .xlsx file
                     -BB
                     -CC
                 -2021-01-02
                     -AA
                          -file.zip
                               -a list of .xlsx file
                     -BB
                     -CC
 ...........................................................................................................................................................................
                 -2021-01-30

Now I dont want to concat these xlsx file. I want to run a certain operation on these excel file one by one and then concat them .However not being able to do so.

A: Here's a script in Python that should work for you:
import os
import shutil
import time

import pandas as pd

def read_csv_or_excel(f):
    if f.endswith(".csv"):
        df = pd.read_csv(f"{root}/{f}", sep="\t")
    if f.endswith(".xlsx"):
        df = pd.read_excel(f"{root}/{f}")
    return df

for root, dirs, files in os.walk("./questions/69878352/"):
    #     print(root, dirs, files)
    if root.split("/")[-1].startswith("20"):
        print(root)
        appended = []
        dfs = []
        for f in files:
            if f not in appended:
                print(f)
                if f.endswith(".csv") or f.endswith(".xlsx"):
                    dfs.append(read_csv_or_excel(f))
                elif f.endswith(".zip"):
                    shutil.unpack_archive(f"{root}/{f}", f"{root}/")
                    time.sleep(0.5)
                    f = f"{f[:-4]}.xlsx" # ← this assumes any zipped files will be Excel files...
                    dfs.append(read_csv_or_excel(f))
                else:
                    continue
                appended.append(f[:-4])
        pd.concat(dfs).to_excel(f"{root}.xlsx"

Lmk if it doesn't work! My test data isn't the best I'd have to spend some more time making better test data to be 100% it would work, so if you have any issues, it's probably just a little tweak that's necessary to amend it

A: You could also try just using bash in your terminal:
$ find . -maxdepth 5 -name *.zip | parallel unzip # this will unzip everything in one command
$ find . -maxdepth 5 -name *.xlsx | parallel # perform whatever operation you want on all the excel files


Visual language is a primary form of communication in storytelling media. As it transitions to serve the needs of game-based and interactive stories, expressive qualities are lost in translation in the move to a computational foundation. The question in searching for the missing palette is: can the same rich expressivity found in traditional media be achieved with a visual language that is now interactive?
[Verge], by Digital Arts and New Media MFA student Sarah Fay Krom, is an interactive storyworld that explores the answer to this question by recasting the cinematic frame as a playable space. The dramatic intent of visual composition is transformed into a conversation, enlisting the player's help in discovering how an interactive environment might use the cinematic frame to communicate story between the player and the storyworld.


I had a holiday event tonight. I love going to shows where various vendors are setup with all their goodies just waiting for me to buy. But it's a problem when I work one, because I end up spending a lot of money, and making deals with the other vendors...."I'll trade you a warmer and bar for that scarf and fudge".
It can be a problem. Especially when I should be making money, not just spending it.
So I was busy with that most of the day, and then I came home and snacked on the homemade salsa and fudge I picked up there. Delicious.
This warmer is called Silver Frost and is 10% off all months and is so pretty!
And I love that it can be used all winter long - not just at Christmas!
As always you can visit my Scentsy website HERE and check out all the other warmers and scents!


text:
Q: Set parameter in sql, query not working I have this code here:
DECLARE @inputform varchar
SET @inputform = 'J61807017B'

SELECT * FROM test where text1 LIKE '@inputform'

This won't give me the desired output, but when i do like this it works:
DECLARE @inputform varchar
SET @inputform = 'J61807017B'

SELECT * FROM test where text1 LIKE 'J61807017B'

Any idea?

A: You need to specify the size of the variable and drop the quotes when you use it:
DECLARE @inputform varchar(20)
SET @inputform = 'J61807017B'

SELECT * FROM test where text1 = @inputform
-- or text1 like '%'+ @inputform +'%' if you want to do partial matching

If you don't specify the size for a char/varchar value the size will be 1.
From the manual:

When n is not specified in a data definition or variable declaration
  statement, the default length is 1.