JP2006123926A - Fluid feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid feeder capable of efficiently replenishing fluid into a storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: The fluid feeder 10 comprises a storage tank 14 to store fluid in a lower part of a casing 12, and an instrumentation unit 16 provided above the storage tank 14. A three-way valve 26, a pump 28, a flowmeter 30, a replenishing pipe 22, a first solenoid valve 32, a hose joint 34, a hose 36 and a nozzle 38 are provided in a fluid feed passage 20 of the instrumentation unit 16 from the upstream side. The replenishing pipe 22 is branched from the fluid feed passage 20 downstream of the pump 28 and the flowmeter 30, and a second solenoid valve 40 to be closed when feeding the fluid and opened when replenishing the fluid is provided on the replenishing pipe 22. When a fluid is fed to the nozzle 38 from the storage tank 14, a control device 48 sucks the fluid in the storage tank 14 from a suction pipe 21 by the pump 28, and feeds it into the nozzle 38. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid supply apparatus, and more particularly, to a fluid supply apparatus configured to replenish a fluid when a storage amount of a storage tank that stores fluid decreases.

  Examples of the fluid supply device include a storage tank mounted on a loading platform of a vehicle that delivers oil liquid, a pump that sends the oil liquid in the storage tank, and a flow meter that measures the supply amount supplied from the pump to the nozzle. There is a device having (supply amount measuring means), an oil supply hose communicated downstream of the flow meter, and an oil supply nozzle communicated to the tip of the oil supply hose (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this type of fluid supply device, when the oil liquid stored in the storage tank decreases, a replenishment operation of replenishing the oil liquid from another tank is performed. For this replenishment operation, for example, a movable pump suction pipe that can be moved to a drum can as an external tank is inserted, and the tip of a hose connected to the discharge port of the pump is inserted into an oil supply port provided at the top of the storage tank. To do. And the oil liquid of a drum can is pumped up to the storage tank mounted in the loading platform of a vehicle by operation of a portable pump, and oil liquid is replenished.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-1399

  However, conventionally, since a portable pump is prepared separately from the pump mounted on the vehicle, it takes time to install the portable pump, the work efficiency of the replenishment work to the storage tank is low, and it is possible. When the portable pump is used in another place, there is a problem that the replenishment work is delayed until the use in the other place is finished.

  Then, this invention aims at providing the fluid supply apparatus which solved the said subject.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following means.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a storage tank for storing fluid, a fluid supply path having one end connected to the storage tank and the other end connected to a nozzle for supplying fluid to the fluid supply body, In a fluid supply apparatus, comprising: a pump provided in a fluid supply path; and a supply amount measuring means provided in the fluid supply path for measuring a supply amount of fluid pumped by the pump. A replenishment portion provided upstream of the pump in the fluid supply path to supply fluid, and a communication state between the replenishment portion and the suction port of the pump provided upstream of the pump in the fluid supply path Or a first switching means for switching to one state of communication between one end of the fluid supply path and the suction port of the pump, and a branch from the fluid supply path downstream of the pump A replenishment path that communicates with the storage tank; and a communication state between the replenishment path and the discharge port of the pump, or the other end of the fluid supply path and the pump. And a second switching means for switching to any state of communication with the discharge port.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when fluid is supplied from the storage tank to the nozzle, the communication state between one end of the fluid supply path and the suction port of the pump, and the other end of the fluid supply path and the When the first and second switching means are switched so as to maintain the communication state with the discharge port of the pump and the storage tank is replenished with fluid, the communication state between the supply unit and the suction port of the pump, And control means for switching the first and second switching means so as to maintain a communication state between the replenishment path and the discharge port of the pump.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the replenishment path branches off from the fluid supply path downstream of the pump and the supply amount measuring means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage amount storage means for storing a storage amount of fluid stored in the storage tank, and a storage amount stored in the storage amount storage means when the storage tank is replenished with fluid. First storage amount calculation means for updating the value of the storage amount by adding the value of the replenishment amount measured by the supply amount measuring means to the value, and storing the storage amount when supplying the nozzle to the storage tank And a second storage amount calculation means for subtracting the supply amount value measured by the supply amount measurement means from the storage amount value stored in the means to update the storage amount value. To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lower limit value detecting means for detecting whether or not the stored amount stored in the stored amount storage means is equal to or lower than a preset lower limit value, and the stored amount by the lower limit value detecting means. When it is detected that the value is equal to or lower than the lower limit value, a notification means for notifying the fact is provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an upper limit value detecting means for detecting whether or not the stored amount stored in the stored amount storage means is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit value, and the stored amount by the upper limit value detecting means. When it is detected that the value is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, a notification means for notifying the fact is provided.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized by comprising replenishment stopping means for stopping the operation of the pump when the upper limit value detecting means detects that the storage amount is equal to or higher than the upper limit value. To do.

  According to the present invention, in order to supply fluid to the storage tank from the outside, the replenishment unit provided upstream of the pump in the fluid supply path and the suction port of the pump are in communication with each other, or one end of the fluid supply path and the pump The first switching means for switching to any state of communication with the suction port, and the communication state between the replenishment path and the discharge port of the pump provided at the downstream of the pump of the fluid supply path, or the other end of the fluid supply path And a second switching means for switching to any one of the communication states between the pump and the discharge port of the pump, the fluid can be supplied and the fluid can be replenished with a single pump. Since it is not necessary to prepare, the labor of replenishment work can be saved and the efficiency of replenishment work can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when fluid is replenished to the storage tank, the state of communication between the replenishment portion and the suction port of the pump and the state of communication between the replenishment path and the discharge port of the pump are maintained. When the fluid is supplied from the nozzle to the nozzle, there is a control means for maintaining the communication state between one end of the fluid supply path and the suction port of the pump and the communication state between the other end of the fluid supply path and the discharge port of the pump. The fluid supply state can be automatically switched to the fluid replenishment state, and the replenishment work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the replenishment path branches from the fluid supply path downstream of the pump and the supply amount measuring means, it is possible to accurately measure the replenishment amount of the fluid replenished to the storage tank.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a fluid is supplied to the storage tank, the value of the storage amount is obtained by adding the value of the supply amount measured by the supply amount measuring means to the value of the storage amount stored in the storage amount storage means. In order to update the storage amount value by subtracting the supply amount value measured by the supply amount measurement means from the storage amount value stored in the storage amount storage means when supplying the nozzle to the storage tank. The stored amount can be accurately detected without providing a liquid level gauge in the storage tank.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when the lower limit value detecting means detects that the storage amount is equal to or lower than the lower limit value, the storage tank is not provided with a liquid level gauge in order to notify that fact. It can be recognized that a fluid supply to the tank is necessary and the fluid can be replenished before the storage tank is empty.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the upper limit value detecting means detects that the storage amount is equal to or higher than the upper limit value, the storage tank is not provided with a liquid level gauge in order to notify that fact. It can be confirmed that fluid supply to the tank is sufficient, and overflow can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the storage amount is detected to be equal to or higher than the upper limit value by the upper limit value detection means, the pump does not operate, and therefore no liquid level gauge is provided in the storage tank. Overflow can be prevented.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a fluid supply apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid supply device 10 includes a storage tank 14 that stores fluid in a lower portion of a housing 12, and an instrumentation unit 16 that is provided above the storage tank 14. The fluid stored in the storage tank 14 is, for example, an oil liquid used as a fuel for a vehicle such as an automobile, or a chemical other than the fuel (for example, urea consumed in a purification device that purifies exhaust gas from an automobile). There is.

  A partition wall 18 is provided between the storage tank 14 and the instrumentation section 16, and the partition wall 18 is branched from the suction line 21 that constitutes one end of the fluid supply path 20 and the fluid supply path 20. A supply conduit (supply route) 22 passes therethrough.

  The suction line 21 and the replenishment line 22 are respectively inserted in the vicinity of the left and right side walls of the storage tank 14, and the lower ends of the suction line 21 and the replenishment line 22 extend to the vicinity of the bottom of the storage tank 14. ing. A baffle plate 24 that blocks the movement of bubbles rises at the bottom of the storage tank 14.

  A fluid supply path 20 of the instrumentation section 16 includes, from upstream, a three-way valve (first switching means) 26, a pump 28, a flow meter 30, a supply pipe 22, a first electromagnetic valve (second switching means) 32, and a hose. A joint 34, a hose 36, and a nozzle 38 are provided. The nozzle 38 has an air introduction port for sucking air by a negative pressure generated by supplying fluid to the discharge port. When the air introduction port is blocked by the liquid level, a valve built in the nozzle 38 is provided. The mechanism is configured to automatically close the valve and stop supplying fluid. Since such an automatic valve closing mechanism based on liquid level detection is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The replenishment pipe line 22 branches off from the fluid supply path 20 downstream of the pump 28 and the flow meter 30, and the replenishment pipe line 22 is closed when supplying fluid and opened when refilling. A solenoid valve (second switching means) 40 is provided. The three-way valve 26 has an a port that communicates with the suction line 21, a discharge-side b port that communicates with the fluid supply path 20, and a c port that communicates with the replenishment hose 42. The replenishment hose 42 includes a replenishment hose for replenishing fluid from an external replenishment tank (not shown), and the hose end is connected to a connection port (replenishment unit) 44 provided on the left side surface of the housing 12. It is formed to be. The supply hose 42 is not provided with a pump.

  Further, the three-way valve 26 is an electromagnetic switching valve that is switched by incoming control signals, and is switched so that the ab port communicates in the supply mode and the cb port communicates in the replenishment mode. The first electromagnetic valve 32 opens in the supply mode when a control signal is received, and closes in the replenishment mode. The second electromagnetic valve 40 is controlled to perform an opening / closing operation opposite to that of the first electromagnetic valve 32, and is closed during the supply mode and opened during the replenishment mode.

  The flow meter 30 measures the supply amount supplied from the pump 28 to the nozzle 38 or the replenishment amount of the fluid replenished to the storage tank 14 via the replenishment conduit 22 by such switching operation of each valve.

  In addition to the three-way valve 26, the pump 28, the flow meter 30, the first electromagnetic valve 32, and the second electromagnetic valve 40, the instrumentation unit 16 includes a fluid supply amount measured by the flow meter 30 or a fluid supply. A flow rate display unit 46 for displaying the amount, a control device 48 having a CPU (Central processing unit) for controlling each valve, pump, etc., and a lower limit value in which the storage amount of the fluid stored in the storage tank 14 is set in advance. Alternatively, an indicator lamp (notification unit) 50 for notifying that the upper limit value has been reached is provided.

  A nozzle hook 52 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 12 to hook the nozzle 38 when not in use. The nozzle hook 52 is provided with a nozzle switch 54 that detects the nozzle 38. The nozzle switch 54 is a switch that functions as a pump start switch, and is turned on when the nozzle 38 is hooked on the nozzle hook 52 and turned off when the nozzle 38 is detached from the nozzle hook 52. When the nozzle 38 is turned off, a drive voltage is applied to the pump 28 to perform pump control.

  The housing 12 is provided with a replenishment start switch 56 that is operated before replenishment work to the storage tank 14 and a replenishment stop switch 57 for stopping replenishment. Further, the instrumentation unit 16 is provided with a memory (storage means) 58 for storing a control program of the control device 48, data for performing arithmetic processing, and the like.

  When the fluid is supplied from the storage tank 14 to the nozzle 38, the memory 58 holds the communication state between the suction pipe 21 and the suction port of the pump 28 and the communication state between the nozzle 38 and the discharge port of the pump 28. When the three-way valve 26 and the electromagnetic valves 32 and 40 are switched so that the storage tank 14 is replenished with fluid, the connection state between the connection port 44 and the suction port of the pump 28 and the discharge of the replenishment hose 42 and the pump 28 are reduced. A control program (control means) for switching the three-way valve 26 and the electromagnetic valves 32 and 40 so as to maintain the communication state with the outlet is stored.

  Here, the control processing executed by the control device 48 of the fluid supply apparatus 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The control process shown in FIG. 2 includes a supply mode process (S13 to S24) for supplying fluid from the storage tank 14 to the nozzle 38, and a supply mode process (S25 to S25) for supplying fluid to the storage tank 14 from the supply hose 42. S41).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 48 checks whether or not the nozzle switch 54 is turned off in S11. In S11, when the nozzle 38 remains on the nozzle hook 52 and the nozzle switch 54 is on, the process proceeds to S12, and it is checked whether or not a supply signal from the supply start switch 56 is input. When the supply signal from the supply start switch 56 is not input in S12, the process returns to S11. Therefore, in the state where neither supply nor replenishment of fluid is performed, the processes of S11 and S12 are repeated.

  The operator removes the nozzle 38 from the nozzle hook 52, inserts the discharge port of the nozzle 38 into the supply port of a container (not shown) as a fluid supply body, and operates the nozzle lever of the nozzle 38 to the valve opening position. Therefore, when the worker performs a fluid supply operation, the nozzle switch 54 is turned off in S11, and the process proceeds to the supply mode process.

  That is, when the nozzle switch 54 is turned off in S11, the process proceeds to S13, and the supply amount displayed on the flow rate display unit 46 is reset to zero. In the next S14, the pump drive signal is output to drive the pump 28. Subsequently, the process proceeds to S15, in which the first solenoid valve 32 is opened and the fluid supply state in which the ab ports of the three-way solenoid valve 26 are communicated is maintained. Thereby, supply of the fluid pumped from the storage tank 14 by the operation of the pump 28 to the container in which the nozzle 38 is inserted is started via the fluid supply path 20.

  In S16, the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid is measured by integrating the flow rate pulses detected by the flow meter 30. Subsequently, the process proceeds to S <b> 17, where the instantaneous flow rate is integrated and the fluid supply amount is calculated and displayed on the flow rate display unit 46. In next S18, it is checked in S11 whether the nozzle switch 54 is OFF. In S18, when the nozzle switch 54 is OFF, it is determined that the fluid supply is continued, and the processes of S16 to S18 are repeated.

  When the automatic valve closing mechanism based on the liquid level detection of the nozzle 38 operates to stop the fluid supply, the worker returns the nozzle 38 to the nozzle hook 52 and ends the supply operation. In S18, when the nozzle switch 54 is on, the nozzle 38 has been returned to the nozzle hook 52. Therefore, the process proceeds to S19, the first electromagnetic valve 32 is closed, and the pump drive signal is output in S20. Stop.

  In the next S21, since the storage amount of the storage tank 14 is decreased by the fluid supply, the storage amount of the storage tank 14 is calculated (second storage amount calculation means). That is, the storage amount data stored before the supply (a numerical value of the storage amount) is read from the storage amount storage area of the memory 58, and the current supply amount is calculated by subtracting the current supply amount from the storage amount before supply.

  In next S22, the numerical data of the current storage amount calculated in S21 is stored in the storage amount storage area stored in the memory 48, and the storage amount data (the numerical data of the storage amount) is updated (storage amount storage). means). Subsequently, in S23, it is checked whether or not the current storage amount is less than or equal to the lower limit value (preset value) of the storage tank 14 (lower limit value detecting means). In S23, when the current storage amount is equal to or lower than the lower limit value of the storage tank 14, the process proceeds to S24, the indicator lamp 50 blinks (alarm sound may be emitted), and the storage tank 14 is replenished with fluid. Notifying that there is a need (notification means).

  Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the storage amount of the storage tank 14 is sufficient without providing a liquid level gauge in the storage tank 14, and the worker can check the storage tank 14 by flashing the indicator lamp 50. It can be recognized that the amount of stored fluid is low. Therefore, when the indicator light 50 blinks, the worker operates the replenishment start switch 56 to be turned on after coupling the replenishment hose 42 to the connection port 44.

  If the replenishment signal from the replenishment start switch 56 is input in S12, the process proceeds to S25, and the process proceeds to the replenishment mode process. That is, in S25, the fluid supply path is switched to the fluid supply path by switching so that the bc port of the three-way valve 26 is communicated.

  In the next S26, the supply amount displayed on the flow rate display unit 46 is reset to zero. Subsequently, in S27, a pump drive signal is output to drive the pump 28. In S28, the first electromagnetic valve 32 is closed and the second electromagnetic valve 40 is opened. Thus, the fluid in the external tank (for example, a drum can) is pumped up by the operation of the pump 28 and is supplied to the storage tank 14 through the fluid supply path 20 and the replenishment pipe line 22. Although air bubbles are mixed in the fluid supplied to the storage tank 14, the air bubbles are prevented from moving toward the suction line 21 by the baffle plate 24.

  In next S29, the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid is measured by integrating the flow rate pulses detected by the flow meter 30. Subsequently, the process proceeds to S30, where the instantaneous flow rate is integrated to calculate the fluid replenishment amount and displayed on the flow rate display unit 46. In next S31, since the storage amount of the storage tank 14 is increased by the fluid replenishment, the storage amount of the storage tank 14 is calculated (first storage amount calculation means). That is, the storage amount data stored before replenishment (a numerical value of the storage amount) is read from the storage amount storage area of the memory 58, the current replenishment amount is subtracted from the pre-replenishment storage amount, and the current storage amount is calculated.

  Subsequently, in S32, it is checked whether or not the current storage amount is greater than or equal to the upper limit value (preset value) of the storage tank 14 (upper limit value detection means). In S32, when the current storage amount is not equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the storage tank 14, the process proceeds to S33, and it is checked whether or not a supply stop signal from the supply stop switch 57 is input.

  If the supply stop signal from the supply stop switch 57 is not input in S33, the process returns to S29, and the processes after S29 are executed. In the second and subsequent processing of S30, the replenishment amount is integrated, and the total replenishment amount replenished in this replenishment operation is calculated and displayed.

  If the current storage amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the storage tank 14 in S32, the process proceeds to S34, where the second electromagnetic valve 40 is closed and supply to the storage tank 14 is stopped (replenishment stop). means). In S35, the output of the pump drive signal is stopped, and in S36, the indicator lamp 50 is turned off (alarm sound may be generated) to notify that the storage tank 14 is full (notification means).

  When the supply stop signal is input from the supply stop switch 57 in S33, the process proceeds to S37, where the second electromagnetic valve 40 is closed and supply to the storage tank 14 is stopped. In S35, the output of the pump drive signal is stopped, and in S36, the indicator lamp 50 is turned off (alarm sound may be emitted) to notify that the supply to the storage tank 14 has been stopped (notification means). .

  If it is informed in S36 that the storage tank 14 is full, or if it is informed in S38 that replenishment to the storage tank 14 has been stopped, the process proceeds to S39, and the calculated current storage amount is displayed. This is displayed on the flow rate display unit 46. And it progresses to S40 and switches to the fluid supply state which connected the ab port of the three-way solenoid valve 26. FIG. In the next S41, the numerical data of the current storage amount calculated in S31 is stored in the storage amount storage area stored in the memory 48, and the storage amount data (the numerical data of the storage amount) is updated. This completes the replenishment process for the storage tank 14.

  As described above, in the fluid supply device 10, the fluid supply to the nozzle 38 and the fluid supply to the storage tank 14 can be performed using the pump 28 provided in the housing 12, so that an external supply tank or supply route is provided. Since it is not necessary to provide a pump, it is not necessary to prepare a portable pump, for example, and the efficiency of replenishment work can be increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the storage tank 14 is provided in the lower portion of the housing 12 is given as an example. Of course, the invention can be applied.

  Further, as a replenishment tank for replenishing the storage tank 14 with fluid, a drum can, a tank mounted on a truck bed, or an underground tank can be considered.

  The fluid stored in the storage tank 14 can be supplied and replenished as long as it is a liquid that can be pumped by a pump. Therefore, various types such as fuel such as gasoline, chemicals, cooling liquid, and cleaning liquid are available. The fluid can be considered.

  Moreover, in the said Example, you may provide an electromagnetic valve in each of the connection port 44 to which the suction line 21 and the supply hose 42 are connected instead of the three-way valve 26. FIG.

  Moreover, in the said Example, it is good also as a structure which provides a three-way valve instead of the solenoid valves 32 and 40. FIG.

It is a block diagram which shows one Example of the fluid supply apparatus which becomes this invention. 4 is a flowchart for explaining control processing executed by a control device 48;

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Fluid supply apparatus 12 Case 14 Storage tank 16 Instrumentation part 20 Fluid supply path 21 Suction line 22 Replenishment line 26 Three-way valve 28 Pump 30 Flowmeter 32 First solenoid valve 38 Nozzle 40 Second solenoid valve 42 Replenishment hose 46 Flow rate display 48 Control device 50 Indicator lamp 54 Nozzle switch 56 Supply start switch 57 Supply stop switch 58 Memory

Claims (7)

A storage tank for storing fluid;
A fluid supply path having one end communicated with the storage tank and the other end communicated with a nozzle for supplying fluid to the fluid supply body;
A pump provided in the fluid supply path;
A supply amount measuring means which is provided in the fluid supply path and measures the supply amount of the fluid pumped by the pump;
In a fluid supply device having
A replenishment unit provided upstream of the pump in the fluid supply path to supply fluid to the storage tank from the outside;
Provided upstream of the pump in the fluid supply path, and in a state of communication between the replenishment portion and the suction port of the pump, or a state of communication between one end of the fluid supply path and the suction port of the pump First switching means for switching;
A replenishment path branched from a fluid supply path downstream of the pump and communicated with the storage tank;
Provided downstream of the pump in the fluid supply path, either the communication state of the replenishment path and the discharge port of the pump, or the communication state of the other end of the fluid supply path and the discharge port of the pump Second switching means for switching to a state;
A fluid supply apparatus comprising:   When supplying fluid from the storage tank to the nozzle, the communication state between one end of the fluid supply path and the suction port of the pump, and the communication state between the other end of the fluid supply path and the discharge port of the pump When the first and second switching means are switched so as to hold the fluid and the storage tank is replenished with fluid, the communication state between the replenishing portion and the suction port of the pump, and the replenishment path and the pump The fluid supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that switches the first and second switching units so as to maintain a communication state with the discharge port.   The fluid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the supply path is branched from a fluid supply path downstream of the pump and the supply amount measuring unit. A storage amount storage means for storing a storage amount of the fluid stored in the storage tank;
When replenishing fluid to the storage tank, the value of the storage amount is updated by adding the value of the supply amount measured by the supply amount measuring means to the value of the storage amount stored in the storage amount storage means. 1 storage amount calculation means;
When supplying the nozzle to the storage tank, the value of the storage amount is updated by subtracting the value of the supply amount measured by the supply amount measuring means from the value of the storage amount stored in the storage amount storage means. A second storage amount calculating means;
The fluid supply apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: Lower limit value detecting means for detecting whether or not the stored amount stored in the stored amount storage means is equal to or lower than a preset lower limit value;
In the case where it is detected by the lower limit value detection means that the storage amount has become equal to or lower than the lower limit value, notification means for notifying that,
The fluid supply apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: Upper limit value detecting means for detecting whether or not the stored amount stored in the stored amount storage means is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit value;
When it is detected by the upper limit value detection means that the storage amount is equal to or higher than the upper limit value, notification means for notifying the fact,
The fluid supply apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:   7. The fluid according to claim 6, further comprising a replenishment stopping unit that stops the operation of the pump when the upper limit value detecting unit detects that the storage amount is equal to or higher than the upper limit value. Feeding device.

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