JP4278591B2 - Self-propelled device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a self-propelled device such as a self-propelled cleaner that self-propels on a floor surface and cleans the floor surface.

Conventionally, a self-propelled cleaner (9) as shown in FIG. 14 is known (see Patent Document 1), and the self-propelled cleaner (9) is connected to a main body (91) and the main body (91). A pair of left and right movable bodies (90) and (90) are provided, and bumpers (not shown) are attached to the movable bodies (90) and (90). The bottom plate (100) of the main body (91) is provided with a self-propelled mechanism composed of a pair of moving wheels (97) (97) and auxiliary wheels (102).
The pair of movable bodies (90) and (90) are supported by the bottom plate (100) of the main body (91) via the pair of pivots (99) and (99), respectively, and can be rotated in a horizontal plane. Each movable body (90) is provided with guide mechanisms (110) that restrict the movement of the movable body (90) in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction within a predetermined range.
The guide mechanism (110) is composed of a guide pin (95) protruding from the bottom plate (100) of the main body (91) and a guide hole (96) provided in the movable body (90). 95) is slidably engaged with the guide hole (96). A coil spring (98) is stretched between the guide pin (95) and the spring hook (101) of the movable body (90).
The pair of movable bodies (90) and (90) are connected to each other by the connecting plate (93) and can be relatively moved within a certain range.

  Further, four switches (92) to (92) are installed on the bottom plate (100) of the main body (91), and the switches (92) to (92) are provided on the movable body (90) (90). ), Four actuators (94) to (94) are provided.

According to the self-propelled cleaner (9), the bumper is elastically supported by the four coil springs (98) to (98) on the main body (91) through the pair of movable bodies (90) and (90). When the bumper collides with an obstacle during the movement of the main body (91), the pair of movable bodies (90) and (90) are subjected to four guide mechanisms (110) to (110) against the elastic force of the coil spring (98). 110) in the horizontal direction, and as a result, one or more actuators (94) press the corresponding one or more switches (92), and the occurrence of a collision is detected. .
JP-A-5-189041 [G05D 1/02]

  However, in the conventional self-propelled cleaner (9), as a bumper support mechanism that supports the bumper by restricting the vertical movement of the bumper within a predetermined range while restricting the vertical movement of the bumper, guides to at least four locations. There is a problem that the structure is complicated because it is necessary to deploy the mechanism (110).

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled device capable of simplifying the configuration of the bumper support mechanism and reducing the number of necessary guide mechanisms as compared with the prior art.

  The self-propelled device according to the present invention includes a main body (1) having a self-propelled mechanism for self-propelling on the floor, and a bumper (6) installed so as to cover at least the front surface of the main body (1). A bumper support mechanism for elastically supporting the bumper (6) with respect to the main body (1) is provided. The bumper support mechanism includes a plurality of arms (60), (60) projecting toward the main body (1) on the surface of the bumper (6) facing the main body (1), and the main body (1). A plurality of arm support portions arranged to support the plurality of arms (60) and (60), respectively, and an elastic member interposed between the bumper (6) and the main body (1). In addition, each of the plurality of arm support portions is a pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b) that slidably contact the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm (60) and slidably clamp the arm (60), and the arm A pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) and (45b) formed at positions spaced from the both side surfaces opposite to both side surfaces of (60), the pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b) The arm (60) can be translated and rotated along the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b) within the space surrounded by the pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) and (45b).

In the self-propelled device of the present invention, when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle during movement, the bumper (6) presses an elastic member interposed between the main body (1) and elastically deforms the main body ( Approach 1). At this time, each arm (60) of the bumper (6) is restrained from moving in the vertical direction by a pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b) which are in sliding contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the arm (60). (46a) Move in the horizontal direction while sliding on (46b). The movement of the arm (60) in the horizontal direction is within a predetermined range by a pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) (45b) formed facing the both side surfaces at a predetermined distance from both side surfaces of the arm (60). Regulated by
In the conventional configuration, one guide mechanism that restricts the movement of the bumper in the horizontal direction within a predetermined range is composed of a guide pin and a guide groove. Therefore, one guide mechanism restricts movement in one direction. In order to restrict the movement in the left-right direction and the rotational direction, it is necessary to provide the guide mechanisms at four locations. However, according to the self-propelled device of the present invention, one guide mechanism is provided. The arm (60) and one arm support portion are included, and one arm (60) is surrounded by the pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b) and the pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) (45b). Since it is supported with play in the horizontal direction in the space formed, parallel movement and rotation of the arm (60) along the arm clamping surface (46a) (46b) is allowed within the range of the play, The parallel movement and rotation of the arm (60) beyond that range will cause a pair of arm guards. It is regulated by the id surface (45a) (45b). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of guide mechanisms that have to be provided at four locations in the conventional configuration to at least two.

  In a specific configuration, each of the plurality of arm support portions has an arm receiving surface (47a) formed at a position facing the tip surface of the arm (60) and spaced from the tip surface.

  According to the specific configuration, when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle in front during movement, the bumper (6) presses and deforms an elastic member interposed between the bumper (6) and the body (1). Retreat toward the body (1). At this time, the movement of the bumper (6) is restricted by the front end surface of the arm (60) coming into contact with the arm receiving surface (47a). Therefore, by forming the arm receiving surface (47a) at a position away from the tip end surface of the arm (60) by a predetermined distance, the range of movement of the bumper (6) in the backward direction can be limited.

  Further, in a specific configuration, each of the plurality of arms (60) (60) is formed with a convex portion (61) protruding upward or downward from an arm tip portion, and a pair of arms of the arm support portion Of the clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b), the arm clamping surface (46a) facing the convex portion (61) is formed with a concave portion (42) into which the convex portion (61) is fitted, and the convex portion ( A predetermined play is provided between the outer peripheral surface of 61) and the inner peripheral surface of the recess (42).

  According to the specific configuration, the convex portion (61) formed at the tip portion of each arm (60), and the concave portion (42) formed in the arm clamping surface facing the convex portion (61). Since they are fitted in the vertical direction, each arm (60) does not come out of the arm support portion. Further, each arm (60) is rotated about the fitting portion, thereby enabling the bumper (6) to be rotated on the horizontal plane.

  In a more specific configuration, the plurality of arms (60), (60) protrude from both sides of the bumper (6) across the position of the center of gravity of the bumper (6), and are supported by the plurality of arm support portions. The support center substantially coincides with the position of the center of gravity of the movable part including the bumper (6) and the plurality of arms (60) (60).

  According to the specific configuration, the postures of the plurality of arms (60) (60) are not inclined with respect to the horizontal plane as the bumper (6) moves in the horizontal direction, and are maintained in a horizontal state. Therefore, the horizontal movement of the bumper (6) can be performed smoothly.

  According to the self-propelled device according to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the bumper support mechanism and reduce the number of necessary guide mechanisms as compared with the conventional one.

Hereinafter, it demonstrates concretely along drawing about the form which implemented this invention to the self-propelled cleaner.
As shown in FIG. 1, the self-propelled cleaner according to the present invention has a generally cylindrical cleaner body (1) and an arc shape covering the front half circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the cleaner body (1). It has a bumper (6) that curves.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of moving wheels (20) and (20) and a pair of auxiliary wheels (21) and (21) are provided on the back surface (10) of the cleaner body (1), and the suction port (15 ) Has been established.

As shown in FIG. 3, the vacuum cleaner body (1) is provided with a cylindrical frame (4) on a circular base (11), and the upper surface of the frame (4) is covered with a circular cover (12). Configured.
On the base (11) of the vacuum cleaner body (1), there are a driving wheel unit (2) (2) having a pair of left and right driving wheels (20) and (20), and a brush mechanism (3) having a brush (30). And a dust collector (13) are mounted, and the dust collector (13) is connected to the suction port (15) opened on the back surface (10) of the cleaner body (1).

As shown in FIG. 4, the bumper (6) has two belt-like arms (60, 60) projecting horizontally from the inner peripheral surface of the bumper (6) toward the cleaner body (1). The two arms (60) and (60) are arranged at positions that are in line symmetry with each other within the same horizontal plane and sandwich the center of gravity of the bumper (6).
On the outer peripheral surface of the frame (4), two rectangular arm insertion ports (48) and (48) into which the arms (60) and (60) are to be inserted are opened, and on the inner peripheral surface of the frame (4), Two arm support portions (40), (40) project horizontally from the arm insertion openings (48), (48) toward the inside of the frame (4).
The bottom surface of the base end portion (41) of the arm support portion (40) is formed on substantially the same plane as the bottom surface of the arm insertion port (48), and the distal end portion of the arm support portion (40) A recess (42) having an elliptical outer shape is formed on the bottom surface of the tip. Furthermore, a U-shaped outer peripheral wall (43) projecting upward is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the arm support portion (40). As shown in FIG. A fastening portion (44) for fastening an arm cover (49) that covers the distal end portion of the support portion (40) is projected. The arm cover (49) has a disk shape, and is fastened to the fastening portion (44) with a screw across the tip of the arm (60), whereby the arm (60) is fastened to the arm support portion (40). Will be supported.

As shown in FIG. 6, on the outer peripheral surface of the frame (4), switch support portions (50) to (50) are provided at a total of four locations, two on the front and one on the left and right, respectively. Each of the support portions (50) to (50) is provided with an on / off switch (7) that is pressed by the inner surface of the bumper (6) to be turned on. On the inner surface of the bumper (6), a switch pressing portion (65) is formed so as to face each on / off switch (7) and project toward the on / off switch (7).
Furthermore, on the outer peripheral surface of the frame (4), there are spring holders (58), (58), (58) in three places in total, one place on the front and one place below the left / right on / off switch (7). These three spring holders (58), (58), and (58) are provided with springs (59) that are to be elastically deformed by absorbing the impact when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle, respectively. It is attached.

As shown in FIG. 7, each switch support portion (50) of the frame (4) is provided with a turning member (52) for holding the on / off switch (7), and the base end of the turning member (52). A bearing part (51) provided in the part is fitted to the pivot (55) of the frame (4) and is rotatably supported. The switch support portion (50) further includes a stopper portion (54) for receiving the on / off switch (7) at a fixed position, and an L-shape projecting from the frame (4) so as to face the stopper portion (54). And an elastic support arm (53).
The on / off switch (7) includes a switch body (70) and a contact piece (71) protruding from the switch body (70), and is turned on when the contact piece (71) is pressed. The on / off switch (7) is attached to the rotating end of the rotating member (52). Furthermore, a projecting piece (57) is formed on the side surface of the rotating member (52) perpendicular to the rotating surface of the rotating member (52), and the projecting piece (57) In a state where (52) is attached to the switch support portion (50) of the frame (4), it is positioned in the gap (69) between the stopper portion (54) and the elastic support arm (53).

  If the bumper (6) shown in FIG. 6 collides with an obstacle in front or side during the movement of the self-propelled cleaner, the bumper (6) presses the spring (59) and elastically deforms the frame (4 ) When the switch pressing portion (65) of the bumper (6) presses the on / off switch (7), a collision is detected, and based on the on / off combination of the four on / off switches (7) to (7). By determining the direction of the obstacle and controlling the self-propelled mechanism according to the determination result, the obstacle can be avoided.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a circular convex portion (61) projecting downward is formed on the back surface of the tip portion of the arm (60), and the convex portion (61) is an arm support portion (40). ) With a margin in the recess (42).
The arm (60) is sandwiched between a first arm clamping surface (46a) which is the bottom surface of the recess (42) and a second arm clamping surface (46b) which is the back surface of the arm cover (49). The one arm clamping surface (46a) is in sliding contact with the back surface of the convex portion (61) of the arm (60), and the second arm clamping surface (46b) is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the arm (60).
The movement of the arm (60) in the left-right direction is such that the first arm guide surface (45a) and the second arm guide surface (45b) which are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall (43) of the arm support portion (40) and are parallel to each other. ) Is restricted within the area between.
Further, the movement of the arm (60) in the front-rear direction is formed in the first arm receiving surface (47a) formed in the rear region of the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion (42) and in the front region of the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion (42). It is regulated within a region sandwiched between the second arm receiving surface (47b).

  10 to 12 show a series of operations of the bumper (6). When the self-propelled cleaner is stationary, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the bumper (6) has a front spring (59). ), The outer peripheral surface (62) of the convex portion (61) of the arm (60) is pressed against the second arm receiving surface (47b), and the elastic forces of the left and right springs (59) (59) are balanced. Thus, both side surfaces of the arm (60) are held in a state of being separated from both arm guide surfaces (45a) and (45b).

  The two arms (60) and (60) are respectively provided on the upper and lower surfaces (48a) and (48b) (see FIG. 9) of the arm insertion port (48) holding the base end portion (63), and the convex portion (61). Are supported by both arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b), so that the support center by the two arm support portions (40) and (40) includes the two arms (60) and (60). This substantially coincides with the center of gravity G of the bumper (6). Therefore, the posture of the arms (60) (60) is not inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in the process of moving the bumper (6) in the horizontal direction, and the bumper (6) can be moved smoothly.

  When the bumper (6) collides with the obstacle, the bumper (6) approaches the frame (4) while elastically deforming the spring (59). At this time, the impact at the time of collision is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the spring (59), and the arm (60) moves in the horizontal direction while slidingly contacting the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b).

For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle in front and receives a force F1 in the front, the bumper (6) has a spring (59) arranged in front. It approaches the frame (4) while being elastically deformed. At this time, the impact at the time of collision is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the spring (59), and the arm (60) horizontally moves backward while sliding on the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b). The bumper (6) is movable rearward until the outer peripheral surface (62) of the convex portion (61) of the arm (60) is received by the first arm receiving surface (47a).
After that, when the bumper (6) is separated from the obstacle while avoiding the obstacle, the bumper (6) returns to the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) by the elastic return force of the front spring (59).

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle on the left and receives a force F2 on the left side, the bumper (6) has a spring (59) arranged on the left. ) Is elastically deformed and approaches the frame (4). At this time, the impact at the time of collision is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the spring (59), and the arm (60) moves horizontally to the right while sliding on the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b). The bumper (6) is movable rightward until the right side surface of the arm (60) abuts on the right arm guide surface (45b) and stops.
Thereafter, when the bumper (6) is separated from the obstacle while avoiding the obstacle, the bumper (6) returns to the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) by the elastic return force of the left spring (59).
In addition, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle on the right side and receives a force F3 on the right side surface, the bumper (6) is a spring provided on the right side. Approaching the frame (4) while elastically deforming (59). At this time, the impact at the time of collision is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the spring (59), and the arm (60) moves horizontally to the left while sliding on the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b). The bumper (6) can move to the left until the left side surface of the arm (60) comes into contact with the left arm guide surface (45a) and stops.
Thereafter, when the bumper (6) is separated from the obstacle while avoiding the obstacle, the bumper (6) returns to the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) by the elastic return force of the right spring (59).

As shown in FIG. 12 (a), when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle and the bumper (6) receives a counterclockwise rotational force F4, the bumper (6) moves rightward and forward. The provided springs (59) and (59) are elastically deformed and approach the frame (4). At this time, the impact at the time of collision is absorbed by elastic deformation of the springs (59) and (59), and the arm (60) rotates counterclockwise while sliding on the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b). Then, the left side surface of the arm (60) approaches the left arm guide surface (45a). The bumper (6) is configured such that the outer peripheral surface (62) of the convex portion (61) of the left arm (60) contacts the first arm receiving surface (47a) and the convex portion (61) of the right arm (60). Until the outer peripheral surface (62) of the second arm comes into contact with the second arm receiving surface (47b) and stops.
After that, when the obstacle is avoided and the bumper (6) is separated from the obstacle, the bumper (6) returns to the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) by the elastic restoring force of the springs (59) and (59).

Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle and the bumper (6) receives a clockwise rotational force F5, the bumper (6) The springs (59) and (59) disposed on the frame (4) approach the frame (4) while being elastically deformed. At this time, the elastic deformation of the springs (59) and (59) absorbs the impact at the time of collision, and the arm (60) rotates clockwise while slidingly contacting the arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b). Thus, the right side surface of the arm (60) approaches the right arm guide surface (45b). The bumper (6) is configured such that the outer peripheral surface (62) of the convex portion (61) of the right arm (60) contacts the first arm receiving surface (47a) and the convex portion (61) of the left arm (60). The outer peripheral surface (62) of the second arm can be rotated clockwise until the outer surface (62) comes into contact with the second arm receiving surface (47b) and stops.
After that, when the obstacle is avoided and the bumper (6) is separated from the obstacle, the bumper (6) returns to the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) by the elastic restoring force of the springs (59) and (59).

According to the self-propelled cleaner of the present invention, the vertical movement of the bumper (6) is restrained by the pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) and (46b) that slidably clamp the arm (60). The movement of the bumper (6) in the left-right direction is restricted within a region sandwiched between the pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) (45b). ) (47b).
Thus, by disposing the guide mechanism composed of the arm (60) and the arm support portion (40) at two locations, the bumper that restricts the vertical movement and restricts the movement in the front-rear, left-right, and rotational directions within a predetermined range. A support mechanism is configured.
Further, as another configuration, the arm (60) and the bottom surface of the base end portion (41) of the arm support portion (40) are brought into sliding contact with each other, and between the bottom surface and the second arm clamping surface (46b). The arm (60) may be clamped. In this configuration, there may be a gap between the first arm clamping surface (46a) and the back surface of the convex portion (61) of the arm (60). According to this structure, compared with the case where the arm (60) is clamped between the first arm clamping surface (46a) and the second arm clamping surface (46b), the arm (60) and the arm support portion (40). Since the contact area between the arm and the arm increases, the arm (60) can be supported more stably.

FIGS. 13A to 13C show a series of collision detection operations. The collision detection is performed when the bumper (6) is in the stationary state of the self-propelled cleaner, that is, the state shown in FIG. 10 (a). 10 (b), FIG. 11 (a), (b) or FIG. 12 (a) (b), that is, in the process of shifting to the state where the bumper (6) has moved to the maximum.
As shown in FIG. 13 (a), in the stationary state of the self-propelled cleaner, the rotating member (52) of each switch support portion (50) is rotated by the elastic force of the torsion spring (72). The protruding piece (57) is stopped at a fixed position while being pressed by the stopper portion (54) of the switch support portion (50).
The distal end portion (56) of the elastic support arm (53) is in contact with the protruding piece (57) of the rotating member (52).
The elastic coefficient of the torsion spring (72) is set larger than the elastic coefficient of the spring (59) disposed between the bumper (6) and the frame (4), and the elastic support arm (53) The elastic coefficient in the bending direction is set larger than the elastic coefficient of the torsion spring (72).

  As shown in FIG. 13 (b), when the bumper (6) collides with an obstacle during movement, the bumper (6) moves against the spring (59) disposed between the frame (4) and the frame (4). (4) Move to the side, the switch pressing part (65) on the inner surface of the bumper (6) approaches the on / off switch (7) and presses the contact piece (71) of the on / off switch (7) . As a result, the on / off switch (7) is turned on, and a collision with an obstacle is detected.

  Here, when the inner surface of the bumper (6) violently collides with the on / off switch (7), the rotating member (52) is pressed against the inner surface of the bumper (6) as shown in FIG. The rotating member (52) rotates about the pivot (55) while elastically deforming the torsion spring (72) and the elastic support arm (53), and the on / off switch (7 ). As a result, the impact at the time of collision is absorbed, and the on / off switch (7) is not damaged.

In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim. For example, it is possible to configure the switch support portion (50) by omitting one of the torsion spring (72) and the elastic support arm (53) of the switch support portion (50).
Further, by adopting a configuration in which the on / off switch (7) is opposed to the inner surface of the bumper (6) and supported by a coil spring or the like and the shock is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the coil spring, the rotating member (52) is It can be omitted.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the self-propelled cleaner which implemented this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at this self-propelled cleaner from the back side. It is a disassembled perspective view of this self-propelled cleaner. It is a disassembled perspective view of a bumper and a frame. It is a perspective view of a cleaner body. It is a top view of the state which removed the cover from the bumper and the vacuum cleaner main body. It is a disassembled perspective view of an on / off switch and a switch support part. It is a partially broken top view of an arm and an arm support part. It is a vertical sectional view of an arm and an arm support part. It is a top view which shows the operation | movement of the front-back direction of a bumper. It is a top view which shows the operation | movement of the left-right direction of a bumper. It is a top view which shows rotation operation | movement of a bumper. It is a partially broken top view which shows a series of operation | movement of an on / off switch. It is a reverse view of the conventional self-propelled cleaner.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Vacuum cleaner body
(11) Base
(12) Cover
(13) Dust collector
(2) Driving wheel unit
(3) Brush mechanism
(4) Frame
(40) Arm support
(42) Recess
(43) Outer wall
(45) Arm guide surface
(46) Arm clamping surface
(47) Arm receiving surface
(48) Arm insertion slot
(49) Arm cover
(50) Switch support
(52) Rotating member
(53) Elastic support arm
(59) Spring
(6) Bumper
(60) Arm
(61) Convex
(7) On / off switch
(72) Torsion spring

Claims (3)

A main body (1) having a self-propelled mechanism for self-propelling on the floor, a bumper (6) installed so as to cover at least the front surface of the main body (1), and a bumper against the main body (1) In the self-propelled device provided with a bumper support mechanism that elastically supports (6),
The bumper support mechanism is
A plurality of arms (60), (60) protruding toward the main body (1) on the surface of the bumper (6) facing the main body (1);
A plurality of arm support portions (40) disposed on the main body (1) and supporting the plurality of arms (60), (60), respectively;
An elastic member interposed between the bumper (6) and the main body (1),
Each of the plurality of arm support portions (40) is
A pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b) that slidably contact the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm (60) to slidably hold the arm (60), and opposite both side surfaces of the arm (60). Having a pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) (45b) formed at positions spaced from both side surfaces,
Inside the space surrounded by the pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b) and the pair of arm guide surfaces (45a) (45b), the arm (60) is connected to the arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b). Can be translated and rotated along
A self-propelled device characterized by that .   2. The self-supporting surface according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of arm support portions has an arm receiving surface (47 a) formed at a position facing the tip surface of the arm (60) and spaced from the tip surface. Running equipment. Each of the plurality of arms (60), (60) is formed with a convex portion (61) protruding upward or downward from the tip of the arm, and a pair of arm clamping surfaces (46a) (46b) of the arm support portion Among them, the arm clamping surface (46a) facing the convex portion (61) is formed with a concave portion (42) into which the convex portion (61) is fitted,
The self-propelled device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a predetermined play is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion (61) and the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion (42).

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