CN214328201U - Pumping and switching device and apparatus for selecting and sorting fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids. The pumping and switching device defines a containment volume and comprises: a predetermined number of inlet openings; a predetermined number of outlet openings; a selector device arranged at least partially within the receiving volume and rotatable within the receiving volume in a single predetermined first rotational direction, the selector device being configured such that the at least one inlet opening is in fluid communication with the at least one outlet opening; a pump mounted on the selector means within the containment volume and integral with the selector means during rotation in the first direction of rotation. The pump includes a rotor rotatable relative to the selector means only in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The utility model discloses have high adaptability and have the biggest structural simplification simultaneously to the design needs that are set for the application by a plurality of different operations.

Description

Pumping and switching device and apparatus for selecting and sorting fluids

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids.

The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, more precisely, the field of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like.

Background

At present, household appliances in the market allow to choose between a plurality of operating programs according to the specific needs of the user.

In particular, in order to maintain the integrity of clothes while ensuring a high degree of cleanliness of the clothes, the washing machine allows a user to select from among a plurality of washing types or washing programs.

In carrying out the above-mentioned work program, the household appliance takes out an appropriate amount of water and cleaning products (e.g. different types of detergents, softeners, bleaches, etc.) according to a predetermined logic.

Each of these products is usually prepared by the user in a special tray before washing, from which they are then transported to the basket to act on the laundry.

The movement of these products occurs thanks to the appropriate delivery of the appropriate jets of water in the tray.

Specifically, water is supplied to the washing machine through a delivery pipe, and the water is branched according to a setting of a pre-selected washing course due to the presence of a plurality of solenoid valves.

That is, the laundry washing machine comprises a diverter device specifically configured to divert the water from the delivery duct to the different trays containing the washing products.

In particular, the diverter device may comprise an increased number of valves, wherein the number of containing trays is provided sufficient to define the classification of the water flow.

For example, in order to direct the water directly to the laundry basket, avoiding the flow through the containment tray, the known devices must be equipped with specific solenoid valves.

It is particularly evident that the control of the fluid flowing inside the aforesaid household appliance involves very cumbersome and complex controls.

In more detail, it can be observed that, in the case of the prior art, household appliances of the "washing machine" type do not have a predetermined "autonomous electronic logic" for collecting and injecting the detergent (and for these machines this logic is replaced by manual intervention by the operator, i.e. the operator usually places the detergent in a drawer in an imprecise manner), in some currently rare cases the appliance is equipped with a self-injection system, but because each individual substance requires a specific pump (thus causing an increase in volume and cost), the number of detergents or builders that can be selected is still limited (generally not more than two in number): this limits manufacturers from maintaining a "drawer" configuration to allow consumers flexibility in using more than two detergents.

Unfortunately, the increase in the number of solenoid valves leads to an inevitable increase in operating costs due to power consumption.

Unfortunately, the cost of the solenoid valve (and the associated circuitry) reaches a non-negligible number, which significantly affects the final cost of the product, thereby limiting its spread and popularity.

Unfortunately, in addition, maintenance of the solenoid valves is often costly. In fact, solenoid valve failures are often addressed by replacing the diverter device in its entirety, which results in high expenditure for the user and in an unreasonable handling of the components still usable.

Moreover, the high level of noise and the volume occupied by the presence of the housing tray of the household appliances of the prior art are particularly inconvenient, especially considering the increasing attention to minimizing the volume in the living area.

Another disadvantage is the poor adaptability of current shunts on the market. In practice, each diverter is specifically sized for use with a predetermined number of trays (and therefore, according to a predetermined type of washing program).

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

It is therefore the technical task of the present invention to provide a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids that are able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids which have a high adaptability to the design needs imposed by a plurality of different operating settings and at the same time have a maximum structural simplification.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and sorting fluids that reduce construction and maintenance costs and reduce size and volume, and are very quiet in operation.

At the level of the final product/system (considering for example the whole washing machine), the object of the present invention is to implement the following household appliances: in this household appliance, the user interaction is minimized, only in "very demanding" situations, such as, for example, only when the various substances present in the tank that are useful for washing are exhausted, and the washing machine can be filled with a variable quantity of detergent (in contrast to the prior art, also more than two detergents are suitable).

The technical task and the aims described above are substantially achieved by a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and sorting fluids.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present application, the pumping and switching device defines a containment volume and comprises: a predetermined number of inlet openings configured to allow at least one fluid to enter the containment volume; a predetermined number of outlet openings configured to allow at least one fluid to flow from the containment volume, the outlet openings being selectively fluidly communicable with the inlet openings; selector means arranged at least partially within the receiving volume, the selector means being rotatable within the receiving volume in a single predetermined first rotational direction, the selector means placing the at least one inlet opening in fluid communication with the at least one outlet opening; a pump mounted on the selector means within the containment volume and integral with the selector means during rotation in a first direction of rotation, the pump comprising a rotor rotatable relative to the selector means only in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, the pump moving fluid through an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid communication by the selector means.

Further, the pump is a peristaltic pump.

Further, the rotor comprises three rollers, equally and angularly spaced with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor, the rollers acting on the channels of the pump to move the fluid.

Further, the pumping and switching device comprises first unidirectional free-rotation means acting between the selector device and a corresponding portion of the pumping and switching device located inside the containment volume, and second unidirectional free-rotation means acting between the rotor and the selector device, the first and second unidirectional free-rotation means being configured to allow rotation in a first and second rotation direction, respectively.

Further, the first unidirectional free rotation means comprise a first saw-tooth guide obtained on the selector device or on the part of the pumping and switching device and at least one first projection respectively associated with the part of the pumping and switching device or with the selector device; and wherein the second unidirectional free-rotation means comprise a second saw-tooth guide obtained on the selector device or on the rotor and at least one second projection respectively associated with the rotor or with the selector device.

Further, the pumping and switching means comprise hydraulic sealing means associated with the inlet and/or outlet of the pump, which act between the inlet and/or outlet and the inlet and/or outlet opening of the pump.

Further, the hydraulic sealing means comprises at least one sucker disc gasket.

Further, the suction cup gasket comprises a first portion at least partially inserted into the inlet or outlet of the pump and a second portion capable of being actuated respectively on the inlet opening or the outlet opening.

Further, the hydraulic sealing means comprises a duckbill valve adapted to prevent reverse recirculation of fluid.

Further, the receiving volume defines at least one overflow chamber adapted to receive at least one fluid, the overflow chamber being capable of being in fluid communication with the at least one inlet opening and/or the at least one outlet opening.

Further, the pumping and switching device comprises a first flange and a second flange operatively connected to define a containment volume, wherein the first flange comprises: at least one inlet conduit in fluid communication with the overflow chamber to allow fluid to be supplied to the overflow chamber; and an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the outlet opening, and wherein the second flange defines at least one inlet opening fluidly communicable with the inlet of the pump.

Further, the pumping and switching device comprises a connection means to connect the receiving volume to the at least one fluid supply tube, the connection means preferably comprising a snap coupling.

Further, the pumping and switching means comprises a rotary actuator acting on the selector means and/or the pump to move the selector means and/or the pump.

Further, the rotary actuator comprises an actuation shaft, and wherein the selector means and the pump are arranged coaxially with the actuation shaft.

According to another embodiment of the present application, the apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids comprises the aforementioned pumping and switching device and a predetermined number of conduits configured to allow the fluid to be supplied and to flow out through the pumping and switching device, the apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids being adapted to move the predetermined amount of fluid from at least one first containing volume to at least one second containing volume.

Further, the device for selecting and sorting fluids comprises a duckbill valve adapted to prevent backflow of the fluids, the duckbill valve preferably being arranged within at least one of the conduits.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the illustrative but not exclusive description and, therefore, from the non-illustrative preferred embodiments of the pumping and switching device and of the apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids.

Drawings

The drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and, thus, for non-limiting purposes, and the description will be set forth hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pumping and switching device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pumping and switching device of FIG. 1;

fig. 3 is another exploded view of the pumping and switching device of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

With reference to the figures, numeral 1 denotes as a whole a pumping and switching device, hereinafter referred to as device 1.

The device 1 defines a containment volume V, which may be a containment volume for components inside the device 1 itself (components that will be explained in more detail later in the possible embodiments), but which may be adapted to contain at least one fluid, such as water, detergents, softeners, bleaching agents, etc., as required.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises a first flange 2 and a second flange 3 operatively connected to define a containment volume V.

In particular, the first flange 2 and the second flange 3 are connected by means of universal coupling means, for example, screw-bolt type couplings, rivets and/or shape couplings.

As shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3, the device 1 comprises a predetermined number of inlet openings 4 configured as inlets allowing the inflow of the fluid inside the containment volume V.

The device 1 further comprises a predetermined number of outlet openings 5 configured to allow the outflow of fluid from the containment volume V to a use volume outside the device 1, preferably towards the basket of the laundry washing machine.

In particular, the above-mentioned outlet opening 5 is in selective fluid communication with the inlet opening 4.

In other words, fluid entering from one or more of the inlet openings 4 may be selectively caused to flow out of one or more of the outlet openings 5.

Preferably, the containment volume V defines an overflow chamber (flood chamber) C suitable for containing at least one of the above-mentioned fluids.

In particular, the overflow chamber C may be placed in fluid communication with the at least one inlet opening 4 and/or with the at least one outlet opening 5.

According to a possible embodiment and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first flange 2 comprises: at least one inlet conduit 2a in fluid communication with the overflow chamber C to allow fluid to be supplied to the overflow chamber C; and an outlet duct 2b in fluid communication with the outlet opening 5.

Furthermore, the second flange 3 has a plurality of inlet openings 4, which can be brought into fluid communication with the overflow chamber C.

According to another possible embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the overflow chamber C may not be provided and, moreover, the inlet opening 4 and/or the outlet opening 5 may be obtained only on the first flange 2 or on the second flange 3 without changing the inventive concept underlying the present invention.

The device 1 may comprise connection means M for connecting the containment volume V to at least one fluid supply or outflow tube.

Preferably, the connecting means M comprise a snap coupling.

As shown in the figures, the device 1 comprises a selector device 6 configured to place at least one inlet opening 4 and at least one outlet opening 5 in fluid communication.

Such selector means 6 are at least partially arranged within the accommodation volume V.

The selector means 6 is rotatable within the containment volume V in a single first predetermined rotational direction so as to allow fluid communication between the at least one inlet opening 4 and the at least one outlet opening 5.

Advantageously, at least one of the inlet openings 4 and/or at least one of the outlet openings 5 can be obtained on the device 1, so that the rotation of the selector means 6 puts them into communication with the containment volume V.

According to a possible embodiment and as shown in the figures, the second flange 3 has a plurality of inlet openings 4 arranged circumferentially around the rotation axis of the selector device 6 and equally angularly spaced apart.

In this way, rotation of the selector means 6 places the aforementioned opening in selective communication with the containment volume V.

The device 1 comprises a pump 7 mounted on the selector means 6 inside the containment volume V and integral with the selector means 6 during rotation in a first direction of rotation.

The pump 7 is configured to propel fluid from a storage volume outside the device 1 to a containment volume V and from the containment volume V to a use volume outside the device 1.

For example, the pump 7 may propel the cleaning product towards a use volume or temporary station (such as a washing machine basket or a so-called "drawer").

As shown, the pump 7 has an inlet 8 and an outlet 9 to allow the fluid movement described above.

In other words, the pump 7 moves the fluid through the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5 which are in fluid communication via the selector means 6.

According to a possible embodiment, the selector device 6 comprises two coupling portions operatively connected to the above-mentioned inlet 8 and outlet 9 of the pump 7 and configured to put the inlet 8 and/or the outlet 9 in fluid communication with the inlet opening 4 and/or the outlet opening 5.

In this way, rotation of the selector means 6 places the inlet 8 and/or outlet 9 of the pump 7 in selective fluid communication with the inlet opening 4 and/or outlet opening 5 of the device 1, as previously discussed.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises hydraulic sealing means 10 associated with the inlet 8 and/or outlet 9 of the pump 7 (or more generally with the pump 7, this expression meaning that they can have a qualitative or quantitative or directed "modifying" or "regulating" effect on the flow that can be generated by the pump 7 and can pass through the entire device 1 according to the invention along different possible paths).

Such hydraulic sealing means 10 act between the inlet 8 and/or the outlet 9 of the pump 7 and the inlet opening 4 and/or the outlet opening 5.

In particular, the hydraulic sealing device 10 may comprise at least one sucker washer 11.

Preferably, the sucker gasket 11 comprises a first portion that is at least partially inserted into the inlet 8 or the outlet 9 (or one of the coupling portions, if provided) and a second portion that can be actuated respectively on the inlet opening 4 or the outlet opening 5 of the device 1.

Preferably, the hydraulic sealing device 10 further comprises a duckbill valve adapted to prevent reverse recirculation of fluid.

That is, the duckbill valve prevents backflow of fluid displaced by the pump 7.

More generally, with reference to what has been described above with respect to the hydraulic sealing means 10 and the pump 7 associated with the lines, it can be seen how the hydraulic sealing means are structurally and/or functionally designed so that they are interposed between the selector device 6 and the containing body (which in turn defines the containing volume V) cooperatively defined by the flanges 2 and 3, and are adapted to perform both a sealing function and a non-return function.

The pump 7 comprises a rotor 12 which is rotatable relative to the selector means 6 only in a second rotational direction, opposite to the first rotational direction.

In other words, the rotor 12 is integral with the selector means 6 during rotation in the first direction of rotation and is rotatable with respect to the selector means 6 in a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation.

For example, if the selector device 6 is rotatable clockwise (or counterclockwise), the rotor 12 may be rotatable counterclockwise (or clockwise) relative to the selector device 6.

In particular, the rotor 12 rotates with respect to the rotation axis X, preferably around the rotation axis coaxially with the selector device 6.

The rotation of the selector means 6 and/or the rotor 12 is facilitated by a rotary actuator (not shown in the drawings).

That is, the device 1 comprises a rotary actuator acting on the selector means 6 and/or on the rotor 12 to move the selector means 6 and/or the pump 7 in the above-mentioned first and/or second rotational direction.

According to a possible embodiment and as shown in the figures, the device 1 can have an access port L for at least partial insertion of the above-mentioned actuator.

Preferably, the selector means 6 and the rotor 12 are arranged coaxially on the actuation shaft of the above-mentioned rotary actuator.

The pump 7 is preferably a peristaltic pump.

That is, the pump 7 moves the fluid by applying a narrow channel (cottleneck) to the channel 13 containing the fluid, thereby pushing the fluid from the inlet 8 to the outlet 9 of the pump 7.

Preferably, the channel 13 is made of one or more rubbery and/or polymeric materials, such as silicone, CSM, EPDM, HNBR, NBR, and others, depending on the needs of the application.

According to a possible embodiment and as shown in the figures, the rotor 12 comprises three rollers 14 radially equidistant and equally angularly spaced from the rotation axis X of the rotor 12.

Advantageously, the rollers 14 act on the channel 13 of the pump 7 to make the fluid flow.

In particular, the roller configuration of the elements acting on the channel 13 limits the stresses on the channel 13, contributing to an increase in its working life.

According to embodiments not shown in the drawings, there may be a different number of rollers 14 or the elements acting on the channel 13 may have different shapes without changing the inventive concept underlying the invention.

As shown in the figures, the device 1 may comprise first unidirectional free-rotation means 15 acting between the selector device 6 and the corresponding portion P of the device 1 located inside the containment volume V, and second unidirectional free-rotation means 16 acting between the rotor 12 and the selector device 6.

Specifically, the first unidirectional free-rotation means 15 and the second unidirectional free-rotation means 16 are configured to allow rotation in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction, respectively.

Preferably, the first unidirectional free rotation means 15 comprise a first serrated guide 17 obtained on the selector device 6 or on the portion P of the device 1 and at least one first projection 18 associated respectively with the portion P of the device 1 or with the selector device 6.

Furthermore, preferably, the second unidirectional free-rotation means 16 comprise a second saw-tooth guide 19 obtained on the selector device 6 or on the rotor 12 and at least one second projection 20 associated respectively with the rotor 12 or with the selector device 6.

Advantageously, the rotation of the serrated guides 17, 19 is allowed by the sliding of the opposite tabs 18, 20 in a predetermined direction of rotation, and the rotation in the serrated guides is prevented by the sliding in the opposite direction, since in case of movement in the opposite direction there are movable abutment walls on the tabs 18, 20.

According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids comprising a pumping and switching device 1 and a predetermined number of ducts adapted to supply and classify the fluid of the pumping device.

In particular, the device for selecting and sorting fluids is configured to move a predetermined amount of fluid, for example to move water and/or cleaning products from at least a first containing volume (such as a cleaning product storage tray) to at least a second containing volume, for example a basket of a laundry washing machine or an operating space of a dishwasher.

Preferably, the means for selecting and sorting the fluids comprise at least one duckbill valve arranged in at least one of the above-mentioned conduits to prevent the backflow of the fluids after being pumped by a suitable pump.

It is therefore noted that the present invention achieves the proposed objects thanks to a pumping and switching device and an apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids, which have a high adaptability to meet the design requirements required by different operating settings, thanks to the presence of selector means able to bring into selective fluid communication a plurality of inlet openings and a plurality of outlet openings of the pumping and switching device: this high flexibility is achieved with a very simplified structure and in any case ensures switching between a plurality of variable numbers of inlets and outlets.

Advantageously, the pumping and switching device reduces the number of solenoid valves used, helping to limit construction costs.

Furthermore, the pumping and switching means and the apparatus for selecting and sorting fluids have limited dimensions.

Furthermore, advantageously, the pumping and switching means and the device for selecting and sorting fluids have the advantage of being very quiet during operation.

In more detail, at an advantageous level of the invention, a peristaltic pump can be employed to allow to correlate the flow rate of the fluid pumped without the need for other flow measuring devices (such as flow meters), with the advantage of being economical and efficient to manufacture and of being accurate in dosage.

The integrated system developed according to the present invention also makes it possible to increase significantly the number of slots without affecting the costs, but above all it eliminates those drawers, thus producing a washing machine (or more generally, a household appliance or any other machine, wherein different substances need to be injected for the functions of these machines themselves) with a higher level of automation: this means that the machine that achieves the object of the present invention can analyze the quantity of detergent needed according to the washing conditions and the user no longer needs to frequently fill the drawer with each detergent (so that by imagining the installation of the invention in a washing machine, two or more tanks, for example six, can be simply controlled, with a single actuator and dimensions comparable to a machine with a single pump injection system).

Claims (18)

1. A pumping and switching device, characterized in that it defines a containment volume (V) and comprises:

-a predetermined number of inlet openings (4) configured to allow at least one fluid to enter into said containment volume (V);

-a predetermined number of outlet openings (5) configured to allow the outflow of at least one of said fluids from said containment volume (V), said outlet openings being selectively in fluid communication with said inlet openings (4);

-selector means (6) arranged at least partially inside said containment volume (V), said selector means (6) being rotatable inside said containment volume (V) in a single predetermined first direction of rotation, said selector means (6) putting at least one said inlet opening (4) in fluid communication with at least one said outlet opening (5);

-a pump (7) mounted on said selector means (6) within said containment volume (V) and integral with said selector means (6) during rotation in said first direction of rotation, said pump (7) comprising a rotor (12) rotatable with respect to said selector means (6) only in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation, said pump (7) moving a fluid through said inlet opening (4) and said outlet opening (5) in fluid communication by said selector means (6).

2. Pumping and switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump (7) is a peristaltic pump.

3. Pumping and switching device, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said rotor (12) comprises three rollers (14) equally and angularly spaced with respect to the rotation axis of said rotor (12), said rollers (14) acting on channels (13) of said pump (7) to move said fluid.

4. Pumping and switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises first unidirectional free rotation means (15) acting between the selector device and a corresponding portion (P) of the pumping and switching device (1) located inside the containment volume (V), and second unidirectional free rotation means acting between the rotor (12) and the selector device (6), the first and second unidirectional free rotation means (15, 15) being respectively configured to allow rotation in the first and second rotation directions.

5. Pumping and switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that said first unidirectional free rotation means (15) comprise a first saw-tooth guide (17) obtained on said selector device (6) or on said portion (P) of said pumping and switching device (1) and at least one first projection (18) associated respectively with said portion (P) of said pumping and switching device (1) or with said selector device (6); and wherein said second unidirectional free rotation means comprise a second saw-tooth guide (19) obtained on said selector device (6) or on said rotor (12) and at least one second projection (20) associated with said rotor (12) or with said selector device (6), respectively.

6. Pumping and switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises hydraulic sealing means (10) associated with an inlet (8) and/or an outlet (9) of the pump (7), said hydraulic sealing means (10) acting between the inlet (8) and/or the outlet (9) of the pump (7) and the inlet opening (4) and/or the outlet opening (5).

7. Pumping and switching device according to claim 6, wherein said hydraulic sealing means (10) comprise at least one sucker washer (11).

8. Pumping and switching device according to claim 7, wherein said sucker gasket (11) comprises a first portion at least partially inserted inside said inlet (8) or said outlet (9) of the pump and a second portion which can be actuated respectively on said inlet opening (4) or said outlet opening (5).

9. Pumping and switching device, according to claim 7, characterized in that said hydraulic sealing means (10) comprise a duckbill valve adapted to prevent the reverse recirculation of said fluid.

10. Pumping and switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said containment volume (V) defines at least one overflow chamber (C) suitable for containing at least one of said fluids, said overflow chamber (C) being able to be in fluid communication with at least one of said inlet openings (4) and/or at least one of said outlet openings (5).

11. Pumping and switching device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a first flange (2) and a second flange (3) operatively connected to define said containment volume (V), wherein said first flange (2) comprises: at least one inlet duct (2a) in fluid communication with the overflow chamber (C) to allow a fluid supply to the overflow chamber (C); and an outlet duct (2b) in fluid communication with said outlet opening (5), and wherein said second flange (3) defines at least one said inlet opening (4) which is fluidly communicable with said inlet (8) of said pump (7).

12. Pumping and switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises connection means (M) to connect said containment volume (V) to at least one fluid supply tube.

13. Pumping and switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rotary actuator acting on the selector device (6) and/or on the pump (7) to move the selector device (6) and/or the pump (7).

14. Pumping and switching device according to claim 13, wherein the rotary actuator comprises an actuation shaft and wherein the selector device (6) and the pump (7) are arranged coaxially to the actuation shaft.

15. The pumping and switching device of claim 12, wherein the connection means comprises a snap-fit coupling.

16. An apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids, characterized in that it comprises a pumping and switching device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims and a predetermined number of ducts configured to allow the fluid to be supplied and to flow out through said pumping and switching device (1), said apparatus being adapted to move a predetermined amount of fluid from at least one first containing volume to at least one second containing volume.

17. The apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids comprises a duckbill valve adapted to prevent backflow of fluids.

18. The apparatus for selecting and classifying fluids according to claim 17, wherein the duckbill valve is disposed within at least one of the conduits.

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