EP0865529B1 - Method and device for delivering articles of laundry - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method and device for delivering articles of laundry, in particular articles of clothing, which are conveyed suspended on conveying hangers (3) to an automatic folding machine (1). The articles of laundry (2) are transferred together with the conveying hangers (3) to the automatic folding machine which are then removed from the moving articles of laundry (2) during the conveying step. The article of laundry (2) and the conveying hanger (3) are moved substantially in the same direction during the removal of the hanger and are guided and driven independently during this step. The released conveying hangers (3) are moved more quickly than the article of laundry (2) and are thus removed.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding laundry items, in particular Garments with the characteristics in the preamble of Main procedural and device claim.

Such a method and device is known from the DE-A-32 12 629, DE-C-37 25 523 and DE-A-44 05 458 known. In these cases, this is on a tension or Transport hanger hanging laundry on the contact surface hand over a folding machine and then the bracket unlocked, folded and out of the laundry pulled out. In both cases, the item of laundry is at rest while ironing on the contact surface and only the Temple is moved. Then find the different ones Folding takes place in which in the first two Citations also largely in the laundry item Rest is. In this technique, the Downtime delays. Switching operations to The various drives are switched on and off time consuming. The capacity of the known This limits folding machines.

DE-A-41 34 761 discloses a method for feeding from laundry items to a folding machine. The one Hanging laundry item is slanted on an initially Worktop placed and attached there by air pressure. Then the hanger is opened and the laundry removed while the worktop rotates and into one horizontal working position is inclined. Surrender here too yourself through the application and holding process of the Laundry unnecessary delays.

Other folding machines are known in practice, at to whom the arm folds in motion were moving Laundry takes place. Before that, too Piece of laundry placed on an upstream contact surface and the transport bracket from the resting piece of laundry pulled out. The capacity of the folding machine is determined by the other arm fold alone is not essential improved.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to better way of feeding laundry items and showing the ironing and unnecessary delays avoid.

The invention solves this problem with the features in Process and device main claim. The invention provides the transport bracket from the remove moving laundry. Time consuming Rest periods of the item of laundry can thereby be avoided become. The capacity or the throughput of the Laundry equipment can be an essential Experience increased performance. The technique according to the invention is for any laundry equipment and for any Suitable items of laundry if they are on transport hangers be fed. There are special advantages for Folding machines and for clothing, such as smocks, Shirts, pants etc.

The feeding technique according to the invention can advantageously with treatment processes within the Laundry device can be combined, the Piece of laundry is processed during the continuous movement. For the preferred embodiment of folding machines this means that both the arm pleating and the Longitudinal and single or multiple transverse folding on the moving Garment can be carried out. This leads to a additional increase in performance of the folding machine.

There are for the practical implementation of the invention various possibilities. In the subclaims are advantageous embodiments of the invention in this regard specified.

Figur 1:

eine Wäschereivorrichtung mit einer Abbügelvorrichtung in Seitenansicht,

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf die Längsfaltvorrichtung,

Figur 3:

eine Frontansicht der Wäschereivorrichtung von Figur 1 gemäß Pfeil III von Figur 1,

Figur 4:

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Bewegungsablaufs des Transportbügels beim Anlegen,

Figur 5:

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Bewegungsablaufes der Mitnehmer der Transportvorrichtung für die Transportbügel an der Übernahme- und Abgabestelle,

Figur 6:

eine vergrößerte und abgebrochene Stirnansicht der Transportvorrichtung und der Entriegelungsvorrichtung im Bereich der Abbügelstrecke und

Figur 7:

eine Draufsicht nebst geklappter Seitenansicht auf das Fördermittel und den Mitnehmer der Transportvorrichtung von Figur 6.

The invention is shown in the drawings, for example and schematically. In detail show:

Figure 1:

a laundry device with an ironing device in side view,

Figure 2:

a plan view of the longitudinal folding device,

Figure 3:

2 shows a front view of the laundry device from FIG. 1 according to arrow III from FIG. 1,

Figure 4:

a schematic representation of the sequence of movements of the transport bracket when applied,

Figure 5:

a schematic representation of the sequence of movements of the drivers of the transport device for the transport bracket at the takeover and delivery point,

Figure 6:

an enlarged and broken end view of the transport device and the unlocking device in the area of the ironing and

Figure 7:

a plan view along with a folded side view of the conveyor and the driver of the transport device of Figure 6.

Figure 1 shows in an overview and in Side view of a laundry device (1) on Transport hangers (3) hanging laundry items (2) fed become. The laundry device (1) is in the preferred embodiment designed as a folding machine, one sleeve folding device (21), one Longitudinal folding device (9) and a transverse folding device (10) having. In a modification of the embodiment shown can the laundry device (1) in any other Be fashioned e.g. as an ironing device etc. The items of laundry (2) can similarly be others Laundry, laundry moldings or the like, e.g. towels etc., act.

The transport bracket (3) can be of any suitable type be trained, such as in the DE-U-93 03 168 are described. In the preferred Embodiment is a bracket with foldable and by means of a locking device lockable arms. Additionally or alternatively can the transport bracket (3) one or more Clamping elements, e.g. for pants legs, a skirt waistband etc., have, also with a suitable device can be locked and released. In the shown The transport bracket (3) has an exemplary embodiment according to above locking pin (28), which are pressed in can and thereby the locking of the bow arms or Clamps releases.

The transport bracket (3) are preferably loose brackets individually handled and at funding and Transport devices can be attached and detached. For this purpose, the transport bracket (3) has one on the top curved hook (29). In other embodiments can the transport bracket (3) as a tensioner or the like formed and with a conveyor be firmly connected, as in the application device according to DE-A-32 12 629.

The transport bracket (3) are preferably by one of the Laundry device (1) upstream on the input side Conveyed route (4). This can be the one Cross-laundering conveyor line, the Laundry items (2) e.g. from a finisher or a other upstream treatment station become. In the conveyor line (4) can also Buffer, storage sections, one Separating device (20), etc. can be implemented.

The laundry device (1) has one Ironing device (8), which enables the Remove the transport bracket (3) from the laundry items (2). This removal happens during transportation, whereby both the transport bracket (3) and the laundry (2) are in motion. The removal is preferably carried out due to differences in movement between items of laundry (2) and Transport bracket (3) in terms of speed and / or Direction.

When ironing, there are the laundry (2) and the Transport bracket (3) preferably in a common plane and become essentially parallel along this plane and moved and driven at the same time. The excerpt or The ironing movement is preferably carried out essentially in the common plane and direction of transport (27). this has Advantages for wrinkle-free ironing, speed, the capacity and immunity to interference.

The ironing device (8) is integrated in the laundry device (1) in the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, it can also be arranged and connected upstream. It has a transport device (11) for the transport of the transport bracket (3). At the input-side transfer point (15), the loaded transport brackets (3) are transferred to the transport device (11) via a separating device (20) and from there further in the transport direction (27) through the
Laundry device (1) moves. The ironing process described in more detail below takes place.

The empty transport brackets (3) are over a output transfer point (15) to another Delivered conveyor line (5). You can then go back to the Ironing circuit of the laundry can be introduced.

The transport device (11) can be different be trained. In the shown and preferred Embodiment she has a revolving Funding means (12), e.g. Chain, rope or belt drive, in particular a toothed belt drive, with one or more Carriers (17). The transport device (11) is preferably driven continuously and can also set to different speeds. A suitable controllable drive (13) intended.

The ironing device (8) further comprises at least one Laundry conveyor (18, 19) with which the item of laundry supplied (2) can be managed and moved independently. The river Oder the laundry conveyors (18, 19) are also preferred continuously driven in the transport direction (27), their drive independent of the transport device (11) is. Your conveying speed can be fixed or be variably adjustable. In particular can different speeds of Transport device (11) and the laundry conveyor (18, 19) be achieved. This speed difference is one of the options described in more detail below Remove the transport bracket (3) from the laundry (2).

For the embodiment shown in the movable and lockable transport bracket (3) Ironing device (8), preferably a movable one Unlocking device (24). This enables the Transport bracket (3) closed during the transport movement unlock and let the bow arms fold in or the Open tensioning elements and so the laundry (2) from Loosen the transport bracket (3). The unlocking device (24) is described in detail below.

The ironing device (8) also has one Turn-off section (7) on which the transport device (11), at least one laundry conveyor (18, 19) and the Unlocking device (24) substantially parallel are arranged. Along the turn-off section (7) Piece of laundry (2) and the transport bracket (3) in Transport direction (27) essentially in the same direction emotional. In the embodiment shown, the Cornering line (7) aligned horizontally and exists for Part of a rigid, smooth base plate on which the Piece of laundry (2) and the transport bracket (3) can slide. From the top, the laundry (2) is from the top Laundry conveyor (18) pressed and in the transport direction (27) taken away.

Behind the upper laundry conveyor (18) is with an overlap a lower laundry conveyor (19) arranged on the Item of laundry (2) arrives after leaving the base plate. The area of overlap of the two laundry conveyors (18, 19) still belongs to the turn-off section (7). The lower Laundry conveyor (19) is also in the transport direction (27) continuously and preferably with constant Speed driven. The rear deflection of the upper laundry conveyor (18) can be selected with a Spring or tension force must be pressed down to the Piece of laundry in the overlap area of the two Laundry conveyor (18, 19) with a selectable force to clamp. Both laundry conveyors (18, 19) move preferably equally quickly.

On the input side in front of the ironing section (7) Laundry device (1) a curved contact surface (6) on. This has a lower, essentially straight Section that is preferably perpendicular or inclined against the feed or transport direction (27) is aligned. The upper curved area is preferably parabolic and merges into the bottom plate of the ironing section (7). The transport device (11) protrudes a little forward beyond the contact surface (6).

The brought up from the conveyor line (4) Transport bracket (3) with the laundry (2) are on the Transfer point (15) from the drivers of the Transport device (11) taken over and in Transport direction (27) moved on. The lower strand of the Transport device (11) is almost over the entire length essentially straight and parallel to the ironing section (7) aligned. The piece of laundry (2) comes on the Transport route to lie on the contact surface (6), it initially rests on the lower vertical section. It will then over the bend of the contact surface (6) with her flattening curve gradually into the horizontal pulled, which also articulated in the driver (17) held transport bracket (3) is deflected accordingly. Figure 4 illustrates this bow movement and that Along the transport bracket (3) on the parabolic contact surface (6).

Before reaching the ironing section (7), the Sleeve folding performed. For this, the contact surface has (6) the waisted shape shown in Figure 3. At the Page are sliding slants in a suitable manner, folding arms or the like, on which the side in Waisted area sliding down sleeves and be directed over the middle part of the laundry (2). The sleeve folding device (21) can otherwise in any Be wise. You can alternatively behind the Ironing section (7) can be arranged so that the Sleeve folding after ironing takes place.

The piece of laundry (2) with the folded sleeves now arrives under the upper laundry conveyor (18). Like Figure 3 clarified, this consists of two side by side revolving endless conveyor belts, one from the other Pieces are distanced. The free space thus formed serves as a passage for the transport device (11) and Unlocking device (24). The item of laundry (2) will now both from the laundry conveyor (18) and via the Transport bracket (3) from the transport device (11) emotional. The laundry conveyor (18) can optionally be a run a little slower than the transport device (11), to achieve a stripping effect.

In the present embodiment, ironing includes an unlocking of the transport bracket (3), a subsequent one Collapse, retract or otherwise remove the Bracket arms or opening the clamping elements and a then removing the transport bracket (3) from the Piece of laundry (2). The latter preferably takes the form a peeling movement instead. Depending on the embodiment of the Transport bracket (3) can unlock possibly also omitted or by another Operation to open or otherwise prepare the Bracket for subsequent removal from the laundry (2) be replaced.

In the area of the upper laundry conveyor (18) takes place in the shown embodiment the unlocking instead. For this purpose, a bolt (25) is inserted, for example Transport direction (27) moves against which the Locking pin (28) of the transport bracket (3) starts and is pushed in. The bolt (25) can along the Ironing section (7) via a suitable conveying means (26) all the way around or alternatively also moved back and forth become. With appropriate bracket and bolt training the unlocking device can alternatively also be stationary.

The unlocking device (24) shown is in its Speed on the transport device (11) Voted. The bolt (25) runs at least in places somewhat slower than the transport device (11) thereby generating the unlocking stroke. In the shown The embodiment is the funding (26) as revolving chain, rope or belt drive, preferably Timing belt drive, formed of one or more bolts (25) carries along and in its length and bolt arrangement on the length and driver arrangement of the Transport device (11) is coordinated. By suitable Control and drive means is a synchronization of Bolt and bracket engagement reached. The Transport device (11) and the unlocking device (24) can e.g. a common drive (13) with different translations to generate the Speed difference and the unlocking stroke.

As shown in Figure 6 in the front view, run the sub-dreams of the funding (12,26) in the same amount side by side. At least they are in places from a rail-shaped belt guide (23) performed. The funding (26) of the Unlocking device (24) runs centrally between the Conveyor belts, while the funding (12) of the Transport device (11) on the side next to it extends. The one described later, laterally exhibited driver (17) moves in the same line with the bolt (25).

The removal or removal of the transport bracket (3) from the Laundry (2) is preferably located in the overlap area the laundry conveyor (18, 19) instead. The bolt (25) is in front Reaching this section from the transport bracket (3) away. For this purpose, the lower strand of the Funding means (26) kept correspondingly short and ends approximately at the level of the lower laundry conveyor (19).

In the embodiment shown, the transport bracket (3) in said area of overlap compared to that of the both laundry conveyors (18, 19) clamped items of laundry (2) accelerated and subtracted. That’s why Transport device (11) briefly faster than that two laundry conveyors (18, 19). With suitable sensors and a controller is determined when the item of laundry (2) reaches the overlap area (14) and the drive (13) the transport device (11) must accelerate.

Alternatively, the laundry conveyor (18, 19) run slower than the transport device (11). In another variant, there may also be one brief reversing movement of the laundry conveyor (18, 19) possible. Due to the speed difference unlocked bracket arms folded in and the transport bracket (3) deducted from the laundry (2). The folding movement can also be done by spring force or in some other way.

After removing the transport bracket (3) the Speed difference canceled again and the over Accelerated transport device (11) or Laundry conveyor (18,19) back to the original Slow speed braked. The length of this Acceleration distance (14) or the overlap area is chosen so that braking begins quickly and that again synchronism between transport device (11) and Laundry conveyor (18) prevails when the next The transport bracket (3) enters the ironing section (7).

As shown in Figure 1, the lower one lowers Laundry conveyor (19) in the rear section, while the lower strand of the transport device (11) in last section rises diagonally upwards. The leading transport bracket (3) is thereby from The laundry item (2) is lifted off and transported upwards empty. The item of laundry (2) then passes through suitable Belt deflections in the downstream longitudinal and Cross folding device (9, 10).

The embodiment shown and described above, in which the transport bracket (3) by a Subtracted speed difference from the laundry (2) is for all types of laundry items (2) and for all directions, i.e. with button placket or with Back suitable for contact surface (6). For the bow trigger there is another option besides that especially for shirts, coats, smocks and the like Clothing is suitable and also at items of clothing, such as trousers, skirts, clamped like clips etc. can be used. The bow trigger will be the Transport bracket (3) and the laundry (2) preferably initially in the same direction and then in different Directions moved. The directions of movement go gradually apart as this also at the end of the The ironing section (7) is shown in FIG. 1. The In both cases, the trigger is removed by Differences in movement between the transport bracket (3) and Piece of laundry (2), in one variant the Speed and in the other the direction of movement differs.

The empty transport bracket (3) is at the rear end of the Transport device (11) via an overhead deflection (16) guided, wherein it is thrown off by the driver (17) and via a slide rod or the like on the Conveyor line (5) arrives.

For safely picking up and depositing the transport bracket (3) the drivers (17) are hook-shaped. Like Figure 6 and 7 illustrate, the drivers (17) have one in the transport direction (27) extending catch nose (30), the at the rear end a vertical wall with a Has a trough in front of it. In the front area Catch nose (30) on the top of a guide slope, the after crossing a bump-like vertex into the Trap drops. The catch nose (30) is one piece to the side of the conveyor or toothed belt (12) arranged and is spaced by a crosspiece (31).

The bracket hook (27) is bent slightly less than 180 °. Figure 6 shows this embodiment. This slides on the rear transfer point (15) of the hook (29) from Driver (17) when this over the deflection (16) is performed and a rotation of more than 90 ° performs. The bracket hook (29) slips backwards the rear wall of the catch nose (30) on the crossbar (31) and is shortened by the sliding hook end with a lateral tilting movement thrown off. He can do it do not get caught or get caught. Figure 5 illustrates in right part the movement sequence when throwing.

The cranked, flared driver shape has also advantages when receiving the transport bracket (3) the entry-side transfer point (15). The Separating device (20) can e.g. diagonally downwards have directed slide rod, which consists of two parallel and a little bit apart with one end stopper exists. The crossbar (31) is slightly higher than the catch nose (30). Hereby can catch nose (30) in the space between the Engage the pole arms and the one on both pole arms Underneath resting hooks securely and over the Raise the stopper. The crosspiece (31) extends with it Distance above the rod arms and glides over them collision-free. The relevant front Deflection of the funding (12) is preferably in Area and arranged above the rod end. Figure 5 shows this arrangement and the Sequence of movements.

In the automatic folding machine (1), this is done by the transport bracket (3) freed laundry (2) folded lengthways and crossways. The Folding processes take place on the moving laundry item. How Figure 1 illustrates, the item of laundry (2) arrives first in the longitudinal folding device (9). Figure 2 shows this in the top view. That moved by the laundry conveyor (19) The item of laundry (2) slides on the edge on two at a distance one behind the other and at an angle to the transport direction (27) aligned folding arms (32). In the middle range can a folding template can be arranged. Depending on the angle and transverse overlap of the folding arms (32) the edge areas of the laundry (2) more or folded less overlapping lengthways.

The subsequent transverse folding device (10) has several arranged at an angle to each other and rotating Folding tapes (33), the transverse folding pockets (34) form. Some of the folding tapes (33) can also be reversed. Through the folding tapes (33) and their correspondingly directed movement become sub-areas the item of laundry (2) forming a transverse fold in the transverse folding pockets (34) conveyed. Little by little thereby performed one, two or more transverse folds become. At the end the piece of laundry is folded up a laundry delivery (35) filed and if necessary stacked.

Variations of the embodiment shown are in FIG possible in different ways. For one thing, the The ironing section (7) does not run horizontally. she can extend obliquely or vertically, the Transport device (11), the laundry conveyor (18,19) and if necessary, the unlocking device (24) and a support or support surface in the corresponding direction are arranged or movable. In this case it needs upstream contact surface no or only a smaller one Bend than the shown 90 °. The lower Alternatively, the laundry conveyor (19) can move forward extend to the contact surface (6) and, if necessary, the base plate replace on the ironing section (7).

In a further variant, the Separating device (20) a stowage section or also different collection routes for different ones Include laundry items. In addition, the Separating device (20) own funding include that the loaded transport bracket (3) in one or several steps to one speed accelerates that of the speed of the Transport device (11) is at least approximated. The Then the handover does not have to be done from a standing position on the transport bracket (3) and laundry (2) acting acceleration forces are corresponding less. A handover of the transport bracket (3) from the Movement to the transport device (11) also has the Advantage that the transport device (11) clearly may have a higher rotational speed. Corresponding The laundry device (1) can be faster. This affects a further increase in performance.

In a further modification, the sleeve folding device (21), the longitudinal folding device (9) and the Transverse folding device (10) different from that described Example designed and arranged, e.g. in the Order may be reversed. The arrangement shown has however, special advantages in terms of Speed and security of the folding processes. This is for the desired increase in performance of the folding machine (1) cheap.

Variations are also regarding the constructive Training of the transport device (11), the Laundry conveyor (18,19) and the unlocking device (24) possible. Instead of all-round chain, rope or Belt drives can also be sliders, swivel arms or the same other suitable funding is used come. Accordingly, the drivers can do it differently be designed, e.g. as a clamping gripper, clamps etc.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1

Laundry device, folding machine

2nd

Piece of laundry, clothing

3rd

Transport bracket

4th

Conveyor line, feed

5

Conveyor line, delivery

6

Contact surface

7

Ironing distance, ironing level

8th

Ironing device

9

Longitudinal folding device

10th

Cross folding device

11

Transport device

12th

Funding, timing belt drive

13

drive

14

Overlap area, acceleration distance

15

Transfer point

16

Redirection

17th

Carrier, hook

18th

Laundry conveyor, above

19th

Laundry conveyor, below

20th

Separating device

21

Sleeve folding device

22

Waist

23

Belt guide

24th

Unlocking device

25th

bolt

26

Funding, timing belt drive

27

Direction of transport

28

Latch pin

29

Hanger hook

30th

Catch nose

31

Crossbar

32

Folding arm

33

Folding tape

34

Cross folding pocket

35

Laundry delivery

Claims (14)

1. Method of feeding items of laundry (2), in particular items of clothing, hanging on transporting hangers (3), to a laundry apparatus (1), in particular an automatic folder, the transporting hanger (3) being removed from the item of laundry (2), characterized in that the transporting hanger (3) is removed, during transportation, from the moving item of laundry (2).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, during hanger removal, the transporting hanger (3) and the item of laundry (2) are located essentially in a common plane, and the drawing-off movement takes place essentially along said plane.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, prior to the removal, the transporting hanger (3) is unlocked and opened and/or swung in during the transporting movement, the item of laundry (2), during hanger removal, moving essentially synchronously with the transporting hanger (3) and, in the process, being guided and driven independently.
4. Method according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the open transporting hanger (3) is moved quicker than the item of laundry (2) and thus drawn off, or in that the open transporting hanger (3) is drawn off from the item of laundry (2) by the transporting hanger (3) and the item of laundry (2) being moved away from one another gradually in different directions.
5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transporting hanger (3) with the item of laundry (2) is transferred to the laundry apparatus (1), whereupon, during the transporting movement, sleeve folding is carried out, the transporting hanger (3) is then removed and, thereafter, the item of laundry (2) is folded longitudinally and transversely.
6. Apparatus for feeding items of laundry, in particular items of clothing, hanging on transporting hangers, to a laundry apparatus, in particular an automatic folder, having a hanger-removal apparatus which removes the transporting hanger from the item of laundry, characterized in that the hanger-removal apparatus (8) is designed and driven such that the transporting hanger (3) can be removed, during transportation, from the moving item of laundry (2).
7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the hanger-removal apparatus (8) has at least two separate and continuously driven transporting and conveying apparatuses (11, 18, 19) for transporting hanger (3) and item of laundry (2).
8. Apparatus according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the hanger-removal apparatus (8) has an unlocking apparatus (24) moved along with it for the transporting hanger (3).
9. Apparatus according to Claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the hanger-removal apparatus (8) has a hanger-removal path (7), in the region of which the transporting, conveying and unlocking apparatuses (11, 18, 19, 24) run essentially parallel.
10. Apparatus according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the transporting, conveying and unlocking apparatuses (11, 18, 19, 24) can be adjusted at least at certain times to different speeds.
11. Apparatus according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that a sleeve-folding apparatus (21) is arranged upstream, of the hanger-removal path (7).
12. Apparatus according to one of Claims 6 to 11, characterized in that arranged downstream of the hanger-removal path (7) are longitudinal-folding and transverse-folding apparatuses (9, 10), which execute the folding movements as the item of laundry (2) is moving.
13. Apparatus according to one of Claims 6 to 12, characterized in that arranged on the hanger-removal path (7) is a first, top laundry conveyor (18) with divided and laterally spaced-apart belts, between which the transporting and unlocking apparatuses (11, 24) run, a bottom laundry conveyor (19) adjoining, and overlapping, the top laundry conveyor (18) at the end.
14. Apparatus according to one of Claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the unlocking apparatus (24) is co-ordinated in terms of movement with the transporting apparatus (11) and has a bolt (25) which is moved along with it and presses in the locking pin (28) of the transporting hanger (3) during the transporting movement, the unlocking apparatus (24) terminating approximately level with the bottom laundry conveyor (19), and, in the following overlapping region of the laundry conveyors (18, 19), the transporting apparatus (11) accelerating the transporting hanger (3) and drawing it off from the item of laundry (2).

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