JP2011200070A - Power supply device for outdoor lamp fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress harmful effects, caused by voltage drop, of a power supply device for an outdoor lamp fitting that uses a junction box to minimum.SOLUTION: In the power supply device 1, a transformer body 9 and a junction box 2a are mechanically connected to be one body so that a DC transformer and a connector of the junction box 2a are connected together using the shortest cord. Thus, a voltage drop that occurs on a main electric line is suppressed to be such degree as can be ignored. Based on this arrangement, the number of lamp fittings that are connected to the power supply device 1 can be increased when compared with a conventional power supply device, and the total length of wiring can be extended.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric power supply device for an outdoor electric appliance that supplies electric power to a plurality of electric appliances installed outdoors such as a garden.

  With regard to electric appliances installed outdoors such as gardens, electric appliances using LEDs operating at a low voltage as a light source have been used from the viewpoint of safety and workability. And after the alternating current power supplied from the commercial power source is converted into direct current power by the DC transformer, the direct current power is supplied to the electric lamp appliance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As an apparatus for supplying electric power to such a low voltage operation electric appliance, the inventor can use a junction box to add an electric appliance and to perform outdoor wiring work and inspection easily. (Hereinafter, simply referred to as “power supply device”) has been developed (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  A conventional power supply apparatus developed by the inventors will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a conventional power supply apparatus. The conventional power supply device 1b basically includes a DC transformer 9b and junction boxes 2b and 2c.

  The DC transformer 9b is one in which a means for converting alternating current to direct current, such as a switching power supply, is housed in a rainproof case. The DC transformer 9b is connected to a commercial power outlet 10 installed on the outer wall surface of the building, and steps down and rectifies AC 100V AC power to generate DC 12V DC power. DC 12V DC power generated by the DC transformer 9b is supplied to the junction boxes 2b and 2c via the main wires 4a and 4b.

  The junction box 2b is connected to the DC transformer 9b via the main electric wire 4a, and is connected to the junction box 2c via the main electric wire 4b. The junction box 2c is connected to a next-stage junction box (not shown) via the main electric wire 4c.

  The junction box 2b is further connected to three lamp fixtures 5b via three branch wires 6. Similarly, the junction box 2c is connected to three electric appliances 5a (one is omitted) through three branch wires 6. In addition, in order to protect an electric wire from rain water etc., the main electric wires 4a-4c and the branch electric wire 6 are wired in the state inserted in the plastic electric wire protection tube 8. FIG.

  The bottom walls of the box body 20 of the junction boxes 2b and 2c are provided with holes for passing the main wires 4a to 4c and the branch wires 6, and the wire protection tube 8 is inserted into these holes. The electric wire protection tube 8 is fixed to the bottom wall with a completely waterproof cable clamp connector (not shown), and rainwater and moisture enter the box main body 20 from the joint between the electric wire protection tube 8 and the box main body 20. Is preventing.

  As for the junction box 2b, support legs 21 are attached to the four corners of the lower surface of the box body 20, and the box body 20 is floated from the installation surface by burying the support legs 24 in the ground. Similarly, also with respect to the junction box 2c, a cylindrical tube 22 is attached to the lower surface of the box body 20.

  The shapes of the electric lamps 5a and 5b differ depending on the application. The electric lamp 5b is used standing on the installation surface, and the branch wire 6 is arranged on the installation surface. On the other hand, the electric lamp 5a is used by being buried in the ground so that the light emitting surface thereof is almost the same height as the installation surface, and the branch wire 6 is also buried in the ground. When installing the electric light fixture 5a, it is made to incorporate in the upper part of the holder 7 prepared separately.

  FIG. 6 shows a wiring diagram of the power supply device 1b of FIG. In the hollow portions of the box bodies of the junction boxes 2b and 2c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “junction box 2”), the wiring devices 3 each composed of the connectors 31 and 32 are accommodated. In the connectors 31 and 32, at least three (five in the drawing) terminals 30 are connected in series by the same number, and terminal pairs 33a to 33e are formed by the terminals 30 at corresponding positions.

  The main electric wires 4a, 4b and 4c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “main electric wires 4”) include a pair of cords 41 and 42, and the branch electric wire 6 includes a pair of cords 61 and 62. The connector 31, the cord 41 of the main wire 4 and the cord 61 of the branch wire 6 are connected to the plus (+) side of the DC power supplied from the DC transformer 9b, and the connector 32, the cord 42 of the main wire 4 and the branch wire 6 are connected. Is connected to the negative (−) side of the DC power supplied from the DC transformer 9b.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the conventional power supply device 1b, junction boxes 2b and 2c are connected in cascade through the main electric wire 4, that is, in multiple stages. A plurality of lighting fixtures 5 a and 5 b having the same operating voltage (DC 12 V) are connected to the junction boxes 2 b and 2 c via the branch wire 6.

  Each junction box 2b, 2c includes a wiring device 3 composed of a pair of connectors 31 and 32 as means for realizing the above-described wiring configuration. Further, the five terminals of the connectors 31 and 32 constitute terminal pairs 33a to 33e.

  Among the terminal pairs 33a to 33e of the junction box 2b, the uppermost terminal pair 33a is connected to the output side of the DC transformer 9b via the cords 41 and 42 of the main electric wire 4a. The second terminal pair 33b is connected to the uppermost terminal pair 33a of the wiring device 3 of the junction box 2c via the cords 41 and 42 of the main electric wire 4b. The remaining terminal pairs 33c to 33e are connected to the electric lamp 5b via the cords 61 and 62 of the branch wire 6, respectively.

  Similarly, the second terminal pair 33b among the terminal pairs 33a to 33e of the junction box 2c is the highest level of the wiring device 3 of the junction box (not shown) of the next stage through the cords 41 and 42 of the main electric wire 4c. Connected to the terminal pair. The remaining terminal pairs 33c to 33e are connected to the electric lamp 5a via the cords 61 and 62 of the branch wiring 6, respectively.

  LEDs having the same operating voltage (DC 12 V) are used as the light sources of the electric lamps 5a and 5b. By using an electric lamp with an operating voltage of DC 12 V, a contractor who constructs a garden or an entrance can also perform the wiring work of the electric lamp without being restricted by the electrician. In addition, since the operating voltages of the lighting fixtures are equal, DC power of DC 12V can be supplied to all the lighting fixtures 5a and 5b by simply connecting the lighting fixtures 5a and 5b to the wiring fixture 3 in parallel.

Japanese Patent No. 3347928

January 1989, “Takasho Pro Ex General Catalog”, 457 pages, published by Takasho Corporation

  If the above-described conventional power supply device 1b is used, even if the lighting fixtures 5a and 5b are added, the additional lighting fixture can be obtained simply by connecting a new junction box to the final junction box via the main electric wire 4. The electric power required for 5a or 5b can be easily supplied.

  However, when a plurality of junction boxes are cascade-connected, the conventional power supply device 1b has a problem that light emission of the LED becomes unstable due to a voltage drop mainly generated in the main wiring 4.

  That is, a current value obtained by adding the current values flowing through the plurality of lighting fixtures 5a and 5b flows through the main wiring 4a connecting the transformer 9 and the junction box 2a, and the main wirings 4b and 4c connecting the junction box 2. Therefore, an unexpectedly large voltage drop may occur depending on the capacity (wattage) of the connected lighting fixture. In such a case, the light amount of the LED decreases due to a decrease in the driving voltage of the lighting fixture, and in the worst case, the light emission of the LED stops.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply apparatus capable of minimizing adverse effects caused by a voltage drop when a junction box is used.

In order to achieve the above object, a power supply device according to the present invention converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power having a predetermined voltage with a DC transformer, and then converts the DC power to at least cascade connection. A power supply device that uses two junction boxes to supply a plurality of lamps with the same operating voltage installed outdoors,
The junction box at the first stage connected to the DC transformer is a wiring device comprising a first connector having at least three terminals and a second connector having the same number of terminals as the first connector. Is housed in a case,
In the wiring device, at least three terminals of the first connector and at least three terminals of the second connector each form a terminal pair,
Of the terminal pairs of the wiring apparatus, one terminal pair is connected to the output side of the DC transformer, the other at least one terminal pair is connected to a terminal pair of a subsequent junction box, and the remaining terminal pairs are connected. , Each connected to the electric appliance,
In addition, a transformer main body in which the DC transformer is housed in a case and the first-stage junction box are integrally formed.

  Here, it is preferable that the transformer main body and the first-stage junction box are electrically connected and mechanically coupled by a joint portion attached to each case.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said transformer main body and the said 1st step | paragraph junction box are attached to the outer wall surface of a house in the integrated state.

  The first connector and the second connector are preferably housed in a floating state in the case of the junction box.

  The transformer main body may contain a timer for electrically connecting the DC transformer and the first-stage junction box for a predetermined period.

  If the power supply device of the present invention is used, the voltage drop in the main wire connecting the transformer main body and the first-stage junction box can be almost ignored, so the number of lighting fixtures connected to the second and subsequent junction boxes is increased. Or the length of the wiring can be increased.

  In addition, since the first-stage junction box is installed in a place that avoids rainwater, such as under the eaves, together with the transformer body, it is sufficient to adopt a simple rainproof structure. As a result, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced. Is possible.

  Further, if the terminal pair of the first stage junction box is used mainly for connecting the next stage junction box, the lighting equipment can be arranged in a wide area with the first stage junction box as a base point. The degree of freedom in designing the layout is increased.

It is a front view showing the state where the power supply device concerning an embodiment of the invention was attached to the outer wall surface of a building. It is a perspective view which shows the state before the assembly of each member which comprises the electric power supply apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram of the power supply device of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the state by which the cord of the main electric wire and the branch electric wire was connected to a pair of connector accommodated in the junction box. It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional electric power supply apparatus. FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram of the power supply device of FIG. 5.

  Hereinafter, a power supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of power supply device>
FIG. 1 shows a state in which a transformer main body 9 in which a DC transformer is housed and a first-stage junction box 2a are attached to an outer wall surface 81 of a building in the power supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. . 2 shows a state before the assembly of the transformer main body 9, the junction box 2a and the AC cable 17 of FIG. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the structure of the electric power supply apparatus 1 concerning this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  The transformer body 9 and the junction box 2a are attached to the outer wall surface 81 in a structurally integrated state by first joint portions 94 and 23 (see FIG. 2).

  Further, an AC cable 17 is attached to a second joint portion 93 (see FIG. 2) provided in the transformer main body 9, and a plug 19 provided at a tip portion of the AC cable 17 is connected to an outer wall surface 81 of the building. It is connected to the outlet 10 provided in.

  The junction box 2a is connected to the next-stage junction box and the lighting fixtures 5a and 5b through the main wire 4 and the branch wiring 6 in the same manner as in FIG. This is omitted in the figure. In the figure, members having the same functions as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are given the same reference numerals. In addition, since the structure and function of the wiring instrument 3 and the connectors 31 and 32 are the same as those of FIG. 5, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transformer main body 9 is a rectangular parallelepiped waterproof case in which a DC transformer 91 (on the right side as viewed in the drawing) and a timer 92 (on the left side) are accommodated. A joint portion 93 with the AC cable 17 is provided on the right side of the lower surface of the transformer body 9, and a joint portion 94 with the junction box 2a is provided on the left side of the lower surface.

  On the front surface of the timer 92, an illuminance sensor 95 for detecting ambient illuminance and a button 96 for turning on / off the timer 92 are provided. When the button 92 of the timer 92 is pressed and turned on, the timer 92 operates based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 95 when the surroundings become dark due to sunset or the like, and the DC transformer is set for a predetermined time. Direct current power is supplied from 91 to the junction box 2a. As a result, electric power is supplied to the lighting fixtures 5a and 5b connected to the junction box 2a and the junction box (not shown) in the subsequent stage, and the garden and the entrance are illuminated.

  A pair of metal fittings 97 for attachment to the outer wall surface 81 are provided on the left and right of the upper surface of the transformer main body 9. The transformer main body 9 a is fixed to the outer wall surface 81 by inserting screws 82 into holes of the metal fitting 97. The

  The rectangular parallelepiped junction box 2a can be disassembled into an upper case 21 and a lower case 22, and a pair of connectors 31 and 32 shown in FIG. The upper case 21 and the lower case 22 are sealed with screws (not shown).

  A joint portion 23 connected to the transformer main body 9 is provided on the upper surface of the junction box 2a. Cords 41 and 42 constituting the main electric wire 4 are inserted into the center hole of the joint portion 23. Since the joint portion 23 can be rotated and formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof, the screw is screwed onto the male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the joint portion 94 of the transformer main body 9, so that the junction box 2 a 9 are electrically connected and mechanically coupled together.

  On the lower surface of the junction box 2a, four entry members 24 through which the main electric wires 4 and the branch electric wires 6 are inserted are provided. A hole through which an electric wire is passed is formed at the center of the cubic line entry member 24, and a groove into which a part of the upper case 21 and the lower case 22 is fitted is formed on the outer peripheral surface in a direction orthogonal to the hole. ing.

  Similar to the transformer main body 9, a pair of metal fittings 25 for attachment to the outer wall surface 81 are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the lower case 22 of the junction box 2 a, and the junction box 2 a is screwed into the hole of the metal fitting 25. 83 is inserted and fixed to the outer wall surface 81.

  A joint portion 18 connected to the joint portion 93 of the transformer main body 9 is provided at the upper end portion of the AC cable 17. The joint portion 18 is configured to be able to rotate independently of the AC cable 17, and a pair of cords are inserted through the center hole thereof. The AC cable 17 is electrically and mechanically connected to the transformer main body 9 by screwing the screw formed on the inner peripheral surface of the joint portion 18 with the male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the joint portion 93 of the transformer main body 9. Connected to.

<Wiring of power supply device>
FIG. 3 shows a wiring diagram of the power supply device 1 of FIG. The wiring shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the wiring of the conventional power supply apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6 except for some points. The wiring of FIG. 3 differs from the wiring of FIG. 6 in the configuration of the transformer main body 9 and the connection state between the transformer main body 9 and the junction box 2a. Each difference will be specifically described below.

  In the conventional power supply device 1b shown in FIG. 6, the DC transformer 9b has a structure in which the switching power supply is accommodated in a waterproof case. On the other hand, in the power supply device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, the transformer main body 9 has a structure in which a DC transformer 91 and a timer 92 constituted by a switching power supply are housed in a waterproof case.

  If the timer 92 is arranged on the downstream side of the DC transformer 91 as in the present invention device, a DC drive timer can be used. Further, by accommodating the timer 92 and the DC transformer 91 in the same case, the power supply device can be made compact and cost-dyne.

  Further, like the apparatus of the present invention, the transformer main body 9 and the junction box 2a are structurally integrated to connect the DC transformer 91 and the connectors 31 and 32 of the junction box 2a with the shortest cords 41 and 42. be able to. Although the timer 92 is disposed between the DC transformer 91 and the junction box 2a, the timer 92 simply disconnects the cords 41 and 42. Therefore, the length of the cords 41 and 42 is determined by the timer. It hardly changes depending on the presence or absence of 92.

  As described above, a current value obtained by adding the current values flowing through all the lighting devices flows through the wiring connecting the DC transformer 91 and the first-stage junction box 2a. In the conventional power supply device 1b, when a large capacity (that is, W number) is used for the lighting devices 5a and 5b, a large voltage drop occurs in the main electric wires (cords 41 and 42) connecting the DC transformer 91 and the junction box 2b. Arise. When the voltage drop here is large, the operating voltage of the lighting fixtures 5a and 5b connected via the plurality of junction boxes 2 is lowered. As a result, the light emission intensity of the LED decreases, and in the worst case, the light emission of the LED stops.

  In the power supply device 1 of the present invention, the transformer main body 9 and the junction box 2a are mechanically coupled and integrated, thereby minimizing the voltage drop generated in the main wires (codes 41 and 42). . Accordingly, the number of lamp devices connected to the power supply device 1 can be increased as compared with the conventional power supply device 1b, and the total length of the wiring can be increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the junction box 2a is installed in a place avoiding rain and wind, such as under the eaves, together with the transformer main body 9. Therefore, it is sufficient to adopt a simple rainproof structure. As a result, the structure is simple. And cost reduction.

  Further, if the terminal pairs 33b to 33e of the junction box 2a are used mainly for connecting the junction box of the next stage, the junction box 2a attached to the outer wall surface 81 of the building is used as a base point in a large area of a garden or an entrance. Lighting fixtures 5a and 5b can be arranged.

<Installation and wiring of transformer body and junction box>
Next, the installation of the transformer main body 9a and the junction box junk 2a on the outer wall surface 81 and the wiring in the junction box 2a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the cords of the main electric wire 4 and the branch electric wires 6 are connected to the connectors 31 and 32 housed in the junction box 2a.

  In the present embodiment, considering the workability when connecting the main wire 4 and the branch wire 6 to the connectors 31 and 32, the connectors 31 and 32 are placed in the hollow portions in the cases 21 and 22 of the junction box 2a. Contained in a floating state.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the workability | operativity in the case of a connection is further improved by using a commercially available one-touch connector as the connectors 31 and 32. FIG. Each of the connectors 31 and 32 has five levers 34 attached thereto, which are hidden in the drawing, but are provided with holes for inserting cords on the side surfaces below the levers 34. After turning the lever 34 toward the front with the upper end of the lever 34 as a fulcrum, a cord from which the insulating film at the tip is removed using a stripper or the like is inserted into the hole, and then the lever 34 is returned to its original position. The cord is electrically and mechanically connected to the connector.

  When performing wiring, as shown in FIG. 1, the transformer main body 9 is previously attached to the outer wall surface 81 of the building. The installation location is preferably a location at least 30 cm away from the ground, where there is an AC 100V outlet 10 nearby, and where it is not subject to rain as much as possible.

  First, the upper case 21 of the junction box 2a is removed. A pair of cords 41 and 42 connected to the timer 92 via the joint portion 94 of the transformer main body 9 are embedded in the joint portion 23 of the junction box 2a, and the tips thereof extend into the lower case 22. Yes.

  Next, the lever 34 at the left end of the plus-side connector 31 is operated to connect the plus-side cord 41 connected to the timer 92 of the transformer body 9 to the connector 31. Specifically, after the lever 34 is rotated forward, the cord 41 from which the insulating coating at the tip is removed is inserted into the hole on the lower surface of the connector, and then the lever 34 is returned to its original position. It is fixed to the connector 31.

  According to the same procedure, the left end lever 34 of the minus side connector 32 is operated, and the minus side cord 42 connected to the timer 92 of the transformer main body 9 is connected to the connector 32.

  Next, the main electric wires 4 and the branch electric wires 6 are inserted into the holes of the four inlet portions 23 of the junction box 2 (see FIG. 2), and the insulating coating at the end of each cord is removed. Then, each electric wire is connected to the connectors 31 and 32.

  First, the plus side cord 41 of the main electric wire 4 connected to the junction box at the next stage is inserted into the second hole from the left of the plus side connector 31 and fixed to the connector 31 in the same manner as described above.

  According to the same procedure, the second lever 34 from the left side of the minus side connector 32 is operated, and the minus side cord 42 of the main electric wire connected to the junction box at the next stage is fixed to the connector 32.

  For the branch wire 6 connected to the lighting fixture 5, the plus side cord 61 is fixed to the plus side connector 31 and the minus side cord 62 is fixed to the minus side connector 32 in the same procedure as the main wire 4. To do. In FIG. 4, the cords 61 and 62 fixed to the two holes on the right side of the connectors 31 and 32 are omitted in order to avoid complexity.

  After all the cords have been connected to the connectors 31 and 32, a binding band (not shown) is wound around the main electric wire 4 and the branch electric wire 6 of the lower case 22 so that the respective electric wires do not fall out of the incoming wire member 24. To. Then, the upper case 21 of the junction box 2a is attached to the lower case 22 and sealed.

  Next, the joint part 23 of the junction box 2a is connected to the joint part 94 of the transformer main body 9, and the junction box 2a and the transformer main body 9 are integrated. Further, the junction box 2 a is attached to the outer wall surface 81 using screws 83.

  Finally, after connecting the joint portion 18 of the AC cable 17 to the joint portion 93 of the transformer main body 9, the plug 19 is inserted into an AC 100 V outlet 10 that is a commercial power source. Thereafter, the button 96 of the timer 92 is pressed to set the power supply device 1 to the operating state. In this way, the installation and integration of the transformer main body 9 and the junction box 2a are completed.

  As described above, in the power supply device of the present invention, a large number of lighting fixtures can be connected while maintaining the original characteristics of the junction box, that is, the ability to easily add electric appliances and perform wiring work outdoors. This minimizes the negative effects of voltage drop in the main wire.

  Specifically, the transformer body and junction box are mechanically coupled and integrated to connect the DC transformer and the connector with the shortest cord so that the voltage drop generated in the main wire can be ignored. Yes. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of lighting fixtures that can be connected to the power supply device as compared with the conventional device, and further to increase the total length of the wiring.

  In the present embodiment, the connectors 31 and 32 having five terminals are used in the junction box 2a. However, the number of terminals is not limited to five and can be increased or decreased depending on the application. Moreover, although the switching power supply was used as the DC transformer 91, the present invention is not limited to this, and other means for converting AC power into DC power may be used.

  The power supply device according to the present invention is not limited to the power supply to the electric appliances installed in the garden or the entrance, but can be widely used as an electric power supply device to the electric appliances installed outdoors.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric power supply apparatus 2a-2c Junction box 3 Wiring fixture 4 Main electric wire 5a, 5b Lighting fixture 6 Branch electric wire 9 Transformer main body 10 Outlet 17 AC cable 18, 23, 93, 94 Joint part 19 Plug 21 Upper case 22 Lower case 24 In-line Member 30 Terminal 31, 32 Connector 33a-33e Terminal pair 41, 42, 61, 62 Code 91 DC transformer 92 Timer 95 Illuminance sensor 96 Button

Claims (5)

After AC power supplied from a commercial power source is converted to DC power of a predetermined voltage by a DC transformer, this DC power is converted to an operating voltage installed outdoors using at least two junction boxes connected in cascade. A power supply device for an outdoor electric appliance that supplies an equal number of electric appliances,
The junction box at the first stage connected to the DC transformer is a wiring device comprising a first connector having at least three terminals and a second connector having the same number of terminals as the first connector. Is housed in a case,
In the wiring device, at least three terminals of the first connector and at least three terminals of the second connector each form a terminal pair,
Of the terminal pairs of the wiring apparatus, one terminal pair is connected to the output side of the DC transformer, the other at least one terminal pair is connected to a terminal pair of a subsequent junction box, and the remaining terminal pairs are connected. , Each connected to the electric appliance,
And the transformer main body which accommodated the said DC transformer in the case, and the said junction box of the 1st step | paragraph are comprised integrally, The electric power supply apparatus for outdoor lamp fixtures characterized by the above-mentioned.   The transformer body and the first-stage junction box are electrically connected and mechanically coupled by a joint portion attached to each case. Power supply device for outdoor lighting equipment.   The power supply device for an outdoor electric appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transformer main body and the first-stage junction box are attached to an outer wall surface of a house in an integrated state.   4. The electric power supply for outdoor lighting equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are accommodated in a floating state in a case of the junction box. 5. apparatus.   5. The timer according to claim 1, wherein a timer for electrically connecting the DC transformer and the first-stage junction box to each other for a predetermined period is accommodated in the transformer body. Power supply equipment for outdoor electric appliances.

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