JP3824243B2 - Electric vehicle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric vehicle equipped with a battery unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional electric vehicle, for example, one applied to a saddle-ride type vehicle is known. Such an electric vehicle includes a battery unit configured by bundling a plurality of elongated battery cells at the lower part of the vehicle body between the front wheels and the rear wheels, thereby reducing the center of gravity of the entire vehicle. .
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional electric vehicle, when the battery unit is struck or there is a curb on the road, the front or rear lower end of the battery unit comes into contact when the electric vehicle rides on the curb of the road. Sometimes.
[0004]
In addition, when the electric vehicle is a scooter, the battery unit is disposed between a pair of left and right frames on which a step floor for occupant footrest is provided. There is a problem that the frame stiffness is lowered because the frame is bent sharply.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the invention according to claim 1 provides a large degree of freedom in the layout of the battery unit in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the invention according to claim 2 provides the vehicle width. It shall be the object of the present invention to provide an electric vehicle that a large degree of freedom in the direction of the layout can be obtained.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a battery unit configured by bundling a plurality of elongated battery cells on a vehicle body. In an electric vehicle that feeds power to the electric motor and runs with the power of the electric motor,
The battery unit is arranged at the lower part of the vehicle body such that the longitudinal directions of the plurality of battery cells of the battery unit coincide with the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body,
A battery support frame that connects and supports end portions of the plurality of battery cells, and exposes and bundles portions other than the end portions of the battery cells,
The battery support frame is composed of a pair of halves that are connected to each other and sandwich and assemble the battery cell,
The pair of halves are formed with a holding portion for holding the end portion of the battery cell, and a seal member surrounding the periphery of the electrode of the battery cell is interposed between the holding portion and the end portion of the battery cell. Let
Each of the pair of halves has a leg portion, and the leg portion is formed with an attachment hole therethrough,
An electric vehicle characterized in that the legs are brought into contact with each other, a tightening bolt is inserted into the mounting hole, a nut is screwed and fastened and fixed, and is connected and assembled . In other words, the longitudinal direction of the battery cells of the battery unit coincides with the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body, thereby providing a large degree of freedom in the layout in the vehicle front-rear direction. For this reason, for example, the battery cell can be prevented from being arranged at the front lower corner or the rear lower corner of the battery unit, and the front lower corner or the rear of the battery unit can be used when a stone strike or an electric vehicle rides on the curb of the road. The lower corner is prevented from contacting the curb of the road. In addition, since the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the battery unit is configured so as to support and bundle both ends of the battery cell, the running wind hits the periphery of the battery cell, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. . Further, since the battery unit is exposed and bundled except for the end of the battery cell, the cooling air can be sufficiently guided to the entire circumference of the battery cell, and sufficient cooling and heat dissipation can be obtained. Moreover, the edge part of a battery cell is sealed with the sealing member, water does not adhere to the electrode of a battery cell, and durability of a battery cell improves.
[0007]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, “a battery unit configured by bundling a plurality of elongated battery cells on a vehicle body is mounted, and an electric motor is driven by the power of the electric motor by supplying power from the battery unit to the electric motor. In the vehicle,
The battery unit is arranged at the lower part of the vehicle body so that the longitudinal direction of the plurality of battery cells of the battery unit coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle body,
A battery support frame that connects and supports end portions of the plurality of battery cells, and exposes and bundles portions other than the end portions of the battery cells,
The battery support frame is composed of a pair of halves that are connected to each other and sandwich and assemble the battery cell,
The pair of halves are formed with a holding portion for holding the end portion of the battery cell, and a seal member surrounding the periphery of the electrode of the battery cell is interposed between the holding portion and the end portion of the battery cell. Let
Each of the pair of halves has a leg portion, and the leg portion is formed with an attachment hole therethrough,
An electric vehicle characterized in that the legs are brought into contact with each other, a tightening bolt is inserted into the mounting hole, a nut is screwed and fastened and fixed, and is connected and assembled . In other words, the longitudinal direction of the battery cells of the battery unit coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle body, so that a great degree of freedom can be obtained in the layout in the vehicle width direction. For this reason, for example, when the battery unit is disposed between a pair of left and right frames on which a step floor for occupant footrest is provided and the pair of left and right frames are connected to the head pipe side, the pair of left and right frames suddenly bend. This eliminates the frame rigidity. In addition, since the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the battery unit is configured so as to support and bundle both ends of the battery cell, the running wind hits the periphery of the battery cell, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. . Further, since the battery unit is exposed and bundled except for the end of the battery cell, the cooling air can be sufficiently guided to the entire circumference of the battery cell, and sufficient cooling and heat dissipation can be obtained. Moreover, the edge part of a battery cell is sealed with the sealing member, water does not adhere to the electrode of a battery cell, and durability of a battery cell improves.
[0008]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, “the vehicle body has a step floor between the steering handle and the seat, and the battery unit is disposed below the step floor. Or the electric vehicle of Claim 2. It is possible to obtain a large degree of freedom in the layout of the battery unit mounted on the electric vehicle such as a scooter type having a step floor between the steering handle and the seat.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 17 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a saddle-ride type electric vehicle. FIGS. 1 to 4 show an electric scooter as a saddle-ride type electric vehicle equipped with a battery unit. Represents an electric vehicle battery unit.
[0012]
The vehicle body frame 11 constituting the vehicle body of the electric scooter 1 is configured by connecting a head pipe 12 and a rear frame 13 by a main frame 14 and an intermediate frame 15. A steering shaft is inserted into the head pipe 12, a steering handle 18 is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft, and a front fork 16 is attached to the lower end. As a result, the front wheel 17 supported by the lower end of the front fork 16 is steered by the steering handle 18.
[0013]
A main frame 14 is connected to the lower part of the head pipe 12, a pair of left and right intermediate frames 15 are connected to the rear lower end of the main frame 14, and a rear frame 13 is connected to the rear part of the pair of left and right intermediate frames 15. The vehicle body frame 11 constituting these vehicle bodies is covered with a front cover 20, a center cover 21, and a rear cover 22, and the center cover 21 has a step floor 23a whose upper surface is an occupant footrest surface and an undercover that covers the lower side of the step floor 23a. A seat 24 is formed on the upper portion of the rear cover 22 and is formed from the cover 23b.
[0014]
The rear frame 13 is provided with a front bracket 30 and a rear bracket 31, a front upper portion 32 a of a swing type power unit 32 is supported on the front bracket 30 via a pivot shaft 33, and a swing type is mounted on the rear bracket 31. A rear portion 32 b of the power unit 32 is suspended via a cushion unit 34.
[0015]
The swing type power unit 32 can swing up and down with a pivot shaft 33 as a fulcrum, and a rear wheel 35 is supported at the rear end of the swing type power unit 32. The swing type power unit 32 has an electric motor 36 disposed with its output shaft directed in the vehicle width direction, and houses a belt type continuously variable transmission 37 and the like that transmit the output of the electric motor 36 to the rear wheel 35. The electric motor 36 is assembled and integrated with the electric case 38.
[0016]
The electric scooter 1 is equipped with a battery unit, which will be described later, as a vehicle running power source that drives the electric motor 36.
[0017]
The pair of left and right intermediate frames 15 have a hollow pipe shape whose front ends are bent obliquely upward, and the front ends are fixed to the main frame 14 by welding or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, a mounting bracket 40 is welded to the upper side of the two front and rear portions of the pair of left and right intermediate frames 15, a cross plate 41 is applied to the mounting bracket 40, and bolts 42 are welded to the mounting bracket 40. The nut 43 is screwed and attached.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 4, both end portions of the battery support plate 44 are fixed by welding under the two front and rear portions of the pair of left and right intermediate frames 15. The battery support plate 44 is formed in a U shape so that the battery unit 50 can be accommodated between the pair of left and right intermediate frames 15. That is, the bottom of the battery storage case 45 is attached to the battery support plate 44 by the bolt 46 and the nut 47. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery storage case 45 has an upper opening 45a on the upper side, has a front opening 45b on the front side as shown in FIG. 1, and extends obliquely rearward and upward on the rear side. It is formed in a dish shape having a wind guide portion 45c.
[0019]
The bottom of the battery storage case 45 is formed with ribs 45d that divide the interior into four sections. Further, guides 45e that guide the insertion of the battery unit 50 are provided on the side walls, and the four battery units 50 are attached to the battery storage case 45. It is stored from above, that is, from the step floor 23a side. The battery unit 50 is placed on a damper 48 laid on the bottom of the battery storage case 45, and is further supported by the cross plate 41 via the damper 49 so as to be securely supported so as not to vibrate.
[0020]
A fan 90 is disposed at the air outlet of the wind guide portion 45 c of the battery storage case 45. A duct 91 is formed in the battery storage case 45 to guide the traveling wind taken from the front opening 45b to the fan 90 through the wind guide 45c. During traveling, traveling air is introduced from a cooling air introduction portion 92 (louver) located on the front cover 20, and this traveling air passes through the front cover 20 into the center cover 21 and opens in the front opening of the battery storage case 45. 45b is introduced into the battery storage case 45, sent to the rear while cooling the battery unit 50, and discharged into the rear cover 22 through the air outlet of the wind guide portion 45c. The under cover 23 b of the center cover 21 covers the rear of the front wheel 17 so that muddy water splashed from the front wheel 17 does not enter the battery storage case 45. The cooling air introduction portion 92 is preferably disposed immediately before the front opening 45b of the battery storage case 45. In this case, a fender is fixed to the front fork 16 in order to avoid mud splashing of the front wheel 17, A so-called movable fender type in which the fender is driven and operated integrally with the front wheel 17 is used.
[0021]
Further, when the vehicle stops (during charging standby / charging), it is forcibly cooled by the fan 90 installed at the air outlet of the wind guide portion 45c of the battery storage case 45. The fan 90 is optimally controlled by the vehicle controller with the temperature of the battery cell 51 as a factor. Further, the fan 90 may be driven during traveling, and cooling air may be actively introduced into the battery storage case 45 to cool the battery unit 50.
[0022]
Further, the wind guide portion 45c of the battery storage case 45 is eliminated, a rear opening is formed on the rear surface of the battery storage case 45, and the traveling wind passing through the battery storage case 45 also hits the front side of the swing type power unit 32. In this way, the electric motor 36 may be cooled, or a fan 90 is disposed in the rear opening as shown in FIG. 1, and the fan 90 actively sends wind to the front side of the swing type power unit 32. You may make it cool. Further, a fan 90 may be disposed in the front opening 45 b of the battery storage case 45 so that air is blown into the battery storage case 45 and the swing type power unit 32.
[0023]
Next, since the four battery units 50 are configured in the same manner, only one battery unit 50 will be described. The battery unit 50 is a vehicle in which a plurality of battery cells 51 having electrodes at both ends are bundled. It is configured to be mounted on.
[0024]
In this embodiment, 13 battery cells 51 are bundled, and the battery cell 51 uses a long cylindrical battery. Although the Ni-Cd battery is used as the battery cell 51, for example, a lead battery, a Ni-MH battery, a Li ion battery, or the like can be used.
[0025]
The battery unit 50 includes a battery support frame 100 that connects and supports end portions of a plurality of battery cells 51, and the battery support frame 100 includes a pair of halves 52 and 53. The half bodies 52 and 53 of the battery support frame 100 have leg portions 52a and 53a at four corners and at four centers, respectively, and mounting holes 52b and 53b pass through the leg portions 52a and 53a. Is formed.
[0026]
The pair of halves 52 and 53 abut each other between the leg portions 52a and 53a, and the fastening bolts 54 are inserted into the mounting holes 52b and 53b through the collar 72, and the nuts 55 are screwed and fixed. Thus, both end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51 are sandwiched and assembled in a sandwich state easily and reliably, and the portions other than the end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51 are exposed and bundled.
[0027]
Further, in the half bodies 52 and 53, concave portions 52c and 53c which are holding portions for holding the end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51 are formed at substantially equal intervals. The end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51 are held by interposing the seal member 56 in the respective recesses 52c and 53c. The recesses 52c and 53c corresponding to the battery cells 51 to be electrically connected are equidistant, whereby the conductive plate 57 can be shared.
[0028]
As described above, the end portions 51 a and 51 b of the battery cell 51 are securely held by the recesses 52 c and 53 c and are sealed by the sealing member 56, and are formed on the end surfaces of the end portions 51 a and 51 b of the battery cell 51. Water does not adhere to the electrode, and the durability of the battery cell 51 is improved. Further, the sealing member 56 can exert the function as a buffer material, vibration resistance also improves. Furthermore, if an O-ring or the like is installed around the recesses 52c and 53c, a good sealing property can be obtained.
[0029]
Further, the battery cells 51 are assembled by connecting the pair of halves 52 and 53 and sandwiching and assembling both end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51, and exposing and bundling the portions other than the end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51. The cooling air can be sufficiently guided to the entire circumference of 51, and sufficient cooling and heat dissipation can be obtained.
[0030]
In addition, the halves 52 and 53 are formed with recesses 52c and 53c for holding the end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51, and there is a certain clearance L around the battery cell 51. Since there is no damage due to contact, durability is improved and a cooling air passage is provided, and sufficient cooling and heat dissipation are obtained.
[0031]
Holes 52d and 53d corresponding to the electrodes of the end portions 51a and 51b of the battery cell 51 are formed in the recesses 52c and 53c of the pair of halves 52 and 53, respectively. The end portions 57a and 57b of the conductive plate 57 are inserted into the holes 52d and 53d from the outside of the half bodies 52 and 53 to electrically connect the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the adjacent battery cell 51. Thus, the electrodes of the battery cell 51 can be connected easily and reliably, and the shapes of the respective conductive plates 57 are the same, and the parts can be shared.
[0032]
In this embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 51 of the battery unit 50 are connected in series by a conductive plate 57, and terminals 70 and 71 connected to the battery units 50 or the electric motor 36 are provided on the battery unit 50. The four battery units 50 are connected in series to serve as a driving power source for the electric motor 36.
[0033]
Concave portions 52e and 53e are formed outside the pair of halves 52 and 53, and a cap 58 that fits into the concave portions 52e and 53e and covers the holes 52d and 53d and the conductive plate 57 is assembled through the gasket 80. The cap 58 is attached with a screw 60, and a hole 59d and a chamber 59 for communicating the holes 53d are formed while the holes 58d and 53d and the conductive plate 57 are hermetically covered by the cap 58. The cap 58 assembled to the half bodies 52 and 53 can prevent water and dust from entering and adhering to the electrode of the battery cell 51.
[0034]
When the pressure in the battery cell 51 rises, the battery valve built in the battery cell 51 opens to release gas, but a chamber 59 having a relatively large capacity that connects the holes 52d and the holes 53d is formed. Therefore, the gas pressure prevents the air pressure from rising and the sealing performance from being impaired. Further, by installing a material that allows only gas to pass through the cap 58, it is possible to release the pressure when the battery valve is operated.
[0035]
1 to 17, the battery unit 50 configured by bundling a plurality of elongated battery cells 51 is mounted on the vehicle body, and the electric motor 36 is supplied with power from the battery unit 50. The battery unit 50 is disposed at the lower part of the vehicle body so that the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 51 of the battery unit 50 coincides with the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body.
[0036]
By making the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 51 of the battery unit 50 coincide with the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body, a large degree of freedom can be obtained in the layout in the vehicle front-rear direction . For example, as shown in FIG. It is possible not to arrange the battery cell 51 in the rear lower corner portion 50b. Therefore, when the front lower corner portion 50a or the rear lower corner portion 50b of the battery unit 50 is reduced, and when the electric scooter 1 rides on the curb of the road, the front lower corner portion 50a or the rear lower corner portion 50b of the battery unit 50 is Contact with the curb is prevented. Further, when the battery unit 50 is configured so that the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 51 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and supports both ends of the battery cell 51, the traveling wind is efficiently sent around the battery cell 51. This improves the cooling performance.
[0037]
19 and 20 show another embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a saddle-ride type electric vehicle. The same structures as those in FIGS. In this embodiment, five battery units 50 are mounted, and one battery unit 50 is configured by bundling ten battery cells 51.
[0038]
The battery unit 50 is arranged at the lower part of the vehicle body by the battery storage case 45 described above, but the battery unit 50 is placed at the lower part of the vehicle body so that the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 51 of the battery unit 50 coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle body. Has been placed.
[0039]
By making the longitudinal direction of the battery of the battery unit 50 coincide with the vertical direction of the vehicle body, a great degree of freedom can be obtained in the layout in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, the battery arrangement of the front left and right corners 50c of the battery unit 50 can be eliminated. For this reason, the sharp bending of the left and right intermediate frames 15 connected to the main frame 14 can be eliminated, and the rigidity of the left and right intermediate frames 15 is improved.
[0040]
Also in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 51 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When the battery unit 50 is configured so as to support and bundle both ends of the battery cell 51, the traveling wind flows into the battery cell 51. Cooling performance is improved because of efficient contact with the surrounding area.
[0041]
In the above-described embodiment, an electric scooter that is a saddle-ride type vehicle is illustrated as an electric vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to a saddle-ride type vehicle and can be applied to a four-wheel electric vehicle.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell of the battery unit is made to coincide with the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body, thereby providing a large degree of freedom in the layout in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For this reason, for example, battery cells can be prevented from being arranged at the front lower corner or the rear lower corner of the battery unit, and when the electric vehicle rides on the curb of the road, the front lower corner or the rear lower corner of the battery unit Is prevented from contacting the curb of the road. In addition, since the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the battery unit is configured so as to support and bundle both ends of the battery cell, the running wind hits the periphery of the battery cell, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. . Further, since the battery unit is exposed and bundled except for the end of the battery cell, the cooling air can be sufficiently guided to the entire circumference of the battery cell, and sufficient cooling and heat dissipation can be obtained. Moreover, the edge part of a battery cell is sealed with the sealing member, water does not adhere to the electrode of a battery cell, and durability of a battery cell improves.
[0043]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a great degree of freedom can be obtained in the layout in the vehicle width direction by making the longitudinal direction of the battery cells of the battery unit coincide with the vertical direction of the vehicle body. For this reason, for example, when the battery unit is disposed between a pair of left and right frames provided with a step floor for occupant footrest, and the pair of left and right frames are connected to the head pipe side, the bending of the pair of left and right frames is reduced. Frame rigidity is improved. In addition, since the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the battery unit is configured so as to support and bundle both ends of the battery cell, the running wind hits the periphery of the battery cell, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. . Further, since the battery unit is exposed and bundled except for the end of the battery cell, the cooling air can be sufficiently guided to the entire circumference of the battery cell, and sufficient cooling and heat dissipation can be obtained. Moreover, the edge part of a battery cell is sealed with the sealing member, water does not adhere to the electrode of a battery cell, and durability of a battery cell improves.
[0044]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a large degree of freedom in the layout of a battery unit mounted on an electric vehicle such as a scooter type having a step floor between the steering handle and the seat.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an electric scooter.
FIG. 2 is a partial side cross-sectional view around the battery of the electric scooter.
FIG. 3 is a plan view around the battery of the electric scooter.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the battery unit.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the battery unit with a cap removed.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the battery unit.
8 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a side view of a half of the battery support frame.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a half of the battery support frame.
13 is a rear view of FIG. 11. FIG.
14 is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG.
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG.
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a side view of the cap.
FIG. 18 is a side view of the electric scooter for explaining the arrangement of the battery unit.
FIG. 19 is a partial side cross-sectional view around the battery of the electric scooter of another embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a plan view around the battery of the electric scooter of another embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a plan view around the battery of the electric scooter for explaining the arrangement of the battery unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Body frame 12 Head pipe 13 Rear frame 14 Main frame 15 Intermediate frame 50 Battery unit 51 Battery cells 52, 53 Half body 100 Battery support

Claims (3)

In an electric vehicle equipped with a battery unit configured by bundling a plurality of elongate battery cells on a vehicle body, and powered by the power of the electric motor by supplying power to the electric motor from the battery unit,
The battery unit is arranged at the lower part of the vehicle body so that the longitudinal direction of the plurality of battery cells of the battery unit coincides with the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body,
A battery support frame that connects and supports end portions of the plurality of battery cells, and exposes and bundles portions other than the end portions of the battery cells,
The battery support frame is composed of a pair of halves that are connected to each other and sandwich and assemble the battery cell.
The pair of halves are formed with a holding portion for holding the end portion of the battery cell, and a seal member surrounding the periphery of the electrode of the battery cell is interposed between the holding portion and the end portion of the battery cell. Let
Each of the pair of halves has a leg portion, and the leg portion is formed with an attachment hole therethrough,
An electric vehicle characterized in that the legs are brought into contact with each other, a tightening bolt is inserted into the mounting hole, a nut is screwed and fastened and fixed, and is connected and assembled . In an electric vehicle equipped with a battery unit configured by bundling a plurality of elongate battery cells on a vehicle body, and powered by the power of the electric motor by supplying power to the electric motor from the battery unit,
The battery unit is arranged at the lower part of the vehicle body so that the longitudinal direction of the plurality of battery cells of the battery unit coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle body,
A battery support frame that connects and supports end portions of the plurality of battery cells, and exposes and bundles portions other than the end portions of the battery cells,
The battery support frame is composed of a pair of halves that are connected to each other and sandwich and assemble the battery cell.
The pair of halves are formed with a holding portion for holding the end portion of the battery cell, and a seal member surrounding the periphery of the electrode of the battery cell is interposed between the holding portion and the end portion of the battery cell. Let
Each of the pair of halves has a leg portion, and the leg portion is formed with an attachment hole therethrough,
An electric vehicle characterized in that the legs are brought into contact with each other, a tightening bolt is inserted into the mounting hole, a nut is screwed and fastened and fixed, and is connected and assembled . The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body has a step floor between a steering handle and a seat, and the battery unit is arranged below the step floor.

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