JP6142464B2 - Vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp, and more particularly, to a vehicular lamp capable of forming a light distribution pattern that irradiates an overhead sign region.

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicular lamps, vehicular lamps capable of forming a light distribution pattern for irradiating an overhead sign region have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional vehicular lamp 200.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, a conventional vehicular lamp 200 is disposed above a light source 210 using a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED, a projection lens 220 disposed in front of the light source 210, and the light source 210. A reflection surface 230 or the like that forms an overhead light distribution pattern that reflects light incident from the light source 210 obliquely upward and irradiates the overhead sign region is provided.

  In the vehicular lamp 200 configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 210, transmitted through the projection lens 220, and irradiated forward is left and right below the horizontal line H-H, as shown in FIG. A basic light distribution pattern Pa diffused in the direction is formed. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 210 and incident on the reflection surface 230 and reflected obliquely upward and forward by the reflection surface 230 is overhead above the horizontal line HH as shown in FIG. An overhead light distribution pattern Pb for irradiating the sign area is formed.

JP 2010-277818 A

  However, in the vehicular lamp 200 configured as described above, the basic light distribution pattern Pa and the overhead light distribution pattern Pb can be formed, but the size and area of the vehicular lamp 200 are reduced by using the reflective surface 230. There is a problem that the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complicated by increasing the number of parts.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicular lamp capable of forming a basic light distribution pattern and an overhead light distribution pattern without using a reflective surface. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and has an exit surface, an entrance surface on which light emitted from the exit surface is incident, and the entrance surface side A projection lens including the reference point, and a light source that is disposed at or near the reference point and that emits light that is incident on the incident surface, exits from the exit surface, and is irradiated forward. In the vehicular lamp, at least one of the exit surface and the entrance surface includes a first refracting surface set in the vicinity of an upper end portion thereof and a second refracting surface other than the first refracting surface, The horizontal cross-sectional shape is a shape in which light from the light source emitted from the emission surface is diffused in the horizontal direction, and the vertical cross-sectional shape is that the light from the light source emitted from the emission surface has a predetermined position as a lower limit. It is shaped to irradiate the upper area, The second refracting surface has a horizontal cross-sectional shape in which light from the light source emitted from the emission surface is diffused in the horizontal direction, and a vertical cross-sectional shape has the light from the light source emitted from the emission surface. It is characterized by having a shape that irradiates a region below the predetermined position as an upper limit.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the following advantages are obtained.

  First, it is possible to form an overhead light distribution pattern and a basic light distribution pattern for irradiating an overhead sign region without using a reflection surface as in the prior art. This is because the emission surface controls the light from the light source used to form the overhead light distribution pattern in addition to the second refraction surface that controls light from the light source used to form the basic light distribution pattern. This is due to the inclusion of the face.

  Secondly, it is easier to create the exit surface (particularly, the first refracting surface) with the required shape accuracy than when the first refracting surface is set in a part of the exit surface near the center. . As a result, when the projection lens is molded with a transparent resin (for example, injection molding), the shape accuracy required for the exit surface (particularly the first refracting surface) can be easily kept within the error range. This is because the first refracting surface is set in a partial region near the upper end of the exit surface.

  3rdly, the influence which a basic light distribution pattern receives can be suppressed compared with the case where a 1st refractive surface is set to the partial area | region of the center part vicinity in an output surface. This is because, as a result of setting the first refracting surface as a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the exit surface, the second refracting surface contacts only on one side (lower side) of the first refracting surface.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the first refracting surface and the second refracting surface are continuous without a step at the boundary.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the following advantages are produced.

  First, the overhead light distribution pattern can be formed as a pattern extending upward without being interrupted by the basic light distribution pattern. This is because the first refracting surface and the second refracting surface are continuous without a step (for example, tangentially continuous) at the boundary.

  Second, even when a vehicle (motorcycle, automobile, etc.) equipped with a vehicular lamp moves up and down during driving, the basic light distribution pattern can be prevented from flickering. This is because the overhead light distribution pattern is formed as a pattern extending upward without being interrupted from the basic light distribution pattern, and as a result, the cutoff line in the basic light distribution pattern can be prevented from becoming too clear. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the vehicle lamp which can form a basic light distribution pattern and an overhead light distribution pattern, without using a reflective surface.

It is a perspective view of the vehicular lamp 10 which is one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicular lamp 10. FIG. (A) The sectional view which cut | disconnected the projection lens 12 in the horizontal surface which passes along the 1st refractive surface 18a (2nd refractive surface 18b), (b) The sectional view which cut | disconnected the projection lens 12 in the vertical plane containing the optical axis AX. is there. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the projection lens 12 by the vertical surface containing the optical axis AX. It is an example of the light distribution pattern formed with the vehicle lamp. (A) The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the conventional vehicle lamp 200, (b) It is an example of the light distribution pattern formed with the conventional vehicle lamp 200. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 is a perspective view of a vehicular lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a projection lens 12 cut along a horizontal section including an optical axis AX. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the projection lens 12 cut along a vertical cross section including the optical axis AX, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the projection lens 12 cut along a vertical cross section including the optical axis AX, and FIG. It is an example of the light distribution pattern (overhead light distribution pattern PA, basic light distribution pattern PB) formed by the lamp 10.

  The vehicular lamp 10 of the present embodiment can be applied to a vehicular headlamp such as a motorcycle or an automobile.

  The vehicular lamp 10 is a so-called direct projection type (also referred to as a direct-light type) lamp unit, and includes a projection lens 12, a light source 14, a heat sink 16, and the like as shown in FIGS.

  The projection lens 12 is made of a transparent resin (such as acrylic or polycarbonate), a lens portion 12a (corresponding to the projection lens of the present invention), and a pair of legs 12b and 12b extending from the left and right sides of the lens portion 12a toward the heat sink 16 side. Etc. The material of the projection lens 12 may be, for example, glass other than transparent resin (such as acrylic or polycarbonate).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the lens portion 12a is disposed on an optical axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and includes an exit surface 18 on the vehicle front side, an entrance surface 20 on the vehicle rear side, The reference point F in the optical design on the incident surface 20 side is included.

  The lens unit 12a is, for example, a meniscus lens having a convex exit surface 18 and a concave entrance surface 20. The lens unit 12a may be a plano-convex lens having a convex exit surface 18 and a flat exit surface 18 other than a meniscus lens, or any other lens.

  The lens portion 12a is, for example, in a state in which the reference point F is positioned in the vicinity of the light source 14 (for example, in the vicinity of the center of the lower end edge extending in the horizontal direction of the horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 14a). Is fixed to the front surface of the heat sink 16 by screws, so that it is disposed in front of the light source 14 and on the optical axis AX (see FIG. 1). The optical axis AX extends in the vehicle front-rear direction through the reference point F.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3B, and 4, the exit surface 18 of the lens portion 12a includes a first refracting surface 18a and a second refracting surface 18b.

  The first refracting surface 18a enters the projection lens 12 from the incident surface 20, and controls the light from the light source 14 emitted from the exit surface 18 (first refracting surface 18a) to irradiate the overhead sign region. It is a surface designed to form a pattern PA (see FIG. 5).

  The overhead sign area is a range of 2 to 4 degrees above the horizontal line HH and 4 degrees or 8 degrees to the left and right from the vertical line VV on a virtual vertical screen arranged approximately 25 m ahead of the front of the vehicle. In other words, it is an area where road guide boards, road signs, and the like exist.

  Specifically, the first refracting surface 18a has a horizontal cross-sectional shape in which the light RayA from the light source 14 emitted from the first refracting surface 18a is diffused in the horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the vertical cross-sectional shape is such that the light RayA from the light source 14 emitted from the first refracting surface 18a has a predetermined position (for example, a position of 0.6 degrees below) as a lower limit. The area above it (for example, a range of 0.6 to 5 degrees below (a range including an overhead sign area)) is irradiated.

  The first refracting surface 18a is set in a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the emission surface 18 (for example, a region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the emission surface 18 in FIG. 1).

  The second refracting surface 18b is incident on the projection lens 12 from the incident surface 20, and controls the light from the light source 14 emitted from the emitting surface 18 (second refracting surface 18b) to control the basic light distribution pattern PB (for example, a low beam). A light distribution pattern (see FIG. 5).

  Specifically, the second refracting surface 18b has a horizontal cross-sectional shape in which the light RayB emitted from the light source 14 emitted from the second refracting surface 18b is diffused in the horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the light ray B from the light source 14 emitted from the second refracting surface 18b is lower than a predetermined position (for example, a position of 0.6 degrees below) as an upper limit. It is set as the shape which irradiates this area | region.

  The second refracting surface 18b is set in a region other than the first refracting surface 18a in the exit surface 18 (for example, a region below the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the exit surface 18 in FIG. 1).

  Hereinafter, regarding the advantage of setting the first refracting surface 18a in a partial region near the upper end portion of the exit surface 18, the first refracting surface 18a is set in a partial region near the central portion of the exit surface 18. This will be explained in comparison with

  First, by setting the first refracting surface 18a to a part of the exit surface 18 near the upper end (for example, the region of the exit surface 18 above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in FIG. 1), Compared to the case where the one refracting surface 18a is set in a part of the exit surface 18 near the center (for example, a region near the intersection with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX of the exit surface 18), the exit surface 18 ( In particular, the shape accuracy required for the first refractive surface 18a) can be relaxed. The reason is as follows.

  That is, when the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the central portion of the exit surface 18 (for example, a region in the vicinity of the intersection line with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX of the exit surface 18). Since 18a has a relatively small width (in the vertical direction), high shape accuracy is required for the emission surface 18 (particularly, the first refractive surface 18a). As a result, when the projection lens 12 is molded with a transparent resin (for example, injection molding), it is difficult to accurately form the emission surface 18 (particularly, the first refractive surface 18a). The reason why the first refracting surface 18a has a relatively small area is that light from the light source 14 emitted from a part of the exit surface 18 near the center is one of the exit surfaces 18 near the upper end. This is because it is brighter than the light from the light source 14 emitted from the partial area.

  On the other hand, when the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the exit surface 18 (for example, a region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the exit surface 18 in FIG. 1) Since the refracting surface 18a has a relatively large width (in the vertical direction), it is difficult to accurately form the exit surface 18 (particularly the first refracting surface 18a). As a result, when the projection lens 12 is molded with a transparent resin (for example, injection molding), the shape accuracy required for the emission surface 18 (particularly, the first refractive surface 18a) can be easily kept within the error range. The reason why the first refracting surface 18a has a relatively large area is that light from the light source 14 that is emitted from a partial region near the upper end of the emission surface 18 is emitted from the emission surface 18 due to the directivity characteristics of the light source. This is because the luminous intensity is lower than the light from the light source 14 emitted from a partial region near the center.

  As described above, by setting the first refracting surface 18a to a part of the exit surface 18 near the upper end (for example, the region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the exit surface 18 in FIG. 1), Compared to the case where the first refracting surface 18a is set in a part of the exit surface 18 near the center (for example, a region in the exit surface 18 near the intersection with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX). The shape accuracy required for (especially the first refractive surface 18a) can be relaxed.

  Second, by setting the first refracting surface 18a to a part of the exit surface 18 near the upper end (for example, the region of the exit surface 18 above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in FIG. 1), Compared to the case where the first refracting surface 18a is set in a partial region in the vicinity of the central portion of the exit surface 18 (for example, a region in the vicinity of the intersection line with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX in the exit surface 18). The influence which PB receives can be suppressed. The reason is as follows.

  That is, when the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the central portion of the emission surface 18 (for example, a region in the vicinity of the intersection line with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX of the emission surface 18), the second refracting surface. 18b comes into contact with both sides (upper and lower sides) of the first refracting surface 18a. When the shape accuracy of the first refracting surface 18a is not sufficient and the influence reaches the second refracting surfaces 18b on both sides, the basic light distribution pattern PB is affected by the second refracting surfaces 18b on both the upper and lower sides. Become.

  On the other hand, when the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the emission surface 18 (for example, a region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the emission surface 18 in FIG. The refracting surface 18b contacts only on one side (lower side) of the first refracting surface 18a. As a result, if the shape accuracy of the first refracting surface 18a is out of the error range and the influence reaches the second refracting surface 18b on one side, the basic light distribution pattern PB is only the second refracting surface 18b on one side. Will be affected.

  As described above, by setting the first refracting surface 18a to a part of the exit surface 18 near the upper end (for example, the region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the exit surface 18 in FIG. 1), Compared with the case where the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region near the center of the exit surface 18 (for example, a region near the intersection line with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX of the exit surface 18). The influence which pattern PB receives can be suppressed.

  From the above viewpoint, the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the emission surface 18 (for example, a region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the emission surface 18 in FIG. 1). .

  The first refracting surface 18a and the second refracting surface 18b are smoothly continuous (for example, tangentially continuous) without a step at the boundary (see FIG. 4). Thereby, the overhead light distribution pattern PA can be formed as a pattern (see FIG. 5) extending upward without being interrupted from the basic light distribution pattern PB.

  Hereinafter, regarding the advantage of forming the overhead light distribution pattern PA as a pattern extending upward without being interrupted from the basic light distribution pattern PB (see FIG. 5), the overhead light distribution pattern is spaced from the basic light distribution pattern. In contrast, it will be described in comparison with the case of forming at spaced positions (for example, see FIG. 6B).

  When the overhead light distribution pattern is formed at a position spaced from the basic light distribution pattern (see, for example, FIG. 6B), the cut-off line in the basic light distribution pattern becomes too clear. As a result, the basic light distribution pattern flickers when a vehicle (motorcycle, automobile, etc.) equipped with a vehicle lamp moves up and down during operation.

  On the other hand, when the overhead light distribution pattern PA is formed as a pattern (see FIG. 5) extending upward without being disconnected from the basic light distribution pattern PB, the cut-off line CL in the basic light distribution pattern PB becomes too clear. Can be suppressed. As a result, the basic light distribution pattern PB can be prevented from flickering even when a vehicle (motorcycle, automobile, etc.) equipped with the vehicle lamp 10 moves up and down during operation.

  As described above, the overhead light distribution pattern PA is formed as a pattern (see FIG. 5) extending upward without being interrupted from the basic light distribution pattern PB, so that the cut-off line CL in the basic light distribution pattern PB becomes clear. As a result, the basic light distribution pattern PB can be prevented from flickering even when the vehicle (motorcycle, automobile, etc.) equipped with the vehicle lamp 10 moves up and down during operation. Can do.

  The light source 14 is a light source that emits light that is incident on the incident surface 20, is emitted from the exit surface 18 (the first refracting surface 18 a and the second refracting surface 18 b), and is irradiated forward, and is the reference point F (or its vicinity). (See FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  The light source 14 is, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a light emitting diode 4 including a 1 mm square light emitting surface), and a predetermined interval is provided on the surface of a ceramic (or metal) substrate K (see FIG. 2). In this manner, the light emitting surface 14a is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape.

  The light source 14 is a white light source having a structure in which a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (for example, a blue LED chip having a light emission color) and a wavelength conversion member (for example, a yellow YAG phosphor having a light emission color) are combined. Alternatively, it may be a semiconductor light emitting element having a structure in which LED chips of RGB three colors are combined, or may be a semiconductor light emitting element having another structure. In addition, the light source 14 (semiconductor light emitting element) should just be one or more. The light source 14 may be a white light source having a structure in which an LD (for example, a blue laser diode whose emission color is blue) and a wavelength conversion member (for example, a yellow-based YAG phosphor).

  The light source 14 may be a white light source having a structure in which the semiconductor light emitting element and the wavelength conversion member are arranged close to each other, or the semiconductor light emitting element and the wavelength conversion member are arranged apart from each other. A white light source having a structure in which a light guide (for example, an optical fiber) that guides light from the semiconductor light emitting element and irradiates the wavelength converting member may be disposed between the semiconductor light emitting element and the wavelength converting member. May be arranged apart from each other, and a white light source having a structure in which a condensing lens that condenses light from the semiconductor light emitting element and irradiates the wavelength conversion member may be disposed therebetween.

  The light source 14 has a horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 14a facing the projection lens 12, a long side of the horizontally long rectangular light-emitting surface 14a and the optical axis AX are orthogonal (or substantially orthogonal), and is projected on the horizontally-long rectangular light emitting surface 14a. The substrate K is fixed to the front surface of the heat sink 16 in a state where the reference point F of the lens 12 coincides (or substantially coincides), and is disposed behind the projection lens 12 and on the optical axis AX. The heat generated by the light source 14 passes through the heat sink 16 and is radiated from the radiation fins 16a to the surrounding air.

  According to the vehicular lamp 10 having the above-described configuration, the light RayA from the light source 14 emitted from the first refracting surface 18a is diffused in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 3A) and at a predetermined position (for example, downward 0. 6 degrees position) as a lower limit, and irradiate an area above it (for example, a range of 0.6 to 5 degrees below (including an overhead sign area)) (see FIG. 3B and FIG. 4), An overhead light distribution pattern PA for irradiating the overhead sign area is formed on a virtual vertical screen (located about 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle (see FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, the light RayB emitted from the second refracting surface 18b from the light source 14 is diffused in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 3A), and the upper limit is a predetermined position (for example, a position of 0.6 degrees below). The lower region is irradiated (see FIG. 3B), and a basic light distribution pattern PB diffused in the horizontal direction including the cut-off line CL is formed below the horizontal line HH on the virtual vertical screen (FIG. 5). reference).

  As explained above, according to the vehicular lamp 10 of the present embodiment, the following advantages are produced.

  First, it is possible to form the overhead light distribution pattern PA and the basic light distribution pattern PB that irradiate the overhead sign region without using a reflective surface as in the prior art. This is because the light from the light source 14 used for forming the overhead light distribution pattern PA in addition to the second refractive surface 18b for controlling the light from the light source 14 used for forming the basic light distribution pattern PB. This is because the first refracting surface 18a for controlling the first refracting surface is included.

  Secondly, compared with the case where the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the central portion of the exit surface 18 (for example, a region in the vicinity of the intersection line with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX of the exit surface 18). The shape accuracy required for the exit surface 18 (particularly, the first refracting surface 18a) can be relaxed. As a result, when the projection lens 12 is molded with a transparent resin (for example, injection molding), the shape accuracy required for the emission surface 18 (particularly, the first refractive surface 18a) can be easily kept within the error range. This is because the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the emission surface 18 (for example, a region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the emission surface 18 in FIG. 1). .

  Third, compared to the case where the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the center portion of the exit surface 18 (for example, a region in the vicinity of the intersection line with the horizontal plane including the optical axis AX of the exit surface 18). The influence of the basic light distribution pattern PB can be suppressed. This is because the first refracting surface 18a is set to a partial region in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the emitting surface 18 (for example, a region above the horizontal plane including the dotted line in the emitting surface 18 in FIG. 1). This is because the surface 18b contacts only on one side (lower side) of the first refractive surface 18a.

  Fourth, the overhead light distribution pattern PA can be formed as a pattern (see FIG. 5) extending upward without being interrupted from the basic light distribution pattern PB. This is because the first refracting surface 18a and the second refracting surface 18b are smoothly continuous (for example, tangentially continuous) without a step at the boundary.

  Fifth, it is possible to suppress the basic light distribution pattern PB from flickering even when a vehicle (motorcycle, automobile, etc.) equipped with the vehicle lamp 10 moves up and down during operation. This is because the overhead light distribution pattern PA is formed as a pattern (see FIG. 5) extending upward without being interrupted from the basic light distribution pattern PB, so that the cut-off line CL in the basic light distribution pattern PB becomes too clear. This is because it can be suppressed.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the exit surface 18 of the lens portion 12a includes the first refracting surface 18a and the second refracting surface 18b has been described (see FIGS. 1 and 4), but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the incident surface 20 may include a first refracting surface 18a and a second refracting surface 18b, and both the exit surface 18 and the incident surface 20 include a first refracting surface 18a and a second refracting surface 18b. Also good.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited to these descriptions. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle lamp, 12 ... Projection lens, 12a ... Lens part, 12b ... Leg part, 14 ... Light source, 14a ... Light emission surface, 16 ... Heat sink, 16a ... Radiation fin, 18 ... Output surface, 18a ... 1st refractive surface 18b ... second refracting surface, 20 ... incident surface

Claims (2)

A projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and including an exit surface, an entrance surface on which light exiting from the exit surface is incident, and a reference point on the entrance surface side;
A light source that is disposed at or near the reference point, is incident on the incident surface, emits light emitted from the exit surface and irradiated forward;
In a vehicle lamp comprising a heat sink disposed behind the projection lens ,
The projection lens includes a lens part and a leg part,
The lens unit is a meniscus lens, and includes the exit surface and the entrance surface,
The leg portion extends from the periphery of the lens portion toward the heat sink and is fixed to the heat sink.
The exit surface includes a first refracting surface set in the vicinity of the upper end portion thereof, and a second refracting surface other than that,
The first refracting surface has a horizontal cross-sectional shape in which light from the light source emitted from the emission surface is diffused in a horizontal direction, and a vertical cross-sectional shape has light from the light source emitted from the emission surface. It is a shape that irradiates the area above it with a predetermined position as the lower limit,
The second refracting surface has a horizontal sectional shape in which light from the light source emitted from the emitting surface is diffused in a horizontal direction, and a vertical sectional shape has light from the light source emitted from the emitting surface. A vehicular lamp characterized by having a shape that irradiates a region below a predetermined position as an upper limit.
  2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first refracting surface and the second refracting surface are continuous without a step at a boundary thereof.

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