JP6294804B2 - Alignment adjustment device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alignment adjusting device capable of adjusting wheel alignment.

  In Patent Document 1, an object is to provide a wheel suspension device having an active control system in which the structure of the wheel suspension device is simple and is advantageously arranged in terms of assembly space ([0006]). In order to solve the problem, Patent Document 1 includes a vehicle wheel suspension device including a wheel-side support element 17 and a shaft-side support element 19 that rotatably support the wheel 1 (summary, FIG. 1). In order to adjust the toe angle δ and / or the camber angle ε during operation, the wheel-side support element 17 can be turned relative to the shaft-side support element 19 by a turning angle φ (FIG. 3) (summary). The actuator 21 includes a wheel-side rotating portion 23 and a shaft-side rotating portion 25 that are twisted around the rotating shafts 27 and 28 (FIG. 3), and the wheel-side rotating portion 23 is a shaft when both the rotating portions 23 and 25 are twisted. It is possible to deflect the turning angle φ with respect to the side rotating portion 25 (summary).

  In the third embodiment of Patent Document 1, a braking device 61 is attached to the wheel-side support element 17 (FIG. 6, [0069]). Further, a metal bellows 57 for transmitting the braking torque by the braking device 61 to the vehicle body without passing through the wheel side rotating portion 23 and the shaft side rotating portion 25 is provided ([0069]).

Special table 2011-500428 gazette

  As described above, Patent Document 1 discloses the metal bellows 57 as a configuration for transmitting the braking torque to the vehicle body without using the wheel-side rotating portion 23 and the shaft-side rotating portion 25 (FIG. 6, [0069]. ]). However, since the metal bellows 57 is disposed around the wheel-side rotating portion 23 and the shaft-side rotating portion 25, it is difficult to save space. In addition, when the metal bellows 57 is used, it is necessary to deform the metal bellows 57 in order to adjust the toe angle δ and / or the camber angle ε. As a result, an actuator 21 capable of generating a larger output (such an actuator 21 tends to increase in size) is required. Therefore, the configuration of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement from the viewpoint of space saving or energy saving.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an alignment adjustment apparatus capable of promoting space saving or energy saving.

An alignment adjusting device according to the present invention is provided in a wheel-side rotating member connected to a wheel, a wheel-side supporting member that supports the wheel-side rotating member so as to be relatively rotatable around a first axis, and a vehicle suspension device. A vehicle body side support member that supports the wheel side support member in a relatively rotatable manner around a second axis that intersects the first axis, a brake member provided on the wheel side rotation member, and the wheel side A brake receiving member supported by a support member, wherein the alignment adjusting device is fixed to the vehicle body side support member and rotates the wheel side support member; It has a screw mechanism which consists of one screw part and the 2nd screw part by the side of the above-mentioned wheel side support member.

  According to the present invention, the wheel side support member is relatively rotated around the second axis by actively operating the actuator. Thereby, the alignment (toe angle and camber angle) of the wheel can be adjusted. Moreover, according to this invention, the screw mechanism which connects an actuator and a wheel side support member is provided. In the screw mechanism, a frictional force is generated between the first screw portion and the second screw portion. For this reason, even if an external force (for example, brake torque) acts on the screw mechanism while the actuator is stopped, relative movement between the first screw portion and the second screw portion hardly occurs (self-locking effect). . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a change in alignment due to an external force. In addition, as compared with the metal bellows 57 of Patent Document 1, the screw mechanism can save space due to its structure. Alternatively, if it is not necessary to deform a member such as the metal bellows 57 of Patent Document 1 when operating the actuator, the required output of the actuator is reduced, and energy saving can be promoted. .

  When the actuator is a motor, the first screw portion is a worm formed on the output shaft of the motor, and the second screw portion is formed on the outer periphery of the wheel-side support member that functions as a worm wheel. It is good also as a screw thread part. As a result, a self-locking effect can be achieved with a simple configuration.

  The wheel-side support member includes a wheel-side connecting portion that supports the wheel-side support member via a first bearing so as to be relatively rotatable, and a plurality of second bearings disposed along the second axis. You may provide the vehicle body side connection part supported by the vehicle body side support member so that relative rotation is possible, and the worm wheel part in which the said 2nd screw part was formed. In that case, the worm wheel portion may be disposed between the plurality of second bearings in the direction of the second axis. This makes it possible to save space in the direction of the second axis, as compared with the case where the vehicle body side connecting portion and the worm wheel portion are displaced in the direction of the second axis.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to promote space saving or energy saving.

1 is a partially sectional bottom view showing a simplified or modeled configuration of a vehicle equipped with an alignment adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a part of said vehicle carrying the said alignment adjustment apparatus simply. It is the 1st partial sectional view (back sectional view) which displayed a part of the alignment adjustment device by the section. It is the 2nd partial sectional view (plane sectional view) which displayed a part of the alignment adjustment device by the section. It is a figure at the time of seeing a part of the said alignment adjustment apparatus toward the outer side from the inner side of the said vehicle. It is a figure which shows the control system of the said alignment adjustment apparatus.

A. One Embodiment [A1. Configuration of Vehicle 10]
(A1-1. Overall configuration of vehicle 10)
FIG. 1 is a partially sectional bottom view showing a simplified or modeled configuration of a vehicle 10 equipped with an alignment adjusting device 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view schematically showing a part of the vehicle 10 on which the alignment adjusting device 12 is mounted. 3 and 4 are first and second partial cross-sectional views (back cross-sectional view and plan cross-sectional view) showing a part of the alignment adjusting device 12 in cross section. FIG. 5 is a view of a part of the alignment adjustment device 12 as viewed from the inside to the outside of the vehicle 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a control system of the alignment adjustment device 12. In addition, compared with FIGS. 2-4, while simplifying in order to make an understanding easy, the structure shown in FIG. Please note that.

  The vehicle 10 of the present embodiment is a four-wheeled vehicle having four wheels 20 (tire assemblies) each including a tire 22 (resin portion) and a wheel 24 (metal portion). Etc. The vehicle 10 is a rear wheel drive (FR) vehicle, but may be a front wheel drive (FF) vehicle or a four wheel drive vehicle. 1 to 5, the wheel 10 on the right rear side of the vehicle 10 (rear wheel as a driving wheel) is shown as a center, but the same configuration can be adopted for the wheel 20 on the left rear side. The alignment adjusting device 12 can also be applied to the left front and right front wheels 20 (front wheels as driven wheels).

  As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the vehicle 10 includes a wheel 26, a hub 26, a hub carrier 28, a vehicle body side support member 30, an alignment adjustment motor 32 (actuator), a suspension device 34, a brake motor 36 (FIG. 3), and A brake caliper 38 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle 10 includes a sensor group 50 and an electronic control unit 52 (hereinafter referred to as “ECU 52”).

(A1-2. Wheel 20)
The tire 22 is fixed to the outer periphery of the wheel 24, and the wheel 24 is connected or fixed to the hub 26 on the inner surface thereof. Accordingly, the tire 22, the wheel 24, and the hub 26 rotate together around the axle A1 (first axis).

(A1-3. Hub 26)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the hub 26 includes a wheel fixing portion 60 that is fixed to the wheel 24, a rotating shaft portion 62, a universal joint 64, and a brake disc 66 (FIG. 1). The universal joint 64 is omitted.) The universal joint 64 is connected to the propeller shaft 70 (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the intersection P <b> 1 of the universal joint 64 is located in the wheel 24 and is disposed inside the hub carrier 28. The intersection point P <b> 1 here means an intersection point of the universal joint 64 and the propeller shaft 70, and the position changes according to the position of the propeller shaft 70. The propeller shaft 70 is omitted in FIG. 1 and a part of the propeller shaft 70 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(A1-4. Hub carrier 28)
The hub carrier 28 rotatably supports the hub 26 around the axle A1 (first axis), and is supported by the vehicle body side support member 30 around the second axis A2 intersecting the axle A1. The hub carrier 28 includes a hub connecting portion 80 (wheel side connecting portion), a vehicle body side connecting portion 82 and a worm wheel portion 84. Further, the hub carrier 28 of the present embodiment includes a caliper support portion 86 for supporting the brake caliper 38. The hub connection part 80 is a cylindrical part, and the first bearing 90 is disposed therein. Thereby, the hub connection part 80 supports the rotating shaft part 62 of the hub 26 rotatably around the axle shaft A <b> 1 via the first bearing 90.

  The vehicle body side connecting portion 82 is a portion that is supported by the vehicle body side support member 30 via the second bearing 92. The worm wheel portion 84 is a portion in which the opening on the vehicle body side is inclined with respect to the direction of the axle A1. For example, the worm wheel portion 84 has the same shape as the wheel-side rotating portion 23 of FIGS. doing. Further, a second screw portion 94 is formed on the outer periphery of the worm wheel portion 84. In FIG. 1, the vehicle body side connecting portion 82 and the worm wheel portion 84 are offset in the direction of the second axis A <b> 2, but in FIGS. 3 and 4, the worm wheel portion 84 is between the vehicle body side connecting portion 82. I'm stuck in. That is, in the direction of the second axis A2, the worm wheel portion 84 is disposed between the second bearings 92 constituting the vehicle body side connecting portion 82.

  The caliper support portion 86 extends outward in the radial direction on the outer periphery of the hub connection portion 80 and supports the brake caliper 38.

(A1-5. Car body side support member 30)
The vehicle body side support member 30 is a member that rotatably supports the hub carrier 28 about a second axis A2 that intersects the axle A1 (first axis), and includes a hub carrier connecting portion 100, a suspension connecting portion 102, and a motor support. Part 104.

  The hub carrier connecting portion 100 is a cylindrical portion, and the second bearing 92 is disposed therein. As a result, the hub carrier connecting portion 100 supports the vehicle body side connecting portion 82 of the hub carrier 28 via the second bearing 92 so as to be rotatable about the second axis A2. The second axis A2 here intersects the axle A1 (first axis). As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, an intersection P2 between the axle A1 and the second axis A2 is disposed in the wheel 24. The suspension connecting part 102 is a part fixed to the trailing arm 110 of the suspension device 34. The motor support unit 104 supports the alignment adjustment motor 32.

(A1-6. Alignment adjustment motor 32)
The alignment adjustment motor 32 is fixed to the motor support portion 104 of the vehicle body side support member 30 and operates based on a command from the ECU 52 to adjust the alignment (toe angle θt and camber angle θc) of the wheels 20. As shown in FIG. 5, a worm 120 (first screw portion) is disposed on the output shaft of the alignment adjustment motor 32. The worm 120 is engaged with a screw portion (second screw portion 94) formed on the outer periphery of the worm wheel portion 84 of the hub carrier 28. The worm 120 and the second screw portion 94 constitute a screw mechanism 122.

(A1-7. Suspension device 34)
As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the suspension device 34 includes a coil spring 112 and a hydraulic damper 114 in addition to the trailing arm 110. The suspension device 34 may have a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG.

(A1-8. Sensor group 50)
As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor group 50 includes a vehicle speed sensor 130, a steering angle sensor 132 (hereinafter also referred to as “steer angle sensor 132”), and an accelerator pedal operation amount sensor 134 (hereinafter also referred to as “AP sensor 134”). And a brake pedal operation amount sensor 136 (hereinafter also referred to as “BP sensor 136”).

  The vehicle speed sensor 130 detects the vehicle speed V [km / h] of the vehicle 10. The steering angle sensor 132 detects the steering angle θst (hereinafter also referred to as “steering steering angle θst”) [degree] of the steering 140. The AP sensor 134 detects an operation amount θap of the accelerator pedal 142 (hereinafter also referred to as “accelerator operation amount θap”) [degree]. The BP sensor 136 detects an operation amount θbp of the brake pedal 144 (hereinafter also referred to as “brake operation amount θbp”) [degree].

(A1-9.ECU 52)
The ECU 52 controls the alignment adjustment motor 32 and the brake motor 36 based on the detection value (vehicle speed V or the like) from the sensor group 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the ECU 52 includes an input / output unit 150, a calculation unit 152, and a storage unit 154.

  The calculation unit 152 includes an alignment control unit 160 and a brake control unit 162. The alignment control unit 160 controls the alignment (toe angle θt and camber angle θc) of the wheels 20 based on the vehicle speed V, the steering angle θst, and the like. The brake control unit 162 adjusts the pressing force of the brake caliper 38 against the brake disc 66 by controlling the output of the brake motor 36 based on the vehicle speed V, the brake operation amount θbp, and the like.

  The storage unit 154 includes a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory (not shown). The non-volatile memory is, for example, a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and stores a program for executing processing in the arithmetic unit 152. The volatile memory is, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used when the calculation unit 152 executes processing.

[A2. Rotation of wheel 20]
As described above, the wheel 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is a rear wheel as a drive wheel. When rotational torque is output from a driving source (such as an engine) (not shown), the rotational torque reaches the universal joint 64 of the hub 26 via a differential gear and a propeller shaft 70 (not shown). The rotational torque further rotates the wheel 20 integrally via the rotating shaft portion 62 and the wheel fixing portion 60 of the hub 26 (see FIG. 1). When the wheel 20 is a driven wheel, the rotational torque from the drive source is not transmitted to the wheel 20, but the operation of the hub 26 is the same.

[A3. Adjustment of toe angle θt]
The ECU 52 adjusts the toe angle θt of the wheel 20 in accordance with a traveling situation such as when the vehicle 10 is traveling on a curve. Specifically, the ECU 52 calculates a target value of the toe angle θt (hereinafter referred to as “target toe angle θttar”) according to indexes such as the vehicle speed V, the steering angle θst, and the accelerator operation amount θap.

  Then, the ECU 52 controls the alignment adjustment motor 32 so as to realize the calculated target toe angle θttar. That is, when the alignment adjustment motor 32 is rotated, the worm 120 is rotated accordingly, and further, the hub carrier 28 is rotated via the second screw portion 94 (see FIGS. 1 and 5). The second axis A2 that is the rotation axis of the hub carrier 28 is inclined with respect to the axle A1 (the rotation axis of the hub 26) (see FIGS. 1 and 3). For this reason, the toe angle θt (and the camber angle θc) can be changed by controlling the alignment adjustment motor 32. Therefore, the ECU 52 can adjust the toe angle θt by changing the rotation angle θmt of the alignment adjustment motor 32.

[A4. Wheel 20 brake]
When braking the wheel 20 based on the operation of the brake pedal 144, the ECU 52 operates the brake motor 36 to bring the brake caliper 38 into contact with the brake disc 66 of the hub 26 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the wheel 20 can be braked by a frictional force generated between the brake caliper 38 and the brake disc 66.

  The brake torque Tbr when braking the wheel 20 will be described. When the brake caliper 38 comes into contact with the brake disc 66, the brake torque Tbr generated by the brake caliper 38 is generated by the hub carrier 28 (caliper support portion 86 and worm wheel portion 84 (second screw portion 94)), the alignment adjustment motor 32 (worm). 120.) and the vehicle body side support member 30 (the motor support portion 104 and the suspension connection portion 102), it is transmitted to the suspension device 34 (trailing arm 110). Accordingly, a reaction force against the brake torque Tbr can be generated from the vehicle body side (suspension device 34 side), and the brakes for the wheels 20 can be effectively operated.

[A5. Effects in this embodiment]
In the present embodiment as described above, the alignment adjustment device 12 includes the worm 120 (first screw portion) on the alignment adjustment motor 32 (actuator) side and the second screw portion 94 on the hub carrier 28 (wheel-side support member) side. And a screw mechanism 122 as a worm gear (FIG. 5).

  According to this embodiment, the hub carrier 28 (wheel-side support member) is relatively rotated around the second axis A2 by actively operating the alignment adjustment motor 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 5). Thereby, the alignment (toe angle θt and camber angle θc) of the wheel 20 can be adjusted. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the screw mechanism 122 which connects the alignment adjustment motor 32 and the hub carrier 28 is provided (FIG. 5). In the screw mechanism 122, a frictional force is generated between the worm 120 (first screw portion) and the second screw portion 94. For this reason, even if an external force (for example, brake torque Tbr) acts on the screw mechanism 122 while the alignment adjustment motor 32 is stopped, relative movement between the worm 120 and the second screw portion 94 is difficult to occur ( Self-lock effect). Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a change in alignment (toe angle θt) due to an external force. In addition, as compared with the metal bellows 57 of Patent Document 1, the screw mechanism 122 can save space due to its structure. Alternatively, when the alignment adjustment motor 32 is operated, it is not necessary to deform a member such as the metal bellows 57 of Patent Document 1, so that the required output of the motor 32 is reduced, thereby promoting energy saving. Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the worm 120 formed on the output shaft of the alignment adjustment motor 32 (motor) and the second screw portion 94 formed on the outer periphery of the hub carrier 28 (wheel-side support member) functioning as a worm wheel. Are provided (FIG. 5). As a result, a self-locking effect can be achieved with a simple configuration.

  In the present embodiment, the hub carrier 28 (wheel-side support member) includes a hub connection portion 80 (wheel-side connection portion) that supports the hub 26 (wheel-side support member) so as to be relatively rotatable via the first bearing 90; A worm wheel in which a vehicle body side connecting portion 82 that is rotatably supported by the vehicle body side support member 30 via a plurality of second bearings 92 arranged along the second axis A2 and a second screw portion 94 is formed. Part 84 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In addition, the worm wheel portion 84 is disposed between the plurality of second bearings 92 in the direction of the second axis A2 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Accordingly, it is possible to save space in the direction of the second axis A2 as compared to the case where the vehicle body side coupling portion 82 and the worm wheel portion 84 are displaced in the direction of the second axis A2 (FIG. 1). become.

B. Modifications It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be adopted based on the description of the present specification. For example, the following configuration can be adopted.

[B1. Applicable to]
In the above embodiment, the example in which the alignment adjusting device 12 is applied to the vehicle 10 has been described (FIG. 2 and the like). However, for example, if attention is paid to providing a screw mechanism 122 such as a worm gear as a part of the alignment adjusting device 12, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the alignment adjustment device 12 can be applied to other devices.

[B2. Alignment adjustment device 12]
In the above embodiment, the universal joint 64 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the hub carrier 28 (FIG. 3 and the like). However, for example, from the viewpoint of using the vehicle body side support member 30, this is not a limitation. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0049469, the universal joint 64 (bell-shaped portion) may be displaced in the direction of the hub carrier 28 and the axle A1.

[B3. Hub carrier 28]
In the above embodiment, the hub carrier 28 has the caliper support portion 86 that supports the brake caliper 38 (FIG. 1 and the like). However, for example, if attention is paid to providing a screw mechanism 122 such as a worm gear as a part of the alignment adjustment device 12, the hub carrier 28 does not have to support the brake caliper 38. In this case, the brake caliper 38 is supported by a member other than the hub carrier 28 (for example, the vehicle body side support member 30 or the suspension device 34).

[B4. Alignment adjustment motor 32]
In the above embodiment, an electric motor is used as the alignment adjustment motor 32. However, for example, from the viewpoint of an actuator that rotates the hub carrier 28 (wheel-side support member) via the screw mechanism 122, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the alignment adjustment motor 32 may be a fluid pressure motor using hydraulic pressure, air pressure, or the like. Alternatively, instead of the alignment adjustment motor 32 or the fluid pressure motor, a direct-acting actuator (direct-acting actuator) can be used. In this case, the linear motion of the linear motion actuator may be converted into the rotational motion of the hub carrier 28. In such conversion, for example, the linear motion of the linear actuator is transmitted to the nut of the feed screw mechanism, the displacement of the nut is converted into the rotation of the trapezoidal screw, and the rotation of the trapezoidal screw is transmitted to the hub carrier 28. be able to.

[B5. First bearing 90 and second bearing 92]
In the above embodiment, a plurality of first bearings 90 that rotatably support the hub 26 are provided along the axle axis A1 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). However, for example, from the viewpoint of the hub carrier 28 rotatably supporting the hub 26, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one or three or more first bearings 90 may be provided in the direction of the axle A <b> 1.

  Similarly, in the above embodiment, a plurality of second bearings 92 that rotatably support the hub carrier 28 are provided along the axle A2 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). However, for example, from the viewpoint of the vehicle body side support member 30 rotatably supporting the hub carrier 28, the present invention is not limited thereto, and only one or three or more second bearings 92 may be provided in the direction of the axle A <b> 2. Good.

[B6. Screw mechanism 122]
The screw mechanism 122 of the above embodiment is a worm gear including the worm 120 (first screw portion) and the second screw portion 94 on the hub carrier 28 (wheel side support member) side (FIG. 5). However, for example, this is not limited from the viewpoint of acting a self-lock effect by combining the first screw portion on the alignment adjustment motor 32 side and the second screw portion on the hub carrier 28 (wheel-side support member) side. For example, the screw mechanism 122 may be a feed screw mechanism having a trapezoidal screw and a nut that converts the rotational motion of the trapezoidal screw into linear motion.

[B7. Others]
In the said embodiment, members like the metal bellows 57 of patent document 1 were not provided (refer FIG.1, FIG3 and FIG.4). However, for example, from the viewpoint of supplementing the self-locking effect of the screw mechanism 122 (from the viewpoint of making relative movement between the worm 120 (first screw portion) and the second screw portion 94 more difficult to occur), in addition to the screw mechanism 122, It is also possible to provide a member such as a metal bellows 57.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle 12 ... Alignment adjustment device 24 ... Wheel 26 ... Hub (wheel side rotation member)
28 ... Hub carrier (wheel side support member) 30 ... Vehicle body side support member 32 ... Alignment adjustment motor (actuator)
34 ... Suspension device 38 ... Brake caliper (brake receiving member)
64 ... Universal joint 66 ... Brake disc (brake member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 80 ... Hub connection part (wheel side connection part) 82 ... Vehicle body side connection part 84 ... Worm wheel part 90 ... 1st bearing 92 ... 2nd bearing 94 ... 2nd screw part 120 ... Worm (1st screw part) 122 ... Screw Mechanism A1 ... Axle (first axis) A2 ... Second axis Tbr ... Brake torque

Claims (2)

A wheel side rotating member connected to the wheel;
A wheel-side support member that supports the wheel-side rotation member so as to be relatively rotatable about a first axis;
A vehicle body side support member that is provided in a vehicle suspension device and supports the wheel side support member so as to be relatively rotatable around a second axis that intersects the first axis;
A brake member provided on the wheel-side rotating member;
An alignment adjusting device comprising: a brake receiving member supported by the wheel- side support member;
The alignment adjusting device includes:
An actuator fixed to the vehicle body side support member and rotating the wheel side support member;
It possesses a screw mechanism and a second threaded portion of the wheel support member side and the first threaded portion of the actuator side,
The wheel side support member is
A wheel-side connecting portion that supports the wheel-side support member via a first bearing so as to be relatively rotatable;
A vehicle body side coupling portion supported by the vehicle body side support member via a plurality of second bearings arranged along the second axis so as to be relatively rotatable;
A worm wheel portion formed with the second screw portion;
With
The alignment adjustment device , wherein the worm wheel portion is disposed between the plurality of second bearings in the direction of the second axis . The alignment adjustment apparatus according to claim 1,
The actuator is a motor;
The first screw part is a worm formed on the output shaft of the motor,
The second threaded portion is a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery of the wheel side support member that functions as a worm wheel.

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