JP6640261B2 - Fuel pump module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a fuel pump having a suction port connected to a fuel filter and a pump unit in which an electric motor for driving the fuel pump is housed in a pump housing, in a module case arranged outside the fuel tank. The present invention relates to a fuel pump module in which a vapor discharge hole is formed in the pump housing for discharging vapor from a pump chamber of the fuel pump.

  The pressure of the fuel discharged from the fuel pump is detected by the detection unit, and the detection unit detects a pressure lower than the pressure in a state where no clogging occurs in the fuel filter. A fuel pump module that is determined to have occurred is known from Patent Document 1.

JP 2013-194711 A

  However, the fuel pump module disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a pressure sensor that detects the discharge pressure of the fuel pump, and requires a complicated control system including an expensive pressure sensor, which is disadvantageous in cost. Could be.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel pump module that can detect clogging of a fuel filter at low cost without using an expensive pressure sensor or the like. Aim.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fuel pump having a suction port connected to a fuel filter and a pump unit in which an electric motor for driving the fuel pump is housed in a pump housing. In a fuel pump module in which a vapor discharge hole for discharging vapor from a pump chamber of the fuel pump is formed in the pump housing, the pressure of fuel discharged from the fuel pump is adjusted. A fuel storage chamber for storing the fuel returned from the regulator housed in the module case is formed in the module case through the vapor discharge hole, and the fuel storage chamber is formed in the fuel tank from the fuel storage chamber. A return pipe for returning fuel containing is connected to the module case, Of below the upper end of the open end into the module case of the return pipe, the vapor discharge hole is disposed, the fuel filter is accommodated in the module case, the fuel storage chamber, around said pump unit A first storage unit that extends over the entire length in the axial direction of the pump unit and stores fuel returned from the regulator; and a second storage unit that is arranged around the fuel filter through the first storage unit. A first feature is that the return pipe is connected to the module case so as to communicate with the second storage section.

According to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first feature, a first communication hole communicating between the upper part of the first storage part and the upper part of the second storage part with the module case, A second feature is that a second communication hole communicating between the lower portion and the lower portion of the second storage portion is formed.

The present invention, in addition to the second feature, the module so that the connection terminals for supplying electric power to said electric motor, to face the inner end portion of the connection terminal to the first savings distillation unit It is arranged in the module case while penetrating the case, wherein the inner end of the connection terminal is arranged above the second communication hole having a larger cross-sectional area than the first communication hole. 3 .

Further, according to the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to third features, an annular unpurified chamber surrounding the fuel filter is formed in the module case independently of the second storage section, A fourth feature is that a fuel conduit for guiding fuel from the fuel tank is connected to the module case above the return pipe so as to communicate with the unpurified chamber.

According to the above feature of the present invention, a return pipe for returning fuel including vapor from the fuel storage chamber to the fuel tank is connected to the module case in which the fuel storage chamber communicating with the vapor discharge hole is formed. The return pipe is located below the upper end of the open end to the module case. According to such a configuration, the following phenomena (1) to (6) occur sequentially. That is, (1) when clogging occurs in the fuel filter during operation of the fuel pump, pressure loss in the fuel filter increases, and fuel in the fuel storage chamber flows back from the vapor discharge hole to the pump chamber, and (2) the fuel pump module When the fuel supply amount of the fuel decreases and the fuel return amount from the regulator decreases, the vapor discharge hole faces the gas phase in the fuel storage chamber, and (3) air flows into the pump chamber from the vapor discharge hole and the fuel pump (4) The fuel supply pressure is reduced due to the idle rotation, and (4) the vapor in the fuel filter disappears due to the pressure of the suction port of the fuel pump going toward the positive pressure, and the fuel pump sucks the fuel from the fuel filter. (6) The idling of the fuel pump is canceled and the fuel supply pressure rises instantaneously. (6) The fuel is returned from the regulator and discharged from the vapor discharge hole including the vapor. Oil level of the fuel storage chamber is increased by the fuel, then the fuel supply pressure and return back to the state (1), and repeats the state of (1) to (6). In this manner, the fuel supply pressure is reduced and the pulsation of the return is generated, so that the user can be prompted to replace the fuel filter, and the clogging of the fuel filter can be detected at a low cost without using an expensive pressure sensor. Can be. In the step (6), the oil level of the fuel in the fuel storage chamber rises to a position higher than the upper end of the opening end to the module case of the return pipe due to the balance with the pressure of the gas phase in the upper part of the fuel storage chamber. If the vapor discharge hole is located above the upper end of the opening end of the return pipe to the module case, the fuel pump continues to run idle with the vapor discharge hole facing the gas phase. The state cannot be returned to the state (1) from the state (1), and the state (3) is reached, and the fuel supply pressure does not return. Therefore, the vapor discharge hole is formed at the upper end of the opening end of the return pipe to the module case. It is necessary to be in a lower position.

Also, the fuel storage chamber, a first reservoir portion around the pump unit and extending over the axial overall length of the pump unit, and a second reservoir disposed around the fuel filter through to the first storage unit Since the fuel storage chamber is provided with a relatively large volume, it is possible to lengthen the time from when clogging occurs in the fuel filter to when the vapor discharge hole faces the gas phase in the fuel storage chamber. clogging is operating time of can be lengthened from occurring, when the fuel pump module according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, the time that can the vehicle from occurring clogging of the fuel filter without discomfort run line Can be lengthened.

According to the second feature of the present invention, the upper portion of the first and second storage portions is communicated with the first communication hole, and the lower portion of the first and second storage portions is communicated with the second communication hole. Since the gas in the first storage section can be discharged from the first communication hole through the second storage section to the return pipe, the oil level in the fuel storage chamber is reduced from the upper end of the opening end of the return pipe to the module case. Even when the oil level in the fuel storage chamber fluctuates when the vehicle is tilted or accelerated or decelerated, the vapor discharge hole can always be located below the fuel level. It is possible to cause a pulsation of pressure drop and return.

More particularly, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower portion of the first storage portion and the lower portion of the second storage portion are communicated with each other by the second communication hole having a larger cross-sectional area than the first communication hole. The water accumulated in the first reservoir through the fuel pump can be drained from the inside through the second communication hole to the return pipe through the second reservoir, and the connection terminal located at a position above the second communication hole can be discharged from the inside. The end portions are not immersed in water, so that adverse effects such as corrosion due to water can be prevented from affecting the connection terminals.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the motorcycle. It is a side view of a fuel tank, a canister, and a fuel pump module. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fuel pump module, and is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the pressure change of the suction port of a fuel pump module, a vapor discharge hole, and a discharge port.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached FIGS. In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and up and down refer to directions as viewed from an occupant riding a motorcycle.

  First, in FIG. 1, a body frame F of a scooter type motorcycle includes a front fork 11 which supports a front wheel WF and a head pipe 13 which supports a steering handle 12 connected to the front fork 11 so as to be steerable at a front end. The internal combustion engine E, which is provided in the section and exerts the power to drive the rear wheel WR, supports the engine body 14 of the internal combustion engine E on the vehicle body frame F in front of the rear wheel WR so as to swing vertically. And mounted on the body frame F.

  A transmission case 15 for accommodating a transmission (not shown) for transmitting the output of the engine main body 14 to the rear wheel WR is connected to the engine main body 14. The rear wheel WR is pivotally supported, and a rear cushion unit 16 is provided between the vehicle body frame F and the transmission case 15. The intake system 17 of the internal combustion engine E is provided with a fuel injection valve 18. An air cleaner 19, which constitutes an upstream end of the intake system 17, is disposed above the transmission case 15 while the transmission case 15 is disposed. 15 supported.

  The body frame F and a part of the internal combustion engine E are covered by a body cover 20 that has a footrest 21 on which a passenger's foot rests and is supported by the body frame F. Further, a tandem-type riding seat 22 disposed behind the footrest 21 is disposed on the vehicle body cover 20.

  2, a fuel tank 23 is disposed above the rear wheel WR. The fuel tank 23 is covered by a rear portion of the riding seat 22 from above. Supported by F. Further, a canister 24 is arranged below the fuel tank 23, and a fuel pump module 26 is arranged outside the fuel tank 23, in this embodiment, below the fuel tank 23 and below the canister 24. The canister 24 and the fuel pump module 26 are supported by the vehicle body frame F.

  Referring also to FIG. 3, the fuel pump module 26 includes a module case 27 disposed below the fuel tank 23, a fuel pump 29 having a suction port 34 connected to a fuel filter 32, and the fuel pump 29. An electric motor 28 for driving the fuel pump 29 includes a pump unit 31 housed in a pump housing 30 and a regulator 33 for adjusting the pressure of fuel discharged from the fuel pump 29. The pump unit 31 is housed in the module case 27. In this embodiment, in addition to the pump unit 31, the fuel filter 32 and the regulator 33 are also housed in the module case 27.

  At one end of the pump housing 30, a suction pipe 35 forming a suction port 34 for sucking fuel into the fuel pump 29 is protruded, and at the other end of the pump housing 30, the fuel pump From 29, a discharge pipe 37 forming a discharge port 36 for discharging the fuel flowing through the inside of the pump housing 30 protrudes.

  The module case 27 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the vehicle width direction, and one end thereof is closed by a support wall portion 38 a having a suction side fitting hole 43 into which the suction pipe 35 is fitted. And a synthetic resin case main body 38 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a discharge side fitting hole 44 for fitting the discharge pipe 37 to close the other end of the case main body 38. A filter member 40 formed of a synthetic resin, which is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape having an open side opposite to the case main body 38 and is coupled to one end of the case main body 38 by, for example, welding. A filter cap 41 removably and resiliently engaged with the filter case 40 by closing an open end of the case 40 in a liquid-tight manner, and covers the other end of the case main body 38 and the wall member 39. Composed of the said case main body 38 and the wall member 39 made of a synthetic resin cover member 42 for example are joined by welding.

  The fuel filter 32 is held by a filter holding frame 45 and accommodated between the filter case 40 and the filter cap 41. The filter holding frame 45 is configured such that a short cylindrical first holding cylinder portion 45a fitted to an inner periphery of an end portion of the cylindrical fuel filter 32 on the pump unit 31 side is continuously provided on the inner periphery. A first cover plate portion 45b in the form of a ring plate abutting on an end of the fuel filter 32 on the pump unit 31 side is fitted to an inner periphery of an end of the filter holding frame 45 on the opposite side to the pump unit 31. A second cover plate portion 45d having a disk shape and abutting on an end of the fuel filter 32 opposite to the pump unit 31 in such a manner that a short cylindrical second holding tube portion 45c is continuously provided; It is configured as follows.

  An annular unpurified chamber 46 is formed between the filter case 40 and the filter cap 41 and the fuel filter 32, and the fuel introduced into the unpurified chamber 46 is filtered by the fuel filter 32 and The fuel flows into the fuel filter 32. A connecting pipe portion 47 coaxially connected to the suction side fitting hole 43 into which the suction pipe 35 is fitted is provided integrally with the support wall portion 38a at one end of the case main body 38. Is fitted in a liquid-tight manner to the first holding cylinder portion 45a of the filter holding frame 45. Therefore, the suction port 34 of the fuel pump 29 sucks the fuel that has passed through the fuel filter 32 and flowed into the fuel filter 32 through the connection pipe 47.

A pressure regulating passage 48 is formed between the wall member 39 and the cover member 42 to allow the fuel discharged from the discharge port 36 of the pump unit 31 to flow. The regulator 33 that adjusts the pressure of the fuel in the pressure regulating passage 48 is connected to the pressure regulating passage 48. The regulator 33 is formed integrally with the other end of the case main body 38. It is accommodated in the support wall 38a (see FIG. 2) which bulges toward the center.

  A first discharge passage 49 communicating with the pressure regulating passage 48 is formed in the case body 38 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the case body 38 on the side of the pump unit 31. A second discharge passage 50 connected to the first discharge passage 49 is formed, and a discharge connection pipe 51 protruding upward from the filter case 40 while communicating with the second discharge passage 50 is integrally provided. The discharge connection pipe 51 is connected to the fuel injection valve 18 in the intake system 17 of the internal combustion engine E via a fuel hose (not shown).

  4 to 6, a vapor discharge hole 53 for discharging vapor from the pump chamber 52 of the fuel pump 29 is formed at one end of the pump housing 30 on the support wall 38a side. . On the other hand, a fuel storage chamber 54 for storing the fuel returned from the regulator 33 is formed in the module case 27 so as to communicate with the vapor discharge hole 53.

  A return pipe 56 for returning the fuel including the vapor from the fuel storage chamber 54 into the fuel tank 23 is extended from the filter case 40 of the module case 27 so as to increase as the distance from the filter case 40 increases. The vapor discharge hole 53 is disposed below the upper end of the opening end 56a of the return pipe 56 to the module case 27. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the vapor discharge hole 53 is disposed below a horizontal plane HL passing through the upper end of the opening end 56a of the return pipe 56. In addition, a one-way valve 57 for preventing fuel from flowing backward from the fuel tank 23 to the fuel storage chamber 54 is disposed in the return pipe 56.

  The fuel storage chamber 54 extends around the entire length of the pump unit 31 in the axial direction around the pump unit 31 and communicates with the first storage part 58 that stores fuel returned from the regulator 33, and the first storage part 58. A second storage portion 59 disposed around the fuel filter 32. The second storage portion 59 is formed in the filter case 40 independently of the unpurified chamber 46 while sandwiching the support wall 38a of the case main body 38 between the first storage portion 58 and the support wall 38a. The return pipe 56 is connected to the filter case 40 so as to communicate with the second storage section 59, and the vapor discharge hole 53 is connected to the second storage section 59 of the first storage section 58. It is arranged facing the end on the side.

  A first communication hole 60 that communicates between the upper part of the first storage part 58 and the upper part of the second storage part 59 with the support wall part 38a of the module case 27; A second communication hole 61 that connects the lower portions of the second storage portions 59 is formed, and the second communication hole 61 is formed to have a larger cross-sectional area than the first communication hole 60.

On the other hand, a connector portion 38c protruding upward is integrally formed on an upper portion of the module case 27 on the cover member 42 side of the case main body 38, and a plurality of connectors for supplying electric power to the electric motor 28 are provided. connection terminal 62, while the outer ends of their connecting terminals 62 to be disposed in the connector portion 38c, so as to face the inner end portion 62a of the connecting terminal 62 to the first savings engaging portion 58 The module case 27 is provided in the module case 27 so as to penetrate the module case 27. In this embodiment, the module case 27 is provided above the module case 27, that is, above the case body 38.

  A fuel conduit 63 for guiding fuel from the fuel tank 23 is connected to the filter case 40 of the module case 27 so as to extend upward as the distance from the filter case 40 increases. The conduit 63 is disposed above the return pipe 56.

  One end of a first fuel hose 64 is connected to the return pipe 56, and the other end of the first fuel hose 64 is connected to a return connection pipe (see FIG. (Not shown). Further, one end of a second fuel hose 66 is connected to the fuel conduit 63, and the other end of the second fuel hose 66 is connected to a supply-side connection pipe 67 connected to the bottom of the fuel tank 23. Connected.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The module case 27 of the fuel pump module 26 is disposed below the fuel tank 23, and the electric motor 28 and the electric motor 28 A pump unit 31 in which a fuel pump 29 is housed in a pump housing 30, a regulator 33 for adjusting the pressure of the fuel discharged from the fuel pump 29, and a fuel connected to a suction port 34 of the fuel pump 29. A fuel storage chamber 54, which accommodates the filter 32 and discharges vapor from a pump chamber 52 of the fuel pump 29, communicates with a vapor discharge hole 53 formed in the pump housing 30. Is formed in the module case 27 so that A return pipe 56 for returning the fuel containing the vapor from the fuel storage chamber 54 into the fuel tank 23 is connected to the module case 27, and the return pipe 56 extends from the upper end of the opening end 56 a to the module case 27. The vapor discharge hole 53 is also arranged below. As a result, when the fuel filter 32 is clogged, a phenomenon described below occurs to cause a pulsation in the fuel supply pressure, which can urge the motorcycle driver to replace the fuel filter 32, Clogging of the fuel filter 32 can be detected at low cost without using an expensive pressure sensor.

  When the fuel filter 32 is clogged during the operation of the fuel pump module 26, the following phenomena (1) to (6) occur sequentially. First, when the pressure of the suction port 34, the vapor discharge hole 53, and the discharge port 36 of the fuel pump 29 when the fuel filter 32 is not clogged is as shown by the solid line in FIG. When the fuel filter 32 is clogged during the operation of the fuel cell 29, the pressure loss in the fuel filter 32 increases, and the pressures of the suction port 34, the vapor discharge hole 53, and the discharge port 36 are indicated by dotted lines in FIG. As a result, the fuel in the fuel storage chamber 54 flows backward from the vapor discharge hole 53 to the pump chamber 52. (2) When the amount of fuel supplied from the fuel pump module 26 decreases and the amount of fuel returned from the regulator 33 decreases, the fuel is stored. The vapor discharge hole 53 faces the gas phase in the chamber 54, and (3) air flows into the pump chamber 52 from the vapor discharge hole 53 and the fuel pump 29 runs idle. (4) The pressure in the suction port 34 of the fuel pump 29 goes to the positive pressure as shown by the dashed line in FIG. The fuel is sucked from the fuel pump 32, (5) the idling of the fuel pump 29 is eliminated, and the fuel supply pressure rises instantaneously. (6) The fuel is returned from the regulator 33 and the vapor is discharged from the vapor discharge hole 53 including the vapor. The level of the oil in the fuel storage chamber 54 rises with the discharged fuel, and then returns to the state (1), the fuel supply pressure returns, and the states (1) to (6) are repeated.

  In this way, the fuel supply pressure is reduced and the pulsation of the return is generated, so that the motorcycle driver can be prompted to replace the fuel filter 32, and the fuel filter 32 can be clogged without using an expensive pressure sensor. Can be detected at low cost.

  In the step (6), the oil level of the fuel in the fuel storage chamber 54 is adjusted by the balance with the pressure of the gaseous phase in the upper part of the fuel storage chamber 54 so that the opening end 56a of the return pipe 56 to the module case 27 is If the vapor discharge hole 53 is located above the upper end of the opening end 56a of the return pipe 56 to the module case 27 without being raised to a position higher than the upper end, the vapor discharge hole 53 faces the gas phase. Since the fuel pump 29 keeps idling until this time, it is not possible to return from the state (6) to the state (1) and the state (3) is reached, and the fuel supply pressure does not return. The discharge hole 53 needs to be located below the upper end of the open end 56a of the return pipe 56 to the module case 27.

In addition, the fuel storage chamber 54 extends around the entire length of the pump unit 31 in the axial direction around the pump unit 31 and stores a fuel returned from the regulator 33. A second storage portion 59 which is disposed around the fuel filter 32 so as to communicate therewith. The return pipe 56 is connected to the module case 27 so as to communicate with the second storage portion 59, so that the fuel storage The volume of the chamber 54 can be made relatively large, and the time from when clogging occurs in the fuel filter 32 to when the vapor discharge hole 53 faces the gas phase in the fuel storage chamber 54 can be lengthened. when the clogging operating time from occurring can be lengthened, and kill the motorcycle from occurring clogging of the fuel filter 32 in seamlessly run line It can be lengthened.

  Further, a first communication hole 60 communicating between the upper part of the first storage part 58 and the upper part of the second storage part 59 is provided in the module case 27, and a lower part of the first storage part 58 and the second storage part 59. And the second communication hole 61 that communicates between the lower portions of the first and second storage portions 58, so that the gas in the first storage portion 58 can be discharged from the first communication hole 60 to the return pipe 56 through the second storage portion 59. Therefore, the oil level in the fuel storage chamber 54 can be raised above the upper end of the opening end 56a of the return pipe 56 to the module case 27. Even if the surface fluctuates, the vapor discharge hole 53 can always be located below the oil level of the fuel, and it is possible to cause a pulsation of a decrease and a return of the fuel supply pressure.

Further, the connection terminal 62 for supplying electric power to the electric motor 28, the module while through the module case 27 so that the inner end portion 62a to face the first savings engaging portion 58 of the connection terminals 62 Since the inner end portion 62a of the connection terminal 62 is disposed above the second communication hole 61 having a larger cross-sectional area than the first communication hole 60, the fuel tank 23 The water accumulated in the first reservoir 58 via the fuel pump 29 can be drained from the inside from the second communication hole 61 to the return pipe 56 via the second reservoir 59, and the water is located above the second communication hole 61. The inner end 62a of the existing connection terminal 62 is not immersed in water, so that adverse effects such as corrosion due to water can be prevented from affecting the connection terminal 62.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the present invention described in the claims. Is possible.

For example, if the fuel filter 32 in the embodiment described above has been described to be housed in the module case 27, the fuel filter 3 2 connected to the suction port 34 of the fuel pump 29 is disposed outside the module case 27 The present invention is also applicable to the present invention.

23 ... fuel tank 26 ... fuel pump module 27 ... module case 28 ... electric motor 29 ... fuel pump 30 ... pump housing 31 ... pump unit 32 ... fuel filter 33 ... Regulator 34 ... Suction port 46 ... Unpurified chamber 52 ... Pump chamber 53 ... Vapor discharge hole 54 ... Fuel storage chamber 56 ... Return pipe 56a ... Return pipe Open end 58 ... First storage part 59 ... Second storage part 60 ... First communication hole 61 ... Second communication hole 62 ... Connection terminal 62a ... Inner end of connection terminal 63 ・ ・ ・ Fuel conduit

Claims (4)

A pump unit (29) having a suction port (34) connected to a fuel filter (32) and an electric motor (28) for driving the fuel pump (29) housed in a pump housing (30). 31) is accommodated in a module case (27) disposed outside the fuel tank (23), and a vapor discharge hole (53) for discharging vapor from a pump chamber (52) of the fuel pump (29) is provided. In the fuel pump module formed in the pump housing (30),
A fuel storage chamber (54) for storing the fuel returned from the regulator (33) housed in the module case (27) so as to adjust the pressure of the fuel discharged from the fuel pump (29) is provided with the vapor discharge. A return pipe (56) is formed in the module case (27) through the hole (53) and returns the fuel containing the vapor from the fuel storage chamber (54) into the fuel tank (23). provided continuously to (27), its return pipe (56) said module open end of the casing (27) of the lower than the upper end of the (56a), the vapor discharge hole (53) is disposed, the fuel filter ( 32) is accommodated in the module case (27), and the fuel storage chamber (54) is provided around the pump unit (31) around the axis of the pump unit (31). A first storage portion (58) extending over the entire length in the direction and storing the fuel returned from the regulator (33), and a first storage portion (58) arranged around the fuel filter (32) through the first storage portion (58). with 2 storage unit (59), the fuel pump module according to claim Rukoto provided continuously in the return pipe (56) so as to communicate with the second reservoir (59) said module case (27). A first communication hole (60) that communicates between the upper part of the first storage part (58) and the upper part of the second storage part (59) with the module case (27); and the first storage part (58). 2. The fuel pump module according to claim 1 , wherein a second communication hole (61) communicating between a lower part of the second storage part and a lower part of the second storage part (59) is formed. The connection terminals for supplying electric power to the electric motor (28) (62), the inner end portion of the connection terminal (62) and (62a) so as to face the first savings engaging portion (58) in The inner end (62a) of the connection terminal (62), which is disposed in the module case (27) while penetrating the module case (27), has a larger cross-sectional area than the first communication hole (60). The fuel pump module according to claim 2 , wherein the fuel pump module is disposed above the second communication hole (61). An annular unpurified chamber (46) surrounding the fuel filter (32) is formed in the module case (27) independently of the second storage section (59), and receives fuel from the fuel tank (23). The fuel conduit (63) for guiding is connected to the module case (27) above the return pipe (56) so as to communicate with the uncleaned chamber (46). The fuel pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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