JP2004314799A - Child seat - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a child seat which does not give discomfort to a child under a normal use, of which the structure is simple and can be constituted to be lightweight, and in addition, which can sufficiently protect the child at the time of emergency. <P>SOLUTION: An airbag device 20 is attached to the upper parts of right and left side guards 11 which are located on the sides of the head section of a child. The airbag device 20 has an air bag 22, a casing 24 in which the air bag 20 under a folded state is housed, an inflater 26 for expanding the air bag, and a sensor which detects a vehicle collision. The inflator 26 performs a gas jetting operation based on a detection signal of the sensor. The air bag 22 has a size which expands only to vicinities of the temples of the child. When the sensor detects a collision, the inflaters 26 of respective airbag devices 20 on the right and the left perform the gas jetting operation, and the air bags 22 expand to both of the right and left sides of the head section of the child. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a child seat used for an automobile or the like, and more particularly to a child seat including an airbag that inflates and receives a child's body at the time of an automobile collision or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many child seats installed on the seats of automobiles have a seat on which the child rests, a backrest on which the child leans, and left and right side guards located on the left and right sides of the child, respectively.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-157553 discloses a child seat that protects a child by inflating an airbag along the outer surfaces of left and right side guards (side support portions) when a heavy load such as an automobile collision occurs. ing.
[0004]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 64-37743 discloses a child seat in which a concave headrest is provided which extends from the back of the child to the right and left temporal regions.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-157553 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 64-37743 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-157553, the airbag is inflated over the entire outer surface of the side guard, so that a large-capacity inflator (gas generator) is required. Further, when the airbag is inflated while a person is present close to the child seat, the airbag inflates between the person and the child seat, so that an unexpected external force is applied to the person.
[0007]
According to Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 64-37743, the headrest is always attached to the head of the child, and the comfort for the seated child is reduced.
[0008]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and does not cause discomfort to a child in a normal use state, can be configured with a simple and lightweight structure, and can sufficiently protect a child in an emergency. An object of the present invention is to provide a child seat that can be used.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the child seat of the present invention (claim 1), in the child seat on which the child sits, airbags are provided on both left and right sides of the head of the child who sits on the child seat. It is a feature.
[0010]
When a car equipped with such a child seat is subjected to an emergency such as a collision or rollover, the airbag inflates to the left and right sides of the child's head and receives the child's head from both the left and right sides, and the child's head The impact applied to the part is absorbed.
[0011]
The airbag only needs to have a size that can be inflated only in the vicinity of the left and right temporal regions of the child (Claim 2). Therefore, in order to inflate the airbag, a sensor that detects a vehicle collision is provided. Even if an inflation means including a gas supply means for inflating the airbag based on a detection signal of the sensor is provided (claim 3), the inflation means only needs to have a small capacity.
[0012]
According to one aspect of the present invention (claim 4), the child seat includes a seat body having a seat portion, a backrest portion, and left and right side guards, and the left and right sides of a seated child's head provided on the seat body. It has an airbag that inflates to the side, and a cushion provided along the side of the child seat outside the left and right side guards, the cushion is hollow and contains gas inside, A gas passage is provided so that when the cushion is pressed, the gas inside the cushion is supplied from the cushion to the left and right airbags so that the left and right airbags are inflated.
[0013]
In the child seat according to the fourth aspect, the cushion provided along the side of the child seat outside the side guard absorbs a shock when a high load is applied from the side in a side collision or the like. At this time, even if one of the cushions hits the side of the cabin, etc., the gas in the cushion moves into both airbags, and both the left and right airbags inflate near the left and right temporal portions of the child, respectively. The child's head from both sides.
[0014]
In the child seat according to the fourth aspect, since a gas supply means such as an inflator for inflating the airbag is not required, the structure can be significantly simplified and the weight can be reduced.
[0015]
In this case, a check means may be provided to allow the gas to flow from the cushion into the airbag and prevent the gas from flowing in the opposite direction. According to this structure, when the airbag receives the child's head, gas is prevented from escaping from the airbag to the inside of the cushion.
[0016]
At least a part of the gas passage may have a hose shape that expands when the gas passes. Such a hose-shaped gas passage has a small volume in normal times, so that a space for routing is small. In addition, when the gas such as air flows from the cushion through the hose-shaped gas passage and the hose-shaped gas passage expands, the hose-shaped gas passage can also function as an impact buffer.
[0017]
The gas pressure inside the cushion may be the atmospheric pressure, or may be higher than the atmospheric pressure. When the gas is sealed at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the airbag can be inflated rapidly and sufficiently large even with a large capacity airbag.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the child seat according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (end view) along line II-II of FIG. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the airbag is not inflated, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the airbag is inflated.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, the child seat 1 includes a seat body 2 on which a child sits, and a base 3 that supports the seat body 2 so as to be reclined. The seat body 2 includes a seat portion 12 on which the child rests the buttocks, a backrest portion 10 against which the child's back and the back of the head abut. 11 is provided. The side guards 11 extend from both sides of the backrest 10 to the left and right sides of the seat 12.
[0020]
The seat body 2 is provided with two child seat belts 6 for restraining a child. The child seat belt 6 is inserted through a slutung 8. The breast pad 7 is provided upright from the front of the seat 12 upward. The breast pad 7 is provided with two buckle devices 9 for latching the slut tongs 8.
[0021]
The rear part of the seat belt 6 is drawn into the backrest part 10 and is wound around a seat belt retractor (not shown) with an emergency lock mechanism provided in the seat body 2. In the event of a collision of the vehicle, the retractor locks and the seat belt 6 is prevented from being pulled out. The seat belt retractor may be omitted.
[0022]
The child seat 1 is fixed to an automobile seat (not shown) by an adult seat belt 14. Reference numeral 13 denotes an opening through which the seat belt 14 is inserted.
[0023]
The child seat 1 is used in such a manner that a child is seated on a seat body 2, a seat belt 6 is worn on the child, and a slutung 8 is latched by a buckle device 9.
[0024]
In this embodiment, airbag devices 20 are attached to the upper portions of left and right side guards 11 which are located on the sides of the head of a child sitting on the child seat 1.
[0025]
The airbag device 20 includes an airbag 22, a casing 24 for accommodating the airbag 22, an inflator 26 as gas supply means for inflating the airbag 22, and a sensor (not shown) for detecting a vehicle collision. ). The casing 24 has an opening 24a on one side. The airbag 22 is accommodated in the casing 24 in a folded state. The inflator 26 performs a gas ejection operation based on a detection signal of the sensor.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2B, the airbag 22 has such a size as to be inflated only at the upper part of the side guard 11, that is, near the temporal region of the child sitting on the child seat 1.
[0027]
In this embodiment, the inflator 26 is attached to the other side surface of the casing 24 while being arranged inside the airbag 22. Reference numeral 28 denotes a fixing tool such as a rivet that fixes the inflator 26 to the other side surface of the casing 24. The proximal end of the airbag 20 is sandwiched between the casing 24 and the flange of the inflator 26.
[0028]
An opening 30 for inflating the airbag is provided in the upper part of the left and right side guards 11 so as to face the temporal region of the child sitting on the child seat 1. As shown in FIG. 2A, the airbag devices 20 are respectively installed on the outer side surfaces of the left and right side guards 11 so that the side opening 24 a of the casing 24 communicates with the opening 30. A flange 24 b projects from the peripheral edge of the opening 24 a of the casing 24, and the flange 24 b is superimposed on the peripheral edge of the opening 30 and fixed to the side guard 11.
[0029]
A cover sheet 32 is provided so as to close the opening 30 from the inner side surface of each side guard 11. The cover sheet 32 is configured to be broken by the pressing force from the airbag 22 and open the opening 30 when the airbag 22 is inflated.
[0030]
In the child seat 1 configured as described above, when an automobile on which the child seat 1 is mounted collides, the sensor of each airbag device 20 detects the collision, and the inflator 26 detects the gas based on a detection signal from the sensor. Spouting is activated. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the left and right airbags 22, 22 are inflated by gas from the inflator 26, respectively, and crush the cover sheet 32 to break the head of the child and the side guards 11 on the left and right sides. , 11 swell.
[0031]
The inflated airbags 22 receive the head of the child from both the left and right sides, and absorb the impact applied to the head of the child.
[0032]
In the child seat 1, since the airbag 22 is large enough to be inflated only near the temporal region of the child, a small capacity inflator 26 is sufficient. For this reason, the child seat 1 can be configured to be relatively lightweight.
[0033]
Note that, in the child seat 1, the airbag 20 does not inflate during normal times other than the time of a vehicle collision, so that the child sitting on the child seat 1 does not feel uncomfortable.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a child seat according to another embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (end view) taken along line IV-IV of FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state when the airbag is not inflated, and FIG. 4B shows a state when the airbag is inflated.
[0035]
The child seat 1A also includes a seat body 2 on which a child sits, and a base 3 for supporting the seat body 2 so that the child can recline. It has a backrest 10 against which the back and the rear of the head abut, and a side guard 11 protruding from the left and right sides of the backrest 10 toward the front in a wall shape. The side guards 11 extend from both sides of the backrest 10 to the left and right sides of the seat 12.
[0036]
In this embodiment, the airbags 40 are provided on the inner side surfaces of the upper portions of the left and right side guards 11, respectively, and the hollow cushions 42 are provided on the outer side surfaces of the respective side guards 11. The left and right airbags 40 and the cushion 42 communicate with each other via a communication port 44 provided at an upper portion of each side guard 11. A check valve (return valve) 46 serving as a non-return means for allowing the gas to flow from the cushion 42 to the inside of the airbag 40 and preventing the gas from flowing in the opposite direction is provided in the communication port 44. Is provided. The left and right airbags 40 communicate with each other via a duct (gas passage) 48. The duct 48 is provided along the front surface of the backrest 10 of the child seat main body 2 (the surface on which the child's back and occipital region hit).
[0037]
In this embodiment, each airbag 40 is sized to inflate only near the temporal region of the child sitting on the child seat 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the cushions 42 extend from both sides of the backrest 10 to the left and right sides of the seat 12 along the outer side surface of each side guard 11. In this embodiment, the cushion 42 contains air at atmospheric pressure.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 4A, a concave portion 11a for accommodating the folded airbag 40 is provided on the inner side surface of the upper part of each side guard 11. The communication port 44 is disposed on the side guard side surface in the recess 11a. In this embodiment, the communication port 44 has a small hole shape, and a plurality of communication ports 44 are formed adjacent to each other.
[0039]
The airbag 40 is provided with a gas receiving port 40a for receiving gas from the cushion 42 through the communication port 44. The peripheral edge of the gas receiving port 40a is superimposed on the side guard side surface in the recess 11a so that the communication port 44 is disposed in the gas receiving port 40a, and is fixed airtight over the entire circumference. . Reference numeral 50 denotes a fixing tool such as a rivet that fixes the peripheral portion of the gas receiving port 40a to the side guard side surface.
[0040]
The check valve 46 has a sheet shape in this embodiment, and is overlapped on the inner side surface of the side guard 11 so as to cover the communication port 44 from the airbag 40 side, as shown in FIG. I have.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 4 (a), a part of the periphery of the check valve 46 together with the periphery of the gas receiving port 40a of the airbag 40 is attached to the side guard side surface in the recess 11a by the fixing tool 50. It is fixed. The remaining portion of the periphery of the check valve 46 is pressed against the side guard side surface by another fixing tool 50. As shown in the figure, the check valve 46 is disposed inside the periphery of the gas receiving port 40a (inside the airbag 40).
[0042]
When the gas in the cushion 42 attempts to move into the airbag 40 through the communication port 44 as shown in FIG. 4B, the check valve 46 causes the pressure of the gas to move the side guard 11. Move away from the side. Thereby, the communication port 44 is opened, and the flow of gas from the cushion 42 into the airbag 40 is allowed.
[0043]
On the other hand, when gas tries to move from the airbag 40 into the airbag 40 through the communication port 44, the check valve 46 is pressed against the side surface of the side guard 11 by the pressing force of the gas, and the communication port 44 is closed. You. Thereby, the flow of gas from the airbag 40 into the cushion 42 is prevented.
[0044]
In this embodiment, the check valve 46 can be relatively flexibly deformed from a flat state to a warped state, and when the warp is released, the check valve 46 elastically returns to the original flat state. It is composed of a rubber sheet. However, as a material for forming the sheet-shaped check valve 46, an elastic resin sheet, a thin metal plate, cloth, or the like may be used in addition to the rubber sheet.
[0045]
The cushion 42 has a load receiving surface 42a substantially similar in shape to the side surface of the side guard 11 and large enough to overlap substantially the entire side surface of the side guard 11, and a peripheral edge between the side guard 11 and the load receiving surface 42a. It has a side peripheral surface 42b that connects the portions, and an access restriction member (not shown) that restricts the load receiving surface 42a from approaching the side guard 11. In this embodiment, the side peripheral surface 42b is formed in a bellows shape that can be contracted in a direction in which the load receiving surface 42a approaches the side guard 11.
[0046]
In this embodiment, the load receiving surface 42a and the side peripheral surface 42b are integrally formed, and a peripheral portion of the side peripheral surface 42b opposite to the load receiving surface 44a is The guard 11 is air-tightly fixed to the periphery.
[0047]
The load receiving surface 42a and the side peripheral surface 42b are composed of a semi-rigid synthetic resin molded body and a nonwoven fabric covering the surface.
[0048]
The approach restricting member is provided between the side guard 11 and the load receiving surface 42a, and a load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the load receiving surface 42a in a direction approaching the side guard 11. When the load receiving surface 42a is plastically deformed, the load receiving surface 42a is allowed to approach the side guard 11.
[0049]
In this embodiment, the duct 48 is a hose-like material having flexibility, and when the gas is not flowing inside, the duct 48 is folded flat or has a small-diameter tube shape. The duct 48 is configured to expand so as to increase in thickness when gas is sent from the cushion 42 (however, the duct 48 may be a non-expandable tubular member). Both ends of the duct 48 are connected to the left and right airbags 40, respectively, and communicate with each other.
[0050]
On the front surface of the backrest 10, a groove-shaped recess 10a for accommodating the folded duct 48 is provided. The recess 10a extends in the left-right direction along the front surface of the backrest portion 10, and both ends thereof face the inside of the recess 11a on the inner side surfaces of the left and right side guards 11, respectively.
[0051]
The left and right airbags 40 are respectively folded and housed in the recesses 11a, and the ducts 48 are housed in the recesses 10a, and the insides of the left and right side guards 11 are covered so as to cover the recesses 10a, 11a. A cover sheet 52 is attached along the side surface and the front surface of the backrest 10. The cover sheet 52 is configured to be broken by the pressing force when each airbag 40 and the duct 48 are inflated.
[0052]
Other configurations of the child seat 1A are the same as those of the child seat 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.
[0053]
In the child seat 1A configured as described above, when the child seat 1A collides with the vehicle interior side S at the time of a vehicle side collision or the like, as shown in FIG. This side surface S of the cabin is received. When the load from the side surface S of the cabin is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the access control member in the cushion 42 is plastically deformed. As a result, the load receiving surface 42a retreats so as to approach the side guard 11, and the impact is absorbed.
[0054]
Further, when the load receiving surface 42a is retreated as described above, the volume of the cushion 42 is reduced, and gas flows from the cushion 42 into one airbag 40 through the communication port 44. Further, the gas flows from the one airbag 40 into the other airbag 40 via the duct 48. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4B, the left and right airbags 40, 40 inflate between the child's head and the left and right side guards 11, 11 to receive the child's head from both the left and right sides. Absorbs the shock applied to the child's head. As shown, the duct 48 also expands behind the child's head, receives the child's back, and absorbs the impact.
[0055]
In the child seat 1A, the cushion 42 absorbs an impact when a high load is applied from the side at the time of a side collision or the like. Further, the impact applied to the child's head is absorbed by the airbags 40, 40 inflating between the child's head and the side guards 11 on the left and right sides thereof.
[0056]
In the child seat 1A, the communication port 44 that connects the left and right cushions 42 and the airbag 40 allows gas to flow from the cushion 42 into the airbag 40, and the gas flows in the opposite direction. Check valve 46 is provided to prevent the gas from escaping from the airbag 40 into the cushion 42 when the child's temporal region is received by each airbag 40, The airbag 40 securely receives the child's head.
[0057]
In addition, in the child seat 1A, when a person is present so as to be close to the child seat 1A, the shock when the person hits the child seat 1A at the time of a side collision of the vehicle is absorbed by the cushion 42.
[0058]
In this embodiment, the inside of the airbag 40 and the inside of the cushion 42 communicate with each other, and the gas in the cushion 42 moves into the airbag 40 by receiving the load and reducing the volume. Since the airbag 40 is inflated, no airbag inflation means such as an inflator is required.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (end view) of a portion similar to that of FIG. 3 of a child seat according to still another embodiment, wherein FIG. 5 (a) shows the state when the airbag is not inflated, and FIG. Indicates time.
[0060]
This child seat 1B is also provided with airbags 40 on the inner side surfaces above the left and right side guards 11 of the child seat body 2, and provided with cushions 42A on the outer side surfaces of the side guards 11, respectively. The inside of the bag 40 and the inside of the cushion 42 </ b> A communicate with each other through a communication port 44 provided at an upper part of each side guard 11.
[0061]
As in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication port 44 allows a gas to flow from the cushion 42A to the inside of the airbag 40, and prevents the gas from flowing in the opposite direction. A check valve (check valve) 46 is provided as a means. The left and right airbags 40 communicate with each other via a duct 48. The duct 48 is provided along the front surface of the backrest 10 of the child seat body 2. The cover sheet 52 provided along the inner side surfaces of the left and right side guards 11 and the front surface of the backrest 10 is configured to be broken by the pressing force of each of the airbags 40 and the duct 48 when the airbag 40 and the duct 48 inflate. ing.
[0062]
In this embodiment, the cushion 42A includes a gas bag 60 for inflating the airbag 40, and a cover shield 62 that covers the gas bag 60. The gas bag 60 is disposed so as to overlap the communication port 44 along the outer side surface of the side guard 11. The cover shield 62 has a half-shell shape surrounding the outward surface and the side peripheral surface of the gas bag 60, and its peripheral edge is hermetically fixed to the side surface of the side guard 11 over the entire periphery.
[0063]
The gas bag 60 is a bag made of a thin film material of a synthetic resin, and is configured to be ruptured when the internal pressure becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure and to allow the internal gas to flow out. The gas bag 60 is filled with air at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure (for example, about 1.5 to 3 atm).
[0064]
The cover shield 62 is composed of a half-shell-shaped thin synthetic resin molded body and a nonwoven fabric covering the surface thereof.
[0065]
Other configurations of the child seat 1B are the same as those of the child seat 1A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.
[0066]
In the child seat 1B configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the child seat 1B collides with the vehicle interior side S at the time of a vehicle side collision or the like, the height from the vehicle interior side S to the cushion 42A is increased. A load is applied, and the gas bag 60 in the cushion 42A is pressed. When the internal pressure of the gas bag 60 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, a portion of the gas bag 60 facing the communication port 44 is broken, and the gas in the gas bag 60 flows out. Then, this gas flows into one airbag 40 through the communication port 44. Further, this gas flows into the other airbag 40 via the duct 48. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5B, the left and right airbags 40, 40 inflate between the child's head and the left and right side guards 11, 11 to receive the child's head from the left and right sides. Absorbs the shock applied to the child's head. As shown, the duct 48 also expands behind the child's head, receives the child's back, and absorbs the impact.
[0067]
In addition, the outflow of the gas in the gas bag 60 absorbs the impact when a load is applied to the child seat 1B from the vehicle interior side S.
[0068]
Even in the child seat 1B, the communication port 44 for introducing the gas flowing out of the gas bag 60 into the airbag 40 allows the gas to flow from the gasbag 60 into the airbag 40. Since the check valve 46 for preventing the gas from flowing in the opposite direction is provided, when the head of the child is received by each airbag 40, the gas escapes from the airbag 40 to the gas bag 60 side. This prevents the child's head from being firmly received by the airbag 40.
[0069]
The child seat 1B is for inflating the airbag 40 by the gas released from the gas bag 60, and the gas bag 60 is torn by the load applied to the gas bag 60 to release the gas. Or its detonator is unnecessary. Therefore, the child seat 1B has a simple structure and a small weight.
[0070]
In this embodiment, a gas pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is sealed in the gas bag 60, but a gas at the atmospheric pressure may be sealed. In this case, by making the volume of the gas bag larger than that of the illustrated gas bag 60, the airbag can be inflated sufficiently large.
[0071]
Each of the above embodiments is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, as described above, the duct 48 may be non-expandable. The airbags 22 and 40 may be provided with vent holes.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a child seat that does not cause discomfort to a child in a normal use state, can be configured with a simple and lightweight structure, and can sufficiently protect a child in an emergency. Is provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a child seat according to another embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a part similar to FIG. 3 of a child seat according to still another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1A, 1B Child seat 2 Child seat body 10 Backrest 11 Side guard 12 Seat 20 Airbag device 22, 40 Airbag 24 Casing 26 Inflator 32, 52 Cover seat 40a Gas receiving port 42, 42A Cushion 44 Communication port 46 Check valve 48 duct 60 gas bag

Claims (8)

In the child seat where the child sits,
An airbag is provided on both left and right sides of the head of a seated child, and both the left and right airbags are inflated in a vehicle emergency. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the airbag inflates only near the left and right temporal regions of the child. 3. The child seat according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a collision or rollover of the vehicle, and gas supply means for inflating the airbag based on a detection signal of the sensor. In claim 1 or 2,
A seat body having a seat, a backrest and left and right side guards,
The airbag provided in the seat body,
It has cushions respectively provided along the outer side of the child seat of the left and right side guards,
The cushion is hollow and contains gas therein, and when the cushion is pressed, the gas inside the cushion is supplied to the left and right airbags so that the left and right airbags are inflated. A child seat characterized by being provided with. The child seat according to claim 4, further comprising a non-return means for permitting gas to flow from the cushion into the airbag and for preventing gas from flowing in the opposite direction. The child seat according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least a part of the gas passage has a hose shape that expands when the gas passes. The child seat according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a gas is sealed inside the cushion at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. The child seat according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein gas is stored at atmospheric pressure inside the cushion.

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