A humidity detection device, an electric steam oven, and a control method for an electric steam oven

Abstract

The present invention provides a humidity detection device, an electric steam oven and a control method for an electric steam oven, which includes connecting an inner cavity valve body assembly, a transition valve body assembly, a condensate collection box, a drain valve body assembly and a water level detection assembly. Among them, the inner cavity valve body assembly, the transition valve body assembly, the condensate collection box and the drain valve body assembly are sequentially connected together, and the water level detection assembly is connected to the condensate collection box for detecting the amount of condensate generated in the condensate collection box. Its structure is simple and its service life is long.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of kitchen utensils, and particularly to a humidity detection device, an electric steam oven, and a control method for an electric steam oven. Background Art

[0002] In most high-end electric steam ovens among existing kitchen electric appliances, most humidity detection devices are arranged in the cooking cavity to collect humidity data inside the cavity, and then automatically adjust the humidity of the steam oven. The disadvantage of this method is that since the humidity sensor is set and exposed to high-temperature and high-humidity environments for a long time, its service life is short, and multiple humidity sensors need to be replaced within one year, resulting in high costs. Some humidity detection devices are arranged at the exhaust port of the electric steam oven, which affects the discharge of steam inside the electric steam oven, and the structure of its humidity detection device is complex, and the humidity test result is also inaccurate. In humidity test methods, most humidity detections are carried out in real time. However, when the electric steam oven is just started, it is in a preheating mode, that is, the process of raising the temperature of the cavity from the initial temperature to the set temperature. During the preheating process, its humidity value changes with the change of the cavity temperature and the humidity value fluctuates within a large range. At this time, it is meaningless to test the humidity of the electric steam oven in real time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve one of the problems existing in the related prior art to a certain extent. For this reason, an object of the present invention is to provide a humidity detection device with a simple structure.

[0004] The above object is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0005] A humidity detection device includes a connecting cavity valve body assembly, a transition valve body assembly, a condensate collection box, a drainage valve body assembly, and a water level detection assembly. Among them, the connecting cavity valve body assembly, the transition valve body assembly, the condensate collection box, and the drainage valve body assembly are sequentially connected together, and the water level detection assembly is connected to the condensate collection box for detecting the amount of condensate generated in the condensate collection box.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the connecting cavity valve body assembly includes a connecting cavity valve body and a connecting cavity valve body switch valve, the transition valve body assembly includes a transition valve body and a transition valve body switch valve, the drainage valve body assembly includes a drainage valve body and a drainage valve body switch valve, and a drainage port is provided on the drainage valve body.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, a connecting cavity valve body exhaust port is provided on the connecting cavity valve body, and a condensate collection box exhaust port is provided on the condensate collection box.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the exhaust port of the condensate collection box is arranged obliquely upward, and the diameter of the exhaust port of the condensate collection box is smaller than the diameter of the exhaust port of the connecting inner cavity valve body.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, a hydrophobic coating is provided on the inner wall of the condensate collection box.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the water level detection assembly includes a water level detection control board and water level detection electrodes arranged on the water level detection control board.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric steam oven, which can effectively extend the service life of the electric steam oven.

[0012] The above object is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0013] An electric steam oven includes an electric steam oven inner cavity, a controller, and the humidity detection device mentioned above. The humidity detection device is arranged outside the electric steam oven inner cavity, and the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly of the humidity detection device is communicated with the electric steam oven inner cavity. The controller is electrically connected to the humidity detection device.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an electric steam oven, in which the humidity detection of the electric steam oven is carried out in a constant temperature control mode to improve the accuracy of its humidity test results.

[0015] The above object is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0016] A control method for an electric steam oven is applied to the electric steam oven mentioned above. The control method includes the following steps:

[0017] Judge whether to enter the constant temperature control mode;

[0018] If entering the constant temperature control mode, judge whether to enter the inner cavity humidity detection mode;

[0019] If entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, close the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly, and open the transition valve body assembly;

[0020] Judge whether the time for entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time;

[0021] If the time for entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, obtain the current capacitance value Q1 of the condensate in the condensate collection box;

[0022] Adjust the water injection amount of the evaporator of the electric steam oven according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, the step of adjusting the water injection amount of the evaporator according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2 is specifically as follows: if the current capacitance value Q1 is greater than the set capacitance value Q2, the water injection amount of the evaporator is increased; if the current capacitance value Q1 is less than the set capacitance value Q2, the water injection amount of the evaporator is decreased; if the current capacitance value Q1 is equal to the set capacitance value Q2, the water injection amount of the evaporator is maintained.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, after the step of adjusting the water injection amount of the evaporator according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2, the following steps are further included: opening the drain valve body assembly to drain the condensed water in the condensed water collection box to the outside.

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, the step of determining whether to enter the constant temperature control mode is specifically as follows: detecting the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven and determining whether the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant; if the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant, enter the constant temperature control mode; if not, do not enter the constant temperature control mode.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the step of determining whether to enter the inner cavity humidity detection mode is specifically as follows: if not entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, open the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and close the drain valve body assembly and the transition valve body assembly; if entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, close the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly and open the transition valve body assembly.

[0027] As a further improvement of the present invention, the step of determining whether the time for performing the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset detection operation time is specifically as follows: if the time for performing the inner cavity humidity detection mode does not reach the preset humidity detection operation time, keep the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly closed and open the transition valve body assembly; if the time for performing the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, obtain the current capacitance value Q1 of the condensed water in the condensed water collection box.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. The present invention provides a humidity detection device with a simple structure. By detecting the amount of condensed water generated in the condensed water collection box through the water level detection component, the humidity value of the inner cavity is determined.

[0030] 2. There are two exhaust ports in the humidity detection device, which are respectively on the connecting inner cavity valve body and the condensed water collection box. According to whether the inner cavity humidity is detected, the steam exhaust port is switched to achieve steam discharge. Switching the exhaust port according to different usage situations better meets the needs of users and effectively improves the service life of the humidity detection device.

[0031] 3. The present invention provides an electric steam oven, in which the humidity detection device is arranged outside the electric steam oven, preventing the humidity sensor from being exposed to high-temperature and high-humidity environments for a long time, effectively extending the service life of the electric steam oven.

[0032] 4. The present invention provides a control method for an electric steam oven, in which the humidity detection device detects the humidity inside the cavity of the electric steam oven under the constant temperature control mode, preventing large fluctuations in humidity values from occurring during real-time humidity testing in the preheating mode of the electric steam oven, and improving the accuracy of its humidity detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a humidity detection device of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electric steam oven of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a control method for an electric steam oven of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Modifying the specific implementation manners of the present invention or equivalently replacing some technical features without departing from the spirit of the present invention shall be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

[0037] Embodiment 1:

[0038] Referring to the attached Figure 1 There is shown a humidity detection device 102 of the present invention, which includes a connecting inner cavity valve body assembly 1, a transition valve body assembly 2, a condensate collection box 3, a drain valve body assembly 4, and a water level detection assembly 5. Among them, the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly 1, the transition valve body assembly 2, the condensate collection box 3, and the drain valve body assembly 4 are sequentially connected together, and the water level detection assembly 5 is connected to the condensate collection box 3 for detecting the amount of condensate generated in the condensate collection box 3. The connecting inner cavity valve body assembly 1 includes a connecting inner cavity valve body 11 and a connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve 12. The transition valve body assembly 2 includes a transition valve body 21 and a transition valve body switch valve 22. The drain valve body assembly 4 includes a drain valve body 41 and a drain valve body switch valve 42. A drain port is provided on the drain valve body 41, and a connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port 13 is provided on the connecting inner cavity valve body 11.

[0039] The connecting inner cavity valve body assembly 1 is connected to the electric steam oven 100.

[0040] The connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve 12 is used to open and close the connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port 13.

[0041] When the transition valve body switch valve 22 is opened, the connection inner cavity valve body 11 is communicated with the condensate collection box 3; when the transition valve body switch valve 22 is closed, the connection between the connection inner cavity valve body 11 and the condensate collection box 3 is cut off.

[0042] When the drain valve body switch valve 42 is opened, the condensate collection box 3 is communicated with the drain valve body 41; when the drain valve body 41 is closed, the connection between the condensate collection box 3 and the drain valve body 41 is cut off.

[0043] When the humidity of the inner cavity needs to be detected, the connection inner cavity valve body switch valve 12 and the drain valve body switch valve 42 are closed, and the transition valve body switch valve 22 is opened. The steam in the electric steam oven 100 is discharged into the connection inner cavity valve body 11, enters the condensate collection box 3 through the transition valve body 21, the steam condenses into water in the condensate collection box 3, and the water level detection assembly 5 detects the amount of condensate generated in the condensate collection box 3, and then obtains the humidity value. After the detection is completed, the drain valve body switch valve 42 is opened, and the condensate enters the drain valve body 41 and is discharged through the drain port on the drain valve body 41.

[0044] The water level detection assembly 5 includes a water level detection control board 52 and a water level detection electrode 51 disposed on the water level detection control board 52. The water level detection electrode 51 is electrically connected to the water level detection control board 52. The water level detection electrode 51 detects the capacitance value of the condensate. Since the capacitance value is different for different amounts of condensate generated, the amount of condensate generated is determined, and thus the humidity value is obtained.

[0045] When it is not necessary to detect the humidity in the electric steam oven 100 but it is necessary to discharge the steam in the electric steam oven 100, the connection inner cavity valve body switch valve 12 is opened, and the transition valve body switch valve 22 and the drain valve body switch valve 42 are closed. The steam in the electric steam oven 100 is discharged into the connection inner cavity valve body 11 and is discharged through the connection inner cavity valve body exhaust port 13 provided on the connection inner cavity valve body 11.

[0046] A condensate collection box exhaust port 31 is provided on the condensate collection box 3. When detecting the humidity in the electric steam oven 100, most of the steam condenses in the condensate collection box 3, but there is still some steam. This small part of the steam can be discharged through the condensate collection box exhaust port 31. Preferably, the condensate collection box exhaust port 31 is arranged obliquely upward to avoid clogging of the condensate and facilitate steam discharge, and if the steam condenses in the exhaust port, it can flow back to the condensate collection box 3 along the exhaust port. And the diameter of the condensate collection box exhaust port 31 is smaller than the diameter of the connection inner cavity valve body exhaust port 13. Since the volume of the steam decreases after condensing in the condensate collection box 3, the diameter of its exhaust port can also be reduced, saving resources.

[0047] A hydrophobic coating is provided on the inner wall of the condensate collection box 3 to accelerate the condensation of steam moisture flowing through the condensate collection box 3 and quickly divert it into the condensate collection box 3, which can save the humidity detection time.

[0048] Embodiment Two:

[0049] See Appendix Figure 2 Fig. 100 shows an electric steam oven 100 proposed by the present invention, which includes an electric steam oven inner cavity 101, a controller, and a humidity detection device 102 mentioned in Embodiment One. The humidity detection device 102 is disposed outside the electric steam oven inner cavity 101, and the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly 1 of the humidity detection device 102 is communicated with the electric steam oven inner cavity 101. The controller is electrically connected to the humidity detection device 102. The humidity detection device 102 can be placed at the top, side, or back of the electric steam oven inner cavity 101. In this embodiment, the humidity detection device 102 is disposed at the back of the electric steam oven inner cavity 101. In high-end electric steam ovens 100 of existing kitchen appliances, by setting a humidity detection device 102 in the cooking inner cavity and collecting humidity data inside the cavity, the humidity of the steam oven can be automatically adjusted. The disadvantage of this method is that since the humidity sensor is set to be exposed to high-temperature and high-humidity environments for a long time, its service life is short, and multiple humidity sensors need to be replaced within one year, resulting in high costs. In the electric steam oven 100 proposed by the present invention, the humidity detection device 102 is disposed outside the electric steam oven inner cavity 101, effectively solving this problem and extending the service life of the humidity detection device 102.

[0050] Embodiment Three:

[0051] A control method for an electric steam oven is applied to the electric steam oven mentioned in Embodiment Two above. The control method includes the following steps:

[0052] Judge whether to enter the constant temperature control mode, i.e., S1;

[0053] If entering the constant temperature control mode, then judge whether to enter the inner cavity humidity detection mode, i.e., S2;

[0054] If entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, then close the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly, and open the transition valve body assembly, i.e., S3;

[0055] Judge whether the time for entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, i.e., S4;

[0056] If the time for entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, then obtain the current capacitance value Q1 of the condensate in the condensate collection box, i.e., S5;

[0057] Adjust the water injection amount of the evaporator of the steam oven according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2, that is, S6.

[0058] The steam oven is provided with a preheating mode, which is the process of raising the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven from the initial temperature to the set temperature. During the preheating process, the humidity value changes with the change of the inner cavity temperature and the fluctuation range of the humidity value is relatively large. Therefore, a control method for a steam oven proposed by the present invention is carried out in the constant temperature control mode of the steam oven, and the humidity of the inner cavity of the steam oven is detected periodically.

[0059] Since the capacitance value will be different for different condensate generation amounts, judge whether the humidity in the inner cavity needs to be adjusted according to the comparison between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2. Preferably, the step of adjusting the water injection amount of the evaporator according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2 is specifically as follows: if the current capacitance value Q1 is greater than the set capacitance value Q2, increase the water injection amount of the evaporator; if the current capacitance value Q1 is less than the set capacitance value Q2, decrease the water injection amount of the evaporator; if the current capacitance value Q1 is equal to the set capacitance value Q2, maintain the water injection amount of the evaporator.

[0060] After the step of adjusting the water injection amount of the evaporator according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2, the following steps are further included: open the drain valve body assembly to drain the condensate in the condensate collection box to the outside. The drain valve body assembly includes a drain valve body and a drain valve body switch valve, and a drain port is provided on the drain valve body. When the humidity detection is completed, open the drain valve body switch valve to connect the condensate collection box and the drain valve body, and the condensate in the condensate collection box is discharged into the drain valve body and discharged through the drain port.

[0061] The step of judging whether to enter the constant temperature control mode is specifically as follows: detect the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven and judge whether the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant; if the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant, enter the constant temperature control mode; if not, do not enter the constant temperature control mode. A temperature detection device is provided inside or outside the steam oven for detecting the temperature inside the steam oven. The temperature detection device tests the temperature inside the steam oven every few minutes and takes continuous n temperature test values. If the n temperature test values are all equal or within the preset allowable positive and negative range values, it is considered that the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant. For example, the temperature detection device tests the temperature inside the steam oven every 30 seconds and takes continuous 3 temperature test values. If the 3 temperature test values are all equal, it is considered that the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant; if the 3 test values are 200 degrees, 201 degrees, and 198 degrees respectively, and the preset allowable positive and negative range value is 2, it is also considered that the temperature of the inner cavity of the steam oven is constant.

[0062] The steps for determining whether to enter the inner cavity humidity detection mode are as follows: If not entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, open the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and close the drain valve body assembly and the transition valve body assembly. The steam in the inner cavity can enter the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly. The connecting inner cavity valve body assembly includes a connecting inner cavity valve body and a connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve. The transition valve body assembly includes a transition valve body and a transition valve body switch valve. Opening the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly means opening the connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve. Closing the drain valve body assembly and the transition valve body assembly means closing the drain valve body switch valve and the transition valve body switch valve. There is a connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port on the connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve. The connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve is used to open or close the connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port. After the steam enters the connecting inner cavity valve body, it is discharged from the connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port. If entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, close the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly and open the transition valve body assembly. That is, close the connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve and the drain valve body switch valve and open the transition valve body switch valve. The steam enters the connecting inner cavity valve body from the inner cavity, passes through the transition valve body and enters the condensate collection box, and condenses in the condensate collection box.

[0063] The steps for determining whether the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset detection operation time are as follows: If the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode does not reach the preset humidity detection operation time, keep the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly closed and open the transition valve body assembly. If the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, obtain the current capacitance value Q1 of the condensate in the condensate collection box. Since it takes a certain time for the steam to enter the condensate collection box from the connecting inner cavity valve body and condense in the condensate box, a preset detection operation time is set. When the temperature of the electric steam oven is constant and enters the constant temperature control mode and the inner cavity humidity detection mode, the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode starts to be calculated. When the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, the water level detection electrode detects the capacitance value of the condensate currently in the condensate collection box, that is, the current capacitance value Q1. The water level detection electrode is electrically connected to the water level detection control board. The water level detection control board adjusts the water injection amount of the evaporator of the electric steam oven according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2.

[0064] The above preferred embodiments should be regarded as illustrative examples of the implementation modes of the solution of this application. All technical deductions, substitutions, improvements, etc. that are identical, similar to or based on this application solution should be regarded as within the protection scope of this patent.

Claims

1. A humidity detection device, characterized in that, it includes a connecting inner cavity valve body assembly, a transition valve body assembly, a condensate collection box, a drain valve body assembly and a water level detection assembly. Among them, the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly, the transition valve body assembly, the condensate collection box and the drain valve body assembly are arranged in sequence together. The water level detection assembly is connected to the condensate collection box to detect the amount of condensate generated in the condensate collection box. The connecting inner cavity valve body assembly includes a connecting inner cavity valve body and a connecting inner cavity valve body switch valve. The transition valve body assembly includes a transition valve body and a transition valve body switch valve. The drain valve body assembly includes a drain valve body and a drain valve body switch valve. A drain port is provided on the drain valve body, a connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port is provided on the connecting inner cavity valve body, and a condensate collection box exhaust port is provided on the condensate collection box.

2. The humidity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the condensate collection box exhaust port is arranged obliquely upward, and the diameter of the condensate collection box exhaust port is smaller than the diameter of the connecting inner cavity valve body exhaust port.

3. The humidity detection device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: a hydrophobic coating is provided on the inner wall of the condensate collection box.

4. The humidity detection device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: the water level detection assembly includes a water level detection control board and a water level detection electrode provided on the water level detection control board.

5. An electric steam oven, characterized in that, it includes an electric steam oven inner cavity, a controller and the humidity detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Among them, the humidity detection device is arranged outside the electric steam oven inner cavity, and the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly of the humidity detection device is communicated with the electric steam oven inner cavity. The controller is electrically connected to the humidity detection device.

6. A control method for an electric steam oven, characterized in that, applied to the electric steam oven according to claim 5, the control method includes the following steps: judge whether to enter the constant temperature control mode; if entering the constant temperature control mode, then judge whether to enter the inner cavity humidity detection mode; if entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, then close the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly, and open the transition valve body assembly; judge whether the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time; if the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, then obtain the current capacitance value Q1 of the condensate in the condensate collection box; adjust the water injection amount of the evaporator of the electric steam oven according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2.

7. The control method for an electric steam oven according to claim 6, characterized in that, the step of adjusting the water injection amount of the evaporator according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2 is specifically: if the current capacitance value Q1 is greater than the set capacitance value Q2, then increase the water injection amount of the evaporator; if the current capacitance value Q1 is less than the set capacitance value Q2, then reduce the water injection amount of the evaporator; If the current capacitance value Q1 is equal to the set capacitance value Q2, the water injection volume of the evaporator is maintained.

8. The control method of an electric steam oven according to claim 6, characterized in that, after the step of adjusting the water injection volume of the evaporator according to the comparison relationship between the current capacitance value Q1 and the preset capacitance value Q2, the following steps are further included: Open the drain valve body assembly to drain the condensed water in the condensed water collection box to the outside.

9. The control method of an electric steam oven according to claim 6, characterized in that, the step of judging whether to enter the constant temperature control mode is specifically: Detect the temperature of the inner cavity of the electric steam oven and judge whether the temperature of the inner cavity of the electric steam oven is constant; If the temperature of the inner cavity of the electric steam oven is constant, enter the constant temperature control mode; If not, do not enter the constant temperature control mode.

10. The control method of an electric steam oven according to claim 9, characterized in that, the step of judging whether to enter the inner cavity humidity detection mode is specifically: If not entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, open the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly, and close the drain valve body assembly and the transition valve body assembly; If entering the inner cavity humidity detection mode, close the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly, and open the transition valve body assembly.

11. The control method of an electric steam oven according to claim 10, characterized in that, the step of judging whether the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset detection operation time is specifically: If the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode does not reach the preset humidity detection operation time, keep the connecting inner cavity valve body assembly and the drain valve body assembly closed, and open the transition valve body assembly; If the time for the inner cavity humidity detection mode reaches the preset humidity detection operation time, obtain the current capacitance value Q1 of the condensed water in the condensed water collection box.

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