Connector assembly, electrical connection assembly and adapter connector

Abstract

The application discloses a connector assembly, an electric connection assembly and an adapter connector. The connector assembly comprises a first connector adapted to be electrically connected to a first circuit board, a second connector adapted to be electrically connected to a second circuit board, and an adapter connector adapted to be connected to the first connector and the second connector respectively. In the application, the distance between the two circuit boards can be adjusted by using the adapter connector with different heights, so that the application range of the application is wider and the practicability is stronger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter connector, including a connector assembly of the adapter connector and an electrical connection assembly including the connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, connector assemblies connecting two circuit boards typically include a first connector and a second connector adapted for mating. The terminals of the first connector are soldered to one circuit board, and the terminals of the second connector are soldered to the other circuit board. When the first and second connectors are mated together, an electrical connection is achieved between the two circuit boards.

[0003] In existing technologies, the height of the entire connector assembly is fixed during mating, which is only suitable for situations where the spacing between two circuit boards is constant, and not for situations where the spacing between two circuit boards needs to be adjusted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: a first connector adapted for electrical connection to a first circuit board; a second connector adapted for electrical connection to a second circuit board; and an adapter connector having its two ends adapted to mate with the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first connector includes a first terminal, the second connector includes a second terminal, and the adapter connector includes an adapter terminal; the adapter terminal has a first end adapted to mate with the first terminal and a second end adapted to mate with the second terminal.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal includes: a first body having a first slot; and a first resilient clamping portion disposed in the first slot, wherein a first end of the adapter terminal is inserted into the first slot of the first terminal and clamped by the first resilient clamping portion.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal includes a plurality of first slots formed on the first body and a plurality of first elastic clamping portions respectively disposed in the plurality of first slots; the adapter connector includes a plurality of adapter terminals, the first ends of the plurality of adapter terminals being respectively inserted into the plurality of first slots and respectively clamped by the plurality of first elastic clamping portions.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal further includes a plurality of first connecting pins, which are respectively connected to the plurality of first elastic clamping portions and extend to the outside of the first body for electrical connection to the first circuit board.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic clamping portion is cylindrical and has a plurality of first elastic arms evenly spaced around its circumference, the first end of the adapter terminal being inserted into the cylindrical first elastic clamping portion and clamped between the plurality of first elastic arms; or the first elastic clamping portion has at least one pair of first elastic arms, the first end of the adapter terminal being inserted between the at least one pair of first elastic arms and clamped between the at least one pair of first elastic arms.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal includes: a second body having a second slot; and a second elastic clamping portion disposed in the second slot, wherein the second end of the adapter terminal is inserted into the second slot of the second terminal and clamped by the second elastic clamping portion.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal includes a plurality of first slots formed on the second body and a plurality of second elastic clamping portions respectively disposed in the plurality of second slots; the adapter connector includes a plurality of adapter terminals, the second ends of the plurality of adapter terminals being respectively inserted into the plurality of second slots and respectively clamped by the plurality of second elastic clamping portions.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal further includes a plurality of second connecting pins, which are respectively connected to the plurality of second elastic clamping portions and extend to the outside of the second body for electrical connection to the second circuit board.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second elastic clamping portion is cylindrical and has a plurality of second elastic arms evenly spaced around its circumference, the second end of the adapter terminal being inserted into the cylindrical second elastic clamping portion and clamped between the plurality of second elastic arms; or the second elastic clamping portion has at least one pair of second elastic arms, the second end of the adapter terminal being inserted into the at least one pair of second elastic arms and clamped between the at least one pair of second elastic arms.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal is a one-piece stamped terminal or a one-piece machined terminal; and / or the second terminal is a one-piece stamped terminal or a one-piece machined terminal.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal and the second terminal are identical and can be used interchangeably.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first connector includes only a first terminal, and the second connector includes only a second terminal.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adapter connector further includes a first housing, a first terminal of the first connector being adapted to be inserted into the first housing; a first end of the adapter terminal extends into and is fixed to the first housing to mate with the first terminal inserted into the first housing.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adapter connector further includes a second housing, a second terminal of the second connector being adapted to be inserted into the second housing; a second end of the adapter terminal extends into and is fixed to the second housing to mate with the second terminal inserted into the second housing.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adapter terminal includes an intermediate portion extending between the first housing and the second housing, and the adapter connector further includes a terminal retainer on which the intermediate portion of the adapter terminal is supported.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a positioning hole is formed on the terminal holder, through which the adapter terminal passes.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal retainer includes: a first terminal retainer abutting against the outer end face of the first housing or integrally formed with the first housing; a second terminal retainer abutting against the outer end face of the second housing or integrally formed with the second housing; and a third terminal retainer disposed at an intermediate position between the first terminal retainer and the second terminal retainer.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned connector assembly; a first circuit board, wherein a first terminal of a first connector of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the first circuit board; and a second circuit board, wherein a second terminal of a second connector of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the second circuit board.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, an adapter connector is provided, comprising: an adapter terminal having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first housing, wherein the first end of the adapter terminal extends into and is fixed to the first housing for mating with a first terminal of a first connector inserted into the first housing; and a second housing, wherein the second end of the adapter terminal extends into and is fixed to the second housing for mating with a second terminal of a second connector inserted into the second housing.

[0025] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the spacing between two circuit boards can be adjusted by using adapter connectors of different heights, thus the present invention has a wider range of applications and greater practicality.

[0026] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 show Figure 1 An exploded view of the connector assembly shown;

[0029] Figure 3 show Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly shown;

[0030] Figure 4 show Figure 2 A perspective view of the first and second connectors of the connector assembly shown;

[0031] Figure 5 show Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the adapter connector of the connector assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0034] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: a first connector adapted for electrical connection to a first circuit board; a second connector adapted for electrical connection to a second circuit board; and an adapter connector having its two ends adapted to mate with the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

[0035] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned connector assembly; a first circuit board, wherein a first terminal of a first connector of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the first circuit board; and a second circuit board, wherein a second terminal of a second connector of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the second circuit board.

[0036] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, an adapter connector is provided, comprising: an adapter terminal having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first housing, wherein the first end of the adapter terminal extends into and is fixed to the first housing to mate with a first terminal of a first connector inserted into the first housing; and a second housing, wherein the second end of the adapter terminal extends into and is fixed to the second housing to mate with a second terminal of a second connector inserted into the second housing.

[0037] Figure 1 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 show Figure 1 An exploded view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly mainly includes a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and an adapter connector 30. The first connector 10 is adapted to be electrically connected to a first circuit board 1. The second connector 20 is adapted to be electrically connected to a second circuit board 2. The two ends of the adapter connector 30 are adapted to mate with the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, respectively. In this way, an electrical connection between the first circuit board 1 and the second circuit board 2 can be achieved.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, if the spacing between the first circuit board 1 and the second circuit board 2 needs to be changed, only the adapter connector 30 of different heights needs to be replaced. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to situations where the spacing between the first circuit board 1 and the second circuit board 2 needs to be adjusted.

[0040] Figure 3 show Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly shown; Figure 4 show Figure 2 A perspective view of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 of the connector assembly shown; Figure 5 show Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the adapter connector 30 of the connector assembly shown.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 10 includes a first terminal 110, the second connector 20 includes a second terminal 210, and the adapter connector 30 includes an adapter terminal 33. The adapter terminal 33 has a first end 331 adapted to mate with the first terminal 110 and a second end 332 adapted to mate with the second terminal 210.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 110 includes a first body 11 and a first elastic clamping portion 12. The first body 11 has a first slot 111. The first elastic clamping portion 12 is disposed in the first slot 111. The first end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted into the first slot 111 of the first terminal 110 and clamped by the first elastic clamping portion 12.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 110 includes a plurality of first slots 111 formed on the first body 11 and a plurality of first elastic clamping portions 12 respectively disposed in the plurality of first slots 111. The adapter connector 30 includes a plurality of adapter terminals 33, the first ends 331 of the plurality of adapter terminals 33 being inserted into the plurality of first slots 111 and clamped by the plurality of first elastic clamping portions 12 respectively.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 110 further includes a plurality of first connecting pins 13, which are respectively connected to a plurality of first elastic clamping portions 12 and extend to the outside of the first body 11 for electrical connection to the first circuit board 1. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first connecting pins 13 are respectively inserted into a plurality of sockets on the first circuit board 1 and respectively soldered to the first circuit board 1.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first elastic clamping portion 12 is cylindrical and has a plurality of first elastic arms evenly spaced around its circumference. The first end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted into the cylindrical first elastic clamping portion 12 and clamped between the plurality of first elastic arms. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic clamping portion 12 has at least one pair of first elastic arms, and the first end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted between at least one pair of first elastic arms and clamped between at least one pair of first elastic arms.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 210 includes a second body 21 and a second elastic clamping portion 22. The second body 21 has a second slot 211. The second elastic clamping portion 22 is disposed in the second slot 211. The second end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted into the second slot 211 of the second terminal 210 and clamped by the second elastic clamping portion 22.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 210 includes a plurality of first slots 211 formed on the second body 21 and a plurality of second elastic clamping portions 22 respectively disposed in the plurality of second slots 211. The adapter connector 30 includes a plurality of adapter terminals 33, the second ends 332 of the plurality of adapter terminals 33 being inserted into the plurality of second slots 211 and clamped by the plurality of second elastic clamping portions 22 respectively.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 210 further includes a plurality of second connecting pins 23. The plurality of second connecting pins 23 are respectively connected to a plurality of second elastic clamping portions 22 and extend to the outside of the second body 21 for electrical connection to the second circuit board 1. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of second connecting pins 23 are respectively inserted into a plurality of sockets on the second circuit board 2 and respectively soldered to the second circuit board 2.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second elastic clamping part 22 is cylindrical and has a plurality of second elastic arms evenly spaced around its circumference. The second end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted into the cylindrical second elastic clamping part 22 and clamped between the plurality of second elastic arms.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second elastic clamping portion 22 has at least one pair of second elastic arms, and the second end 332 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted between and clamped between the at least one pair of second elastic arms. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second elastic clamping portion 22 has at least one pair of second elastic arms, and the second end 332 of the adapter terminal 33 is inserted between and clamped between the at least one pair of second elastic arms.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 110 is a one-piece stamped terminal, and the second terminal 210 is also a one-piece stamped terminal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 210 may also be one-piece machined terminals.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 210 are identical and interchangeable. This reduces manufacturing costs.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the adapter connector 30 further includes a first housing 31. A first terminal 110 of the first connector 10 is adapted to be inserted into a receiving cavity 311 of the first housing 31. A first end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 extends into and is secured to the first housing 31 to mate with the first terminal 110 inserted into the first housing 31.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the adapter connector 30 further includes a second housing 32, and the second terminal 210 of the second connector 20 is adapted to be inserted into the receiving cavity 321 of the second housing 32. The second end 332 of the adapter terminal 33 extends into and is secured to the second housing 32 to mate with the second terminal 210 inserted into the second housing 32.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 10 includes only the first terminal 110, and the second connector 20 includes only the second terminal 210. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when mating with the adapter connector 30, the first terminal 110 of the first connector 10 and the second terminal 210 of the second connector 20 are respectively inserted into the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 of the adapter connector 30. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a separate housing for the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 210, thus saving two housings and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the adapter terminal 33 includes a middle portion extending between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32, and the adapter connector 30 also includes terminal retainers 341, 342, and 342. The middle portion of the adapter terminal 33 is supported on the terminal retainers 341, 342, and 342. This prevents the middle portion of the adapter terminal 33 from bending under stress.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, multiple positioning holes are formed on the terminal retainers 341, 342, 342, and multiple adapter terminals 33 pass through the multiple positioning holes respectively.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal retainers 341, 342, and 343 include: a first terminal retainer 341, which abuts against the outer end face of the first housing 31 or is integrally formed with the first housing 31; a second terminal retainer 342, which abuts against the outer end face of the second housing 31 or is integrally formed with the second housing 32; and a third terminal retainer 343, which is disposed at an intermediate position between the first terminal retainer 341 and the second terminal retainer 342.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is also disclosed. This electrical connection assembly includes: the aforementioned connector assembly, a first circuit board 1, and a second circuit board 2. A first terminal 110 of the first connector 10 of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the first circuit board 1. A second terminal 210 of the second connector 20 of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the second circuit board 2.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an adapter connector is also disclosed. The adapter connector includes a first housing 31, a second housing 32, and an adapter terminal 33. The adapter terminal 33 has a first end 331 and a second end 332 opposite to the first end 331. The first end 331 of the adapter terminal 33 extends into and is fixed to the first housing 31 to mate with a first terminal 110 of a first connector 10 inserted into the first housing 31. The second end 332 of the adapter terminal 33 extends into and is fixed to the second housing 32 to mate with a second terminal 210 of a second connector 20 inserted into the second housing 32.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0062] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0063] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0064] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: First connector (10) is adapted to be electrically connected to first circuit board (1); The second connector (20) is adapted to be electrically connected to the second circuit board (2); and An adapter connector (30) has two ends adapted to mate with the first connector (10) and the second connector (20) respectively. The first connector (10) includes only a first terminal (110), the second connector (20) includes only a second terminal (210), and the adapter connector (30) includes an adapter terminal (33). The adapter terminal (33) has a first end (331) adapted to mate with the first terminal (110) and a second end (332) adapted to mate with the second terminal (210). The adapter connector (30) further includes a first housing (31), a first terminal (110) of the first connector (10) being adapted to be inserted into the first housing (31); a first end (331) of the adapter terminal (33) extends into and is fixed to the first housing (31) to mate with the first terminal (110) inserted into the first housing (31); The adapter connector (30) further includes a second housing (32), and a second terminal (210) of the second connector (20) is adapted to be inserted into the second housing (32); the second end (332) of the adapter terminal (33) extends into and is fixed to the second housing (32) to mate with the second terminal (210) inserted into the second housing (32).

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first terminal (110) includes: The first body (11) has a first slot (111); and The first elastic clamping part (12) is disposed in the first slot (111). The first end (331) of the adapter terminal (33) is inserted into the first slot (111) of the first terminal (110) and is held by the first elastic clamping part (12).

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first terminal (110) includes a plurality of first slots (111) formed on the first body (11) and a plurality of first elastic clamping portions (12) respectively disposed in the plurality of first slots (111). The adapter connector (30) includes a plurality of adapter terminals (33), the first ends (331) of the plurality of adapter terminals (33) are respectively inserted into the plurality of first slots (111) and respectively clamped by the plurality of first elastic clamping parts (12).

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal (110) also includes a plurality of first connecting pins (13), which are respectively connected to the plurality of first elastic clamping portions (12) and extend to the outside of the first body (11) for electrical connection to the first circuit board (1).

5. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first elastic clamping part (12) is cylindrical and has a plurality of first elastic arms evenly spaced around its circumference. The first end (331) of the adapter terminal (33) is inserted into the cylindrical first elastic clamping part (12) and clamped between the plurality of first elastic arms; or The first elastic clamping part (12) has at least one pair of first elastic arms, and the first end (331) of the adapter terminal (33) is inserted between the at least one pair of first elastic arms and clamped between the at least one pair of first elastic arms.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second terminal (210) includes: The second body (21) has a second slot (211); and The second elastic clamping part (22) is disposed in the second slot (211). The second end (331) of the adapter terminal (33) is inserted into the second slot (211) of the second terminal (210) and held by the second elastic clamping part (22).

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second terminal (210) includes a plurality of first slots (211) formed on the second body (21) and a plurality of second elastic clamping portions (22) respectively disposed in the plurality of second slots (211). The adapter connector (30) includes a plurality of adapter terminals (33), the second ends (332) of which are respectively inserted into the plurality of second slots (211) and respectively clamped by the plurality of second elastic clamping parts (22).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second terminal (210) also includes a plurality of second connecting pins (23), which are respectively connected to the plurality of second elastic clamping portions (22) and extend to the outside of the second body (21) for electrical connection to the second circuit board (1).

9. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second elastic clamping part (22) is cylindrical and has a plurality of second elastic arms evenly spaced around its circumference. The second end (331) of the adapter terminal (33) is inserted into the cylindrical second elastic clamping part (22) and clamped between the plurality of second elastic arms; or The second elastic clamping part (22) has at least one pair of second elastic arms, and the second end (332) of the adapter terminal (33) is inserted between the at least one pair of second elastic arms and clamped between the at least one pair of second elastic arms.

10. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The first terminal (110) is a one-piece stamped terminal or a one-piece machined terminal; and / or The second terminal (210) is an integral stamped terminal or an integral machined terminal.

11. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The first terminal (110) and the second terminal (210) are exactly the same and can be used interchangeably.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter terminal (33) includes an intermediate portion extending between the first housing (31) and the second housing (32), and the adapter connector (30) also includes terminal retainers (341, 342, 342), the intermediate portion of the adapter terminal (33) being supported on the terminal retainers (341, 342, 342).

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: A positioning hole is formed on the terminal retainer (341, 342, 342), and the adapter terminal (33) passes through the positioning hole.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The terminal retainers (341, 342, 342) include: The first terminal retainer (341) is attached to the outer end face of the first housing (31) or integrally formed with the first housing (31); The second terminal retainer (342) abuts against the outer end face of the second housing (31) or is integrally formed with the second housing (32); and The third terminal holder (343) is disposed at the middle position between the first terminal holder (341) and the second terminal holder (342).

15. An electrical connection assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-14; The first circuit board (1) is connected to the first circuit board (1) by the first terminal (110) of the first connector (10) of the connector assembly; and The second circuit board (2) has its second terminal (210) of the second connector (20) of the connector assembly electrically connected to the second circuit board (2).

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