Passive rail vehicle coupling control method and on-board controller

By receiving and controlling the status information of the train's power source through the onboard controller, the safe and effective sharing and power allocation of the power source are realized, which solves the problem of energy efficiency and performance degradation after train coupling and improves the overall operation performance and reliability of the train.

CN117962936BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-17CRRC TANGSHAN CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CRRC TANGSHAN CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-01-10
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In rail transit, after trains are coupled, each train uses its own stored energy to operate, which leads to a decrease in the overall travel distance and power performance of the train, reduced energy efficiency, and an increased failure rate.

Method used

The onboard controller receives status information of all power sources of the coupled train and controls the power sources accordingly. It prioritizes the use of power sources without DC/DC converters with the highest open-circuit voltage to establish bus voltage and achieve safe and effective sharing and power distribution of power sources.

Benefits of technology

It improved the overall travel range and power performance of the train, reduced the failure rate, improved energy efficiency, and extended the service life of the power source.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This application provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method and an on-board controller. The method includes: the on-board controller of the coupled train receiving status information of all power sources of the coupled train; wherein the coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical connection, communication connection and electrical connection; the on-board controller controls the coupled train according to the status information of all power sources, thereby achieving safe and effective control of the coupled train.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rail transit technology, and in particular to a passive rail vehicle coupling control method and on-board controller. Background Technology

[0002] To address visual pollution from overhead contact lines, conserve energy, and reduce carbon emissions, passive rail vehicles have been put into operation in various regions. The main power supply components include fuel cells, power batteries, supercapacitors, and hybrid power systems composed of these components.

[0003] In the rail transit sector, there is often a need for coupled train operations. For example, when passenger flow is large, two non-coupled trains can be coupled together to carry more passengers. Before coupling, each non-coupled train has its own power supply and control methods and systems. After coupling, a standard coupler is used for mechanical and communication connection.

[0004] However, after coupling, each of the two trains will use its own stored energy to operate. Due to the barrel principle, this reduces the overall travel range and power performance of the train, lowers the overall energy efficiency, and reduces the failure rate of the train. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address one of the aforementioned technical deficiencies, this application provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method and an on-board controller.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method, the method comprising:

[0007] The onboard controller of the coupled train receives status information from all power sources of the coupled train; the coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical, communication and electrical links.

[0008] The onboard controller controls the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources.

[0009] Optionally, before the onboard controller of the coupled train receives status information from all power sources of the coupled train, it also includes:

[0010] The vehicle in front is stationary and its brakes are released. The vehicle behind then moves at a preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the vehicle in front. Both the vehicle in front and the vehicle behind apply brakes.

[0011] The front and rear vehicles are stationary, and the front and rear vehicles are powered off, completing the communication and electrical connection between the front and rear vehicles;

[0012] The control circuits on the front and rear carriages form a coupled train.

[0013] Optionally, the front and rear vehicles are powered off, including:

[0014] The control circuits for the front and rear vehicles are switched off and the high voltage is switched off.

[0015] Optionally, the preset speed is 5 km / h.

[0016] Optionally, the onboard controller controls the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources, including:

[0017] The on-board controller determines whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter based on the status information of all power sources and the DC / DC distribution of the coupled trains.

[0018] The on-board controller generates the following control scheme: establish bus voltage based on power sources without DC / DC, close all power sources with DC / DC, and set DC / DC to current control mode;

[0019] The onboard controller controls the coupled trains according to the control scheme.

[0020] Optionally, establishing a bus voltage based on a power source without a DC / DC converter includes:

[0021] Sort all power sources without DC / DC converters in descending order of open-circuit voltage to obtain a power source sequence;

[0022] The first power source in the closed power source sequence establishes the bus voltage;

[0023] Starting from the second power source in the power source sequence, select one power source in sequence. If the difference between the open-circuit voltage of the selected power source and the bus voltage is less than the current threshold, close the selected power source; otherwise, keep the selected power source open.

[0024] Among them, the current threshold is the maximum current of the power source.

[0025] In a second aspect of this application, an on-board controller is provided, which is located on a coupled train;

[0026] A coupled train consists of a front train and a rear train connected by mechanical, communication, and electrical links.

[0027] The on-board controller is used to receive status information of all power sources of the coupled train; and to control the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources.

[0028] Optionally, before the onboard controller receives status information from all power sources of the coupled train, it also includes:

[0029] When the vehicle in front comes to a standstill and releases its brakes, the vehicle behind moves at a preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the vehicle in front, and both vehicles apply brakes.

[0030] The front and rear vehicles are stationary, and the front and rear vehicles are powered off, completing the communication and electrical connection between the front and rear vehicles;

[0031] The control circuits on the front and rear carriages form a coupled train.

[0032] Optionally, based on the status information of all power sources, the coupled train is controlled, including:

[0033] Based on the status information of all power sources and the DC / DC distribution of the coupled trains, determine whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter.

[0034] The following control scheme is generated: establish the bus voltage based on the power source without DC / DC, close all power sources with DC / DC configured, and set the DC / DC to current control mode;

[0035] According to the control plan, the coupled trains are controlled.

[0036] Optionally, establishing a bus voltage based on a power source without a DC / DC converter includes:

[0037] Sort all power sources without DC / DC converters in descending order of open-circuit voltage to obtain a power source sequence;

[0038] The first power source in the closed power source sequence establishes the bus voltage;

[0039] Starting from the second power source in the power source sequence, select one power source in sequence. If the difference between the open-circuit voltage of the selected power source and the bus voltage is less than the current threshold, close the selected power source; otherwise, keep the selected power source open.

[0040] Among them, the current threshold is the maximum current of the power source.

[0041] This application provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method and an on-board controller. The method includes: the on-board controller of the coupled train receiving status information of all power sources of the coupled train; wherein the coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical connection, communication connection and electrical connection; the on-board controller controls the coupled train according to the status information of all power sources, thereby achieving safe and effective control of the coupled train. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a coupled train consisting of two passive rail vehicles provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a coupled train consisting of two passive rail vehicles, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a passive rail vehicle coupling control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the exemplary embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not an exhaustive list of all embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0047] In developing this application, the inventors discovered that in the field of rail transit, there is often a need for coupled train operation. For example, when passenger flow is large, two non-coupled trains can be coupled to carry more passengers. Before coupling, each non-coupled train has its own power supply control method and system. After coupling, a standard coupler is used for mechanical and communication connection. However, after coupling, each train will use its own stored energy to operate. Due to the "weakest link" principle, this reduces the overall train's range and power performance, lowers the overall energy efficiency, and increases the train's failure rate.

[0048] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method and an on-board controller. The method includes: the on-board controller of the coupled train receiving status information of all power sources of the coupled train; wherein the coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical, communication, and electrical connections; the on-board controller controls the coupled train according to the status information of all power sources, thereby achieving safe and effective control of the coupled train.

[0049] This embodiment provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method, which can control coupled trains. Before implementing the passive rail vehicle coupling control method provided in this embodiment, two uncoupled trains need to be coupled together to form a coupled train. This coupling process is based on a leading and trailing train, where both the leading and trailing trains are uncoupled.

[0050] The coupling process for two non-coupled trains is as follows:

[0051] 1. The vehicle in front is stationary, and the brakes are released. The vehicle behind moves at the preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the vehicle in front. Both the vehicle in front and the vehicle behind apply brakes.

[0052] For example, the preset speed is 5 km / h.

[0053] In practical applications, after the preceding vehicle has come to a standstill, the control electricity and power source can be turned on, thereby causing the preceding vehicle to release its brakes, and then the following vehicle will run at a preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the preceding vehicle.

[0054] 2. With the front and rear vehicles stationary, the front and rear vehicles are powered off, completing the communication and electrical connections between them.

[0055] Among them, the power-off of the front and rear vehicles includes the power-off of the control power of the front and rear vehicles and the power-off of the high voltage.

[0056] 3. The front and rear trains are equipped with control electricity to form a coupled train.

[0057] Among them, the power-on of the front and rear vehicles is the low-voltage power-on of the front and rear vehicles.

[0058] Coupled trains after coupling, such as Figure 1 As shown, the front and rear cars in a coupled train are mechanically, communicatively, and electrically connected, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0059] In addition, after the train is coupled together to form a coupled train, an on-board controller will be selected in the driver's cab on both sides of the vehicle to be activated, so that the activated on-board controller acts as the main controller.

[0060] For example, both non-coupled trains are fuel cell + battery trains, with their power systems consisting of one fuel cell + DC-DC converter and one battery pack. When coupled, the leading train is stationary, and the trailing train collides with it at 5 km / h to complete the mechanical connection. The leading and trailing trains are then de-energized, and the communication cable and busbar connecting them are established for communication and electrical connection. Finally, the leading and trailing trains are powered on at low voltage, activating an onboard controller in one of the coupled trains.

[0061] based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The coupled train shown in this embodiment, the passive rail vehicle coupling control method is implemented as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it includes:

[0062] 301. The onboard controller of the coupled train receives status information of all power sources of the coupled train.

[0063] In this embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the vehicle controller is the activated vehicle controller.

[0064] In addition, all power source status information can be uploaded periodically by the vehicle control platform.

[0065] A coupled train consists of a lead car and a rear car connected by mechanical, communication and electrical links.

[0066] In other words, Figure 3 The coupled trains in the passive rail vehicle coupling control method shown are all composed of the above coupling scheme, including a front car and a rear car, and the front car and the rear car are mechanically connected, communicated and electrically connected.

[0067] 302. The on-board controller controls the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources.

[0068] The implementation process of step 302 is as follows:

[0069] 302-1, The on-board controller determines whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter based on the status information of all power sources and the DC / DC distribution of the coupled trains.

[0070] After determining whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter, all power sources can be divided into two groups based on the determination. One group contains power sources equipped with DC / DC converters, while the other group contains power sources without DC / DC converters.

[0071] 302-2, The vehicle controller generates the following control scheme:

[0072] 1) Establish bus voltage based on the absence of a DC / DC power source.

[0073] (1) Sort all power sources without DC / DC in descending order of open-circuit voltage value to obtain the power source sequence.

[0074] (2) The first power source in the closed power source sequence establishes the bus voltage.

[0075] (3) Starting from the second power source in the power source sequence, select one power source in sequence. If the difference between the open circuit voltage of the selected power source and the bus voltage is less than the current threshold, close the selected power source; otherwise, keep the selected power source open.

[0076] Among them, the current threshold is the maximum current of the power source.

[0077] For example, for a group corresponding to a power source without a DC / DC power source, sort all power sources in that group by their open-circuit voltage values ​​from largest to smallest. Close the power source with the largest open-circuit voltage value to establish the bus voltage. Compare the open-circuit voltage value of the power source with the second-highest voltage value in the voltage ranking with the bus voltage.

[0078] If the difference is less than the current threshold, then the DC / DC power source is closed.

[0079] If the difference is not less than the current threshold, then no DC / DC power source will remain disconnected.

[0080] Sort by open-circuit voltage value and operate all non-DC / DC power sources in sequence.

[0081] 2) Close all power sources configured with DC / DC and set the DC / DC to current control mode.

[0082] With the above control scheme, when trains are coupled, under the premise of ensuring the safety of all closed power sources and the power demand of the vehicles, priority is given to using the output of all power sources with DC / DC and the power source without DC / DC with the largest open-circuit voltage. As the voltage of the vehicle operating bus gradually decreases, when the value is less than the current threshold, all power sources without DC / DC are closed in sequence.

[0083] After all power sources are closed, the train operates according to the predetermined power source control method. The vehicle utilizes the energy from all power sources, ensuring the overall travel distance and power performance of the train, reducing the overall energy efficiency of the train, and lowering the vehicle failure rate.

[0084] 302-3, The on-board controller controls the coupled train according to the control scheme.

[0085] Taking a coupled train where both the front and rear cars are fuel cell + battery trains, with its power system consisting of one fuel cell + DC-DC converter and one battery, as an example, when controlling it using the passive rail vehicle coupling control method provided in this embodiment, the onboard controller compares the voltages of the front and rear battery. The front battery voltage (780V) is greater than the rear battery voltage (750V) (current threshold 50V). First, the battery voltage is closed, obtaining a bus voltage of approximately 770V. The rear battery is then closed, and the front battery charges the rear battery through the bus, resulting in a rear bus voltage of 763V. The fuel cell systems of both the front and rear vehicles are then closed, the DC / DC converter is set to a current model, and the vehicles are coupled. During vehicle operation, the power of the two fuel cells and the battery is allocated according to a pre-set energy management strategy.

[0086] Because the four power systems work together to drive the two trains, the fuel cell system can operate in a high-efficiency and long-life range according to the power requirements of the vehicles.

[0087] If one of the power sources needs to be shut down due to a malfunction, the other power sources can be used to power two trains, demonstrating strong fault tolerance.

[0088] It shares all power sources for the entire train, providing operational mileage. By controlling the DC / DC converter, it enables power distribution among all power sources, improving vehicle energy efficiency, enhancing overall vehicle fault tolerance, and extending the lifespan of the power sources.

[0089] The passive rail vehicle coupling control method provided in this embodiment can realize the mechanical, electrical, and communication connections between connected vehicles, share all power sources of the entire train, and provide vehicle operating mileage. By controlling the DC / DC converter, the power distribution of all power sources of the vehicle can be realized, improving vehicle energy efficiency, providing fault tolerance for the entire vehicle, and extending the service life of the power sources.

[0090] This embodiment provides a passive rail vehicle coupling control method, including: the on-board controller of the coupled train receiving status information of all power sources of the coupled train; wherein, the coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical connection, communication connection and electrical connection; the on-board controller controls the coupled train according to the status information of all power sources, thereby realizing safe and effective control of the coupled train.

[0091] Based on the same inventive concept of the passive rail vehicle coupling control method, this embodiment provides an on-board controller, wherein the on-board controller is located on the coupled train.

[0092] A coupled train consists of a front train and a rear train connected by mechanical, communication and electrical links.

[0093] The onboard controller receives status information from all power sources of the coupled train and controls the coupled train based on this information.

[0094] The vehicle controller was activated.

[0095] In addition, before the onboard controller receives status information from all power sources of the coupled train, it also includes:

[0096] The vehicle in front is stationary and its brakes are released. The vehicle behind then moves at a preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the vehicle in front. Both vehicles then apply their brakes.

[0097] The vehicles in front and behind are stationary, and the power is turned off in both vehicles, thus completing the communication and electrical connection between them.

[0098] The control circuits on the front and rear carriages form a coupled train.

[0099] Among them, the power outages of the front and rear vehicles include:

[0100] The control circuits for the front and rear vehicles are switched off and the high voltage is switched off.

[0101] The preset speed is 5 km / h.

[0102] The control center for the coupled train, based on the status information of all power sources, includes:

[0103] Based on the status information of all power sources and the DC / DC distribution of the coupled trains, determine whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter.

[0104] The following control scheme is generated: establish the bus voltage based on the power source without DC / DC, close all power sources with DC / DC configuration, and set the DC / DC to current control mode.

[0105] According to the control plan, the coupled trains are controlled.

[0106] Among them, establishing bus voltage based on the absence of a DC / DC power source includes:

[0107] Sort all power sources without DC / DC converters in descending order of their open-circuit voltage values ​​to obtain a power source sequence.

[0108] The first power source in the closed power source sequence establishes the bus voltage.

[0109] Starting from the second power source in the power source sequence, select one power source in sequence. If the difference between the open-circuit voltage of the selected power source and the bus voltage is less than the current threshold, close the selected power source; otherwise, keep the selected power source open.

[0110] Among them, the current threshold is the maximum current of the power source.

[0111] This application provides an on-board controller located on a coupled train. The coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical, communication, and electrical links. The on-board controller receives status information from all power sources of the coupled train and controls the coupled train based on this status information. This on-board controller enables safe and effective control of the coupled train.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code. The solutions in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in various computer languages, such as the object-oriented programming language Java and the interpreted scripting language JavaScript.

[0113] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0114] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0115] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0116] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0117] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0118] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A passive rail vehicle coupling control method, characterized in that, The method includes: The onboard controller of the coupled train receives status information of all power sources of the coupled train; wherein the coupled train consists of a front car and a rear car connected by mechanical, communication and electrical connections. The on-board controller controls the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources; The on-board controller controls the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources, including: The on-board controller determines whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter based on the status information of all power sources and the DC / DC distribution of the coupled train. The on-board controller generates the following control scheme: establish bus voltage based on power sources without DC / DC, close all power sources with DC / DC, and set DC / DC to current control mode; The on-board controller controls the coupled train according to the control scheme. The method of establishing bus voltage based on a power source without DC / DC converters includes: Sort all power sources without DC / DC converters in descending order of open-circuit voltage to obtain a power source sequence; Close the first power source in the power source sequence to establish the bus voltage; Starting from the second power source in the power source sequence, select one power source in sequence. If the difference between the open-circuit voltage of the selected power source and the bus voltage is less than the current threshold, close the selected power source; otherwise, keep the selected power source open. Among them, the current threshold is the maximum current of the power source.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the onboard controller of the coupled train receives the status information of all power sources of the coupled train, it also includes: When the vehicle in front is stationary and its brakes are released, the vehicle behind moves at a preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the vehicle in front, and both the vehicle in front and the vehicle behind apply brakes. The front vehicle and the rear vehicle are stationary, and the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are powered off, thus completing the communication connection and electrical connection between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle; The control circuits on the front and rear vehicles form a coupled train.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power-off of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle includes: The front vehicle and the rear vehicle control the power off and the high voltage off.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preset speed is 5 km / h.

5. An on-board controller applying the passive rail vehicle coupling control method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The on-board controller is located on the coupled train; The coupled train consists of a front train and a rear train connected by mechanical, communication and electrical links. The on-board controller is used to receive the status information of all power sources of the coupled train; and to control the coupled train according to the status information of all power sources.

6. The vehicle controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before the on-board controller receives the status information of all power sources of the coupled train, it also includes: When the vehicle in front is stationary and its brakes are released, the vehicle behind moves at a preset speed, completing the mechanical connection with the vehicle in front, and both the vehicle in front and the vehicle behind apply brakes. The front vehicle and the rear vehicle are stationary, and the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are powered off, thus completing the communication connection and electrical connection between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle; The control circuits on the front and rear vehicles form a coupled train.

7. The vehicle controller according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of controlling the coupled train based on the status information of all power sources includes: Based on the status information of all power sources and the DC / DC distribution of the coupled train, determine whether each power source is equipped with a DC / DC converter; The following control scheme is generated: establish the bus voltage based on the power source without DC / DC, close all power sources with DC / DC configured, and set the DC / DC to current control mode; The coupled train is controlled according to the control scheme.

8. The vehicle controller according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method of establishing bus voltage based on a power source without DC / DC converters includes: Sort all power sources without DC / DC converters in descending order of open-circuit voltage to obtain a power source sequence; Close the first power source in the power source sequence to establish the bus voltage; Starting from the second power source in the power source sequence, select one power source sequentially. If the difference between the open-circuit voltage of the selected power source and the bus voltage is less than the current threshold, then close the selected power source; otherwise, keep the selected power source open. Among them, the current threshold is the maximum current of the power source.

Citation Information

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