Fan coil

By setting controllable inlet and outlet water passages and valves at both ends of the fan coil unit, the problem of mismatch in the number of left and right fan coil units is solved, enabling rapid adaptation and efficient installation, and shortening the construction cycle.

CN120868528APending Publication Date: 2025-10-31SICHUAN CHANGHONG AIR CONDITIONER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511026466.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-24
Publication Date
2025-10-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the mismatch in the number of left and right fan coil units leads to problems such as reordering, replacement, and extended construction periods.

Method used

Design a fan coil unit that features controllable inlet and outlet water passages at both ends of the coil body. By using shaped tees and regular tees in combination with valves, the inlet and outlet water directions can be flexibly switched to adapt to different installation requirements and eliminate the differences between left and right types.

Benefits of technology

There is no need to distinguish between left and right types. By switching the path status, the unit can quickly adapt to the actual pipeline layout, reduce supply chain redundancy and time loss, improve installation efficiency, and ensure that construction proceeds as planned.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention provides a fan coil which comprises a coil body, a main water inlet and a main water outlet are formed in the coil body, a main water inlet pipe is arranged at the main water inlet, the end, away from the main water inlet, of the main water inlet pipe is connected with two controllable water inlet channels, and ports of the two water inlet channels are located at the two ends of the coil body respectively. Any water inlet passage is communicated with the main water inlet pipe to form a passage, a main water outlet pipe is arranged at the main water outlet, one end, far away from the main water outlet, of the main water outlet pipe is connected with two controllable water outlet passages, ports of the two water outlet passages are respectively positioned at two ends of the coil body, and any water outlet passage is communicated with the main water outlet pipe to form a passage; the main water inlet pipe is arranged at the two ends of the coil pipe body through the two controllable water inlet channels, the main water outlet pipe is arranged at the two ends of the coil pipe body through the two controllable water outlet channels in the same mode, any water inlet / outlet channel can be independently communicated with a main pipeline, left and right modes do not need to be distinguished, and the category difference of the left and right modes is fundamentally eliminated.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of terminal equipment technology for central air conditioning systems, and more particularly to a fan coil unit. Background Technology

[0002] In central air conditioning systems, fan coil units are widely used as terminal heat exchange devices. Due to limitations in building space layout, pipe routing, and other installation conditions, fan coil units are typically divided into two types: left-hand and right-hand installation. The main difference between left-hand and right-hand installation lies in the location of the inlet and outlet water pipe interfaces, the drain pipe interfaces, and the overall installation orientation of the fan coil unit, to accommodate different on-site pipe connection requirements.

[0003] Currently, most fan coil units on the market are either left-hand or right-hand configurations. During engineering design and construction, the number of left-hand and right-hand fan coil units needs to be determined in advance based on the actual site conditions. However, in actual construction, due to the complex and variable site conditions, discrepancies frequently occur in the calculation of the number of left-hand and right-hand units, resulting in a mismatch between the actual required number of left-hand and right-hand units. In such cases, the construction team has to reorder or replace the units, which not only increases logistics and time costs but also significantly extends the construction period and impacts the project schedule. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a fan coil unit that solves the problems of reordering, replacement, and extended construction periods caused by mismatches in the number of left and right units during installation.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fan coil unit includes a coil body, a main water inlet and a main water outlet, a main water inlet pipe at the main water inlet, and two controllable water inlet passages connected to the end of the main water inlet pipe away from the main water inlet. The ports of the two water inlet passages are respectively located at both ends of the coil body, wherein either water inlet passage is connected to the main water inlet pipe to form a passage. A main water outlet pipe at the main water outlet is connected to two controllable water outlet passages at the end of the main water outlet away from the main water outlet. The ports of the two water outlet passages are respectively located at both ends of the coil body, wherein either water outlet passage is connected to the main water outlet pipe to form a passage.

[0006] Compared to existing technologies, this invention offers the following advantages: The main inlet pipe is installed at both ends of the coil body via two controllable inlet channels, and the main outlet pipe is installed at both ends of the coil body in the same manner via two controllable outlet channels. Either inlet / outlet channel can be individually connected to the main pipeline. By switching the connection status of the channels, the same unit can flexibly adapt to "left inlet, right outlet" or "right inlet, left outlet" installation requirements, eliminating the need to distinguish between left and right types. This fundamentally eliminates the category difference between "left and right" types. Even if the planned number of left and right types is found to be inconsistent with the actual quantity on-site, the "left / right attribute" of the unit can be directly adjusted by switching the inlet / outlet channels, without the need for reordering or replacement. This reduces supply chain redundancy and time loss caused by category mismatch. Through controllable switching of the channels, the unit can quickly adapt to the actual pipeline layout on-site without downtime, significantly improving installation efficiency, ensuring construction proceeds as planned, and shortening the overall cycle.

[0007] Preferably, the water inlet passage includes a first water inlet pipe and a second water inlet pipe, and a first water inlet valve and a second water inlet valve are respectively installed on the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe. A special-shaped tee is installed at the end of the main water inlet pipe away from the main water inlet. The first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe are respectively connected to the corresponding ports of the special-shaped tee to form corresponding passages.

[0008] Preferably, the ports of the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe are respectively the first water inlet and the second water inlet, and the first water inlet and the second water inlet are located at both ends of the coil body, wherein the first water inlet or the second water inlet is connected to an external pipeline.

[0009] Preferably, the water outlet passage includes a first water outlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe, and a first water outlet valve and a second water outlet valve are respectively installed on the first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe. A positive tee pipe is installed at the end of the main water outlet pipe away from the main water outlet. The first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe are respectively connected to the corresponding ports of the positive tee pipe to form corresponding passages.

[0010] Preferably, the ports of the first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe are respectively the first water outlet and the second water outlet, and the first water outlet and the second water outlet are located at both ends of the coil body, wherein the first water outlet or the second water outlet is connected to an external pipeline.

[0011] Preferably, a water receiving tray is detachably installed at the bottom of the coil body, and the main water inlet pipe and each water inlet passage, as well as the main water outlet pipe and each water outlet passage, are all located inside the water receiving tray.

[0012] Preferably, the water receiving tray has a first drain outlet and a second drain outlet at both ends.

[0013] Preferably, a first plug is provided at the first drain outlet, and a second plug is provided at the second drain outlet.

[0014] Preferably, both ends of the water receiving tray are provided with fixing plates, each fixing plate is provided with a support plate, and the support plate is provided with two clearance grooves, and each water inlet passage and each water outlet passage are respectively locked in the corresponding clearance groove.

[0015] Preferably, multiple sets of support frames are evenly distributed inside the water receiving tray, and each support frame is equipped with two limit buckles, which are locked in the corresponding limit buckles for the water inlet and water outlet passages. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of region A in the middle.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fixing plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the support frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an installation diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the above attached diagrams: 10. Coil body; 13. Main outlet; 14. Main inlet; 20. Main outlet pipe; 21. First outlet; 22. First outlet pipe; 221. Second outlet; 23. Second outlet pipe; 24. First outlet valve; 25. Second outlet valve; 26. Positive tee pipe; 30. Main inlet pipe; 31. First inlet; 32. First inlet pipe; 321. Second inlet; 33. Second inlet pipe; 34. First inlet valve; 35. Second inlet valve; 36. Irregular tee; 40. Support plate; 41. Fixing plate; 411. Clearance groove; 50. Support frame; 51. Limit buckle; 60. Water receiving tray; 61. First drain outlet; 611. First plug; 62. Second drain outlet; 621. Second plug. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 6As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a fan coil unit, including a coil body 10. The coil body 10 is provided with a main water inlet 14 and a main water outlet 13. A main water inlet pipe 30 is provided at the main water inlet 14. The end of the main water inlet pipe 30 away from the main water inlet 14 is connected to two controllable water inlet passages. The ports of the two water inlet passages are respectively located at both ends of the coil body 10. Either water inlet passage is connected to the main water inlet pipe 30 to form a passage. A main water outlet pipe 20 is provided at the main water outlet 13. The end of the main water outlet pipe 20 away from the main water outlet 13 is connected to two controllable water outlet passages. The ports of the two water outlet passages are respectively located at both ends of the coil body 10. Either water outlet passage is connected to the main water outlet pipe 20 to form a passage.

[0025] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: The main water inlet pipe 30 is set at both ends of the coil body 10 through two controllable water inlet channels, and the main water outlet pipe 20 is set at both ends of the coil body in the same way through two controllable water outlet channels. Any one of the water inlet / outlet channels can be connected to the main pipeline independently. By switching the connection status of the channels, the same unit can flexibly adapt to the installation requirements of "left inlet and right outlet" or "right inlet and left outlet", without distinguishing between left and right types. This fundamentally eliminates the category difference of "left and right types". Even if it is found on site that the originally planned left and right type quantity does not match the actual quantity, the "left and right type attribute" of the unit can be directly adjusted by switching the water inlet / outlet channels. There is no need to reorder or change the goods, which reduces the supply chain redundancy and time loss caused by category mismatch. Through the controllable switching of the channels, the unit can quickly adapt to the actual pipeline layout on site without stopping work and waiting, which significantly improves the installation efficiency, ensures that the construction proceeds as planned, and shortens the overall cycle.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water inlet passage includes a first water inlet pipe 32 and a second water inlet pipe 33. A first water inlet valve 34 and a second water inlet valve 35 are respectively installed on the first water inlet pipe 32 and the second water inlet pipe 33. A special-shaped tee 36 is installed at the end of the main water inlet pipe 30 away from the main water inlet 14. The first water inlet pipe 32 and the second water inlet pipe 33 are respectively connected to the corresponding ports of the special-shaped tee 36 to form corresponding passages.

[0027] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: The main water inlet pipe 30 is divided into a first water inlet pipe 32 and a second water inlet pipe 33 through a special-shaped tee 36, forming a "one main and two branches" water circuit structure. The first water inlet valve 34 and the second water inlet valve 35 control the opening and closing of the two water inlet pipes respectively. By selectively opening the valves (such as opening the first water inlet valve 34 and closing the second water inlet valve 35, or vice versa), the path of water flow can be precisely controlled, realizing the switching between "left inlet" and "right inlet" modes, and adapting to different installation pipeline layouts without replacing the unit.

[0028] The water flow path can be changed by switching valves, making the same unit compatible with two installation requirements.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the ports of the first water inlet pipe 32 and the second water inlet pipe 33 are the first water inlet 31 and the second water inlet 321, respectively. The first water inlet 31 and the second water inlet 321 are located at both ends of the coil body 10, wherein the first water inlet 31 or the second water inlet 321 is connected to an external pipeline.

[0030] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: The two water inlets are located at both ends of the coil body and can be directly connected to external pipelines in different directions on site (e.g., the first water inlet 31 connects to the external pipeline on the left, or the second water inlet 321 connects to the external pipeline on the right). By opening the water inlet valve of the corresponding pipeline, a seamless adaptation of "external pipeline direction → port selection → valve control" can be achieved without structural modification of the unit itself, thus meeting the pipeline layout requirements of different installation scenarios.

[0031] If the direction of the traditional left-right type unit does not match the external pipeline, it usually requires additional pipe fittings to be connected around it (the current common solution). This is not only time-consuming, labor-intensive, and wasteful of materials, but also results in messy and exposed pipes that seriously affect the aesthetics and reduce the user experience.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water outlet passage includes a first water outlet pipe 22 and a second water outlet pipe 23. A first water outlet valve 24 and a second water outlet valve 25 are respectively installed on the first water outlet pipe 22 and the second water outlet pipe 23. A positive tee pipe 26 is installed at the end of the main water outlet pipe 20 away from the main water outlet 13. The first water outlet pipe 22 and the second water outlet pipe 23 are respectively connected to the corresponding ports of the positive tee pipe 26 to form corresponding passages.

[0033] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: The main outlet pipe 20 is divided into a first outlet pipe 22 and a second outlet pipe 23 through a positive tee pipe 26. With the independent control of the first outlet valve 24 and the second outlet valve 25, the "left outlet" or "right outlet" mode can be flexibly switched by selectively opening and closing the valves (such as opening the first outlet valve 24 and closing the second outlet valve 25, or vice versa). This is linked with the direction switching of the water inlet passage to ensure the consistency of the flow direction of the entire water circulation system.

[0034] By combining the "irregular tee + double valve" structure with the water inlet passage, the fan coil unit can be flexibly adjusted in both the inlet and outlet water directions, completely breaking the fixed limitations of traditional "left-hand / right-hand" units. Regardless of whether the external pipeline on site is "left in, right out" or "right in, left out," it can be adapted by switching valves without replacing the unit or additional pipe fittings. This fundamentally solves the problem of reordering and replacing parts due to misalignment during installation, significantly improving construction efficiency.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the ports of the first water outlet pipe 22 and the second water outlet pipe 23 are the first water outlet 21 and the second water outlet 221, respectively. The first water outlet 21 and the second water outlet 221 are located at both ends of the coil body 10, wherein the first water outlet 21 or the second water outlet 221 is connected to an external pipeline.

[0036] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: Two water outlets are placed at both ends of the coil body 10, which can be directly matched with the external water outlet pipelines on the left or right side of the site. For example, when the external pipeline is located on the left side of the coil, the first water outlet 21 is selected for connection; when it is located on the right side, the second water outlet 221 is selected for connection. Combined with the design of the water inlet at both ends of the water inlet passage, the layout of the two ends of the water outlet can form a matching mode with the water inlet. By opening or closing the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve accordingly, any external pipeline route can be flexibly matched, completely eliminating the installation limitations of traditional "left and right" type units.

[0037] The design of the two outlets, along with the inlet and valve control, forms a complete universal solution that adapts to different installation scenarios from port layout to channel control, fundamentally solving the installation pain points caused by the fixed direction of traditional units.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, a water receiving tray 60 is detachably installed at the bottom of the coil body 10. The main water inlet pipe 30 and each water inlet passage, as well as the main water outlet pipe 20 and each water outlet passage, are all located inside the water receiving tray 60.

[0039] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: the water receiving tray 60 covers the bottom of the coil body 10, which can efficiently collect the condensate generated during the operation of the coil, prevent water droplets from dripping directly onto the ground or equipment below the unit, reduce the risk of dampness and the impact on the environment.

[0040] The main inlet pipe 30, the inlet passage, the main outlet pipe 20, and the outlet passage are all built into the water receiving tray 60. The water receiving tray can provide physical protection for the pipes, reducing damage to the pipes from external collisions and dust accumulation. At the same time, it concentrates the scattered pipes in the same space, making the overall structure more compact and avoiding the pipes from being exposed, which would affect the aesthetics.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the water receiving tray 60 has a first drain outlet 61 and a second drain outlet 62 at both ends.

[0042] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: the drain outlets at both ends can be selected according to the installation direction of the unit (left-hand or right-hand adaptation state) to connect to the external drain pipe, ensuring a smooth condensate drainage path.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, a first plug 611 is provided at the first drain outlet 61, and a second plug 621 is provided at the second drain outlet 62.

[0044] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: Based on the layout of the drain outlets at both ends, a single drain outlet can be flexibly selected to operate by installing or removing the plug. For example, when using the first drain outlet 61, the second drain outlet 62 is sealed with the second plug 621 to prevent water leakage from the non-operating port; conversely, the same applies. This ensures that condensate water is discharged only from the selected drain outlet, adapting to the drain pipe connection requirements in different installation scenarios and preventing drainage disorder caused by both outlets being open simultaneously.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, both ends of the water receiving tray 60 are provided with fixing plates 41, and each fixing plate 41 is provided with a support plate 40. The support plate 40 has two clearance grooves 411, and each water inlet passage and each water outlet passage are respectively locked in the corresponding clearance groove 411.

[0046] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: the two end fixing plates 41 and the support plate 40 are symmetrically arranged so that both ends of the pipeline are stably supported. The relief groove 411 on the support plate 40 can form a physical constraint on the water inlet passage (first water inlet pipe 32, second water inlet pipe 33) and the water outlet passage (first water outlet pipe 22, second water outlet pipe 23), preventing the pipeline from being displaced or shaking due to unit operation vibration, installation collision or water flow impact, and ensuring the stability of pipeline connection.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, multiple sets of support frames 50 are evenly distributed inside the water receiving tray 60. Each support frame 50 is equipped with two limit buckles 51, which are used to lock the water inlet and water outlet passages.

[0048] The detailed working process of this embodiment is as follows: the support frame 50 is evenly distributed in the water receiving tray 60, which can segment and limit the long water inlet passage (second water inlet pipe 33) and water outlet passage (second water outlet pipe 23), and form radial constraint on the pipeline through the fastening structure.

[0049] The clearance grooves 411 of the end support plates 40 and the limiting buckles 51 of the middle support frame 50 form a multi-point fixing system of "ends + middle", so that the pipeline is in a stable state from both ends to the middle, further optimizing the compactness and regularity of the overall structure.

[0050] The implementation principle of this application's embodiments is as follows:

[0051] When the external pipeline is located on the left side of the coil, the second inlet valve 35 is closed and the first inlet valve 34 is opened. The water flows from the main inlet pipe 30 through the irregular tee 36, the first inlet pipe 32, and the first inlet 31 into the coil body, realizing "left-hand passage".

[0052] When the external pipeline is located on the right side of the coil, the first inlet valve 34 is closed and the second inlet valve 35 is opened. Water flows through the second inlet pipe 33 and the second inlet 321 into the coil body, realizing "right-hand flow".

[0053] When the external water outlet pipe is located on the left side of the coil, the second water outlet valve 25 is closed and the first water outlet valve 24 is opened. The water flows from the coil body through the first water outlet 21, the first water outlet pipe 22, and the positive tee pipe 26 into the main water outlet pipe 20, realizing "left-hand passage".

[0054] When the external water outlet pipe is located on the right side of the coil, close the first water outlet valve 24 and open the second water outlet valve 25. The water flows through the second water outlet 221 and the second water outlet pipe 23 and merges into the main water outlet pipe 20, realizing "right-hand flow".

[0055] Four water inlet and outlet combination modes can be achieved through the coordinated control of the inlet and outlet valves:

[0056] Left inlet, left outlet – Open the first inlet valve 34 and the first outlet valve 24, and close the other two valves.

[0057] Left inlet, right outlet – Open the first inlet valve 34 and the second outlet valve 25, and close the other two valves.

[0058] Right inlet, left outlet – Open the second inlet valve 35 and the first outlet valve 24, and close the other two valves.

[0059] Right inlet, right outlet – Open the second inlet valve 35 and the second outlet valve 25, and close the other two valves.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fan coil unit, comprising a coil body (10), wherein a main water inlet (14) and a main water outlet (13) are provided on the coil body (10), characterized in that: A main water inlet pipe (30) is provided at the main water inlet (14). The end of the main water inlet pipe (30) away from the main water inlet (14) is connected to two controllable water inlet channels. The ports of the two water inlet channels are located at both ends of the coil body (10). Either water inlet channel is connected to the main water inlet pipe (30) to form a channel. A main water outlet pipe (20) is provided at the main water outlet (13). The end of the main water outlet pipe (20) away from the main water outlet (13) is connected to two controllable water outlet channels. The ports of the two water outlet channels are located at both ends of the coil body (10). Either water outlet channel is connected to the main water outlet pipe (20) to form a channel.

2. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet passage includes a first water inlet pipe (32) and a second water inlet pipe (33). A first water inlet valve (34) and a second water inlet valve (35) are respectively provided on the first water inlet pipe (32) and the second water inlet pipe (33). A special-shaped tee (36) is provided at the end of the main water inlet pipe (30) away from the main water inlet (14). The first water inlet pipe (32) and the second water inlet pipe (33) are respectively connected to the corresponding ports of the special-shaped tee (36) to form corresponding passages.

3. The fan coil unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ports of the first water inlet pipe (32) and the second water inlet pipe (33) are the first water inlet (31) and the second water inlet (321) respectively. The first water inlet (31) and the second water inlet (321) are located at both ends of the coil body (10). The first water inlet (31) or the second water inlet (321) is connected to an external pipeline.

4. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water outlet passage includes a first water outlet pipe (22) and a second water outlet pipe (23). A first water outlet valve (24) and a second water outlet valve (25) are respectively provided on the first water outlet pipe (22) and the second water outlet pipe (23). A positive tee pipe (26) is provided at the end of the main water outlet pipe (20) away from the main water outlet (13). The first water outlet pipe (22) and the second water outlet pipe (23) are respectively connected to the corresponding ports of the positive tee pipe (26) to form corresponding passages.

5. The fan coil unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ports of the first water outlet pipe (22) and the second water outlet pipe (23) are the first water outlet (21) and the second water outlet (221) respectively. The first water outlet (21) and the second water outlet (221) are located at both ends of the coil body (10). The first water outlet (21) or the second water outlet (221) is connected to an external pipeline.

6. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the coil body (10) is detachably provided with a water receiving tray (60), and the main water inlet pipe (30) and each water inlet passage, as well as the main water outlet pipe (20) and each water outlet passage, are all located in the water receiving tray (60).

7. The fan coil unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water receiving tray (60) has a first drain outlet (61) and a second drain outlet (62) at both ends.

8. The fan coil unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: A first plug (611) is provided at the first drain outlet (61), and a second plug (621) is provided at the second drain outlet (62).

9. The fan coil unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water receiving tray (60) is provided with a fixing plate (41) at both ends. Each fixing plate (41) is provided with a support plate (40). The support plate (40) is provided with two clearance grooves (411). Each water inlet passage and each water outlet passage are respectively locked in the corresponding clearance groove (411).

10. The fan coil unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water receiving tray (60) is evenly distributed with multiple sets of support frames (50), and each support frame (50) is provided with two limit buckles (51), which are locked in the corresponding limit buckles (51) for the water inlet passage and the water outlet passage.