A cleaning method for cleaning a detergent cavity of a cleaning appliance and a cleaning appliance

Abstract

The application provides a cleaning method for a cleaning device and the cleaning device, and the cleaning device comprises a control module, a display interaction module and a cleaning module, the display interaction module is used for receiving operation input and displaying an interactive interface; the control module is used for, in response to the cleaning operation input of the detergent cavity received by the display interaction module, controlling the cleaning module to execute a cleaning program of a target detergent cavity according to the operation input; and in response to a restart operation of the cleaning device after the cleaning program is interrupted, controlling the display interaction module to jump to a cleaning progress interface and controlling the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program. The problems of complex operation of the cleaning method for the cleaning device of the detergent cavity are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cleaning equipment, specifically providing a cleaning method and cleaning equipment for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing cleaning equipment typically includes a detergent dispenser to hold detergent. However, due to the viscous nature of detergents, residue often adheres to the sides or remains, which can easily breed bacteria over time. Adding other types of detergents without cleaning them first can also reduce the activity of enzymes due to mixing detergents. Therefore, the detergent dispenser needs to be cleaned frequently.

[0003] Current methods mostly involve manual cleaning by users, which requires multiple steps of disassembly and cleaning, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, cleaning a dirty detergent dispenser can lead to a poor user experience.

[0004] It is evident that there is an urgent need for a simple cleaning method and equipment for cleaning detergent chambers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. The purpose is to provide a cleaning method and cleaning equipment for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device. The control module receives cleaning operation input in response to the display interaction module, and executes the cleaning program of the target detergent chamber according to the operation control module, thereby controlling the cleaning equipment to automatically clean the detergent chamber, simplifying the cleaning steps and improving the user experience.

[0006] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a cleaning device, employing the following technical solution:

[0007] A cleaning device includes a control module, a display and interaction module, and a cleaning module. The display and interaction module is used to receive operation input and display an interactive interface. The control module is used to, in response to a detergent chamber cleaning operation input received by the display and interaction module, control the cleaning module to execute a cleaning program for a target detergent chamber according to the operation input; and in response to a restart operation of the cleaning device after the cleaning program is interrupted, control the display and interaction module to jump to a cleaning progress interface and control the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program.

[0008] Furthermore, the cleaning device also includes a storage module for storing the operation information of the cleaning program; the control module is also used to, after the cleaning device is turned on, obtain the operation information of the previous cleaning program in the storage module; if the operation information indicates that the previous cleaning program has not been completed, control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface, and control the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program.

[0009] Furthermore, the cleaning progress interface includes a program running area; the program running area at least displays the remaining cleaning time and a program running area close button; the display interaction module is also used to receive operation input from the program running area close button and display a settings interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the settings interface includes at least one functional area, which corresponds to different settings functions; the control module is also used to control the display interaction module to jump to the next level display interaction interface corresponding to the functional area after receiving operation input from different functional areas.

[0011] Furthermore, the setting function includes a laundry detergent chamber cleaning setting function; the control module is specifically used to receive operation input from the corresponding function area of ​​the laundry detergent chamber cleaning setting function, and control the display interaction module to jump to the detergent chamber cleaning interface; the detergent chamber cleaning interface includes at least one detergent chamber selection function area and a program start function area.

[0012] Furthermore, the display module is also used to receive the operation input of the detergent compartment selection function area and send the detergent compartment selection instruction to the control module; and to receive the operation input of the program opening function area and display a prompt bar; the control module is specifically used to receive the operation input of the detergent compartment selection function area and confirm the target detergent compartment.

[0013] Furthermore, the prompt bar includes a first information display area, a confirmation cleaning program start function area, and a confirmation cleaning program cancellation function area; the first information display area includes the time required for the cleaning program and precautions; the control module is also used to receive operation input from the cleaning program start function area, control the cleaning module to execute the cleaning program for the target detergent chamber, and control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface.

[0014] Furthermore, the control module is also used to control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning completion interface after the cleaning process is completed; the cleaning completion interface includes a second information display area and a cleaning program end function area; the second information display area is used to indicate that the target detergent chamber has been cleaned and detergent needs to be added.

[0015] The second objective of this invention is to provide a cleaning method for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device, applied to the aforementioned cleaning device, and employing the following technical solution:

[0016] A cleaning method for a detergent chamber of a cleaning device includes: in response to a selection operation of the detergent chamber, determining a target detergent chamber and initiating a cleaning program to clean the target detergent chamber; and in response to a restart operation of the cleaning device after the cleaning program is interrupted, continuing to execute the cleaning program.

[0017] Furthermore, in response to the restart operation of the cleaning equipment after the cleaning process is interrupted, continuing to execute the cleaning process includes: after the cleaning equipment is turned on, obtaining the running information of the previous cleaning process in the storage module; and if the running information indicates that the previous cleaning process was not completed, controlling the continued execution of the cleaning process.

[0018] In summary, the present invention provides a cleaning method for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device and a method for starting and stopping the cleaning device, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0019] The system receives operation input and displays an interactive interface via a display interaction module. The control module responds to the detergent compartment cleaning operation input received by the display interaction module, controlling the cleaning module to execute the cleaning program for the target detergent compartment based on the input. This allows for user interaction via the terminal screen interface, enabling users to freely select the detergent compartment to be cleaned, avoiding manual cleaning and improving the user experience. In response to a restart operation after the cleaning program is interrupted, the control module controls the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface and controls the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program. This ensures that the cleaning program automatically resumes after the device is restarted, avoiding further user intervention and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0021] In the attached diagram:

[0022] Figure 1 This is an interactive interface diagram of a cleaning device provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an interactive interface diagram of another cleaning device provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is an interactive interface diagram of another cleaning device provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an interactive interface diagram of another cleaning device provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is an interactive interface diagram of another cleaning device provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a cleaning method for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device provided by the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0031] This invention provides a cleaning device, comprising: a control module, a display and interaction module, and a cleaning module, wherein the display and interaction module is used to receive operation input and display an interactive interface;

[0032] The control module is used to control the cleaning module to execute a cleaning program for the target detergent compartment in response to a detergent compartment cleaning operation input received by the display interaction module.

[0033] In response to the restart operation of the cleaning equipment after the cleaning program is interrupted, the display interaction module is controlled to jump to the cleaning progress interface, and the cleaning module is controlled to continue executing the cleaning program.

[0034] Specifically, cleaning equipment can include washing machines, dishwashers, shoe washing machines, etc., equipped with detergent dispensers.

[0035] Specifically, the display interaction module can be a touch screen, a smart voice-controlled display screen, etc., and the operation input received by the corresponding display interaction module can be touch operation input, voice operation input, etc.

[0036] Specifically, the cleaning module may include a siphon assembly, a spray assembly, and a water inlet connected to the spray assembly, all located within the detergent chamber. During cleaning, water is introduced through the water inlet, the spray assembly sprays clean water into the detergent chamber, and the siphon assembly draws the detergent solution from the detergent chamber into the washing machine drum, thus achieving the purpose of cleaning the detergent chamber.

[0037] Specifically, the target detergent chamber is the detergent chamber to be cleaned in the current cleaning process. There can be one or more target detergent chambers, and correspondingly, there can be one or more detergent chambers in the cleaning equipment.

[0038] Specifically, the reasons for the cleaning program interruption may include power failure or shutdown of the cleaning equipment. Before the control display interaction module jumps to the cleaning progress interface, after the cleaning equipment is restarted, it can first enter the initial interface after power-on, and then jump to the cleaning progress interface from the initial interface.

[0039] Furthermore, the cleaning device also includes a storage module for storing the operation information of the cleaning program; the control module is also used to, after the cleaning device is turned on, obtain the operation information of the previous cleaning program in the storage module; if the operation information indicates that the previous cleaning program has not been completed, control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface, and control the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program.

[0040] Specifically, the cleaning program's operation information can include the remaining cleaning time, the current cleaning step, etc. The cleaning steps can be pre-set steps. For example, if the cleaning equipment restarts and the previous cleaning program's operation information shows a non-zero remaining cleaning time, it means the previous cleaning process was not completed and needs to continue running according to the current cleaning steps. This allows the cleaning of the detergent chamber to resume and be completed automatically without manual intervention, simplifying the cleaning process.

[0041] Furthermore, the cleaning progress interface includes a program running area; the program running area at least displays the remaining cleaning time and a program running area close button; the display interaction module is also used to receive operation input from the program running area close button and display a settings interface.

[0042] Specifically, the running area close button is used to close the current interface. When the current cleaning program is in progress, it is not possible to directly return to the detergent chamber cleaning interface. Therefore, after closing the current interface, the display interaction module displays the settings interface.

[0043] In another embodiment, the cleaning progress interface further includes a status bar display area; the status bar area includes at least a status display area. The program running area and the status bar area in the cleaning progress interface can be distributed vertically, horizontally, etc.

[0044] Specifically, the remaining cleaning time is calculated in real time. The calculation process includes: after determining the target detergent chamber, obtaining the remaining detergent in the target detergent chamber; determining the required cleaning time based on the remaining detergent; obtaining the current cleaning time; and determining the remaining cleaning time based on the current cleaning time and the required cleaning time. It should be noted that if there are multiple target detergent chambers, the required cleaning time is determined according to pre-set cleaning rules for the multiple detergent chambers. For example, if multiple detergent chambers are set to be cleaned one by one, the required cleaning time is the sum of the required cleaning times for each target detergent chamber; if multiple detergent chambers are set to be cleaned simultaneously, the required cleaning time is the longest of the multiple required cleaning times.

[0045] It should be noted that the cleaning equipment in this embodiment is a multi-drum device, and the detergent chamber is divided into a shared detergent chamber for multiple drums and a private detergent chamber for a single drum. Different types of detergent chambers can be selected by the user during the cleaning process.

[0046] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the washing program cannot be paused midway after it starts. In another embodiment, a program pause / resume function area can also be set in the program running area to pause / resume the cleaning program.

[0047] Specifically, Figure 1 This is one embodiment of the cleaning progress interface. Figure 1 The display interface is arranged vertically, with the status bar at the top and the program running area at the bottom. The left side of the program running area displays the remaining cleaning time, the upper right side has a close button, and the middle area includes a progress bar and precautions for the washing program. The left side of the status bar area displays the drum switching function, and the right side displays the cleaning equipment's status. Figure 1 The status display area shown includes child lock status, wireless network status, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the settings interface includes at least one functional area, which corresponds to different settings functions; the control module is also used to control the display interaction module to jump to the next level display interaction interface corresponding to the functional area after receiving operation input from different functional areas.

[0049] Specifically, Figure 2 As one embodiment of the settings interface, the settings interface includes at least one functional area, and the number and arrangement of the functional areas can be set according to the actual functions of the device. In this embodiment, the settings functions include user settings, prompt sound settings, child lock settings, label encyclopedia settings, drum selection settings upon power-on, wireless network settings, screen brightness settings, and detergent compartment cleaning settings, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, the display interaction module is also used to control the current state of a functional area to be triggered when an operation input to that functional area is received. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the cleaning function area of ​​the laundry detergent chamber receives an operation input, the area is highlighted to indicate that the function area has been triggered.

[0051] As an example, Figure 3 The display interface is Figure 2 The next level of the interactive display area corresponding to the cleaning function area of ​​the laundry detergent compartment.

[0052] Furthermore, the setting function includes a laundry detergent chamber cleaning setting function; the control module is specifically used to receive operation input from the corresponding function area of ​​the laundry detergent chamber cleaning setting function, and control the display interaction module to jump to the detergent chamber cleaning interface; the detergent chamber cleaning interface includes at least one detergent chamber selection function area and a program start function area.

[0053] Specifically, the detergent compartment selection area can include information about the selected detergent compartment, such as its identifier, location, number, and remaining detergent level. This information can be presented in various formats, including but not limited to text and images, to help users more clearly distinguish between the different detergent compartments.

[0054] Furthermore, the display interaction module is also used to adjust the current state of the detergent compartment selection function area after receiving operation input. The current state includes a triggered state and a non-triggered state. The triggered state is different from the non-triggered state and can be displayed as a highlighted color, an icon, or a checked corresponding selection box. As an example, if the display interaction module is a touch screen, clicking a detergent compartment selection function area once represents selecting that detergent compartment and controlling the state of the corresponding detergent compartment selection function area to be in the triggered state. Clicking the detergent compartment selection function area twice represents deselecting that detergent compartment and controlling the state of the corresponding detergent compartment selection function area to be in the non-triggered state.

[0055] Figure 3 In one embodiment of the detergent compartment cleaning interface, a circular icon with a checkmark appears in the triggered detergent compartment function area, indicating that the corresponding detergent compartment is selected. Based on the above, the detergent compartment includes a multi-tub shared type detergent compartment and a single-tub private type detergent compartment. Assuming the cleaning device is a twin-tub washing machine, including a left tub and a right tub... Figure 3 As an example, the detergent compartment and fabric softener compartment are shared by both drums, while the detergent compartment in the right drum is for use only by the right drum.

[0056] It should be noted that if the detergent compartment cleaning interface includes multiple detergent compartment selection function areas, then each detergent compartment can be selected. In other words, the user can select one detergent compartment or multiple detergent compartments.

[0057] Furthermore, the display module is also used to receive the operation input of the detergent compartment selection function area and send the detergent compartment selection instruction to the control module; and to receive the operation input of the program opening function area and display a prompt bar; the control module is specifically used to receive the operation input of the detergent compartment selection function area and confirm the target detergent compartment.

[0058] Specifically, the detergent chamber selection command is used to indicate that the detergent chamber corresponding to the triggered detergent chamber selection function area is identified as the target detergent chamber. It should be noted that, as described above, there can be one or more target detergent chambers.

[0059] It should be noted that after receiving the input to open the program's functional area, the display interaction module is further used to confirm whether at least one detergent compartment cleaning selection functional area has been triggered; if not, a prompt message is displayed, indicating that the detergent compartment to be cleaned needs to be selected before the program starts. The prompt message can be displayed as a pop-up window. This guides the user through the operation process while preventing program errors.

[0060] Furthermore, the prompt bar includes a first information display area, a confirmation cleaning program start function area, and a confirmation cleaning program cancellation function area; the first information display area includes the time required for the cleaning program and precautions; the control module is also used to receive operation input from the cleaning program start function area, control the cleaning module to execute the cleaning program for the target detergent chamber, and control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface.

[0061] It should be noted that in the detergent compartment cleaning interactive page that displays the prompt bar, both the detergent compartment selection function area and the program start function area are in an inoperable state.

[0062] Specifically, Figure 4 In one embodiment of the detergent compartment cleaning interface displaying a prompt bar, the left side of the prompt bar is a first information display area, used to prompt the user about the cleaning time required, precautions, and to prompt the user to confirm whether to start the cleaning program; the right side of the prompt bar is a functional area for accepting operation input.

[0063] Specifically, if the cleaning program startup function area confirms that the operation input has been received, the display interaction module will jump to the cleaning progress interface, which is the next level of the current interface.

[0064] It should be noted that if the confirmation input for canceling the cleaning program is received, it may be due to the user mistakenly selecting the detergent compartment or the user believing that the cleaning time is too long. Furthermore, the control module is also used to, upon receiving confirmation input for canceling the cleaning program, control the display and interaction module to jump to the settings interface or the detergent compartment cleaning interface.

[0065] Furthermore, the control module is also used to control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning completion interface after the cleaning process is completed; the cleaning completion interface includes a second information display area and a cleaning program end function area; the second information display area is used to indicate that the target detergent chamber has been cleaned and detergent needs to be added.

[0066] Furthermore, the control module is also used to obtain the remaining cleaning time; if the remaining cleaning time is zero, the cleaning process is confirmed to be completed.

[0067] Specifically, Figure 5 In one embodiment of the cleaning completion interface, the second information display area and the cleaning program completion function area are distributed vertically.

[0068] Furthermore, the control module is also used to, upon receiving operation input from the cleaning program end function area, control the display interaction module to jump to the settings interface. This facilitates users to perform other operations, such as clothing treatment, after the detergent compartment cleaning is completed.

[0069] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention also provides a cleaning method for a detergent chamber of a cleaning device, applied to the aforementioned cleaning device, comprising: in response to a detergent chamber selection operation, determining a target detergent chamber and initiating a cleaning program to clean the target detergent chamber; and in response to a restart operation of the cleaning device after the cleaning program is interrupted, continuing to execute the cleaning program.

[0070] Specifically, initiating the cleaning program to clean the target detergent compartment includes: determining the remaining detergent level in the target detergent compartment; determining the cleaning water volume based on the remaining detergent level; and adjusting the cleaning water volume to clean the target detergent compartment. It should be noted that if there are multiple target detergent compartments, the cleaning water volume for each compartment can be calculated individually and adjusted accordingly. This can be done by cleaning each compartment individually or by cleaning multiple compartments simultaneously.

[0071] Furthermore, in response to the restart operation of the cleaning equipment after the cleaning process is interrupted, continuing to execute the cleaning process includes: after the cleaning equipment is turned on, obtaining the running information of the previous cleaning process in the storage module; and if the running information indicates that the previous cleaning process was not completed, controlling the continued execution of the cleaning process.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 A flowchart of a cleaning method for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device provided by the present invention.

[0073] In summary, the present invention provides a cleaning method for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device and a method for starting and stopping the cleaning device, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0074] The system receives operation input and displays an interactive interface via a display interaction module. The control module responds to the detergent compartment cleaning operation input received by the display interaction module, controlling the cleaning module to execute the cleaning program for the target detergent compartment based on the input. This allows for user interaction via the terminal screen interface, enabling users to freely select the detergent compartment to be cleaned, avoiding manual cleaning and improving the user experience. In response to a restart operation after the cleaning program is interrupted, the control module controls the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface and controls the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program. This ensures that the cleaning program automatically resumes after the device is restarted, avoiding further user intervention and enhancing the user experience.

[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The system includes a control module, a display and interaction module, and a cleaning module. The display and interaction module is used to receive operation input and display an interactive interface. The control module is used to control the cleaning module to execute a cleaning program for the target detergent compartment in response to a detergent compartment cleaning operation input received by the display interaction module. In response to the restart operation of the cleaning equipment after the cleaning program is interrupted, the display interaction module is controlled to display the cleaning progress interface, and the cleaning module is controlled to continue executing the cleaning program.

2. The cleaning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning equipment also includes a storage module for storing the operation information of the cleaning program; The control module is further configured to, after the cleaning equipment is turned on, obtain the running information of the previous cleaning program in the storage module; if the running information indicates that the previous cleaning program has not been completed, control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface, and control the cleaning module to continue executing the cleaning program.

3. The cleaning equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cleaning progress interface includes a program running area; the program running area at least displays the remaining cleaning time and a program running area close button; The display interaction module is also used to receive input from the close button in the program running area and display the settings interface.

4. The cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The settings interface includes at least one functional area, and the functional area corresponds to different settings functions; The control module is also used to, upon receiving operation input from different functional areas, control the display interaction module to jump to the next level display interaction interface corresponding to the functional area.

5. The cleaning equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The settings include a laundry detergent chamber cleaning setting function; The control module is specifically used to receive operation input from the function area corresponding to the laundry detergent chamber cleaning setting function, and control the display interaction module to jump to the detergent chamber cleaning interface. The detergent chamber cleaning interface includes at least one detergent chamber selection function area and a program start function area.

6. The cleaning equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The display module is also used to receive the operation input of the detergent compartment selection function area and send the detergent compartment selection instruction to the control module; and to receive the operation input of the program opening function area and display a prompt bar. The control module is specifically used to receive the operation input of the detergent compartment selection function area and confirm the target detergent compartment.

7. The cleaning equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The prompt bar includes a first information display area, a function area to confirm starting the cleaning program, and a function area to confirm canceling the cleaning program; the first information display area includes the time required for the cleaning program and precautions. The control module is also used to receive operation input from the cleaning program start function area, control the cleaning module to execute the cleaning program of the target detergent chamber, and control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning progress interface.

8. The cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The control module is also used to control the display interaction module to jump to the cleaning completion interface after the cleaning process is completed; The cleaning completion interface includes a second information display area and a cleaning program completion function area; the second information display area is used to indicate that the target detergent chamber has been cleaned and detergent needs to be added.

9. A cleaning method for the detergent chamber of a cleaning device, applied to the cleaning device described in claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: In response to the selection operation of the detergent compartment, the target detergent compartment is determined and the cleaning program is started to clean the target detergent compartment; In response to the restart operation of the cleaning equipment after the cleaning procedure is interrupted, the cleaning procedure continues to be executed.

10. The cleaning method according to claim 9, characterized in that, In response to a restart operation of the cleaning equipment after the cleaning process is interrupted, the cleaning process continues to be executed, including: After the cleaning equipment is turned on, the running information of the previous cleaning program is obtained from the storage module; If the running information indicates that the previous cleaning procedure was not completed, control continues to execute the cleaning procedure.

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